After All

Chapter 15: Heart

Samuel and Ivy walked side by side to the Elanan castle. They heard about Desiree and Nolan's true origins and felt it was best if they stayed away. Their hearts ached when they heard the news, but they found solace in each other's company. When Emilia caught sight of her friends, she ran up to them, ignorant of the fact that they were holding hands.

"Have you two seen Zane and Omar? They haven't come back from the lines yet!" Emilia exclaimed, filled with worry. Before Ivy or Samuel had the chance to respond, the three of them noticed a pair of horses racing in their direction. The horses suddenly skidded to a halt, the wooden cart behind them digging into the dirt as a result of the sudden stop. It didn't take long for Emilia to recognize two of the passengers by their blue skin and white hair.

"SKATHI!" Emilia screeched. She had never seen a Skathi up close before, but she knew enough to be afraid of them. Before Emilia, Ivy and Samuel had the opportunity to flee, Zane hopped off the caravan and ripped off his helmet.

"Emilia, wait! It's me!" Zane insisted, grabbing his sister by the upper arms to stop her from running away. Emilia's panic eventually died down when she realized her brother and boyfriend had returned.

"Zander! Where have you been?!" Emilia exclaimed, giving him a hug to prove to herself that he was real.

"Behind the Skathi front lines." Omar added, removing his helmet and tucking it under his arm. Catherina and Lief heard Emilia's screams and rushed outside. However, they slowed down when they saw Zane and Omar.

"Mom! Dad! You aren't going to believe what we've learnt!" Zane exclaimed, pulling away from Emilia and approaching his parents.

"Who are they?" Lief snapped, gesturing to Artemisia and Adonis with his chin. When Artemisia caught a glimpse of Lief's drawn sword, she partially ducked behind Adonis. This act of cowardice gave Catherina a hint as to who her Skathi guests were.

"Artemisia. What brings you to Elan?" Catherina warmly asked, calling Artemisia out from her hiding spot. When Artemisia made no attempt to reply, Adonis spoke up on her behalf.

"We request an audience with you both. We have very important information regarding the war." Adonis explained.

"I've seen you before," Lief commented, gesturing to Adonis, "you were the one that attacked my son. You think I'm going to trust you after that?"

"Dad, please put the sword down!" Zane implored, hoping his father wouldn't turn Artemisia away.

"We only need a moment of your time." Artemisia softly commented, hoping her words would be able to convince Lief to trust them, even if it was just for a minute. Lief's eyes darted between Zane, Catherina and the Skathi. When no one made any further protests, he sighed and slipped his sword back into its scabbard.

"Fine. But one wrong move and they're dead." Lief hissed, leading everyone back into the castle. They sat down in the dining room to have their meeting. Out of respect for the Elanans present, Artemisia and Adonis transformed back into their normal selves to make their hosts feel more comfortable. While everyone else stayed quiet, Adonis did most of the talking, taking it upon himself to explain Quillian's plan.

"Now we're on the run from him. If he gets his hands on Artemisia's healing powers, nothing will be able to stop him." Adonis added, hoping the Elanans would be somewhat understanding and sympathetic to their situation. Everyone was left dumbfounded by what they had heard, amazed that the Skathi were more evil than they thought.

"I don't expect you to help us. I just wanted you to know what you're up against." Artemisia stated, feeling a little braver now that the harder parts of the conversation were over and done with.