Born of Flames

Chapter 7 ~ The Counselor's Condescension

    Tarion winced as Morana slammed a book shut with an exasperated huff. He leaned across the bench and slid the book away from her while she massaged her temples. Morana didn't protest when he rested his hand on the back of her neck and rubbed it gently.

    "Giving up already?" Tarion asked.

    Morana shook her head with a sigh. "I'm just frustrated."

    "I gathered."

    "This whole search just feels pointless. You remember how long we were here the first time looking for ways to defeat Astaroth, and in the end, it was all for nothing. He survived anyway. Now we still can't find anything to help us. Not even in that." She pointed to the ancient black book resting on the altar. "And I still struggle to read the damn thing."

    "It did take us a while the first time," Tarion agreed. "But we eventually found something to give us an edge. We learned about Noxbane and what Astaroth really was. Both of those things helped us defeat him in battle. He might not be destroyed, but we did defeat him. That counts for something."

    Morana hid her face in her hands, loose locks of hair falling over her shoulders. Tarion furrowed his brows. There was an aura of despair echoing through his chest, dimming the brilliance of the mating bond's tether.

    Tarion shifted closer and touched her wrist softly, drawing it away from her face. Morana let him guide her gaze to his and waited silently while he read the thoughts behind her eyes.

    "There's something else, isn't there?" He asked. Morana gave a slow nod. "What is it?"

    Morana began to reply, but was interrupted by wood groaning overhead as the temple's entrance opened. A lone male figure appeared and descended down the stone stairs. Morana stiffened and Tarion stood, recognizing Delmar. The Elder waved a dismissive hand as he reached the foot of the stairs.

    "Don't let me interrupt," Delmar said. "I've just come to check on your progress."

    Morana's eyes narrowed. "Rehema knows only we are allowed down here right now."

    "Rehema had to answer some correspondence from the Isle of Lorn."

    Tarion's brows lifted. "Are Arlon and Neeri all right? Has something happened with Gaelen?"

    Delmar shrugged. "She said the letter was personal so I didn't ask. If it's important, I'm sure we'll find out soon enough."

    "Don't you think the same applies to our studies here?" Morana snapped. "The Prince and I are busy and don't need you hovering about."

    Tarion pursed his lips, shooting a pointed glance her way. Morana didn't look at him though he knew she'd seen his expression. She rose and crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at Delmar. The Elder held her gaze.

    "We've been here nearly a week and you haven't shared anything from your studies," he said. "Need I remind you that we all have responsibilities in Arcan that could use our attention?"

    "You didn't have to come along."

    "On the contrary. I did." Delmar squared his shoulders and folded his hands together as he drifted across the floor, drawing closer to the altar. "The Council asked me to. There was a discussion and a vote, for which neither of you were present."

    Tarion and Morana exchanged looks of surprise as the Elder continued. "We feel your attention has been divided long enough. There is no sign of Astaroth's return and your efforts here have yielded nothing. It's time to leave the past behind us and look to the future."