A Clash Of Light And Thunder (War Of The Forgotten Lovers Book 1)

Unspoke Words

The sun was bright and shining, yet, the future was basked in darkness. The colors drained from all the flowers and trees, leaving everything a toneless grey. It was better this way, to be numb and blind to the beauty that surrounded Aria, for it was clear what she needed to do.

Aria combed her fingers through Lia's soft curls. The irony did not escape her. She was at the same spot as months ago. Under the canopy of a bright tree, a little girl who she adored sleeping on her legs, and she would have to leave her. It was a fate she could not seem to escape.

The choice settled like a heavy rock at the pit of her stomach. Aria had to leave and save Lily from the cruel fate that belonged to her. For a fraction of a moment, she knew happiness, friends, and even... Aria bit her lip. The taste of iron tainted her tongue. It was better to not think those words— to not think of Elvin. Of the possible life she could have with him if she were to stay here. It only made it harder. But how would she manage to leave? The king had eyes on her from every direction.

"What puzzle is your mind trying to unravel?" Fire-colored hair swooped into view as Aaron bent to meet Aria's fogged gaze. The spy was adept at sneaking around. There wasn't even a single sound that signaled his arrival.

Aria gave him a small smile to hide her inner thoughts. Her eyes settled on her two sparring guards at the bottom of the hill. "Just contemplating things."

"Anything I can be of assistance? I think we have proven that we are a great scheming duo." Aaron flopped on the grass next to her, making himself overly comfortable in her space.

"I doubt this is a scheme you would be willing to help with."

His golden eyes dipped to check on Lia's sleeping form before returning to gaze into the distance. "From the way your eyes keep faltering to all the guards, am I correct to assume an escape is in the works."

"No.. I...."

"Oh yes, of course not. My misunderstanding." His voice lowered. "But... if I were you and thinking of an escape, I would know it foolish to fight my way out."

Aria's heart stopped beating. 'Is this a trap?' She wondered. One misstep and he could run to the king, and she would never be able to leave. But if there was anyone that would know how to escape, surely it would be the spy. The king had to torture him to get her identity out of him, so perhaps his allegiances didn't entirely lie with the fae king. She gambled with her odds. "What would you do then?"

"There is one person in this kingdom who is blinded by your womanly charms enough to waltz you out if you so only asked, and the guards would not bat an eye."

'Use Elvin?' She spat at the idea. But Aaron was right; it was her only option. It was him or her sister. "Why are you telling me this?"

His golden eyes saddened as he exhaled heavily. "Elvin is my dearest friend. It would kill him to choose between failing his people or you. I wish to spare him that choice."

Aria bit her lip to stop it from quivering. "Will he hate me?".

"I don't think so."

Aria's hand trembled as it slid over his rough fingers. "Thank you, Aaron." She would thank him till the end of her days. For giving her a way to save her sister... for sparing Elvin the same guilt she was feeling. It was eating her up, but what choice did she have. None, none at all.

He turned to her. "Is there nothing that would make you stay?"

"I wish for nothing more... but I cannot."

"Very well then." His broad hand patted Aria's hair playfully. "Shall we enjoy what remains of your stay here?" Aaron rose and nodded his redhead at Nessa and Estel. "Perhaps, since I helped you get the attention of the prince, you could lend me a hand with this sassy elf before you leave."