Empty Eyes: Book 1

Chapter 38

Ino was a red vision of rage when she found out I'd convinced Sasuke the way I had. She quickly got over it when Sai asked her if she'd still be interested in teaching me a few fighting techniques as well as accompanying us to Ame. Getting married did little to dull their obsession with one another and she jumped at the opportunity to fulfill a request for him.

Sasuke wanted to leave Konoha immediately, but the newlyweds convinced him to wait a few days so I could be taught some basic self-defense. I also wanted to keep an eye on Madara.

The way he acted in the laundry room when he gave me the lead was just too out of character for me to wrap my head around. Ever since he attacked me in his room the week of the wedding, it's been like he's suffering from an identity crisis. I got the feeling that he was just as confused as me by it all, but hell would likely freeze over before he'd sit down and have a conversation with me about it.

The Uchiha twins spent a lot of time out of the castle in the few days I was training. They were meeting up with some of their family's contacts to verify no one had heard any rumors that would delegitimize Madara's statement. When they were home, Sasuke barely acknowledged my presence.

Both of us were focused on the oncoming trip, but even when we were in his room at night he barely even glanced in my direction. It was too late to change his decision, but he obviously seriously regretted telling me I could come along. The prince was not happy with me or himself. Honestly, I was too exhausted from Ino's rigorous training to pay too much mind to his pouting, instead using every chance I could get to rest.

My sister told me she thinks I'm a natural at all the things she was teaching me, going as far as to bet I'd be able to easily best her after I've turned. A prideful and excited hum rose in my chest when I thought about actually being decent at something. All my life, I've been average at best when it came to literally anything, so her encouraging words lit a fire under me to work even harder.

Finally, after cramming as much training as possible, the day of our departure arrived. A strange mixture of excitement and fear brewed chaotically in my chest during breakfast, which made it hard to stomach any food. We were set to leave shortly after the meal.

Despite the serious nature of our trip, I've always been eager to see the world. To help myself cope with the terrifying possibility of having to face either of the awful vampires we were hunting, I focused on the traveling aspect of the situation. The king and queen knew the details of our plans, but didn't speak much on the subject other than Mikoto fiercely declaring that we'd all suffer her wrath if anyone came home with even a hair out of place.

Madara holed himself up in his room except for mealtimes and even then he was oddly silent. The entire table noticed the difference in his character, but no one was brave enough to bring it up so meals have been pretty awkward.

After the meal was finished and the other three were grabbing their luggage and loading it in the large vehicle outside, I decided to chance one last conversation with the suddenly reclusive Uchiha. The decision was either incredibly reassuring or idiotic, maybe even both.

I paused at his bedroom door and waited until I heard Sasuke reach the end of the steps with our bags before lightly knocking my knuckles against the heavy wood. It made me uncomfortable, but I told the prince I wanted to freshen up before leaving instead of being honest about my plan to speak with his uncle. There was no way he'd let me even try, so I had no choice.

The door opened after a moment and our eyes locked. For some reason, I couldn't force myself to say anything or look away, instead staring wide eyed at his equally-stunned face. After a long pause, he gingerly stepped to the side and gestured that I was welcome to enter so we could speak without the chance of someone seeing us. My brow furrowed because I had to physically stop myself from walking straight in.