God of Misfortune

Chapter 17

They had spent days together, doing little else than poring through the ancient texts that had been left behind by her family, yet they could not find a way to restore the bow. As they both looked at it, they saw that many of the cracks that had been left within it were starting to heal, and small cherry blossom like flowers were beginning to adorn it. Yet it was still broken and did not look the least bit like the portrait of her ancestor holding it. Her sister had been out for the better part of the week visiting old friends whilst she was back in the city again. Ambree was almost glad that she wasn't here right now, she felt incredibly low and didn't wish for her sister to see her so sad.

"Let's take a break, we've been at this for hours, get your shoes on," Jae-Eun hummed as he looked over to Ambree. He wanted her to experience the joys of life once again, not the sadness that was filling her up right now. Looking up at him with sleepy eyes, she nodded her head and arched her back like a cat. 

The city was lit up beautifully, Ambree loved the view from up here, knowing that in every window that shone brightly, there would be somebody in there with a life of their own, creating a world for themselves. It was a beautiful sight, and something that she thought the Gods should treasure too, after all, they could see every light in the entire world shine so brightly. Shaking her head, she slipped on her sister's boots, still having not got any more shoes than the pair of uncomfortable heels. Jae Eun pulled his blazer on, slipping on shoes of his own as they both got into the elevator with one another. 

There was a sad silence between them, it would consume them every so often and felt as if it would drown them again. Ambree felt like Messina's hands were around her neck as she found it hard to drag in breaths of air once again. She could feel the water filling her lungs as she struggled to break away. Then, just as quickly as it had come, the thought was gone and she could breathe again as she felt Jae-Eun pull her into a hug. 

"I'm sorry that the Gods have done this to you Ambree," He whispered as he ran a hand over her head gently, holding her close to his body. More than anything, he could tell that she was just exhausted, so completely drained that she could perhaps sleep for eternity herself.

She had barely been sleeping the past week, her thoughts keeping her up all night. He struggled, knowing the pain he was causing her. He held her fragile body close to his, feeling the gentle hum of her breath against his chest. The elevator dinged, informing them they were at their level as the pair made their way out to the parking garage. Her body felt cold, so removed from the warmth that she usually emitted that he found himself incredibly concerned. They climbed into the car together, Jae-Eun watching as Ambree wallowed in her own sadness. 

As he drove, he reached across, holding onto her hand tightly. He felt that if he stopped touching her, then something terrible would happen, She would cease to exist if he let go now. He felt as if at this moment he was the only thing tethering her to this realm. She was silent, and for Ambree that was a terrible thing to be. She was mouthy, brash, brazen, it was who she was at heart. He understood how quickly depression could settle in the human mind. How it came along just like the earthquakes, causing just as much damage, and with aftershocks that could challenge even his. 

She held tightly onto his hand, feeling for the first time in the past few days, a rush of something within her. For the briefest second, she felt warmth flush through her stomach, moving up to warm her heart at his action. She could feel the nervous glances that the God gave her as she stared ahead, numb and unfeeling. She could feel his hand holding tightly onto hers, yet it didn't feel as if it was truly her own. As if she was a phantom possessing a body that she did not have true control over. 

Jae-Eun pulled along to the stretch of beach he had found her at weeks before. The marks on her neck had all but faded, par from the crescent cuts that still remained scabbed over. He set a blanket down on the empty beach, allowing Ambree to sit down before he settled next to her.