Lightning Bringer: (Lighting Seeker Book 2)

You are not Nothing

The question hung in the air, nearly a visible, tangible beast. Sky leaned his head back against the couch back, shutting everything out. 

"What does he have on you Sky?" Vale asked again. 

None of it mattered. Sky glanced up at the ceiling, his eyes distant, his fingers hesitating. 

But after living with Dash... Sky paused, swallowing with visible effort. And growing so close to him, and after the death I caused... I ran. I couldn't risk my Grandfather knowing how much I cared for Dash. That's why I hid on that AI ship and took up a new identity. I knew my grandfather would find out I was there, but if he believed I was just being rebellious. Wanting to explore the world and ditch a family I didn't enjoy, he would leave Dash alone. But then...

"But then I came," Vale finished. 

Sky looked over at her, his eyes ablaze. I took one look at you and I was... undone. 

A shiver went down Vale's spine, her breath catching. 

I couldn't hide my heart anymore. So I saved you and after everything I had done, Dash saved me. 

Sky closed his eyes. After you left with Mortem, I got a message. One that threatened you both if I didn't come back... Sky looked down at the ground, letting out a heavy breath. 

So... I traded myself in with the promise that he wouldn't hurt either of you if I did. A sad smile crossed Sky's lips and Vale's heart ached for him. For the sacrifice he made to keep her and Dash safe. 

But he began to realize just how much of a problem you are. Sky gave her a proud smile. A daughter of rebellion who refuses to stand in line. If I hadn't stepped in to block your attack, he would have killed you, and probably Dash in his unforgiving rage. Sky stared down at his hands for a long moment, stretching out his fingers before he continued. 

The only thing stopping him now is his fascination with your sudden change. Your willingness to play a game you so clearly despise. Vale gritted her teeth, angry that curiosity was all that stood between her and death. 

He loves nothing more than a torture game. The words were so familiar. A mirror of Dash's. 

Vale stared at Sky, torn between anger at his lack of self-preservation, and a wild need to bury herself in his arms. Ignoring both feelings, she crossed her arms trying to put keep a clear head. "Which brings us to now. This reward is clearly another mind game. Letting us have time alone together." 

She began to pace, deep in thought. "But what is his angle? What is he trying to do other than piss off all the other girls and make me a target." 

This isn't a torture created for you, Sky signed when she finally stopped moving. He's testing me. He wants to know how deeply attached to you I am. 

Vale looked away, startled by the dark gaze that filtered through his expression. Her heart hammered in her chest, making it difficult to breathe, to think, to process his words. 

Sky stood and walked over to Vale, his eyes suddenly filled with anguish. Why did you come back here? 

Vale stayed silent, watching Sky as he battled between a look of anger and disbelief. What could possibly possess you to do something so stupid! Sky signed, anger causing his graceful fingers to shake. A mix of rage and fear evident in every stroke of words through the air.

"For you," Vale replied in such a soft whisper she was surprised that he heard her.

Sky blinked, his eyes still unreadable as she spoke. Then you came for nothing. I am not going with you.

She took his hands, gripping them fiercely so he couldn't say anything else, so he couldn't run from her next set of words. "You are not nothing." She swallowed, her own hands shaking. "You are... everything." Her voice broke.

He ripped his hands free. I can't give you what you want. I can't help you end this war—.

"This is more than that! You are more than some pawn! You've always been more than that to me." She gripped his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her so she could see his eyes, to keep him from shutting her out as she threw caution to the wind and laid herself bare. "I love you Sky! Either you are too blind or stupid to see it, but I wouldn't just walk into the lion's den for anyone! I am here for you. And to assume that you mean nothing, are nothing is not only an insult to you, but to those that love you. For I wouldn't love nothing," she finished in a near whisper.

Something cracked in Sky's expression. A hint of light behind the storm of pain he hid behind. A ray of sun hidden in the deep thick clouds. A war of light and dark crossed his features. One that had plagued him his entire life. Two paths at war. One that promised freedom and the other that promised that any other path was a mere illusion.

They stared into each other's eyes for a long moment, locked in a current of emotion passing between them. Feeling suddenly vulnerable at her admittance, Vale took a step back, looking away. 

Sky took a step towards Vale and tilted her head up so he could look into her eyes. A deep longing rested in his, the ice that had made up his exterior since her arrival melted into twin oceans. 

In case it wasn't clear to you, I am utterly... he kissed her jaw then leaned back to look at her again. Completely... He kissed her exposed shoulder. Hopelessly... He kissed the hollow of her neck. Then taking up her hand, he trailed his fingers along her wrist, tracing out his final words, sending fire into her veins with each brushstroke. In love with you. 

Vale shook her head, trying to think. "It wasn't clear. I thought that you and Danielle..." Vale couldn't finish the thought of the girl in the blood-red dress. 

Sky took a step back, startled by her words. No. 

"But you kissed her on the rooftop."

To keep her from seeing you! Word would have gotten to my grandfather and he would have found a way to ruin whatever you are here to do. 

"The dance," Vale whispered, embarrassed that the idea of someone else in his arms hurt so much. 

A torture for both of us. If I didn't perform to his liking, he promised to hurt each of the girls that I had refused. Sky took a step closer to Vale, the warmth of his body making her shiver as he stood an inch away. The scent of oil and citrus filled her lungs, a smell she had missed and made her head spin. He searched her eyes. What must I do to convince you that you are the only one in this world that I want?

Vale's heart hammered, his words like an angry, all-consuming current inside of her, overwhelming with a want she was terrified of. Vale took in an unsteady breath. "Nothing." She reached forward and pulled his face down, covering his mouth with hers, sending stars scattering across her world.