Page 109 of A Clash of Stars

Luke tried to pull away then I saw the vivid green light of persuasion passing into Luke. Then he nodded at Madok in agreement with what he was asked to do.

When the scene moved to the woods, I saw myself lying on the ground and Luke standing with Madok and Griffin. I am lifeless on the ground as Griffin starts yelling. I couldn’t understand what he was saying, but his expression gave away everything I needed to know.

“We need to bring her to the King of Aster. That is what he asked us to do.” Madok’s voice resonated over the group then Griffin spoke up.

“He told us to bring her to him alive. Luke just stabbed and killed her!” Griffin’s look was everything an overprotective brother would be, and I sensed his compassion during the heated exchange as he kept glancing at me on the ground, lifeless.

Madok started to laugh, “You idiots. She isn’t dead. Look at what is on her finger. She found the onyx ring, and she is unbeatable with that ring on her finger. I watched the powers flow into her. She is now the only being with all creation powers; we must be careful. She is our only hope.”

Griffin walked over to Madok and shoved him, “You know, for a guy who says he is in love with this girl, you sure have a strange way of showing it.”

I could see Madok’s smugness on his face. I had never seen him in this way before, completely detached, void of feeling. Was everything between us just a façade?

“She believes me, and that’s what counts, Griff.”

Griffin took a firm step and put his face in Madok’s.

“Do not call me Griff. You are such fucking prick. You don’t care about her; you only care about you. I don’t know exactly what your big plan is, Madok, but I can confidently tell you that it won’t end well for you. Clara is an amazing woman, and I agreed to bring her to the King because Evander asked me to ensure her safety. Evander is the man that Clara should trust. You are nothing but a coward and a despicable liar. I can’t waitfor her to find out the truth about you and put you in the grave where you belong.”

Madok shoved his hands into Griffin’s chest, but he didn’t budge. Griffin laughed in Madok’s face and tilted his head with a peaked interest. “You can’t hurt me, Madok, but I look forward to the day that I get to hurt you.”

Then Griffin spat in Madok’s face.

Luke looked away to avoid laughing at this exchange between them. That’s when Luke bent down and placed his hand on my forehead. I could hear his whisper, just loud enough for us to hear.

“Clara, if you can hear me. You need to know that Madok influenced me to stab you. I tried to resist it, but the power was too strong. Madok is pure evil and is not the man you think he is. When you wake up, be strong, and be the Clara I know you are. Evander will take credit for this because it’s the only true way to protect you. When he isn’t there to protect you, I will always be around when you need me.”

Then he placed a gentle kiss on my forehead.

My heart was beating so fast I thought it might jump out of my chest. My hands were sweaty in Luke’s hands, and then my eyes flickered open to see his eyes peering into mine. I sat in silence for a minute or two to try and organize my thoughts.

I took the deepest breath before I asked the question I didn’t want the answer to, “So, this whole time, Madok has been this guy? The one you showed me?” He nodded.

Without looking at me he responded, “I thought I could trust him. Then one day, he let his other side slip through, and I saw it. The darkness from him. Madok isn’t who he says he is. I think that when he wentaway after his coronation, someone elseoccupiedhim. Took his form, or maybe influenced him when needed.”

Quickly I responded, “What I don’t get is how he was able to use persuasion on you? That’s not his natural powers?”

Luke stood up and leaned his shoulder onto the fireplace, rubbing his left thumb over his bottom lip as if contemplating telling me something that could change the course of history itself.

“As I said, Madok isn’t who he says he is. I don’t know who he truly is, but I can tell you with the utmost certainty that he is not Madok. I’m sure whoever was in the woods that shot your father was trying to stop you from finding out.”

I furrowed my eyes in frustration as I replayed what my father had said. “Before my father was shot, he told me that gods and goddesses walk amongst us and to be cautious about who I trust. He told me some other things I’m not sure I fully grasp because everyone talks in riddles with me. I need the truth. That’s all I want.”

“I believe that. People have been dropping hints to you, and I know that. The thing about my power is I know the truth whether I want to or not. The only ones who know the truth of the curse are the first generation. I’m not the first generation, but I can read others’ thoughts, so essentially, I know everything.”

I breathed, looking towards the hearth, “So, what do I need to know? How do I stop this?”

“I don’t think you should know. I also was asked not to tell you.”

That took me back as he continued, “E-Evander asked me not to say anything to you.”

I scoffed, “Of course he did. I forgot he told me you were friends. Lovely.”

He sighed, “Yes, of course, we’re friends. Why do you think I helped capture you in Manzanita? Evander asked me to help him in capturing you. He knew that having me there would be more convincing and more believable to his father and Madok. Although, I’m not sure why he was protecting you in the first place otherthan to force your marriage. I thought you hated each other, but that’s obviously not the case anymore.”

I was left speechless.

I wondered if he knew about Queen Amari and my mother setting up the marriage, especially since he knew most things without asking.

---