Arwick (A Light Of Roria Sequel)

Chapter Thirty-Five

Staci

As far as prisons go, I couldn't really complain about mine. I had seen what jail life was like on TV, and this was nothing like that. Though after what I had done, I knew I deserved much worse.

The tree they placed me in was surrounded by iron that curved around the bark, like armor. Unlike the other places that had a thick cloth for a door, this one was metal and took a key to unlock. Inside was a bed with thick blankets, a feather pillow, and a platter of fruits to choose from with a pitcher of water next to it.

Keren and Netanyah uncuffed me once I was inside, telling me (more like threatening) they wouldn't put my restraints back on unless I'd do something stupid, and by their expression I knew they expected I would.

A small, barred window was on the door, and I could see Aziel was still standing outside. I hadn't said anything since they'd placed me in here, though for a while I had cried out in shame, muffling my tears with the pillow. The part of me I hated had tucked back in a corner somewhere. I guessed the guilt had done a good job of holding it at bay, at least for the time being.

Finally getting off the bed, I moved toward Aziel, who seemed to hear me coming. He turned to face me, but I could only see the top half of his face from the small opening.

"Were you able to rest, my lady?" he asked. He was acting like I hadn't just done something horribly disgusting, and it really irritated me.

"Why are you treating me so nice? I thought you liked Addisyn? You're seriously just okay with what I've done?"

"It would seem your own guilt is enough punishment, my lady. Though if it is honesty you seek, my kindness to you will remain, regardless of what you have done or my own opinions on that matter. You are still my one flesh whether you choose to disregard it or not. As such..." He paused, his eyes smiling. "There are certain privileges you shall receive on my behalf over many others, including my continued undeserved grace."

I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms. I was 100 percent ready to challenge his stupid belief that we were meant for each other and only hoped he could handle the blow. "Explain this one to me, buddy. If divinity is as awesome as you all say, why the heck would it set you up with someone who uses dark magic? Does that even make sense to you? Because I see a big red flag with that one."

"Divinity has no intention of what you speak," Aziel started out. "For that would be nonsensical, my lady. Which can only mean you will be saved. Thus, allowing me to love a divinity user after all."

His calmness was only irritating me more. The guy seriously could not be rattled, and as angry as I wanted to be at him, he simply wouldn't fight back. Giving up, I looked toward the food and chose a vine of grapes, shoving a few in my mouth, feeling raged.

The grapes had been so juicy and sweet I'd almost forgotten I was mad, distracting me for a while. "So what's going on out there?" I asked.

"Elijah is going over the customs of Ethina to the fairies. If they wish to unite in battle, it is wise for one to know another's formalities. Your mother is quite sagacious."

"What does that mean?" He was as bad as Addisyn, and I was beginning to feel stupid in comparison.

Smiling, he chuckled. "Our worlds speak in such different dialects, do they not? It means she is wise, my lady."

"Are you laughing at me?" I moved toward the bars, ready to throw the remaining grapes straight at his eyeball. "Of course not, my lady. I would never. I merely made an observation." Aziel's eyes were smiling again, looking me up and down before continuing. "You are certainly determined to provoke me, and I find it rather amusing. Go on, my lady, do your worst. Though I must admit I am a stoic man, and there is little that infuriates me."

Sighing, I moved to lie back down, throwing myself onto the bed. I was done talking to him. Something about him drove me crazy. The worst part was admitting just how much I loved it.