The Anomalies

Chapter 18

The next day I'm utterly exhausted. No thanks to a sleepless night from constant worrying. Another thing has been added to my list that I can't talk to anyone else about. I went through every single book on Elijah's shelf and found nothing close to what I was looking for.

Elijah was once again absent and I assumed it was because of me. I desperately needed to leave this place or at least get my own room. Considering that he and I were most likely done after last nights events.

A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. I look through peep-hole to see who is on the other side.

Zarha.

I take in a deep breath and open the door.

"Hi," Zarha smiles nervously.

Not knowing what to say to her I just respond with a simple, "How are you?"

"I'm good. Listen Iris, we need to talk."

I laugh and shake my head, "I'd say so"

"I didn't want to throw this whole thing upon you like this, but I didn't have a choice." Zarha steps into the apartment as she begins.

I fold my arms in front go me, "Iris, I don't care that you are his betrothed. I care more about the fact that you lied to me, I thought we were friends. I can't even trust you anymore. "

"I know and I'm so sorry about that. I was under strict orders from my father, the King, not to reveal my identity. I was sent here to see if Elijah had true intentions. Before I was even able to walk Elijah and I's parents agreed to the Betrothal in hopes to once day take down Aequalis in unity. I didn't know until a few weeks ago and Elijah just today."

At this point I'm just angry, "And you didn't think about how it would affect me? That Elijah is my soulmate and it would change everything for me?"

"What'd done is done and nothing can be changed now. All I can say is that I wish it didn't have to happen the way it did. I know you'll never forgive me, but please don't let that end our friendship."

Shaking my head I mutter, "It won't end our friendship, but it will never be the same."

"Oh thank you, Iris!"

Zarha runs up to me and wraps her arms around me in a hug. I stiffen, still more than just upset with her. I pull away from her and take a step back.

"Sorry, too soon." She sticks her hands in the pockets of her standard issue brown pants.

"Now that your secret is out, why are you still wearing Aequalis clothes?" I let out a laugh.

She looks down at her clothes and smiles, "You know these pants are actually quite comfortable compared to my everyday dresses."

At that moment the door opens, causing both of us to turn. Elijah walks in and looks surprised to see us together.

"Oh, I didn't know you'd be here Zarha. I need to talk to Iris alone, could you give us a minute?"

She nods, looking between the two of us, "Yea sure! Um- I'll just meet you two later at the council meeting."

I silently wish that Zarha wasn't leaving me alone with him. I hadn't been looking forward to this conversation but now that he was here- it took everything I had not to run from it.

"Look Iris, I didn't mean for all that to happen last night. I haven't been there for you, and I'm sorry about that."

He reaches for my hand but I step away, "Elijah, you've really hurt me."

He sighs, "I know Iris, I know and I am so sorry about that."

"I think we need to talk about this Soulmate thing. Whats going on?"

His brow furrows and his eyes darken, clearly wanting to avoid the topic at all costs.

"That's not a good idea. Look, I came here to prepare you for tonights announcement. I'm choosing Zarha."

A gasp escapes my lips, "What?"

"The meeting begins at 7 p.m., please be punctual."

He storms out of the apartment before I can say another word. I fall to my knees and let out a sob.