Sin: Path of Poison

Chapter 26 Part 2

I returned to the servants quarters and found my other set of robes neatly folded and laying on my bed, someone must have unloaded the carriage and returned them to me. They didn't have any trace of Nomi's scent on them, I frowned, wondering if she'd ever talk to me again. Removing the scratchy clothing from the market, I laid down on the bed and scanned for information that might help me learn how many officials were corrupt.

My senses were cast out for a long time, just listening and observing as I came up with bits and pieces of information. The main group seemingly involved five people, with Official Chao being the main instigator. There was indeed a female they were hoping to plant within the palace, near the Crown Prince's side, but she wasn't due to arrive for some time.

Sweeping my senses over the area, I inadvertently came across Blake and Lei. They weren't far from Blake's room, it suddenly occurred to me that I wasn't aware of where Lei slept at night. For no good reason the slip of information irritated me, so I listened, anticipating the answer.

"He wasn't in danger, just let it go." Lei sounded strained, a combination of frustration and grief.

"She'll hurt you in the end. More than anyone else, you should keep your distance." Blake replied, his voice was low. Still think I'm a threat to Lei? I clenched my fist as the indignation of his comment bubbled up inside of me.

"All this time, I thought she was dead." Lei trailed, pausing for a moment before continuing. "I can't explain it, but you don't have to worry about me."

"Things are already like this, stay away from her. They were together all day and they'll be together again tomorrow." Blake rambled before turning to leave. Just what were they going on about?

I crawled out of the bed and slipped out the window without anyone else noticing. Wearing servant's white night robes, I shadow stepped through the gardens until I caught up to Lei. He walked slowly, his body moved sluggishly, he no longer carried the upright image he usually exhibited. After some time he arrived at a small barrack, nearly on the opposite side of the palace from the servants quarters. He thoughtlessly walked through a door and entered a small room, I couldn't sense anyone else in the room.

Gathering my energy, I shadow stepped through the open door and quickly went inside the small dark room before the door gently swung shut. Lei lay motionless on a modest cot, his hands covered his face but I could tell his eyes were closed. Having entered silently, I assumed he was unaware of my presence. I took a moment to look around the small room. Moonlight came in through a small window giving everything a soft glow. There was a lantern on a nearby table, but he didn't light it. Neatly stacked night robes sat unused as he lay in his normal robes, causing wrinkles I'd never seen on him before.

I sat down quietly, occupying a simple pillow in the shadows on the floor. I tapped my finger to my lips. My head tilted slightly as I pondered what it was that bothered Lei, surely his current actions were contradictory to his normal behaviors. Did Blake cause doubt in Lei? Did he change his mind? Was he afraid I would hurt him now? A long period of time went by as I watched him in silence, yet he didn't move. If I didn't know any better I would have thought he fell asleep in this manner, but I could tell from his breathing that he was awake and unable to sleep.

"It smells like you." Lei suddenly spoke, nearly startling me.

"Mm." I didn't know how I should reply so I agreed. Lei's entire body jumped as he stared down at the place I sat, he quickly moved to sit properly on the edge of the bed. He didn't appear to be scared, but I couldn't figure out what mix of emotions went through his head. The moonlight had gently illuminated Lei's robes while he laid down, as he sat upright it swept over him before settling on his face. My hand moved without thought, my palm turned upright and reached into the light. I smiled unintentionally, watching as it briefly touched me before I retracted my hand back to the shadows.

"How long have you been there?" Lei asked in a confused tone. I could easily hear his heart beating from where I sat.

"Since you laid down, I followed you in." I answered calmly. He looked embarrassed?

"Oh." He answered dumbly, looking more confused than before.

"I won't hurt you." I added. I couldn't sense that he was scared of me, but I didn't know any other reason to make his heart race so quickly.

"I know." He smiled warmly at me but he still looked sad. I nodded, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. Blake hadn't convinced him I was a threat after all.

"Mm." I smiled back, standing to leave.

"Sin?" Lei said my name in a rush, he partially stood to reach out to me as he said it. I watched him blankly, waiting for his question. "Why did you come?" He finished, sitting back down and dropping his hand.

"It occurred to me that I didn't know where you slept. I was curious, so I followed you." I explained. He nodded at me, seeing through again?

"The market, was it your idea?" Lei asked suddenly.

"No, Jin suggested it." I replied. Lei watched me diligently, he seemed to analyze every change in my expression. He exhaled and briefly closed his eyes before looking at me again.

"You're leaving soon?" He asked.

"Mm." I answered.

"You don't intend to stay with him?" Lei pressed.

"With who?" I asked, unsure of where this conversation was going.

"Never mind." Lei trailed. He still looked downcast but there was a hint of calmness in his eyes. My head tilted to the side as I looked at him in question. His eyes darted away, I decided not to pursue the conversation since I wasn't clear of the direction in the first place. I started to leave again but paused, instead glancing back at Lei again.

"You.. are you upset that I followed you?" I asked, still not understanding his troubles. He laughed softly in response, a sincere smile touched his eyes for the first time since he left Blake.

"You can follow me whenever you want." He answered, watching me carefully.

"It won't scare you?" I questioned.

"I know you won't hurt me." Lei repeated, laughing lightly. "Sin?" Lei's voice sounded confused once again.

"Mm?" I questioned, curious what he'd thought of.

"Do you.. Do you live alone?" He asked, sounding embarrassed.

"Yes, my scent and poison are inconvenient for others to be around." I answered.

"Your home, nobody else can enter without being poisoned?" He sounded curious.

"My maids keep my scent to a minimum, the poison is normally only strongest after I've returned. I could air it out or disperse the poison if I wanted, but generally I leave some traces of it behind. It helps ward off unwanted guests, nobody has ever tried to spy on my home." I smiled, explaining this secret.

"So.. you choose not to live with anyone?" Lei asked, I nodded. My eyes met his, his neck turned slightly pink as he lost himself in their depths. I glanced away, giving him a way out. Why was he still so sensitive?

"I'm not home often, I don't stay long when I go back." I added. Lei nodded, still avoiding my eyes. Nervous? Why? I looked towards the door, unable to process my thoughts. "Goodnight Lei." I said quietly, reflecting on the events that took place.

"Goodnight Sin." Lei replied just as quietly, watching as I left his room.

My head was jumbled with thoughts as I shadow stepped back to my bed. I couldn't understand Lei at all, none of his actions made sense. The one thing I knew with certainty was that Blake was unable to convince him that I was a danger to him. I smiled, pleased with the overall outcome. The poor quality robe I wore earlier lay folded near my bed. As I lay silently beside it, the lingering scents of the market drifted from the garments and towards me, distracting my thoughts. When did I become so silly to succumb to the whimsy of such memories?