Page 45 of A Kingdom so Crimson

Bounding up the stairs, I took them two at a time, lost in thought, when I nearly collided with Kaizen. He clenched my arms, swiftly catching my fall.

"Careful," he growled, his grip tight with irritation.

I shrugged off his hands and shoved past him, refusing to acknowledge his presence. Striding purposefully towardsLevon's study, I found the door closed. I raised my hand to knock—

"He's not here," Kaizen interrupted, his tone dripping with disdain, leaning up against the railing.

I clenched my teeth, willing myself to stay calm. Squaring my shoulders, I met his gaze head-on. "And where might he be?" I demanded, my voice tight with frustration.

"Out," he replied curtly.

"Outwhere?" I advanced towards him, arms folded defensively across my chest.

"Why does it matter to you?" he countered, his stare unwavering.

"Who are you?" I demanded, changing the subject and wishing he would just leave. He only mirrored my stance, stoned faced. I huffed out a breath, attempting to quell my irritation. "Just tell me where he is, will you? I have a question for him."

"You can askmeanything," he retorted, his steps matching mine as he closed the distance, adjusting a loose strand of hair escaping his half-bun.

I scoffed, rolling my eyes dramatically. "Oh, right! Because clearly, you answer my questions," I snapped, the sarcasm dripping from my words. I couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh before my expression hardened into a glare.

"That question was irrelevant," he sneered.

"Okay, well, how do you and Levon know each other? Obviously, you and Levon are very well acquainted to let youstayhere andtrainme."

"Why do you care to know so much about me?" he taunted with a sly grin.

"I think I should ifyouare the one hiding in trees," I spat.

His lip barely tugged up as he let out a low grumble. "Levon and I have known each other a long time. But our views changed, and we went separate ways…until recently."

"Until recently?" I echoed.

He glared at me, refusing to elaborate.

I gritted my teeth, knowing I was getting nowhere. "Where is he?" I asked one last desperate time.

Kaizen's vibrant amber gaze turned fiery, and for a moment, I thought he might lash out. I braced for a brawl, but to my surprise, he relented. "He's at the market, meeting a friend. And you shouldn't be left in the dark about anything," he admitted, his voice unusually agreeable.

"Oh?" I mocked, not wanting this conversation any longer. I stormed past him, eager to escape his irritating eyes.

The daylight outside meant the Miehja weren't likely to be lurking about, and the idea of heading to the markets for some fresh air sounded much more appealing than sitting stuck in herewith him.I walked past him and headed for the stairs.

"Now, where do you think you're going?" Kaizen's voice cut through the air as he trailed two paces behind me.

"Out," I replied, echoing his earlier tone. But before I could take another step, he grabbed my arm, pulling me back towards him.

"Not without protection, you aren't," he insisted, his grip firm and unyielding.

I hissed in frustration, forcefully pushing his calloused hand away. "I don't needyourprotection. Besides, the Miehja are not out this time of the day," I retorted, continuing down the stairs with him in reluctant tow.

"The Miehja are always a danger, day or night. And youdidneed my protection last night," he countered, halting my stride with his words.

I stopped abruptly, skeptical. "What do you mean they're always out? Wouldn't there be more…casualties if that were the case?"

Kaizen paused, weighing his words carefully. "The Miehja only attack what they perceive as a threat," he explained cautiously.

I scoffed, gesturing to myself in disbelief. "And I look like a threat?" I challenged.

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