“You both just respond to each other, like you orbit each other, drawn together. If I can tell, then Edda certainly knows it too. Do you deny you like him?”
“He is a Lysian King.” I sighed and turned, looking back at the ceiling. The memory of that early morning when he tried to sway my mind from ever going to the Sidhe territory sent a shiver skittering down my spine. I should have listened.
Kiora poked my side as if to try to get my attention. “So?”
“I am leaving soon.” I shared another reason why pursuing anything with him was unwise.
“And you will return.” She pointed out. For a moment, neither of us said anything. “Have you two kissed?”
“Kiora!”
“So, you have?” She sat straight up, staring at me while I continued avoiding meeting her eye. “Look. He cares for you. I wanted to hate him. I did. For taking you from us, placing your life in danger. But everything he does, it’s like he is trying to protect you, to shield you from the world. I know you are powerful in your own right, but something has Edda on edge.Edda. I always thought there was nothing in the world that could startle that woman. Yet, she is startled. I worry about what you still must face ahead. If the Lysian King wishes to be your shield, to protect you from some of what heads your way, then you should let him. Do not make things harder for yourself than they need to be. You no longer need to stand alone.”
“I don’t need a shield,” I stated, glancing at her.
“Don’t be stupid. I am your shield, and you are mine. We all need people around us who will fight for us, especially whenthings are so uncertain. You are my friend and my Leader Superior. I would give my life for you if it came down to it.” There was a certainty in her voice that left no room for doubt.
“And I would give mine for you,” I said to her.
She smiled a sad smile. “Deep down in your soul, I know that to be true. But, ultimately, you would not be able to because of the duty you have for your people.” Kiora laid back down. “If Erik offers help, then you should accept it. That is my official advice.”
“Noted.”
“And if he offers you hisbody...” She smiled suggestively.
Heat rushed to my face. “Kiora!” I snapped.
She shrugged. “Lysian or not, like I already stated, he is attractive. If he offeredmehis body... oh, the things I would do to him.”
My vision darkened, and Kiora barked a laugh. “So, you do care.”
Groaning, I brought my hands up to my face, rubbing my eyes.
“I don’t get it. You have no problem giving yourself over to the Sidhe, but this is something you are having such trouble with? What are you afraid of?” Her brows were drawn, and she looked at me as though she truly could not understand.
“This just isn’t the time to be concerned with such things.”
“There is no time like the present.” Her hand found mine. “Where you are going, I have no idea how difficult it may be there. If it is anything that I fear, then you will need some powerful memories and moments to hold on to in order to survive. I say let the Lysian become your escape. It is not using him if you both care for one another.” A mischievous smile found her lips a new. “I am certain he would be more than happy to distract you.”
I sighed. “I don’t know.” My thoughts went to Erik anyway.
“Well, you know my opinion on the matter,” she said, rising to her feet. “I need to get going. I should get some target practice in. Skills need to be kept sharp and the arrows true, especially when come tomorrow they will be aimed at you.” She winked before pivoting and walking to the door.
“Good luck.” I offered her a smile.
“Never needed it.” She smirked, pausing at the door. “If you need anything, you know where to find me.”
Kiora then left, and I found myself alone with only my thoughts for company.
They did not make for good company.
I only thought of Landin for a long while, of the hole in my chest left by his absence. It had been more than five days since his death, and still, I could not escape the thoughts of him. It was not that I wanted to forget him. I would never forget him. I just did not want to feel this way anymore.
My heart was broken.
A piece of me was gone and would never be returned. His absence left a void.
The sun moved across the sky while I remained in my room, consumed by everything that seemed to have been occurring around me. I wondered what Clause would do with me once I came to him. Would he genuinely teach me things to make me stronger, as he had said? Would he try to use me in some way? Why did he even gather conjurors? What was the point of taking our people? There were so many things still unknown. In the weeks to come, I’d do my best to answer as many questions as possible.
