Fuck.
I’m alive.
My ass hits the floor, Farren barely jostling in my arms as I make sure to keep her safe.
Sympathy crosses some of the guys' faces.
Ah, good. They don’t completely hate me, then. I’m glad, although I’m not sure why it matters to me, but then again, I’m really not sure of much anymore.
I haven’t been for a long time.
“Do not worry, I will guard you while you get to the bottom of this,” Laikynn says. He adds, “I have a feeling that not much would dare to come near you while you are being guarded by the beast.”
“What is it?” Rival asks curiously, as he looks at the beast.
“Ancient.”
That’s the only answer that Laikynn gives before he turns and disappears into the darkness with Poca, Meri curled up on his back still, and I watch as Oryn flaps his wings, but instead of following themout into the surrounding darkness, he shocks me by coming to land next to the beast.
“Alright, why don’t you two fill us in?” Storm suggests, looking between Rast and me before his eyes settle back on Farren.
“Maybe start with how you know each other,” Mayhem adds when both Rast and I stay silent.
“We grew up together,” Rast explains rather sparsely.
I roll my eyes, “As awesome as ever at sharing shit, mate.” Moving my attention to the now amused-looking others, I add, “We’re best friends, brothers.”
“Not actually related,” Rast adds.
I smirk, “I think they got that.”
“You’re not explaining it right,” Rast shoots back.
I try not to look amused as I fall into the easy routine of this argument. “You weren’t explaining it at all.”
“I was!”
“Yeah, you two are definitely as close as brothers,” Loki smirks.
“So, what happened?” Kill asks.
My grin falls off my face. “I died.”
“You were murdered,” Rast corrects, anger flashing across his features.
The silence that falls over us all is heavy. I steel myself, ready for their questions.
“And somehow Farren managed to bring you back,” Hades mutters, his eyebrows drawn down in confusion.
I try not to look surprised, so they don’t realise that they haven’t asked me about it and want details.
If I can help it, I really don’t want to have to give them any details. It is not a pleasant tale to tell, especially since I remember it so vividly.
I mean, why did I have to remember my death so clearly but not what I learned when I was in Tèarmann?
“She should be dead,” Rast repeats. “Everything needs balance. Hence, if this realm dies, it could throw the true balance off. Farren brought someone who was dead back to life, which should mean that her life is forfeit, and yet she’s not dead.”
“Maybe it’s because this realm is on the edge of oblivion anyway?” Kill asks. “So the usual rules no longer apply here?”
