“Don’t even think about it,” he says, this time a touch lighter. His eyes linger on mine for another breath before he slowly lowers his hand from my mouth.
“Why are you still following me? Do you know how many opportunities I’ve had to tell someone? Have I said anything? I thought you’d given up by now,” I say breathlessly.
“Why would you think that? I’m nothing if not persistent,” he deadpans.
I narrow my eyes at him. “You must have let something really bad slip. Maybe I’m the one who should be following you around. You obviously have some big secrets that would probably get you into a lot of trouble if anyone were to find out.”
His expression reveals nothing as he continues to stare into my eyes. “And what would you be able to do? You’re clearly a helpless little thing.”
I stare back, refusing to respond, and I realize there might be the smallest hint of cruel amusement in those eyes. I feel a blush creeping in when I realize he’s probably been following me for a while, and I didn’t catch it until just a moment ago.
“What are you doing carrying a knife around in your pretty purple dress anyway?”
I smell it again. That subtle smoky scent with the mix of something almost… pleasant. I have no idea what it is. My heart is racing. With fear, or something else. Curiosity? He’s never once shown me a single bit of kindness. I suppose the closest thing was him not murdering me on sight that first day when I overheard his plans that could have him hanged. “Oh, you know. Just in case some asshole decides to hold me down with a knife again.”
“If you don’t know how to use the damn thing, it’s just another weapon that can be used against you. You’re more likely to get hurt by it than do any damage to someone else.” He pulls his arm back, releasing me, but I remain planted with my back against the pillar. “Does no one teach you anything around here?”
He shakes his head, running his hand through his unruly hair.
“I know how to use it, thank you very much.”
“It’s almost too easy. You’re like a pathetic little creature. I almost…” He shakes his head again. “Never mind,” he finishes with a sigh.
“Oh just say it. By all means, don’t dance around my feelings.”
“I almost feel bad. Like a bully picking on someone half their size and completely helpless. But then I remember…”
I fold my arms and raise my eyebrows, waiting for him to go on.
He picks my dagger up off the ground, then straightens, towering over me. He holds it out to me by the blade while holding my gaze, but I ignore it. “I remember that I loathe your people and everything that you stand for,” he says with a low, even tone.
A coldness washes through me at the admission. It wasn’t a secret, but seeing the truth of it in his eyes causes a reaction in me nonetheless. He’s never going to be an ally. Even if I laid my plan out for him, he won’t see past what I am. An elf. The people who forever imprisoned his people in their current forms. I wonder if it’s a torturous feeling, not being able to embrace that other half of yourself. Does the dragon in him itch to break free every single day?
He narrows his eyes at me, seeming to fill with more anger. I must be emoting the pity I was feeling. Males with a heaping dose of pride don’t like being pitied. That much I know. But screw him, he’s been making me feel on edge and small since he got here. Who cares if I hurt his ego a little.
I finally grab the knife and step away from the wall.
“Why are you out by yourself at night? It’s not exactly safe. Or smart.”
“I come here at night because it’s beautiful. And magical.” I look around me at all the glowing colors, and he follows my gaze. “I’m perfectly fine out here at night. I’ve been coming since I was a child. We’re safe within the border walls, and the path leading here is lit the whole way.”
“And no one accompanies you?”
“No. I don’t need an escort. Nor do I want one.”
He steps back and looks me up and down. “You’re strange.”
“Save it, dickhead. I’ve heard enough of your lowly opinions of me for today.”
He pulls his lips in tightly and glances away, nodding his head in thought. If I didn’t know any better, I’d almost think he was suppressing a smirk. “Okay.”
“Why ice walls?”
“Why not?”
“Seems impractical. Nowhere else does it. Only Ellyar.”
“It takes elf magic to maintain them. They can’t just do that everywhere. And it’s not always cold enough here for them to stay solid on their own.”
