Thief of Twilight

Part Three: Chapter 100

Tekhelet quietly walked down the stone staircase. Once everyone returned to the tower, Cerise and Zaffre took Vista to her bed where she was healed. Her wounds were minor with the only serious injury being her broken ankle. Zaffre refused to leave his sister's bedside until she woke up. Cerise brought him a bowl of vegetable soup and encouraged him to get some rest.

Zurine returned with them, but Ji-eun quietly ushered her to her bed where she immediately went to sleep as if she were exhausted.

Tekhelet was the only one outside of Zurine, Ji-eun, and Zaffre who knew what happened in the cave. He was eager to share his findings with Sinopia but also worried he would get his hopes up. He knew how important it was for Sinopia to find a child of the white moon. He didn't want to disappoint him.

As he stepped into the dining hall, he saw Sinopia sitting by the fireplace drinking a cup of tea. Tekhelet crossed the room and took a seat in the wooden chair beside him.

"I thought you would be asleep." Sinopia whispered.

"I couldn't sleep." Tekhelet lied.

"I'm glad that they made it back safely. I was worried something terrible had happened to them. Especially Vista. She never leaves her brother's side. At least not for that long." Sinopia held his cup to his lips.

"I was worried as well. I am glad she was found."

A pause followed.

The light from the moon slithered into the room through the window.

"Is there something that you want to share with me?" Sinopia asked.

"...There really isn't any way to fool you, is there?" Tekhelet laughed nervously.

Sinopia chuckled. "What is it?"

"Well...it happened when I was watching Zurine."

Sinopia shifted his gaze.

"I was watching them when they went into the cave. That was around the time I communicated to you and the others through telepathy. But...I saw Zurine fighting a giant..."

Sinopia lowered his cup to his lap.

"When she was fighting the giant...she created something. I don't know what it was but..."

"What are you talking about?" Sinopia inquired.

"I saw something appear in the palm of her hand. It was a silvery light that seemed to crystalize. It was hard and she was able to use it like a spear. But...it was sharper than any spear or knife. Sharper than any blade I have ever seen."

Sinopia looked back at the flames as they danced within the stone hearth.

"I know that you have been searching for a child of the white moon. And I know that you are unaware of their abilities. But...I just thought that I would share this with you. Since I was able to see it..."

Sinopia raised his head. "Did you see anything else?"

"No...I did not..."

"If you see anything else...tell me." Sinopia finished his tea. "We will be returning to the palace in a few days."

"Yes, I understand."

Sinopia reached over to pat Tekhelet on the head. "Don't beat yourself up too much. You didn't do anything wrong."

"Yes...I know...Sinopia..."

___

Vista slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was a blur but she was able to see the sun shining in through the window. She could smell the sweet aroma of freshly baked sweet rolls. Turning her head, she saw Zaffre resting his head on his arms at the edge of the bed. Her hand was held by his as if holding on to any bit of security he had left.