Ithika: Into The Forest

Chapter 22

The tension in the air was palpable as Landon glared at Luthius. His eyes flickered with a mix of anger and betrayal. Laza desperately tried to explain, her voice trembling with fear.

"Landon, please listen to me," she pleaded. "It's not what you think. I was just... confused. I didn't know what to do."

Landon's fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tight with anger. "Confused? You were kissing him, Laza! How could you?"

Luthius stepped forward, his voice filled with remorse. "Landon, I know I've made mistakes in the past. But I truly care for Laza. I never meant to hurt her or come between you."

Landon's gaze shifted from Luthius to Laza, his expression softening slightly. "Laza, do you have feelings for him?"

Laza hesitated, her eyes filled with tears. "I... I don't know, Landon. It's complicated. I've been through so much, and Luthius was there for me when I needed someone."

Landon's face softened, his anger giving way to sadness. "I understand, Laza. It's just... difficult for me to accept. We've been through so much together."

Luthius took a step back, giving them space. "I'll leave you two to talk," he said quietly, his voice filled with regret.

As Luthius walked away, Landon and Laza stood in silence, the weight of their emotions hanging heavy in the air. Landon finally broke the silence, his voice filled with vulnerability.

"Laza, I love you. I always have," he whispered. "But I can't force you to feel the same way. If being with Luthius makes you happy, then I want that for you."

Tears streamed down Laza's face as she reached out to touch Landon's arm. "Landon, you mean the world to me. But I need time to figure out my own feelings. I don't want to lose you, but I can't ignore what I feel for Luthius either."

Landon nodded, a mixture of pain and acceptance in his eyes. "Take all the time you need, Laza. I'll be here for you, no matter what."

They stood there for a moment, their hearts heavy with the weight of their uncertain future. But through it all, their bond remained unbreakable, even in the face of unexpected challenges and newfound emotions.

"I came out here to see if that vampire had left, but instead, I find you in his arms! I sacrificed everything for you! I even agreed to side with the Queen because she assured me you would be set free. And here you are..."

Luthius grinned confidently, as if he had just won a prize. Laza glared at him grudgingly, her eyes filled with disappointment. "Landon, please..." she begged, but Landon had already turned around and stomped away. Luthius burst into laughter, echoing through the air.

Laza glared at him, her frustration evident. "I can't believe you think this is funny," she scolded. "And I can't believe I actually kissed you!"

Luthius's laughter subsided, and he locked eyes with her. "I can," he said matter-of-factly. "Just admit it. We have an undeniable attraction towards each other."

"Ugh," she spat, crossing her arms. "I doubt that."

Luthius laughed once more, surprised by the sensation. It had been a long time since he had laughed like this. There was something about Laza that ignited his soul. She was like a drug to him, and he couldn't get enough.

"Now what am I going to do?" she huffed exasperatedly. "Well..." Luthius continued, his voice low and growling. "We could continue where we left off."

Laza's face twisted in disgust. "Um, I have an idea," she said sarcastically. "Why don't you leave? I'll go back to the cabin and attempt to repair my broken relationship?!"

Luthius's expression turned sour, but Laza found it amusing, given the circumstances. "No, seriously," she stated firmly. "I have to get back to the cabin. I feel disgusted with myself, and my boyfriend hates me now." She turned to walk away, but Luthius grabbed her forcefully.

"Luthius!" she screamed in pain. He immediately released his grip, his voice choked with regret. "I'm sorry," he choked out. "Luthius, please," she begged. "Please just go home."

He looked at her with sympathy. "I cannot," he sighed. Laza felt frustrated by his response.

"And why not?" her voice grew more desperate. Luthius glanced towards the cabin as he spoke. "I know the Queen is here. There is something you must know, Laza. Something I regretfully admit is my fault." He paced back and forth, his face filled with pain. "I am a member of the dark coven, but that's not all. I am also solely responsible for the Queen's return. And that means I am responsible for what is bound to happen here at Camp Elkwood."

Laza's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

Luthius scowled. "She plans to turn Camp Elkwood into a training camp for her army," he revealed. Luthius turned to face her, his expression filled with remorse. "Elkwood is her home. You must understand how desperately she wanted to return to Elkwood. And when she heard of the camp..."

"So what you're saying," Laza eyed him carefully, "is that Esthony's body, now Queen Annastella, is trying to use Camp Elkwood as a training ground for an army she plans to build, and you are mostly responsible."

Luthius reluctantly nodded his head. "Yes, I have fallen into the dark coven's powers for many centuries. I, like the Queen, thirsted for glory and riches. I fell in love with the power the dark coven possessed. That was... until I met you."

His face softened as he drew closer to Laza. She stood frozen, awestruck by his beauty. "Luthius, I can't do this," she whispered.

She slowly backed away and fluttered her wings. "I just can't."

Luthius sighed deeply and retreated. "I understand," he whispered.

"Now, if you're serious about helping us against the Queen, I need to know," she added.

Luthius paused, gazing into Laza's deep blue eyes. He yearned to break free from the dark coven, to escape the evil that haunted him day and night. He knew the Queen wouldn't stop at Elkwood. She would assemble an army so powerful that not even the dark coven could stand against her. And if he wanted to be with Laza, he would have to fight against the Queen.

"Yes, I'm serious," he finally answered.

Laza's body tensed at his response, and her wings fluttered with surprise. "Well," she said in a high-pitched tone. Her body shifted and she quickly glanced into his eyes. There was a brief silence and palpable energy in the air between them. A blush rose to the surface of her skin. "That's good," she added nervously looking away toward her feet.

Luthius grinned knowingly at her.