Viridian

Chapter 24

I take a deep breath, my heart is racing as I enter the war room without knocking. The heavy wooden doors open as I push against them, the guards posted on the outside making no attempt to stop me, no doubt for fear of what Cato would do to anyone who touched me. I meet no one's eye contact as I step into the smokey melling room and close the doors behind me. I step away from the door, taking another deep breath before looking at the men before me.

A group of ten men, now silent and staring at me, hover around a large round table with various maps and war pieces on it. Some of the men look like soldiers, probably lieutenants of their military sectors and a few look like Savants, dressed in preppy clothing rather than armour. I spot the Captain I saw talking to Cato earlier, to the right of him, Cato, his eyes glowing as he stares at me. No going back now.

"I—" I take a deep breath, steading my voice before continuing. "The Creon need to be eliminated." I state, my voice more powerful now. "We all know that the most efficient way to do that is through me." I take a step forward, my eyes hardening. "Use me," I announce. "Use me to lure them out, to kill them and to make your people safe again," I finish.

"No," is Cato's only reply.

"I wasn't asking," my eyes lock on his, glowing pink in a battle of power between us.

"Everyone leave," he breathes angrily. "Now."

The men slowly file out, passing me as they leave, my eyes remaining on Cato. I see a blur in the corner fall to the ground, quiet as a mouse. Najiba stands up from her crouched position, and walks towards me. Cato and eye remain in our staring contest as she passes but I can't help but feel an essence of respect flow off of her. The door shudders shut leaving me and Cato alone as the world stands still.

"You brought me here to use me, Cato," I say, stepping towards him. "So what's the problem."

"I will not let you kill yourself," he rumbles, every word reeking with fury.

"Then you better get there before they kill me," I state, crossing my arms as I reach the table, standing directly across from him.

"You're not going."

"I am not your subject," I start. "You cannot tell me what to do."

"You forget my powers, Princess," he snarls. "I could simply make you forget the Creon exists if I wished for it."

"I thought you cared about your people," I accuse, ignoring the threat.

"I do."

"And yet here I am, handing you the solution to the biggest threat your people face—"

"The answer is no, Adhira."

"I don't remember asking you a question, Cato."

"I will not risk your life on a whim."

"You would rather damn your people?"

"I will find another way," he breathes.

"Every second you let the Creon live is another second your people die."

"Enough, Princess," he snarls, sounding both angry and slightly defeated.

"Do you care about your people?" I ask, accusingly.

"Of course I do!" he shouts.

"Then prove it to them!" I yell. "You know what they do, Cato. How they kill! It's time they are stopped."

"You don't think I know that!" he screams.

"Then why won't you let me help you?"

"Because I can't lose you!" he bangs his fist on the table, green energy coursing through the wood before it cracks in half. I look over the ruined table, taking a deep breath before looking up at Cato, the glow in his eyes dimmed slightly by a look of sadness.

"If you don't let me help you," I say gently. "Then you will not only lose me, but your kingdom and everyone else that you love," I breathe, meeting his eyes once more before turning on my heel and leaving Cato to his demons. 

________________________________________________________________________________

Bonjourno readers! So how bout dat confession huh? I feel bad for Cato because he lost his parents so young so I gave him leeway to be agressive, plus he wasn't hurting Adhi, but let me know if this was a bit to... TAMLIN for y'all because... that's just a no. Anyways... kisses, ciao my lovely readers!

- Nicole Winters