Dance of the Damned

Thirty-Seven

I spent hours lying awake in bed, eagerly awaiting Zeddicus' return to his home in the Grim Caves, replaying his words in my mind repeatedly. Was he flirting with me? It seemed improbable. He was simply offering me safety within his kingdom. Trying not to overanalyze the situation, I tossed and turned, trying to ignore the aches from the bruises all over my body. Eventually I threw off the covers and maked my way downstairs to fetch a glass of water and select a book from the shelf. Nestling into the couch, I began to read, surprised to find that the book was about The Great War that occurred over a thousand years ago.

My knowledge of the war was limited, as it was for most Whisps and even Hellions. Additionally, no Sapphire was old enough to remember, as they were all born after the war's conclusion. According to the book, humans had devastated the world by turning against each other, employing massive bombs and weapons, resulting in what was referred to as a Nuclear War. Nearly everyone perished, except for a small population in a specific region, which later became known as the Four Kingdoms. These kingdoms were established by four Kings and Queens, who were the first Sapphires. The book even explained that the war's radiation created a connection between our world and another, allowing magic to seep in and become our primary reliance.

Engrossed in the book, I barely noticed when Zeddicus entered the room. It was only when he forcefully shut the door behind him that I became aware of his presence. His dark eyes immediately fixated on me, briefly lingering on my exposed legs beneath me. I felt a blush creep onto my cheeks, realizing that I was only clad in a large t-shirt and underwear. "I didn't expect you to be awake at this hour," he remarked, taking a seat on the couch beside me. There was barely any distance between us.

"I couldn't sleep," I responded, placing the book on the coffee table before us, careful not to lean down and reveal too much from beneath my t-shirt.

He raised an eyebrow as he noticed the book I was reading. "You enjoy history?" he asked.

"I'm not very knowledgeable about it," I admitted. "I just picked up the first book I saw."

"It happens to be one of my favorites. I have a deep fascination with history," he revealed. "It's astonishing to think that people once lived in a world so different from ours, before the existence of magic."

"I can't even begin to imagine what that world was like back then," I responded, observing the tension on his face, despite our casual conversation. "Is something bothering you?"

"The Light Kingdoms have rejected our plea," he disclosed.

"What? Why?" My voice unintentionally carried a sharp tone as I struggled to comprehend why they would refuse to assist us.

"They don't trust us. They fear that we may be leading them into a trap," he said bitterly.

"That's ridiculous! Once Kalyani finishes her attack on Ardor, she will unquestionably target them next!" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It was difficult to accept that Emotis and Storia were acting like cowards. "Surely Arter can intervene and talk to Rowan."

"I highly doubt it. I'll find an alternative plan. I always do," he responded solemnly.

"I want to help," I blurted out, surprising myself with the sincerity behind my words. I truly meant it. I wanted to contribute as much as possible and dismantle Kalyani and her kingdom from the inside out.

Zeddicus caught me off guard as he reached out his hand and gently ran his index finger along my cheekbone. "I apologize for that. Training can sometimes get a little rough," he said softly, referring to the black eye he had given me in the arena earlier today. I had nearly forgotten about it until now.

I placed my hand on top of his, guiding it down to my lap, and shrugged nonchalantly. "I've had my fair share of ass beatings from Arter and Nayte for years before I could defend myself properly. This time, it will only take me a couple of weeks to get back into practice, and then you'll be the one with a black eye," I said, smiling sweetly at him. He returned the smile, and for a moment, I realized I was still holding his hand. I quickly let go and stood up. "I should get some rest."

He nodded, his gaze fixed on mine. "You should."

"Goodnight," I said awkwardly, making my way towards the stairs.

As I was halfway up, I faintly heard him say, "Goodnight Venya. I like your pink underwear by the way." That night, my dreams were consumed by the King of Death.

The next two days flew by in a blur. Most of my time was spent sparring with Zeddicus in the training arena, and let's just say I got my fair share of beatings. However, on the last day, I finally started to hold my ground a bit better, although I was still ashamed of how rusty I had become. By the time we returned to Ardor Castle, I was so sore and exhausted that I locked myself in my bedchambers for some much-needed sleep. Zeddicus had offered to take me to see Nailah for healing, but I declined. The cuts and bruises served as a reminder of my determination to improve. One day, I would be untouchable, especially with eternity to practice.

I'm not sure how long I slept, but when I woke up, I felt refreshed. The soreness and scars remained, but they no longer bothered me. I indulged in a long, hot bubble bath, taking my time to relax. Afterward, I dressed in comfortable sweatpants and a tank top before heading to Arter's room. I briefly thought about looking for Bastien, but after our argument, I wasn't ready to face him just yet.

Without bothering to knock, I barged into my brother's chambers and was surprised to find him, Nayte, and Fallon dressed in teal and purple Storian armor. They looked just as shocked to see me, and there was a hint of guilt in their expressions. Clearly, they were up to something.

"What are you doing?" I asked all three of them, quickly closing the door behind me. Arter had a map spread out on the main table, and I walked over to Nayte's side to take a look. My heart skipped a beat when I realized it was a map of Benevol.

"If the Light Kingdoms won't help, we'll make sure they do," Arter said sternly.

"But I thought you wanted no part in this war?" I questioned, taken aback by his sudden change of attitude.

"I don't, but I've been listening and learning while we've been here. This war is inevitable. We're planning to launch a direct attack on Benevol Castle, and when the Shadow Queen assumes Storia was behind it and retaliates, the Light Kingdoms will have no choice but to intervene," he explained.

"I'm going with you," I declared, my voice filled with determination.

Arter frowned, observing my appearance. "You don't exactly look like you're in fighting shape. You look like someone beat the shit out of you."

I pointed at my black eye dismissively. "This? It's nothing. Training just got a little rough. I'm better than ever, and I'm going with you."

Before Arter could protest further, Nayte tossed me a set of Storian armor that matched theirs. Arter shot him a disapproving look, but Nayte just shrugged. "You know what happens when we try to tell her what to do. Besides, we could use all the help we can get."