Page 128 of To Free a Soul
He collected his mist tightly against his form, hating that this was happening to his offspring and he could do nothing to assist. Especially when he was partly to blame.
At least this means I can leave without informing him as to why.Nathair was nosy and curious all the time with nothing but Weldir to entertain him.
He dematerialised and transported himself to the outskirts of the Veil, between the forest and canyon walls. Waiting for him at the border of his red protection ward was Merikh. Arms folded and shoulders stiff, the sun on his back caused his bear skull and horns to create a shadow through Weldir’s invisible form.
“You called?”
“Bring me Lindiwe,” Merikh stated instantly.
“Why?” he asked, a touch more defensively than he intended.
Their interactions had always gone unpleasantly, and Lindiwe... was always distraught afterwards. He also had this remarkable sense of protectiveness towards his mate, and he didn’t wish to add to her sadness if there was a way to prevent it.
Although he wanted them to have a bond, Weldir would rather they didn’t meet if Merikh only intended to be unwelcoming.
“I have absolutely no desire to speak with you,” Merikh stated in an odd tone. Like he was trying to hold in a growl to sound cold and indifferent, but failed.
“Why not? From my memory, we parted ways last time amicably. I see no reason why you would be disgruntled by my presence.”
“I’d rather not speak to mymasterif given the choice, especially as I have no interest in being your servant.”
“Master? That’s a rather profound statement. You’re my servant, whether you wish to be or not. You cannot undo the souls you have brought me, nor can you prevent yourself from bringing more in the wake of your constant destruction.”
A rolling, huffing growl came from his maw. “I will never have need of you. If I wish to speak with her, I will call you, as I cannot call out to her.” His arms tightened, and he rolled his shoulders back more defensively. “I met you, saw your realm. My curiosity was sated regarding you. Other than that, you are nothing but a reminder of what I am and why I was born.”
“If that is how you feel, I see no reason to discuss this further.”
Dark yellow flickered in his orbs. “That’s it? You don’t care?”
“Why should I?” Weldir asked, genuinely confused. “If this is what you want, then there’s no reason to convince you otherwise. It changes nothing.”
The only offspring he’d ever spoken to was Nathair. He was the only one who could ruffle his mist if he became absent.
Merikh grunted. “I thought you’d at least give some sort of a shit.”
Weldir chuckled lightly. “I don’t have a physical body, so I cannot do that for you. Quite an odd request.”
Merikh choked on his own spit and staggered forward. “That’s not what I meant! I did not meanliterally!”
His laughter deepened. “I know. This will be the last time I come to you when you beckon. You will now be at the whims of your mother, and it will be up to her if she wishes to grace you with her presence.”
Weldir left and transported himself to within his own magical dome – one he didn’t cast but freely allowed in his mist. His body, invisible as it was, created no shadow over Lindiwe.
Despite it being winter, she lay upon the ground in the sun, and was apparently trapped there by their twin offspring snuggling on her belly again. He had an inkling she did this on purpose. Her eyelids were low and drowsy as she looked up at the sky. Swaying shade cast diamond patterns across her legs and dress.
Once more, he was hesitant to greet her.
But he easily gave in. He wanted to hear her voice anyway, as it was no longer a frequent gift.
“Lindiwe,” he called.
Her eyes snapped open fully, and she sat up with a gasp. She threw her arm around the twins just in time to stop them from rolling off her lap as they squealed from suddenly being hurled forward.
“You’re awake,” she rasped.
He didn’t know why she smiled, as if she was pleased about this. More and more, she puzzled him, and he was finding he understood less as the months passed by. She was happy he was back, despite apparently wanting little to do with him?
She never saw him beside her, but that didn’t stop Weldir from wanting to reach out to her, knowing they were intangible to each other.
