Page 57 of Voices in the Stars
“She has ears,” I announced, leaning against the doorframe.
Atlas’ shoulders tensed as he stayed turned away from me. Leon glanced over at me with a smirk before patting Atlas’ shoulder.
“Good luck, brother” was all he said before walking out, leaving Atlas and me alone.
Atlas remained quiet as he placed vegetables in a small wicker basket on the counter.
“Don’t be a coward now,” I chimed, joining him in the kitchen.
He just laughed, shaking his head. “Never been one. Certainly don’t plan on starting now.”
“So, fill me in on this exciting conversation you two were having,” I said as I sat down, even though I knew exactly what they were talking about. We had the same conversation this morning. Which Atlas was quick to call out with his next comment.
“You know exactly what we were talking about.”
“Leon agrees with me,” I pointed out, hoping that would mean more to him.
“Yes, it seems everyone wants you to die except me,” Atlas snapped.
“You’re thinking of this the wrong way. We don’t wantyouto die.” I tried to stay calm even as I felt the ember flaring to life. I took a deep breath, cutting its energy off. To my surprise, it worked. The ember was dormant once again.
“You two are forgetting this is my father. I know what I’m going up against; you don’t.”
“I think you are trying to see the good in your father that doesn’t exist,” I calmly explained.
There was no humor in the laugh that escaped him as he turned toward me, arms crossed as he leaned against the counter, multicolored cloths held in one of his hands.
“There is no good in him.” His voice was void of emotions as he spoke.
“Then what makes you think he will spare you when he sees you’ve failed your mission to bring me?” I questioned.
I watched Atlas crumble in front of me with my question. The façade he had been carrying our entire journey melted away. His shoulders sagged; head hung low as he dropped eye contact. His dark hair fell in front of his face.
“You don’t know the things he’s done. He won’t just hurt you. He’ll break you. You’d be lucky if death came to you.” Atlas’ voice was a whisper I could barely hear. “There will be no mercy for anyone involved, no matter how this will end.”
I paused, letting his words sink in, knowing that if I answered too quickly, he wouldn’t believe my answer, but I already knew it. There was no choice in my life back in Donnaway, no choice in ending up back in Feycrest. I had the choice now, and I wanted to help. There was no hiding the fear that everyone felt just being near Atlas. Whoever Eris was, he was truly terrible. Being rid of him was what Feycrest needed to move over the dark cloud of their past, and I wanted to be there for these people.
“I want to help you,” I finally answered.
Atlas nodded, taking a deep breath before peering at me from between the strands of his hair. “I’ll take you with me, then. Only if you can figure out this magic thing.” He gestured vaguely at me; the faintest hint of a smile tugged his lips.
I did nothing to fight against the smile that broke out across my face. Tears could’ve formed at the relief that flooded me. I wasn’t an idiot; I knew none of this would be easy, but now I wouldn’t be stuck here, waiting for Atlas’ death.
“I think I can do that,” I commented, a blush already forming at my next words. “Especially if we keep up those training sessions.”
A smirk twisted Atlas’ face as he slowly looked over me. The cocky male I knew quickly came back to life as he stalked over to me. His hands grabbed the back of the chair I was sitting on, and a squeak left me as he leaned it back. Our lips were almost touching as he leaned over me.
“I think I have a better idea.” He chuckled before pulling away. “Think it’s best we avoid pushing it too hard. Would hate to burn down Leon’s home.”
“I can be a great student, though,” I argued as I tried to follow his movements, sitting on the edge of the chair as I leaned toward him.
One of his hands moved away from the chair, grabbing my chin, forcing my head up toward him. He licked across his lips as he stared down at mine, eyes darkening. “Maybe you are dangerous,” he mumbled, thumb tracing across my bottom lip. “It’s getting late,” he said, pulling away, disappointment dripping from his words. “We should get some rest.”
I nodded, following him back to the bedroom I had just left. My mind was spinning at the changes that happened today. Yet, I allowed myself to be pulled by the excitement. The moment the door was closed, Atlas pulled his shirt off. The moonlight was beautiful as it lit up his skin. A soft smile pulled my lips as I followed him, undressing until we were both naked in bed. I was expecting a repeat of the inn, but instead, Atlas pulled me close so I was laying on his chest. His heartbeat was quick underneath me. I closed my eyes as fingers started trailing through my hair. I returned the favor, tracing randomly along his chest. He hummed contently, the only real sound between us for several moments.
“My mother grew up on Enya. It’s where Saeva come from. We aren’t like other species; Saeve were always seen as a danger that needed to be kept away from others.” His words halted my small movements. I tried to turn my head up to look at him, but his fingers tightened in my hair, keeping me facing away from him. He leaned down, kissing away any hurt it caused. “She was caught in an arranged marriage with my father. She was a princess, and he was the only Saeve available. Once her parents passed, he became insatiable with power, ripping her from her home to bring her to Feycrest. In his eyes, there was no one who could stop him, and he was right. No one here was ready to fight him off. I was only a few years old when he started holding these parties.” Atlas paused, taking several heartbeats to just breathe.
I kept silent, scared of what he might tell me next. Yet, I was morescared that disrupting him now would stop the sharing mood he was currently in.
