The Crystal Trials

39 Nik

The trek to Asuraville was not nearly as long as our trip to the university. Erix had leant us a horse drawn carriage. Jakota volunteered to drive us, as the prince was out of the city again. Faolan had begged us to come. His whimper was so convincing we almost caved. Instead, we had put him on research duty, and to keep a look out for Volar's mole. So, it was just the four of us, Dath, Taury, and me. Sera refused, dreading for her father to see her true self. The journey only took about eight hours.

It was strange to see our little town from afar after being away for so long. Taury and I hung out of the carriage windows and Dath stared ahead blankly. The stone wall grew larger as we approached and soon the cobblestone was no longer a shadowy grey haze on the horizon. Garren approached his father's guards at the gate, and we were ushered in unceremoniously.

Dath still stared ahead when we had to drive past his empty house. We would be staying with my aunt and uncle for the ceremony. They were standing outside when Jakota pulled the horse up to the front of Taury's house. She ran out of the carriage before the man could even slow it.

As I stepped out, Uncle Josiah was already swinging Taury around by the waist and Garren was walking up to Aunt Kay to give her a hug. Garren used to come around a lot when we were kids and would tease us while we trained with my uncle. Dath blinked and then followed us into the house. My aunt told Jakota where the barn was and that he was welcome to join us for dinner.

While my aunt and uncle prepared dinner, we sipped on the tea blend they had sent with us. Garren closed his eyes letting a hum of pleasure escape his mouth from the rich flavor. Taury looked at him wide eyed and Jakota glanced between them confused. My giggle died in my throat as I saw Dath swirl his tea.

He had bulked out over the last few weeks from his increase regimen in the training grounds. I envied him in that I wish I could have joined him the last couple of days. But I was too busy being passed out. Lifting the entire contents of the lake to save Emyr had not been my intention. I had used more power than I had wanted, but at least Emyr was safe and able to spend another day yearning for Syphor.

I scooted close to Dath and grabbed his cup from him. After placing it on the table, I laid my head on his shoulder. He stiffened and surprise for a second before reaching an arm around me and wrapping me close to his body. Finally. Finally, he relaxed. Good. I smiled at the homey smell of him and closed my eyes. At some point I felt someone pull a blanket over my body and the sounds of silent breathing.