The Lost World Of Victa

Chapter 32: Stellae De Caelesti Mortem

I open my eyes, still shaken up from that vision. It's night out, and the forest is dark, the thousands off stars flickering in the night sky. I can see a fire off to my right, and I start to sit up, to gather more of my surroundings, when I feel an arm wrap around my back, guiding me into a sitting position. I look to my right and see Zayn, fully healed from his encounter earlier. 

He looks at me the worry that was clouding his features starting to dissipate. He speaks softly, his gentle tone surprising me, "Lillian, thank the heavens you're alright. I healed you, but even after three days, you still hadn't woken up. I was starting to worry." 

I blanche. Three days? I was sleeping for three days? That's a long time--though I guess it makes sense, since I was nearly killed by... 

"Kain," I blurt, my mind suddenly reeling. Before I passed out, Zayn was about to kill him...

Zayn sighs, gesturing towards a tree to my left. I see that Kain is asleep, leaning against the tree. He's got rope around his wrists, tying him to the tree, and yet he looks peaceful. I can see a few bandages wrapped around his stomach, as well as his arms and neck. 

"Before you collapsed, you ordered me not to kill him. Until you woke, I had to keep him alive," Zayn explains, bile filling his voice as he looks at the sleeping boy.

"I ordered you?" I ask, unsure of what he means. Sure, I told him not to kill Kain, but I'm not in a position to be ordering a prince around. 

"It's nothing you need to worry your pretty little head about. Now, I'm gonna go wake him up so we can decide what to do with him..." he starts, turning away and beginning to stand up. 

"Wait," I call, and he pauses, turning back to look at me; his maroon eyes glowing slightly.

He raises his eyebrow, waiting for me to continue.

I take a deep breath, "Let him sleep 'til morning. Then we can decide what to do. I'll stay up and keep watch. You go to sleep." 

I can see the weariness in his bones. He needs rest. He's been managing a sleeping me and a prisoner for three days. 

Zayn opens his mouth to protest, but I stand up, brushing some dust from my clothes. I interrupt his protest, speaking harshly, "I'll be fine. You need sleep." 

He nods, "Alright, but only because I know you'll make me whether I want to or not," and turns around to go find his cot around the fire. 

I smile, and walk around, leaning against the other side of Kain's tree. I keep my eyes and ears peeled, watching for any sign of danger. I watch as the night flickers by, finding solace in the comforting and familiar sounds of the forest. I think back to my vision. I don't understand it. Why would the Keeper show me a vision of Finn Morrighan? Is he related to Jameson? Is that his ancestor? Why would I need to see that now? 

My mind loses itself in its thoughts and questions as the night trickles by, slowing flickering into day. I hear the forest still and change, transfering itself over as dawn comes. I walk around the tree, heading to the fire to put it out, when I hear a voice speak.

"Thank you," it says, and I turn around to see that Kain is awake, and staring at me, his blue whirlpools filled with sadness and resignation. 

"For?" I ask, raising my eyebrow and walking back over to him, sitting right in front of him on the forest floor.

"Saving my life," he says, blushing and averting his eyes. 

I smile at him, "Of course." 

He stares back at me, confusion written across his features, "but I tried to kill you. Why would you save me?"