Page 10 of Elas

Fairness is a fickle thing. The scales of my conscience tilt from one side to the other, an indecisive seesaw that can’t decide where to land. Despair from knowing what may happen to them wars with the understanding that something so heinous can’t go unpunished.

The fall of justice is the downfall of society, and we already have so little left to cling to.

A loyal piece inside me is ripped apart as I consider his proposition. “Would your people even allow me to work? Wouldn’t they demand punishment?”

“You said you knew nothing about the attacks.”

“And I didn’t,” I hurry to say. “But this is a case of my word versus their anger. I’m not so naïve that I believe they’ll take my side, especially not when the stakes are so high.”

He nods, contemplation smoothing his face as he rubs his chin. “Would you have a problem tending to monsters?”

“Not in the least,” I respond without hesitation. “Humans and your kind aren’t that different at our core.”

A breathy laugh pushes from his nose like he thinks I’m kidding, then his face screws up into pure confusion. “You really believe that?”

“Of course I do. You and I are a perfect example, sitting here having a civil conversation. There’s no innate reason for us to dislike each other. We’ve been conditioned to be enemies and trained to behave as such. I’d very much like to be part of any sort of effort that might help to change that.”

“Eternal optimist, indeed,” he mutters with a quiet, huffing laugh. “I can’t offer any guarantees.”

“I wouldn’t expect you to make a promise you can’t keep. The fact that you’re even considering me for something like this means the world, and you have my deepest thanks.” We share a smile before he clears his throat, sliding his finger under the neck of his armor and tugging.

“It may take me a few days to return with any updates. I trust you’ll continue to behave in the meantime?”

“I give you my word.”

“That means something to you, doesn’t it? Your word.”

“I always keep my promises, Elas. If you believe nothing else I’ve said, believe that much.” He stares at me for a long moment before he nods and stands, allowing me to lead the way back to my cell. Hope and guilt create a potent mix in my gut at the curious gaze of the others. I distract myself by checking a few more minor injuries, thankful that the questions on their faces remain silent.

Elas

August’shandswring,squeezinghis fingers together over and over again. So much tension radiates off his body that it’s nearly suffocating, making me nervous just standing beside him. “Are you sure you can handle this?” I ask, turning in his direction. “If you’d prefer, I can throw you back in that cell.”

“Oh, stop it, you,” he scoffs. “Always with the threats.” I snort a laugh at his lack of fear. My size alone makes most humans turn pale and try to flee when I walk into the room.

This one tells me I’m a nice guy and treats me accordingly.

His lips pull tight and he glances over his shoulder at the cell doors, where a few inmates stand and stare as we pass. “Really, I’ll be fine. I just… feel so damned guilty. Is there nothing I can do to help any of them? There are good people here. They’d be eager to work and earn their place.”

“No,” I say bluntly, leaving no room for argument as I see that spark of hope trying to kindle in his eyes. “Command wasn’t exactly eager to go along with my plan, and convincing them to release you took most of my free time over the past few days. They still aren’t convinced it’s the right decision, and, to be frank, I don’t blame them.”

He glances at me, brows pinched like I hurt his feelings. Fuck, he’s like a puppy that I kicked. “Look at it from our point of view, August. Things aren’t sunshine and rainbows from where they’re standing. Between the raid on your camp, the attempted escape, and the turnover in leadership, everyone is up in arms at the moment. The only reason they’re letting this slide is because they’re too busy putting out their own fires to argue.”

And then there’s that other little tidbit of information… the one I haven’t shared with him yet.

“Don’t think I’m ungrateful, Elas.” He reaches for my arm before seeming to think twice about it, and his hands clasp in front of him again. “I’m in your debt.”

“Careful, there,” I tease, and his eyes lift to mine. “We aren’t human, August, and we don’t live by the same rules. My kind won’t hesitate to hold you to any sort of leniency you give them. If you promise them anything, anything at all, they will consider it theirs. If they want it enough, they’ll find a way to make you pay whatever debt they think you owe them.”

He frowns. “I won’t be rude.”

“And you shouldn’t be. Just promise me you won’t go throwing around debts and favors, even if it’s only a figure of speech. You’ll indebt yourself to the wrong person and end up in an even bigger mess.”

“Yeah, okay,” he mutters, kicking his toe against the floor as he works his hands again. “I’ll be more careful with my words, I promise.”

The show of nerves makes me chuckle, and I gesture towards the door. “Are you ready?”

He nods and takes a steeling breath, though his expression is still uncertain. I push the exterior door open, blinking against the bright afternoon sunlight. August grunts as we step outside, and I glance at him to find his hand shielding his eyes.

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