Soul Behind The Mask

10. Born... Or Forged?

"H-How? What.."

Her mind couldn't understand what was happening. Or what DID happened.

It was impossible. Was she dreaming? No. She pinched herself already.

Lewis' POV

I thought seeing Ashlyn would be my last sight before I would end up dead. Guess I was wrong.

I regained consciousness and felt something leaning on my stomach. I saw it was Ashlyn. I quickly stood on my paws and pretended to act like a normal lion would do.

I was quite confused myself too. Even more when I received her sudden tight hug. God I love her so much. I wish we could have stayed like this forever.

But how this was even possible? That crystals are lethal for us, the Royal Felines. And yet, here I was, standing on my feet (paws), fresh as new. I couldn't understand it. I looked at my beautiful girl, sitting in front of me. She was an emotional mess already, and I highly doubted she could provide any logical explanation to me.

Did God decide to have mercy on me? As if. Highly unlikely. I looked at Ashlyn. I wish I could offer her comfort in my arms. But I can't reveal myself... Even after getting back from the dead.

I hated lying to her too. She deserves a better man...

Memories came flooding to my mind. The assassins. Where were they now?

Something random popped in mind. Did she just heal me without realizing? I couldn't have healed myself. I'm sure it was shalaghite what mortally wounded me. These damn bastards always going after me. I hate the Duke. I would kill him if I could.

But if it was shalaghite what they shot at me... Then how.. Yeah, I'm sure it was her who did it. I was feeling completely fine, no internal or external pain was bothering me.

According to what I was taught as a young prince in General and Ancient Knowledge, people with unlocked psionic potential were common in the Empire, healing and telekinesis being part of their abilities. People that weren't part of the Royal Feline family, but still had a connected to the higher energetics from Above. That was until they were accused of treason because one of them was found selling shalaghites in the market - the main supply to kill us.

Any person that was known or found with the ability to manipulate energy, was immediately arrested and beheaded the following day. Many families were destroyed this way. Many innocent children, men and women perished because of this new law.

Was I in front of a healer and I didn't see it until now? But if she was a healer... How did she deal with the assassins that were after me? And how well she hid this from me all this time we knew each other! If she did... Because based on her face expression, I could she is as clueless as myself right now.

So many questions.
And no clear answers.

...

I let a deep breath out. Ashlyn looked at me, as if expecting for answers. I couldn't give those answers she seeked, I didn't even know them myself. I stood up on my paws, signaling her I was going to go now. She seemed to understand me, as she stood up as well and wrapped her soft arms around my lion mane once again. I turned my head around, seeing her clutching her fingers on her chest, as if hoping for something.

I ran as fast as I could. I had some things to discuss with my friend.

*******

"Sir, Mr. Destler is in the main gates"

"Please accompany him here"

Stefan was quite curious about the possible reason his genius plan of reuniting the couple (if they could be called a couple) seemed like it failed.

Oh yes, it definitely failed, he thought, seeing the prince's impassive face meet him in the dining room. He took a sip of his favourite red wine. He had problems of his own obviously, especially with his mind. That goddamned mind loved to run wild 24/7. So loud. It was very tiring for him to concentrate. That is why trying to help others was one of his best welcomed activities he took a liking in his spare time. Nobody helped him in childhood, neither he saw a happy future for himself. Well, at least he would be helpful to others. That was the main reason he jumped to the opportunity as soon as he saw it.

"Stefan. We need to talk."

The young Earl put the glass on the table and after telling the servants to leave the room, he looked at him, inviting him to sit down and continue his talk.

"I died." Lewis paused, to observe his closest friend's reaction.

Stefan raised an eyebrow. "Is this some sort of prank? I told you to watch your back buddy, I can't constantly save you from any hardships. Please don't get into more trou-"

"Stefan, listen to me. Ashlyn saved me. I died. I was sure of it. Some assassins were sent to end me. They used the damn shalaghites!! I don't know where they constantly find new crystals! And I-I don't know how but I woke up, and Ashlyn was next to me. And there was no trace left from them. And my wound was gone!!"

Stefan didn't know what to think.

Lewis showed his stomach. Even though the shirt he had was covered in blood, the area where the wound was supposed to be was intact.

"Listen, I thought about it, maybe she's a mage? A healer perhaps? And I don't even know where those assassins went. Maybe they think I'm dead? But I was sure they saw Ashlyn too. How is she not dead either?"

"She could be one indeed. We didn't see how the whole turn of events happened"

He took another sip.

"She could be a healer... Although her family doesn't have any signs of it. In fact, I just see them as the normal family of merchants."

"Yes, but it's logical they would be hiding their abilities, especially after the law was passed".

Lewis looked at the window.

"I want to keep a closer eye on her now, to figure out who she really is... Maybe her family are those too.. But fuck, I don't want people to find out about me"

Stefan shrugged. "Do whatever you want, man. Try not to get into any shitty situation again though. I'm only doing this because I know you're the right king for the throne."

Lewis frowned. "And you forgot you're my friend too, deepshit."

Stefan chuckled. "That too". He finished his glass and called a servant to fill it again as he watched the prince leave the room.