That’s disturbing.
“Oh no,Lady,” he says the word so mockingly, “not disturbing. Far from disturbing. Cursing, yes. But also pretty and wishful and full of passion.Heated, at times… or dare I say, most often,lustful.”
“Pervert,” I glare up at him in anger.
He laughs at me, a cool laugh that somehow matches his casual demeanor. It’s off-putting.
“Have you woken to take Storm, then?” I ask in attempt to change the subject. The thought sends a small, sad tug through my chest.
“He’s yours,” the Ancient shakes his head, “he’ll assist you in all that is to come.”
“He already has,” I nod in small approval, thinking of the Leviathan rider he turned to ash so easily.
Hirovale scowls and curses the word softly, “Leviathans.”
“Will you stop listening to my thoughts?” I narrow my eyes on him, “it’s not polite.”
“No,” he states simply.
“Then what can I do for you,Ancient?”
Hirovale’s golden eyes peer down at me in more amusement.
“For now, nothing. I just wanted to share your company after witnessing such a tense dinner.”
“How in the Old World?” I look at him in disbelief, “how can you possibly know about that?”
Hirovale glances at Storm with a smirk. The Bird of Ash turns to his Ancient and matches his gaze, his chest puffing up proudly.
No.
“Oh yes,” Hirovale chuckles, turning his golden gaze back on me.
I watch as his wavy black hair falls in front of his face, watch as he reaches his free hand up to tuck a side behind his ear. I catch a glimpse of something black near his wrist, but he quickly brings that hand back down to hide whatever it is.
“You’ve been watching,” I return to his comment, my face heating in anger.
“Everything,” he grins.
“For how long?” I nearly croak.
“Since you graced my dreams at the age of twelve, and at times, even younger. Since you were brought under the care of the King and Queen of Disce at fourteen. Since the moment you woke Stormfall, giving me a much clearer and awake view of you.”
My heart stops at his words.
I should run, run right now. I should get away from this person, this being,this Ancient. His words aren’t natural.
I take a small step back but am immediately halted by the forest air darting around my feet again, holding me in place.
“I’d like to go,” I tell him, hating how casually he still sits atop the boulder, “release your summoning.”
“I am not your King,Lady,” he chuckles in amusement, “you cannot command me.”
I peer down at my boots and try to push against the mist surrounding my feet.
“How about this?” he continues, “I’ll release you, Alex, but you have to promise me that you won’t run. I am not your enemy…”
His words make me glance back up in curiosity. I hold his stare and look into a set of genuine, golden eyes that hold mine.
