A LAND OF FIRE AND DARKNESS

Chapter 36

I looked down at my bare feet that were covered in mud and contemplated what I was supposed to do next. I was away from the castle, and I was not sure how I get back. But If chose, I did not need to go back. I could travel North and search for passage back to Utohia.

I turned my head towards the North horizon as my dusty blonde hair whipped around me in the wind. I could forget about everything. I could forget about being Highvarion, I could forget about being Delcallon's Intwined, and he could go and live his life with Rosay if he chose.

The sound of a horse beating towards me caused my numb mind to slowly look towards the South.

Delcallon was galloping towards me in full force on the back of a black stallion. He rode towards me in a picture of a dream as his silver hair whipped around his face.

I could still run. I could turn around and dart into the forest, forget this life completely.

But I did not want to forget it.

I did not want to forget about my friendship with Laveen, and the jokes we would make between each other. I did not want to run away from Yarris and his blunt attempts of flirtations while also being kind. I did not want to miss the chance to see what would unfold between the soft-hearted Brallon, and the Lady of Whispers, Dorica.

I did not want to abandon Delcallon.

He brought his horse to a sudden halt and swiftly jumped off before rushing towards me. His face looked panicked and distressed, and he appeared as tired as I felt.

He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me in a protective hug that warmed my body. My arms wrapped around his waist as I pressed my forehead against his chest.

His breaths were heavy as he held me like that. There were no words between us, I doubted I would be able to choke out any sentences though. I felt numb and I felt cold.

He slowly pulled away from me as his clear eyes traced over my face. He pulled his jacket off of his body and wrapped it around mine.

My walls were down, he had read that I was cold. I was not even sure how to put it back up. I was magically exhausted after roasting the assailant.

His eyes darted over me to where the charred man lay on the ground and he released an amused huff. "I came all this way to rescue you." He shook his head with a soft smile, "And you went and rescued yourself."

I huffed out a chuckle and smiled at his genuine astonishment. I looked up at him and stared into his crystal-clear eyes. I gulped down before managing to force out a phrase, "Can we go home?"

His eyes softened and his lips parted. He nodded slowly as he swiftly scooped me up against his chest and strode towards the horse. I would usually argue and struggle and refuse to let someone carry me, but I was physically exhausted.

Using my powers had completely drained me.

He helped me onto his horse before climbing up behind me. I immediately collapsed against his chest as his arms wrapped around me to grab onto the reigns.

"It will get easier with time." He stated as he turned the horse towards our destination. "I still get drained, hence the horse." He said with a soft tone.

I looked down at the black steed and nodded slowly. I wondered why he had not appeared through the shadows.

"I am sorry for taking so long." He whispered with a pained voice. "I... I could not find you." He sounded distressed and I could hear the guilt in his voice. "I..." He was stuttering. "I should not have left you."

I reached for his hand and wrapped my fingers around his, his skin was warm which I savored as my body continued to react to the cold. "It is not your fault," I said sternly without looking up.

Our bodies bobbed to the movements of the horse, as he took the journey slow. Which I appreciated.

My mind went over the sequence of events that had occurred. "Is Brallon okay?" I asked remembered how weak and hurt he had looked after Eskar released him.

Delcallon nodded slowly, "He is upset with himself, and blames himself for you being taken... But he is fine."

I shook my head. It was not his fault either.

I know.

His voice echoed in my mind, and I honestly did not care. I was tired and had no intention of putting up a wall right now.

"Laveen is also blaming himself," Delcallon stated with a stern tone. "He does not know how so many Rebels got into the castle so easily."

I gulped down, "They were guests." I said slowly. "There were so many of them."

He pressed his lips to my head. "I know." The warmth from him caused my body to press into him further.

"Del." I turned my head to him and remembered an important detail. His clear eyes looked down at me. "He is in the castle," I stated with a concerned tone.

He narrowed his gaze, "Who?"

"Eskar met their leader, in the castle."

Delcallon's eyes widened and I saw his face morph into a darkened glare. He clenched his jaw as his grip on me slightly tightened.

"Do you know who it is?" I asked examining his body language.

He shook his head. "No." A growl escaped his lips, "But the only people in the castle, are people I thought I could trust." His eyes hardened, "Which means I was wrong, this is my fault."

I stared at his pained expression and wished I knew how to reassure him. This was not his fault. This was not Laveen's fault. This was put together by the leader of the Rebels. Someone close enough to the King, to know how to smuggle in dozens of weapons with the guests. Someone who had managed to convince hundreds that the future could be bright without Delcallon.

Someone Eskar would listen to...

"Is Lewis dead?"

The horse was brought to a sudden halt and I looked into Delcallon's face. His eyes were narrow as he waited for me to further explain.

"There was another man, with red eyes, he said something." I began as I turned my eyes towards the horizon. "Something similar to what Lewis told me." I looked down and tried to maintain calming breaths.

I did not want to believe that Lewis would fake his death and participate in something like this. But he knew what I was from the beginning, he was close to Eskar, and he did not sound as if he approved all the traditions of Pretonas, which is why he remained hidden in Utohia with my mother.

"He is dead, Alinta." Delcallon's words both cut me and caused my shoulders to slouch with relief. "Dorica saw the body, which is how we found out he had been poisoned."

I shook my head as I swallowed back the tears that wanted to fall down my cheeks. Today had been very emotional.

"Today?" He asked from behind me, "Alinta," I looked behind me, "You were taken the evening before last."