Page 130 of Scars and Burns

Not because I care about his safety but because he wouldn’t allow this to happen. His pride couldn’t take it.

But where is Aeron? He should be here. He would be here. Hewouldn’t just leave me fleeing for my life with them.

“I’m not coming with you.”

“Dinalia, don’t be ridiculous.” Prince Proteus says.

“I’m not being ridiculous. If it truly is the Shadowlands raiding us I need to be here to defend it. King Perseus is mine to kill.”

He’s stolen everything from me. My home. My Mother. Cookie. Everything that ever meant anything to me was taken by his hands. I am stronger and more powerful than I have ever been. If he is here. I will find him.

And I will kill him.

“You all should go though. The paths are clear and the full moon’s light shines down lighting the way. Should you encounter any unsavory creatures, Saphrina can protect you with her magic.”

She uncrosses her arms, “What? No, I can’t? My magic isn’t nearly as well defensive as yours. We’ll never make it if I am our only defense.”

“If Prince Proteus was able to gift you a star. He too possesses great magical abilities. He should be able to defend you against any creatures you may encounter.” I walk over to her. Running my hands down her arms. Grasping her hands in mine. “I know you are angry with me. And you have every right to be. But I hope you know this was not what I intended. There is something between Aeron and myself I can’t explain. It’s been so long since I’ve felt any sort of comfort and I did not wish to deny it to myself. I am sorry.”

She sighs, “I’m not angry with you. I’m jealous. You’ve always been great at everything. Your schooling, magic, fighting, all of it. I knew you were always shunned and cast out but even with that no one could deny your abilities. The evidence speaks for itself. You were living up to standards that no one had for you. I guess just once I wanted to be what everyone thought I was. And I thought Aeron saw me as more. I’m glad you found each other.”

I pull her into my arms. We share a hug. I whisper in her ear so only she can hear me. “Remember, this garden’s life may have been hued from this very forest but they are not the same. Do not underestimate the creatures that follow. Do not allow yourself to trust so easily. Stay alert. Stay aware.” I hold her away from me at arms length.

She’s staring at me taking in my words. We don’t say anything more. I smile and nod them off.

Then I feel Prince Proteus take my hand into his. I’m startled by the chill of his touch. The iciness of his skin. It’s as cold as mine. “You sure I can’t convince you to come with us.”

That’s odd and very forward of him to take my hand into his own. Even though he is still presumably betrothed to Saphrina.

But there is something there.

We lock eyes. The same curious and wandering interaction as all of our others. I peer into the eyes of the boy I saw all those years ago. How they have changed. No longer are they a pale blue-gray. No longer do they hold intrigue and question. Now a deep cerulean blue. Filled with something darker. Something uncertain. Pools to drown in.

Brushing it off. Thinking it is just the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I pull my hand away. “I’m sure. There is something I need to finish here.”

He nods, “You know where to find us should you need a safe haven.”

I smile and nod in thanks.

Then he’s gone. Disappearing into the forest with the rest of them.

I rush back into the castle. I have no idea where I’m going but I’m heading for the throne room.

Just a hunch.

A feeling.

I’m dodging and fighting Shadowling after Shadowling. This raid is the same as before. Bodies piling. Servants beingslaughtered. I fight through soldier after soldier. Using my blades and magic to my defense.

I’ve gone the back way. Arriving at a side door. Entering quiet as a mouse.

No one knows I’ve arrived.

I take in the room. Examining the layout, planning out my next move.

Aeron is there along with King Elio. But I see no one of such importance to be considered King Perseus. Aeron sits on the throne and King Elio kneels before him.

So, Aeronisleading the raid.

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