“Far from it, in fact.”
I stare at him for a little while longer, finally nodding in silent agreement. The hold on my boots releases me almost instantly, the mist falling back to the ground as I take a deep breath.
“How are you awake?” I ask quietly.
Hirovale smiles, “nowthatis the question to ask.”
I cross my arms in front of my chest and wait for an answer. The Ancient moves his knee down and swings his leg over the boulder with the other, both of them now hanging over the stone in casualness.
“In short, I am awake because ofyou,” he places his hands behind his back and smirks, “in long, I am awake because of you and my cunning estimate that the Old World would need you.”
“No humility for you then,” I shake my head.
“No,” his golden eyes watch me in a new seriousness, “neverwhen it comes to you.”
“I don’t understand,” I sigh, truly over all the games and non-answers from the past few days.
I’m over everyone having more information than me,aboutme, and yet choosing not to disclose it. I’m over being used for purposes that I have no idea what for. I’m over the elusiveness and secrecy of my travels. Just over it.
“Thank you for the company,” I sigh again, exhausted and done with the conversation already, “I won’t run away or tell anyone that you’re awake, but I think I’ll take my leave now.”
“It’s not going to get any easier, Alex,” he replies softly.
“Then tell me what’s happening!” I yell in exhaustion, “tell me why you’re here now.”
“But I already have,” he gives a sweet smile.
“Ah, yes,” I laugh, “keeping me company after my tense dinner.”
“And are you not grateful for my company?”
“You should know the answer to that if you’re reading my thoughts,” I glare at him, “you should also know, after admitting to witnessing said dinner, that I’m currently battling with a short temper right now. I do not desire any more games, Ancient.”
“This is not and will never be a game for me, Lady Alexis,” Hirovale replies smoothly.
“Then tell me!” I exclaim, “tell me why you sent Storm my way. Tell me why King Zander called the Kingdoms Council in order for me to locate the book.”
No, I remind myself quickly.
Not a book. It was neverjusta book. Only a blank supply of pages that laughed at me before it decided to spit out words on the last one.
“Words that you yourself continue to ignore,” Hirovale nods, his golden eyes narrowing.
I watch as he pushes himself off the boulder in that instant, his grey boots landing gracefully on the thick grass below. He stands up proudly at my front and looks over me with quiet curiosity.
“Why?”
I can’t focus on the question, only his presence and the fact that he’s immensely tall. Tall and so sure of himself.
I avert my gaze from those narrowed golden eyes and glace down to his side, noticing the black on his wrist again. Four thick bands rest just below his hand, the dark color looking like it’s etched into his skin. The bands move from his wrist down to his forearm, each one larger and thicker than the one before it. They’re not made of cloth or metal or jewels, butinstead look to be a part of his body, as if they’re stamped to move with his arm and truly are etched into his skin.
“What are those?” I ask curiously, transfixed by the all black.
Hirovale grins at my question but ignores it altogether.
“Don’t change the subject now, Alex.”
I scowl at the Ancient and take a step back.
