Page 78 of Riftborne
Nazul was pacing around his friend frantically when he finally noticed Lieutenant Mercer.
“Draven paralyzed Baelor. What do we do?”
Lieutenant Mercer pursed his lips, taking in the scene.
“From what I sawandoverheard; Soleil seemed highly interested in what Porter’s focus was. Seems like he found out.”
He had been there the entire time.
“How long will he be stuck like this?” Nazul knelt down.
“Only a few minutes. He will be fine,” Mercer said.
“I don’t know. This seems like the perfect time for sparring practice.” Raine grinned, her eyes sparkling.
“Esprithe!” Baelor spat from his position on the ground.
“See? The effects are already wearing off.” Mercer seemed to be fighting back a grin.
Another minute passed and eventually Baelor was up on his elbows, scowling. Nazul tried helping him into a sitting position, but Baelor shoved his arm away.
Draven left to see a healer, and the Lieutenant began setting up our agility course for the day. My eyes fell on Baelor once again.
“Don’t even look at me, Riftborne.” Baelor sneered at me.
I raised an eyebrow, choosing to ignore him.
He breathed out sharply, upper lip raising in a look of disgust.
“At least it's now clear why you’re allowed inside the gates of this institution.”
Everyone’s eyes shot towards Baelor. Sparks crackled at Raine’s fingertips. “Oh yeah, Baelor, why is that?”
“She’s corrupted General Ashford. They’re sleeping together. Both should be put to the blade,” he stated, satisfaction lacing his words.
My lips parted. Shame overcame me. Nothing had happened… but I couldn’t have imagined the way we looked last night… If he saw us.
Which he clearly did. I thought I heard two sets of footsteps.
My breath caught in my lungs at the thought. I had wanted it, like a bloody fucking idiot. If it had been up to me… Baelor might just be speaking the truth. Regret began to weigh me down, but I needed to defend myself all the same. Nothing happened…The General had made sure of it. I tried to dispel the sadness that the realization brought with it.
“That’s not true–” I began to object.
“He’s a disgrace to the Guard,” Baelor spat.
“You will stand before the disciplinary court for the sentiments you’ve railed against our General. Wishing death upon any of our leaders will be met with swift punishment,” Mercer said, voice unwavering.
Baelor looked towards the sun, dusting his shoulders off like he hadn’t a care in the world.
“I’m the son of the most powerful General to ever serve this realm, I’ll remind you, Lieutenant.”
Mercer simply blinked, pausing momentarily before calling the lesson for the day.
My heart racedas I walked to the gym. After last night, how would Laryk behave? Would he be upset? Would we address whatever thatmomentwas?
A sigh escaped me. It shouldn't matter. He had a point, of course. Sober me would have never put myself in that situation, intoxicated in a Compound full of people who could or could not hate me… could or could notkillme. But I was an adult, capable of making my own choices.
Baelor’s comments had my head spinning in every direction. Deep down, his words had stabbed me harder than if they had been true. Desire still lingered in my mind, but I forced myself to believe it would smother itself in time.
