“For someone who has lived so lavishly, you certainly don’t seem that uncomfortable to be traveling outdoors like this. I find that
interesting.”
Airess nodded, fighting the blush that threatened to rise. It was a miniscule comment, but one she had never heard directed at her before. No one had ever found her interesting.
“What else can I do but be okay with change? It’s not as if I can do anything about it but move forward. I don’t need to hold onto the past, there’s nothing for me there.”
Taryn gave her a calculating look, as if that was not the answer he expected. He nodded approvingly. “That’s something not everyone can accept so easily.”
Airess shrugged. “Maybe they aren’t meant to, at least in this lifetime.”
Silence fell between them before Airess realized she never asked for Taryn’s full name. “What’s your last name? I don’t think I ever asked.”
For a moment she thought he wasn’t going to answer, but slowly, he answered, “Seas. Taryn Seas.”
He said the words like he hadn’t spoken them aloud for quite some time. She thought it was a nice name. Airess knew names held power, more than most. But his energy suddenly fell stagnant, and when she blinked her Sight forward, she saw his aura dim. Airess couldn’t necessarily describe what she felt, but somehow she just knew there was a certain pain that came with his name.
She changed the subject. “And how old are you,Taryn Seas?”
Taryn lifted a brow and chuckled. “Someone’s curious. I’m twenty-four, if you must know. Four years older than you.”
“And how do you know my age?”
Taryn snorted. “You were my target. I was debriefed on everything we knew about you. Granted, the information was very little. You’ve kept yourself well hidden.”
Airess swallowed. If only he knew it wasn’t by her design. If only he knew the truth.
They conversed lightly the rest of the way. Airess didn’t pry any further into his background, and he returned the sentiment. For once, she just wanted to pretend she was a regular person. She didn’t know how much longer that illusion would last.
You’ve kept yourself well hidden.
Airess’ brow hardened as they trekked through the forest, dense with tangled roots and the scent of soil. The reins bit into her palms as her grip tightened. Taryn’s words rang in her mind over and over. She tasted the bitterness on the tip of her tongue, she couldfeelthe stolen time that slipped from her grasp. She vowed if she ever made it out of this Gods’ forsaken country, she would be sure the world knew who she was.
Airess would make sure she was unforgettable.
Chapter 15
What existed first, Death, or the Mind?
– Written entry from Zaro Lucien’s personal journal
Airess
That night, Airess sat across from Taryn, a hearty fyre crackling between them as they ate the fruits they had stolen. She tried her best to relax, but still jumped at any sudden sound, no matter how faint. She gripped the hilt of her dagger they looted as she sat stiffly, gazing out into the dark wood beyond them.
“There’s nothing there,” Taryn said with his back against a tree, legs crossed out long before him. He took a drag of… was it a cigar? She didn’t recognize the distinct smell of that smoke. Taryn pointed to his ears as he exhaled, smoke billowing into the night. “I would hear it before you did.”
Right. She let out a breath, still not used to his enhanced qualities. She turned to face him, a brow arched, silently questioning the odd smell of the cigar he held between his fingers.
“You want to try it? I should warn you, it's a bit stronger than tobacco.”
“No, thank you,” Airess said as she shifted into a more comfortable position. “I didn’t see you swipe that back in town. Is speed another one of your enhanced qualities?”
Taryn cackled, smoke spurting out of his nose. “Unfortunately, no. We may be the animalistic cousin to your species, but we are not able to move at the speed of light. Speaking of–what qualities do you have? Being half Elven and half Human, I assume.” His eyes drifted to her ears, not as elongated as the Elvens.
“In contrast to the Fae’s physical Magick and senses, Elven senses are quite the opposite. We are born with a sixth sense, in a way, and are able to sense energies. Emotions. Intentions, even, depending on how strong one’s senses are. Although Elven Magick is rare these days, there are some who can still wield energy. ”
His head tilted to the side, “And you have this quality, even being half Human?”
