Eramus clenched his fists. Who was Morzaun to dictate his afternoon? "I will stay…but with Evree. I think I've had quite enough training for one day."
Morzaun's brows tightened even more, and Zeeran wrapped his hands around his waist, his bellowing laughter flooding the meadow. "Looks like he'd rather spend time with her than you," he said between gasps. "Not that I can blame him."
Zeeran winked at Evree, and she ducked behind Eramus. A monster of protectiveness gripped him. "Leave her alone."
His cousin held up his hands. "Not to worry, Eramus. I've no interest in your friend."
Morzaun's tone fell over them, harsh and cold. "Leave, Zeeran."
The laughter disappeared from Zeeran's face. He tilted his head, and a loud crack followed. Words flowed from his lips, a language Eramus didn't understand, and blue light engulfed his body until he vanished.
"I'd like a word with you before I go," said Morzaun.
His dark eyes landed on Evree, and Eramus's stomach flipped. His mind screamed for him to run, to take Evree as far away as possible. But he refused the mark of a coward. He would defend her with his magic, with his life, if necessary.
Eramus bent towards her ear. "Wait here."
She nodded and wrapped her trembling arms around her midsection before he walked away. Evree had never trusted Morzaun, and Zeeran's presence certainly hadn't helped the situation. The more time Eramus spent around Morzaun, the more he believed she was right in her distrust. Morzaun was hiding something, and he would find out what.
Eramus followed him to the tree line, into the shaded area where the air was cooler. Here, where the thick treetops blocked the sunlight, Morzaun's dark eyes matched the shadows.
"What did you wish to discuss?" asked Eramus.
"Nothing. I wish to leave you with a warning." He pointed towards the meadow where Evree stood, her face lifted towards the sun. "She is a distraction, Eramus, and if you do not rid yourself of it, you will regret it."
"Evree is not a distraction. I care for her, and she has done nothing but defend me."
Morzaun scoffed. "Care for her? I believe your affection runs far deeper than that. Love is a weakness, Eramus. The people of Virgamor will never see us as anything more than evil, as monsters of destruction. King Delran will come for you. Focus is what you need, not some frivolous relationship that will keep you from what's important."
Eramus scowled. "Love is not a weakness. You, yourself, said my father left me and my mother to protect us. He loved her; I know he did. And by the way she spoke of him in my dreams, she loved him too."
Morzaun's expression softened. "They did love each other…and look where that got them. Sytal murdered your mother, and the army of Izarden has hunted your father for the last decade. Think logically, Eramus. Until we accept our destiny and take control, we cannot afford distractions."
He turned and walked a few paces before his body began to disappear. "I'll return in a few days. We'll continue your training then."
In seconds, he vanished. Eramus remained frozen, Morzaun's words echoing across his mind.
Accept our destiny and take control.
His chest tightened. Whatever the man meant by that, Eramus wanted no part in it.
