Deviant Fate

47 - Within Reason

-Arowin-

I felt relief now she was back at my side. It was sheer luck that Keerly and I even made it out of that place.

*Flashback*

As I awoke, Keerly stood over me in surprise and I began hearing shouts of distress and anger. Soon the entire building grew silent. As we exited the building the entire area was vacant. Just before we reached the cave, a man slowly walked towards us from the left. We stood on guard, but he didn't seem threatening.

"You're going to Gwen?" He questioned.

I stiffly nodded.

He sighed with a disdainful look on his face. "We were betrayed. She was betrayed." He spit in anger. "Keep her alive." He commanded.

I clenched my jaw at his disrespect. He looked conflicted with himself. Something was off with him, but I hadn't been able to figure it out.

"Arowin won't let her die." Keerly assured him.

He nodded once and took another deep breath. "Tell her, I won't ever give up on her. Even if it takes another 17 years. We'll always find each other." He gritted out.

Before I could question, he walked out through the cave and disappeared from sight.

"Hm." Keerly scoffed in bewilderment.

"How does he know her?" I questioned aloud.

"Incredible." Keerly spoke to himself.

"Spit it out." I growled, urging him to speak his thoughts.

"17 years is quite a long time, and quite specific. Isn't it, brother?" He spoke cryptically.

17 years. That was specific. That was also the same time I killed Denniah.

"He's someone from her past." Keerly confirmed. "But that's not what interested me." He said with fascination.

"What?" I asked.

"Human." He said as he began walking out of the cave.

Human. That's what was off about him. I thought they were extinct. That was a topic for a later date, for now I needed to get to Gwen.

As we raced through the throne room doors I hadn't expected to stumble upon her in the middle of a crowd. She looked determined. Deadly. I almost hadn't recognized her. Only then did I observe the room to find that woman she cared so much about. She laid lifeless in a pool of blood. My father's doing I'm sure. That woman was my leverage over Gwen. Now that she's dead there would be no controlling Gwen.

Or so I thought.

The woman I witnessed handle the situation so effectively was not who I recognized as my mother. I actually hadn't even spoken to her for quite some time. She never spoke and always did as Father said. I hadn't ever witnessed my mother act with such authority.

Although her ferocity was directed towards my family, I felt a sense of pride watching her stand strong even when the odds were against her. Her gifts were extraordinary, but her willpower was the most impressive. I wanted her to remain herself, but be obedient to me.

I've missed her.

Everything will fall into place once she understands her position.

-Gwen-

I tasted something metallic, but I wasn't bleeding. My vision was hazy. I couldn't focus on anything as my head pounded. My body felt like concrete. I closed my eyes as it took too much energy to hold them open.