Faults

Chapter 19: Taylor

I'm tapping my foot impatiently on the ground. I wasn't going to hurt my brother again, but now I'm reconsidering that. I've been standing here for a good two minutes but I only started tapping my foot a few seconds ago. Both Aydin and Archie looked over at the doorway when they heard the incessant tapping, and the looks of disbelief on their faces when they realized it was me were worth more than gold. "Look what we have here," I say as I step over to them.

The two of them take a step back. Good, I've established the fear factor. I swing a punch at Aydin but find myself being scooted backwards. Archie has two fingers extended towards me. Once he drops his hand, I stop moving. Seems like he's learned how to control that aspect of his ability.

Archie steps forward. "Taylor, let's talk, shall we?"

"But of course. I have a few things I'd like to say to you," I respond and begin walking to the back door.

"We'll be right back," I hear Archie tell Aydin before he rushes to catch up with me.

Once we're outside, Archie leans against the house. "This is more important than you think."

I roll my eyes. "Is it about my stupid brother?"

"No, it has to do with the fate of the Kingdom," he replies.

His words don't phase me, I keep my face expressionless and my tone nonchalant. "Does it really?"

He purses his lips. "Take this seriously, dumbass. I need your help."

"You have the audacity to ask for my help after you threw me into a tree and beat me up?" I scoff.

"Do you want to lose your ability? Because that's what is most likely going to happen," he blurts out, his voice sounding more urgent than before.

Now he has my attention. "Wait, what?"

He crosses his arms over his chest and glares at me. "Christian is targeting people from our class and is causing them to lose their abilities. Do you want that to happen to you?"

I shake my head.

"Exactly, so we need your help to defeat Christian," he says.

Thinking for a moment, I consider what this could do. Either I help them and put a stop to this madness or I don't help them and watch everyone suffer. The only problem with the second option is that it could happen to me. I don't want that because it'll make me just as weak as the rest of the Kingdom. I sigh, as I'm put into a difficult position. "I find it flattering that you felt the need to ask for help from someone stronger than you, really. I just don't see why I should help you," I say, then an idea pops into my head, making me smirk. "Well, I could help you. On one condition."

"What's that?" Archie inquires.

"If you come back to me, being like we were while Aydin was gone, I'll help you. I like you," I confess.

His jaw drops. Immediately, he replies, "No. I don't like you and I'm not doing that to Aydin. The last thing he deserves or needs is another emotional scar."

"Then you don't have my help, simple as that."

"Taylor, you realize that Christian isn't going to stop his rampage until someone dies, right?" he presses on.

I roll my head. "And that concerns me, why?"

"What if you're the one that dies? You don't want that, do you?" he says.

This ultimatum stops me in my tracks. I don't want to die. "No, but I don't want to help you either," I reply.

"I'll sentence you to the punishment you should've served eight months ago. The punishment that Aydin endured for you," he combats.

"You can't do that."

He laughs. "Have you forgotten that I'm the King? I could sentence you to six months instead of three, if you'd prefer that. Or you could just help us."

I stomp my foot on the ground in frustration. Being tortured or helping someone I hate and someone I love? This isn't exactly a fair choice. "Fine," I mutter, feeling deflated once that word leaves my mouth.

"Good. We'll let you know when we need you. It should be in the next day or so," Archie says and goes back inside.

Now what have I gotten myself into?

It takes a second for it to really sink in that I've just agreed to help the person I hate the most and the duo I hate even more. I may love Archie but him with my brother is not something I enjoy seeing. It should be me by Archie's side.

Maybe this will be a good thing. A chance for me to get back with Archie. A chance for me to push Aydin out of the picture. A chance for me to become the hero.