Page 75 of Soul Forge

“Catch you later, pipsqueak.” He winked, stepping into the shadows the same way Sypher did and vanishing in a cloud of black.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Reiner decided. “Last time you spoke with her, you sealed your life with an oath. If I leave, you might make another monumentally stupid decision. Off you go.”

Elda sighed and turned towards her Spirit, feeling like someone had tied weights to her boots as she took the few short steps to stand in front of her. Memories of the icy lake and the horrors on its surface made her palms start to sweat.

“I’m sorry,” Irileth said immediately, bowing so low that her glowing hair swept the ground. “I didn’t want to push you towards the Compulsion, little friend. I swear to you.”

Elda looked her over, taking in the dropped shoulders and the despair on her face. She sighed heavily, walking forwards and taking her frozen hands.

“I know. Sypher told me you didn’t have a choice.”

Irileth straightened up, relief making her smile. “I never wanted to do anything that might risk our bond, Elda. You and I are destined to change this world, I canfeelit. I want you to know that I am on your side, and that the lesson on Compulsion is something I must address. If I had a choice, I would never bring it up.”

“Was the future you showed her real?” Reiner asked, not needing an explanation of what the Compulsion was. Elda realised the oath she’d sworn probably laid out the stark truth well enough.

Irileth turned her white eyes on the soldier and nodded. “It could be. It depends on the choices Elda makes and how Sypher reacts to them.” She squeezed Elda’s hands gently. “Speaking of Sypher, you should go find him. He may have looked calm when he left, but he’d benefit from your company right now.”

“Where is he?”

“In his room. It’s next to yours.” Elda gave Irileth the quickest hug, squeezing her shoulders gently before turning to bound after the Soul Forge. Reiner caught her wrist, violet light flickering through her irises in alarm.

“You shouldn’t be alone with him if you can avoid it,” she warned.

Elda thought of him alone in his room, having just fought with the woman who robbed him of something nobody should have taken from them. She wondered how he was feeling, what insidious thoughts were crawling through his head. Did he havea voice like her? One that dogged his every step, second-guessing every choice, dragging him down into the darkness until he felt like the world was caving in on him?

“I have to go,” she said carefully. “Please. Trust me.”

The ex-captain’s brow furrowed, her throat bobbing when she swallowed. Slowly, her fingers uncoiled, releasing the princess. She nodded once, and Elda wasted no time. She turned on her heel and plunged into the villa, moving through the airy corridors until she found his door and knocked.

“I’m coming in,” she announced when there was no answer, pushing it open to find Sypher sitting on the bed, his back resting against the headboard. His head was in his hands, elbows resting on his bent knees. His gloves were on.

“Are you alright?” she asked softly.

“I will be.” He dropped his hands, closing his eyes and leaning his head back. She saw the faintest tremor in his fingers. “I almost killed her. My demon is angry that I didn’t.”

“Your demon should know that murdering her won’t make what she did go away.”

“Oh, he knows,” the Soul Forge answered darkly.

“I thought you left because you were afraid of her.” Elda dared to approach the bed, perching on the edge of the mattress.

“I left because I was three seconds away from cutting off her head.” He opened his eyes and looked at her at last. The red fire was almost non-existent, making it clear that he was still struggling with himself. “It’s probably not safe for you to be here.”

“I’m not leaving until I know you’re alright,” she shrugged. Despite her assertion, a prickle swept over her skin at the thought of the creature returning.

“Don’t blame me for tearing you apart if I lose control.”

Another stutter in her pulse that she fought to ignore. “You won’t lose control.”

“You sure about that?”

She flashed him a trusting smile. “Certain.”

Liar.She stamped down on the voice of doubt, keeping the smile on her face and praying he couldn’t see through it.

Despite his malaise, the corners of Sypher’s lips twitched, and a hint of garnet returned to his eyes. “You have an alarming amount of confidence in me.”

“Would you rather I doubted you?” When he didn’t answer, she nodded. “I thought not.” She studied his face, watching how the crimson brightened and faded as he struggled. “How does the demon even exist?”

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