One Eternal Ember

Chapter 22

  I wake up with a splitting headache, and reel in my senses. After a few minutes of looking around like I'm insane, I relax, realizing I'm in my own room. I release a sigh, and force myself out of bed. Last nights memories washing over me. The Ball, My dress, the long conversation with Malakai, the way Delano kept looking at me as I danced. All the memories return to me, including Malakai leaving me by the cliff, saying he had some business to tend too, me returning to my quarters and falling asleep. Naked. I realize as I look at myself in my body mirror, and frown.

  The next thirty minutes are spent bathing, brushing my teeth, donning a black cape, a soft tunic below my leather jacket, black leather trousers, and my polished black boots. I've just about finished braiding my hair when I hear voices outside my door. Curiosity nearly eats me alive, so I give in and open the hatch.

  The morning sun shines through the glass panes across my door, nearly knocking me over. I glare and look to my left to find none other than Lilith arguing with none other than Roman. Shock fills my senses, and I step out of my quarters, shutting the door as loud as possible. Lilith turns to me and gives me a grin.

"So you are alive. I was beginning to get worried."

I frown at her, then look to Roman. He returns my stare, but his is far more...Flustered.?

"Very much alive." I respond struggling to keep my laughter down. I look from Roman to Lilith, back to Roman, back to Lilith and wiggle my brows.

"Don't even-" She starts as her face turns two shades redder. I raise my hands up in a mock surrender, and walk down the hall, past them and down the first two stairs.

"You have twenty minutes until the meeting with Delano." I pause for dramatic effect. "I'm sure Roman won't last that long so you'll be fine." I release a cackle, and watch as Lilith gives me a vulgar gesture before I continue down the stairs.

  Who knew? I recall when we met them in The Trench, and begin to place the pieces together, smiling to myself. Of course it makes sense. I play back when Lilith was laughing with Roman in the Trench, them whispering to each other. I laugh to myself, and realize I'm happy for her. Whatever they are, I hope it works out. After walking for a few minutes I find myself in the hall with the Statues. The only one that draws my attention is the Dragon. I begin studying it, as a prick appears between my shoulder blades.

"Beautiful isn't it?" A voice says from behind me. I look over my shoulder surprised to find Zuko, clad in a green tunic, black trousers, and black boots. I should've known he would be here with Roman. Though on my part I didn't know they were a package deal. I nearly snort at my own shortcomings.

"Yeah, it is."

"It's a one of a kind." He says marveling at the Dragon statue.

"How can you tell? It's just a statue." I respond flatly.

He smiles at me, his brown eyes lighting up. "It's based off of a real model. There is only one Dragon who has feathers down it's spine." He walks up next to me, and runs his fingers along the plaque at the bottom of the statue. "It's a Phoenix Dragon. The only dragon of this kind to exist. How it was bred I have no idea." He laughs a shaky laugh. "I've wanted to find one for many many years."

"To what? Kill it?"

He looks to me his brows raised. "So you know who I am I take it."

I don't respond, which causes him to nod. "Honestly, I don't think I would ever be able to kill this one. I would be so consumed by it's sheer beauty and size." His eyes light up, and it makes him look somehow, younger. We stand there studying the statue for a few more heartbeats until he breaks the silence. "Since you're here I can only assume you're assigned to the Mission on The Solstice too."

"She is." Another voice replies flatly. Electricity fills the hall, and I don't have to turn to know who just spoke. I turn around to find Delano, in his usual attire. He studies Zuko, with a challenge in his eyes.

"While I appreciate the sentiment, I can respond for myself." I respond, trying to hide my irritation. Delano sees right through it and throws me an arrogant smile.

"I'm well aware."

I glare at him, waving my hand in the air, dismissing his arrogant responses. Zuko slides his hands in his pockets and watches Delano, before deciding he's bored and begins to leave. He walks past Delano, nearly shouldering him. If I were anyone else I would find this feud entertaining. But I'm not, and I find it a nuisance. Delano simply stands there unmoving and looks over his shoulder as Zuko leaves, waving me a brief goodbye. In the moments of silence with Delano, I can't help but find myself missing that dark wind, and the quick dismissal that comes with it.