CHAPTER XIV
MEN WITH BLADES
“I don’t like him,” I state angerly and pick up my blade from the ground, “who does he think he is?”
I walk towards the boulder in the middle of the clearing, speaking the words directly at Stormfall. I don’t give damn if Hirovale is the most powerful Ancient in the Old World. He does not get to dictate my life.
“Do you hear me, Hirovale!” I yell at the Bird of Ash, “find someone else! You will not use me!”
Stormfall cocks his head to the side and gives me a small chirp.
“Tell me, Storm. Tell me what game he is playing!”
“Alexis…” Keane whispers from behind, his boots hitting the ground as he finally enters the clearing.
“Tell him to come back!” I yell again at the Bird of Ash.
Stormfall spreads his wings just as his yellow eyes flash into an amused gold.
“Coward!” I shake my head at the Ancient, “because he’s here? Come back and tell him what you told me!”
“Alexis,”Keane’s voice is harder now, laced with concern.
I quickly turn on the Prince and let my glare land on him.
“Andyou!”
I bound towards him, walking as swiftly as possible as I hold his brown gaze, “where do I even begin withyou? You and your brother started this whole mess!”
Keane lifts his arms out to me, “Ancients, Alexis, what is going on?”
I fall into his chest hard. “He was here, Keane.Hirovale.He’s awake.”
Keane’s full body stills at the words.
“Can Ancients be harmed?” I ask into his shirt, “I have half a mind to actually pull my blade on him the next time I see him.Ancients, he was infuriating. How can someone so-”
“-Alexis,” he grabs the back of my head and pulls me under his chin, “take a deep breath. I’m here now. I felt you...”
My body sags against him in small disbelief.
My call worked?
But how?
Keane holds me tighter, his hands running down the backs of my arms. “You’re freezing.”
Am I? I certainly don’t feel it.
I hear Stormfall caw from behind me, the sound also filled with concern.
“Let’s get you back,” Keane says softly.
I quickly turn to look at the edge of the forest where Hirovale disappeared into. The small mist is still lingering around the ground, almost like it’s taunting me.
“He’s still here,” I whisper, eyes narrowing on the air as I step out of Keane’s embrace. I start running in the direction of that mist instantly, not even close to being done with this conversation.
“I don’t want you!” I yell at the grey, watching as it scurries into the woods beyond.
