Page 197 of The Ascended
“I understand your logic,” Marx murmured. She furrowed her brow. “Does Olinthar have the ability to take over a mind like that? To make someone like Kavik completely lose himself?”
“I don’t know,” I admitted. "Have you told anyone else about this?" I asked urgently. "About me?"
Marx looked offended. "Of course not. Who would I tell?"
Relief flooded me. "Thank you."
“Listen, we don’t need to get distracted by these things.” Marx took a deep breath. “You’re safe in Draknavor. After Kavik didn’t return, that sent a clear message that you could not be harmed here. And in the next trial, you have Thatcher and I. Between us and Xül, no one’s going to touch you.”
“I am also capable.” I nudged her. “I can hold my own in a fight.”
She merely raised an eyebrow and shook her head. “That you can.”
We fell silent again, both lost in our own thoughts.
"It's going to be a good day. I've decided," I said lightly. "Despite everything."
She raised an eyebrow. "How terribly optimistic of you."
"Don't worry, I'm sure it won't last." I stood, brushing off my clothes. "Are you coming?"
"Are you seriously pretending we didn't just have this entire conversation?" She looked incredulous.
"What conversation?" I asked innocently. "I only remember two friends agreeing to have lunch."
Marx stared at me for a moment before a reluctant smile tugged at her lips. "You're impossible."
"I prefer resilient."
"Stubborn as a mule, more like." But she fell into step beside me.
As we walked together toward the dining hall, my chest finally settled. The shame and humiliation of the trial still lingered, but somehow, Marx's blunt acceptance made it easier to bear.
"Thank you," I said quietly.
She glanced at me sideways. "For what?"
"For being you. I mean, I truly hate it most of the time. But you have your moments."
"Please," she scoffed, but I could see the pleased surprise in her eyes. “You’re just lucky I didn’t decide to dive deeper into your little obsession with the Prince of Death.”
"Gods forbid."
"Exactly." She bumped her shoulder against mine. "Besides, we both know Xül is irritatingly attractive. Anyone with functioning eyes would be tempted."
I reluctantly laughed at her bluntness. "Is that so?"
"Objectively speaking," she said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Not my type, obviously. Too brooding and complicated."
When we entered the dining hall, Aelix was already there, seated at a table laden with enough food for at least five people. His eyes showed a flicker of surprise when he saw me, but he recovered quickly, rising to his feet with a warm smile.
"Thais," he greeted me. "It's good to see you… up and about."
The concern in his voice made my neck burn. "Thank you," I managed. "For everything."
He nodded, understanding passing between us. "Sit. Eat. There’s plenty to go around."
As I took my seat, beside these unexpected allies, I felt the first buds of hope stirring beneath the weight of everything else. Soon, I would have to face Xül. I couldn’t avoid him forever. And I didn’t want to. I just wanted to move past this and refocus on my goals.
