Page 38 of Tempest Awakening

"That sounds dangerous," Tempest said, her voice a mix of concern and curiosity. "But also like something that needs to be exposed. Do you think we could include that perspective in the project?"

I pretended to consider it, watching her carefully. "It would be risky. These aren't people who welcome outsiders asking questions."

"But it's important, isn't it?" Tempest pressed. "To show the full picture, not just the polished version?"

I nodded slowly, marveling at how easily she was falling into my plan. "There is one person who might be willing to talk. A formerboxer named Garanth Kreel. He works as a bookie now, has connections to the underground scene."

Her eyes widened slightly. "A bookie? That sounds... interesting. And potentially dangerous." She paused, her brow furrowing. "How do you know about him, Kane?"

I had anticipated this question and was ready with a carefully crafted half-truth. "My father," I said, injecting a note of distaste into my voice. "As Lord Protector, he makes it his business to know about all aspects of our world, even the unsavory parts. I've overheard things over the years."

Tempest nodded, her instincts clearly piqued. "Do you think Kreel would talk to me?"

"Possibly," I said, allowing concern to creep into my voice. "But Tempest, this would be dangerous. Kreel isn't known for his hospitality, and he operates in some of the roughest parts of town."

She straightened in her chair, a determined glint in her eye. "I've dealt with difficulties before, Kane. This is important work."

As I opened my mouth to respond, I felt a sudden, unexpected surge of my magic. It rippled through me, hot and insistent, as if in protest. The intensity of it caught me off guard, and I had to take a moment to steady myself.

"This is different," I finally managed, my tone more serious than I'd intended. "These people... they wouldn't hesitate to hurt you if they felt threatened."

The words left a bitter taste in my mouth, and my magic pulsed again, stronger this time. It was as if my very essence was rebelling against the idea of Tempest in danger. I realized, witha jolt of surprise, that despite my plans to use her, I genuinely didn't want her to be hurt.

I swallowed hard, trying to regain my composure. "And I couldn't go with you or protect you."

Tempest's brow furrowed, oblivious to my internal struggle. "Why not?"

The concern in her voice only made my magic react more strongly. I clenched my fists under the table, fighting for control. This unexpected protective instinct was complicating things, but I couldn't let it derail my plans. I had to push forward, even as a part of me screamed to keep her safe.

I ran a hand through my hair. "My family name... being an Ellesar... it's like a red flag to people like Kreel. If I showed up with you, or if they even suspected you were associated with me, it would put you in even more danger. The Ellesars aren't exactly popular in those circles."

Understanding dawned on her face, followed quickly by a flash of apprehension. But then her jaw set in determination. "I see. So I'd have to do this alone."

The word 'alone' sent another jolt through me, my fae instincts screaming in protest. Before I could stop myself, I blurted out, "Not entirely alone. We need a safety plan for you."

Tempest's eyebrows rose in surprise. "A safety plan?"

I nodded, my mind racing. My magic hummed, urging me to protect her, even as I struggled to balance this unexpected instinct with my original plan.

"Yes," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "Something to ensure your security. I'm not sure exactly what itwould look like yet, but we can't send you in there without some kind of precautions in place."

Tempest considered this, looking both touched and slightly amused. "That's... thoughtful of you, Kane. I appreciate the concern."

I ran a hand through my hair, thinking hard. "We'll need to work out the details before you even think about approaching Kreel. This isn't something to rush into."

"Agreed," Tempest nodded, her expression serious. "I'm all for thorough preparation. Any ideas on where we should start?"

As we began to discuss potential safety measures in vague terms, I felt my magic gradually calm. I was still putting Tempest in danger, still using her for my own ends, but at least I was doing something to protect her too.

It wasn't enough to quell my guilt entirely, but it was a start. And as I watched Tempest jot down notes about our future safety planning, her face set in determination, I realized that keeping her safe had become just as important to me as my original mission.

The question now was, how could I balance both?

"We should meet regularly to coordinate our efforts and share findings," I found myself saying, the words tumbling out before I'd fully thought them through. "Perhaps twice a week?"

Tempest's eyes lit up, her pen poised over her notebook. "Absolutely. How about Tuesdays and Thursdays? We could use my office or the library study rooms."

"Perfect," I agreed, mentally rearranging my schedule. The frequent meetings would help me keep tabs on her progress and adjust my plans as needed. "And Tempest, about Kreel..." Ihesitated, my protective instincts flaring again. "Take your time researching him. Don't rush into anything."

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