Page 56 of Calming the Storm

"Quillian, why aren't you letting me touch you?" I whispered.

Quillian looked behind me and I followed his gaze, noticing Malachi deep asleep next to me.

"Storm...you're dead, remember?" Quil reminded.

"How can you say that when I'm right here?"

"That isn't you. It's your magic essence. The others already told me what you've been scheming."

"Scheming? I'm not doing anything." I blinked my eyes in a show of innocence, needing him to believe me.

Why was he questioning me? He always believed me.

"I need you to stop what you're doing to Crimson,” he ordered, his voice hard and low.

"Doing to Crimson? What could I possibly be doing? She's taking you all away from me!" I sobbed, tears beginning to pool in my eyes.

Quillian paused, and I noticed a troubled expression break through the shield he tried to maintain.

"Storm...please,” he whispered.

"You said you would always love me, just like the others. Yet, I die...to protect you all...and this is my reward? You chose her over me! You'd rather love her than me?"

Quillian's eyes glistened, and he turned his gaze away.

"Don't use that against me, Storm. You made the decision to protect us. The same way you gave us permission to move on and love Crimson. There are no take backs or second chances. Stop guilt tripping me in order to get what you want."

"You were my most loyal guard, yet you say I'm guilt tripping you. I bet you just don't want to admit the guilt you still feel. You still love me, Quil. Admit it."

I reached out to place my hand on his, but he tugged his away.

"Go back to where you're supposed to be,” he whispered sadly.

"Quil-"

"Storm Yuna, I'll say this once,” he declared, lifting his angry gaze to meet my own. His once blue orbs now blazed a bright red with orange and gold streaks.

"Stop what you're doing to Crimson. Stop toying with her emotions and making her feel like some fragile little girl."

"Or what, Quil?" I argued, biting my lip so hard it bled.

He frowned at my move, but I grinned at the taste of blood.

"You should be careful about who you threaten. ‘Cause last time I checked, my essence is still inside her. You never know what I might do...maybe jump off a building...or burn this body of hers to a crisp," I snarled, even as I lifted my hand to brush his cheek.

He trembled at my words, which only brought more satisfaction. I leaned in to press my lips against his.

He didn't respond, staying completely still like a statue, which just made me more upset and I pulled away .

"Quillian."

"Threaten to hurt Crimson one more time, Storm, and I'll make sure to search all of Homatomashi and exorcise every bit of essence that's left of you and trap you in a fucking stone,” he declared.

I was ready to respond when a hand landed on my shoulder from behind.

"Kieru, Storm Yuna."

I widened my eyes, slowly looking over my shoulder to see Malachi's dark blue eyes, which glowed with magic.

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