Creatures of The Dark

Chapter XVII

"Lucius!" Alexandra called my name as I left Zaraj's room. I couldn't look at her right now. I was barely containing my anger. Zaraj was only a child, a child. I climbed up the stairs, skipping steps as I made my way to my chambers for the night. "Lucius," she called again, her hand reaching out to me. I pulled away. I couldn't right now.

"I just need a moment, Alexandra."

She gave me a wary look but let me shut the door in her face. I breathed, the anger simmering into something bitter and worse. I rested my head against the worn wood. Zaraj had cried herself to sleep in my arms. I had sat there for hours after, unwilling to leave her. It was a long time before I laid her on her own bed. I wondered how she mustered the will to trust me, a male. I slammed my fist into the wall, grunting in rage. I hadn't felt this helpless in so long. I kept fighting and fighting and the ones I cared for, the innocent just kept being beaten down by the dark fae.

I shrugged off my jacket and then shirt, needing something to steady my mind and busy my hands. I eyed the stitches. The gashed had healed fast. In the Dark Palace a wound like this would have taken weeks to heal. His hand gripped my forearm, pulling me close. His liquored breath stung my eyes. I grabbed my dagger from my abandoned holster and began plucking and cutting away the stitches. I was not gentle, and as I pulled the thick thread, blood dribbled from my chest. A knock sounded at the door.

"What?" I yelled, harsher than I had meant. Anger had burrowed deeply in my mind. I sighed, dragging my hand across my face. I took a breath, "Yes?"

The door whined as it opened. I turned to face Tannon. He was the last person I would have expected. We had grown closer to the edge of toleration over the last two years, but I still wouldn't have expected him to check on me. I pulled myself straight, resting a hand on the wall.

He was looking at my chest, his brow furrowed, "Let me help you." Warily, I nodded, letting him approach me.

"Is something wrong?"

He wouldn't meet my eyes, "No." The male plucked the knife from my hand, "Here, lean on the bed."

I turned, leaning on the dresser. It's not as if I distrusted Tannon, but my memories laid deeper than my scars. He made no comment on it. And, more gently than I could have imagined, Tannon began to remove the rest of the sutures. His hands were light and gentle, but it took me a while to fully relax under his touch. He was silent as he worked.

"You're nervous?"

He scoffed, meeting my eyes as he pulled the last thread out, "Of course I'm nervous. I am no fool."

I shook my head, "You don't have to be like this with me, Tannon." I pulled the knife from his grasp, willing him to meet my eyes. He shook his head, wiping the bits of blood off my torso. I let him for a moment before taking the cloth into my own hands. "You've been off. What's wrong–"

He kissed me. When he pulled away, his eyes bright with fear and hope, and I...I couldn't. His voice was shaky but determined, "I couldn't go to Rovari, couldn't face death without you knowing how I truly felt." He had kissed me. He moved forward again and this time I jumped back, my spine hitting the dresser. My heart was beating out of my chest. At the look on my face, Tannon backed away. His despair was so clear on his face, "I understand...," He sighed, wiping his hand across his face. He seemed at a loss for words. "I know you have Alexandra, but I am like you. I understand, more than you know. I could teach you to love–" You will learn to love me, Lucius.

"Don't, Tannon." I shook my head, moving to the corner of the room.

"Lucius–"

"What's going on?" It was Alexandra's voice. She stood in the entryway, her face unreadable. She reminded me of the first time I saw her in this tavern, stone-faced and alien. Tannon held my gaze for a long time before turning away. He tried to push past Alexandra but she held firm until he met her gaze. Some unspoken language passed between them.