The Blood Rite

Chapter 17

Aster had been avoiding Silas like her life depended on it. She refused to train with him, opting to train with Nyx instead, and when they got home she'd lock herself in her room and not come out.

She was terrified she'd run into him and he'd force her to talk about it. She didn't want to talk about it, he didn't like her like that, that's fine, but she couldn't bare to see the pity in his face.

Nyx had known something was up, that something had happened, but he didn't say anything. He just frowned every time Aster would run off to her room and Silas would avoid her gaze.

Aster had thought about returning home to avoid the embarrassment, what's one more year without completing the Rite? But in her heart she knew she'd just be running from him, and Aster didn't want to run.

As embarrassed and ashamed as she felt, she wasn't going to let it bring her down. She still had to complete the Blood Rite, she had to make her parents proud.

Unfortunately, now that she didn't have the 6'5 warrior following her around, people like Bernie would continue to annoy her. They started slut-shaming her again, now that Silas wasn't threatening them, they seemed to gain back their confidence.

"Watch out, whore", Bernie hissed as he ran into her shoulder on purpose.

Asteria rolled her eyes. They could, at the very least, be more creative about it. Aster was heading to Emerie's clothing shop, she needed new leathers for the Rite and making them takes some time. She didn't visit the middle of town very often and she'd almost forgotten why until she was here.

Snide remarks, glares from all directions. Anyone would think she had personally wronged everyone in the camp. Still, Aster held her head high and continued on, she refused to let them get to her.

"Morning Aster!" Emerie smiled as the little bell on her shop door announced Aster's entrance.

"Hi Emerie! How are you?" Aster lent on the counter while they chatted.

"I'm well, thank you. What can I do for you today?" Emerie smiled.

"I just need some new leathers, will they be ready for the Rite?" Aster asked.

"Yeah, no problem, I'll drop them off when their ready. How is training going?"

Internally, Aster cringed. Training had been fine until she tried to fuck her best opponent.

"It's been good", Aster lied.

"I'm glad", Emerie smiled, "I'll get started on your leathers right away, I have a few new additions that I think you'll like".

————

Silas had only passed through the centre of Windhaven a couple of times. But, something about the hustle and bustle of all the small businesses and stalls was comforting. Venzor was never like this. Maybe he was biased, but Venzor seemed darker, more sinister. Everything felt lighter here, even though it was cold and frosty, it pleased Silas to see young children making snowmen and having snowball fights.

"Come to your senses have you, Silas?"

Silas turned to find the owner of the voice to be Bernie. Silas furrowed his brows in confusion, not only was the prick not making sense but he had the audacity to approach Silas.

"I've noticed you're not hanging around that bitch anymore, finally fucked her have you? No need to suck up to her anymore".

Silas felt his stomach burn with fire. Acting completely on instinct, Silas grabbed Bernie by the shirt and raised him to eye-level.

"You speak about her again and I'll cut your head from your neck. Understood?" Silas growled, "what made you think I'd ever agree with anything that came out of your putrid mouth?"

Bernie was struggling, trying to break Silas's firm grip, "is she that good?" He stuttered, "I know Thomas can sometimes exaggerate, so I didn't think-"

Silas threw Bernie to the ground, "you must have a fucking death wish".

"Silas! Stop!"

Oh that voice. That heavenly fucking voice. He'd only been hearing it over and over again in his head for the last week. He shivered involuntarily. It had been so long since she'd spoken to him that he'd almost forgotten how much of an affect she had. Coming back to reality, he realised, that he had indeed stopped. Bernie was catching his breath on the ground, his eyes flicking between Silas and Aster.

"Leave him alone, Silas", her hand rested on his bicep and he wanted to grab it and kiss his way up to her elbow.

"Please", she whispered.

Silas righted himself and turned to face her, as he turned, her hand fell away.

"Okay", Silas said carefully in fear that she'd turn and run.

Silas knew he had fucked up the other week. She had wanted him and he had rejected her. It wasn't even a nice rejection, he could've - should've - been nicer.

"This is a good time to leave, Bernie", Aster hissed, her eyes landing on the male.

Bernie took what she said to heart and picked himself up off the ground.

"What did I say last time?" Aster sighed.

"I did not fight him for you", Silas huffed, "sure he said mean things, but it was more just the fact that he had the audacity to speak to me".

Aster rolled her eyes playfully, "dramatic Illyrian males".

Aster turned to leave but Silas grabbed her hand.

"Can we talk?" He asked tentatively.

"There is nothing to talk about", she said sternly, "you've set your boundaries and I will respect them".

He shook his head, "it is complicated, Princess".

"I don't want complicated".

"I understand that but-"

"You don't need to explain yourself, Silas".

"I have to because-"

"-you don't! I should go.."

"ASTER!" He hissed pulling her closer, "For cauldrons sake let me speak".

She huffed and glared at him, it was clear she was trying to avoid this conversation.

"I want you, Aster, with every fibre of my being. And yet, I cannot have you", he sighed, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders.

"Why?"

"That is the complicated part".

"I told you, I don't want complicated".

"I know", he ran his fingers through his hair, "I just don't want you to think that the feeling isn't mutual, because it very much is. Aster I need you to know that".

She shrugged, "okay, so you like me and can't be with me for very complicated, allusive reasons. That doesn't change anything".

Silas grabbed her face between his hands, his thumb skimming over her cheek.

"Don't be mad at me", he whispered.

She pushed his hands away, "I am. I wasn't mad earlier when I thought you didn't return my feelings but now I am".

Silas cringed at her words.

"You made me hate myself for a week! I thought that you thought I was disgusting!" She yelled.

Silas frowned, "I would never think that, Aster".

She sighed, "how was I meant to know that?!"

She broke away from him and headed back towards the outskirts of the town where their cabin lay. Silas was so lost. He wanted Aster so badly, and the mating bond was driving him crazy, but Rhysand's thoughts lay in the back of his mind. His father was always watching.