Page 55 of A War of Embers

“Do you want to stay out here a little longer or head back to the estate?”

“Has anyone else returned from the Wraithlands since I returned?”

“I’m not supposed to mention it. But in the sanctity of friendship, a few people came back to gather more supplies. Zeke, Nox, and Meredith. I didn’t see Lord Rowan, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t accompany them back. I know an announcement will be made when we return. I volunteered to find you, but I didn’t specify if I was going to escort you back or not. You came back on your own volition from my knowledge, which gave me an idea of where your head was at.”

“And you thought you’d find me here at the cliff’s edge?”

“Honestly, no. I thought you would be in the arena, sparring with the females who remained behind. When I came out of the estate, I checked the arena first but didn’t find you. So I started thinking about the little I know about you. You don’t like to be bothered, you prefer your solitude and this is one of the few places no one goes here in Aïdes.”

Because they don’t have a reason to flock to the sea for escape. “I’m surprised the guards here didn’t relay where I was to Nox or Zeke.”

“If they did, no one informed me about it. I’m not high on the totem pole of importance.”

Seems to be a recurring theme around here where women aren’t exactly kept from the same jobs, but not given the same structure or ranks. “I suppose we should be getting back to the estate and get this whole announcement of my atrocious behavior out of the way.”

Alyvia offers a kind, but sad smile. “Unfortunately, so. We can leave whenever you’re ready.”

Staring out across the sea, I watch the life I knew before slip away. Lady Gwenyth’s magic doesn’t seem strong enough to cross the sea and snatch me back. “No better time than the present. Let’s go.”

Standing up off the cliff’s edge, I hold out my hand to offer Alyvia assistance. She quickly takes my aid, helping her stand up and move backwards towards more firmer ground.

Looking towards the guards patrolling the area, none of them make eye contact as they continue their policing. Each one of them would probably rather shove me over the edge into the Blood Sea than monitor my movements courtesy of Rowan’s announcement. I bet he’s encouraging everyone to keep a strict eye on me since he has an inkling of my plans.

Alyvia escorts me back to the estate. She chatters about how everyone is less stressed now that the Haze preparation has ended. There’s no telling how long everyone will be gone, so it allows for a friendlier environment without Zeke or Lady Cirilla keeping everyone on their toes. Seems the estate thrives when not under constant scrutiny.

The walk back seems to take less time than it did the first day I arrived when Nox brought me here. The alleyways all remain the same, except people are easily moving about their business now.

As Alyvia places her hand on the knob, she presses her lips together before saying, “If you promise not to strike out at anyone with your sword, I’ll hand you an extra sheath.”

“The only person who should be wary of me striking them is Rowan. Which I’m sure he’s more than aware of.”

Alyvia fishes in her pocket before handing over a very flimsy sheath. I’ll have to find a way to get my previous one back, but this will have to do for now. Taking it, I wrap the hilt and blade until it’s secured before attaching it across my back.

Flashing her a mock smile, I gesture towards the door. “Ready to get this over with?”

She gives me a reassuring look that falls severely flat. Shoving open the front door, a crowd is already gathered in the front foyer. Several people look nervous, fidgeting with their hands and rocking side to side as their gazes bounce between where Alyvia and I are at towards the center of the room where Zeke is casually standing with a bored expression on his face. Lady Cirilla and Nox are part of the crowd to the right, watching with a look of disinterest at the commotion.

“Finally,” Zeke sighs as he makes his way towards us. “Can we get this over with so we can get back to our duties?”

For a moment I think he’s speaking to me, until a cloud of smoke appears and Rowan steps out, halting everyone in the foyer.

The snake on my cheek slides its face across the bridge of my nose, pausing as if to glare out at Rowan for daring to make a mockery of me in a public fashion. When Rowan makes direct eye contact with it, the tattoo slips back down to curl on the side of my face where its head rests upon my cheek once again.

“Keeping watch over the Haze has been momentarily suspended in regards to a serious matter that needs to be brought to attention,” Rowan’s voice booms throughout the room, rattling the walls and light fixtures.

Lady Cirilla and Nox glare at me. I’m tempted to offer an inappropriate gesture in response, but decide it’s not worth the headache it will bring.

“As many know, Keres came out into the Wraithlands last night,” Rowan announces.

Lady Cirilla curls her lip in disgust. “Are we here for a punishment?”

“No. I am here to announce that an immortal in our midst is a dangerous creature, don’t be blinded by the fact she’s a woman. She is deft at killing and does not hesitate. Do not willingly or belligerently believe you can take her on simply because you dislike her. You are wrong.”

Alyvia glances at me in surprise. I think both of us were thinking Rowan was going to go into a long rant about how horrible of a person I am and how I need to be kept under lock and key.

“Due to Keres innate nature to create bad circumstances to bend to her will, keep your guard up. Keep your mind sharp.” Rowan goes from watching the faces of his people to looking directly at me. “She will kill you to serve her purpose. Isn’t that right, Keres?”

Well fuck. I suppose, in a way, this is worse than being told to keep an eye on me. He’s ensuring everyone here is well aware to keep their guard up because of who I am, what my goal is, and how I can come about that goal. “You could just concede that I fulfilled our bargain,” I point out. “Put all of your people out of their misery of having to be scared of me.” It would be the kind thing to do, though I’m beginning to believe a Lord or Lady has no concept of the word.

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