Trusting the Devil

Chapter 12: Sage

Sage

"So, what's your plan?", whispered Logan while we were making our way out of the library.

"I haven't decided yet but, I won't underestimate–"

A soldier bumped into me, sending me to the floor. My eyes found hers in a glare. I frowned. I'd seen those eyes before but couldn't put my finger on who they belonged to. I had never seen her face before.

The soldier's eyes widened, she got up and immediately apologized while I stayed on the ground, examining her.

"Your Majesty," she bowed and held out her hand, trying to help me to my feet while ignoring the mess she'd made of the floor. "I am so sorry, I didn't mean to–"

"To send the Phoenix Princess sprawling to the floor?" said Logan as he pushed her away and helped me to my feet. I blinked up at him. I didn't think it was a big deal. Why was he making a scene?

"Logan, it's fine." I dismissed the soldier with a hand gesture and she scrambled away in the opposite direction, leaving everything on the ground.

"Why were you so angry?" I asked Logan, genuinely curious about his reaction. He's usually the one keeping his cool.

"She pushed you. It was clear," he replied, annoyed as he closed the door to my chambers, leaving us alone.

"Why? Did you hear it in her thoughts?"

He flushed and shifted uncomfortably.

Something was definitely wrong.

Panic spiked through me. I ushered him to the edge of the bed and he sat obediently, his eyes refusing to meet mine.

"What's wrong?" I asked

He looked shaken. Like his world crumpled and he couldn't do anything about it. I gently cupped his cheek and sat on his lap, urging him to look into my eyes. There were unshed tears and he looked like he was in point Nemo.

"I–," he started, his voice unsteady. "I can't do that anymore."

What?

"You can't read people's minds anymore?"

He shook his head and my heart dropped. My eyes were blurry because somehow, I couldn't shake the feeling that it was my fault. And he wasn't going to tell me until I addressed it.

"Logan, I need you to explain, please. Let me help you. Give me your burden. It doesn't have to be heavy, with both of us lifting it, you would feel so much better. Let. Me. Help. You promised to talk."

This got his attention back.

"I gave away my ability."

"To whom?" Confusion filled me. Why would he give it away?

"To Nathan."

I was scared to move as I waited for him to explain further. When he didn't, I pushed further.

"Who's Nathan? Logan, please explain."

"Your almost-murderer."

I responded with silence. It was the only thing that I was able to do as my throat felt overly dry and my mouth numb. He continued.

"We were losing you. You were slipping away, Sage. I felt our bond melt away, I couldn't let that happen, I wouldn't." His voice cracked and he caressed my cheek, almost as if he was reminding himself that I was okay. This must hurt a lot to talk about. "Then, Nathan appeared. He immediately urged us to let him help you since he was the one who shot you. My guards were ready to fire. I was seeing red. But, I couldn't kill the only person– or whatever he is– that could save you. He explained to us that he only wanted to scare you but you were trying to defend yourself and Luna was moving too quickly. A light ball struck you in the stomach instead of your leg which immediately punctured your artery and your lower belly and you started bleeding like crazy. He thought that you could make it so he decided to leave you to get eaten by unconsciousness and he urged Luna to go faster. He was watching us heal you from a distance, but he had to interfere when he felt you slipping away. I was skeptical so I asked him to talk in private. Nothing is free. He said he wanted my ability to read minds. This is the price Nature has decided on. Balance, he talked a lot about it, but I was too focused on keeping you alive that I just stopped him, let him heal you, and take my ability. He left without telling us what his motivations were. No one knows."