Ascension: Isle of Draconi

Chapter 11: Understanding

Ryuu paced back and forth in a large throne room. His shoes clicked against the fine wooden floors. The gilded seat behind him, one that shined of opal, jade, and other fine emeralds, looked large and empty. His hands pulled on the ends of his hair. His chest heaved as his shoulders grew taut. 

It had been a day since he had seen her. And even now, his chest ached. Her beautiful sea-green eyes full of terror when they looked at him. Her face twisted in anguish as the word, "sjêlta," left his lips. And he didn't blame her. 

She had come to the isle with hatred in her heart, one that in her eyes must have been righteously earned. 

But, he couldn't help the way his entire essence seemed to shake with a need to protect her and comfort her, despite the way she hated him. Despite the fact, it was him that she feared. 

He had seen her in the crowd the day she tried to kill him. He sensed her presence before he even saw her. Like an orb in a dark room, she seemed to glow. He had heard stories of the meeting of destined souls. The way a stillness would permeate the air and a buzz would fill it. Your eyes unable to leave theirs for even a moment. And, a light you could see, like a flame surrounding them, and telling you that your fire was theirs. 

He sat down on a step and put his face in his hands. She was so beautiful. When he saw her that night his heart had beaten erratically. He knew he would meet her soon. Ever since the lovely scent of her had permeated his nose after visiting the monastery. But, he could have never imagined what came next. A blade in his direction, locking eyes with her, unable to gaze away yet his stomach sinking. 

She had come to kill him. And when the time came to do it, he froze in her presence, unable to move but she likewise did the same. It was the only comfort he was brought. That split second in which her eyes filled with hesitation her face holding a certain horror and simultaneous awe. The quiver of her lips as she knew she couldn't go through with it. And he knew she was capable. Her nimble feet making their way through the crowd, the way she gripped a blade, even her throwing him over her shoulder the day before. She was trained. She had killed before. 

He sighed deeply. 

He wasn't sure what he could say to the elders. Surely, they would be infuriated she would not go on trial. But, he was also certain that when he uttered the sacred words, the ones that claimed her as his, not a single one of them would rise in protest against him. They knew too well not to. To challenge the match of the gods or Khyst, depending on which faith they practiced, would be frowned upon deeply. 

A knock echoed into the chamber, and Ryuu's head snapped to the door. 

"Enter," he called. 

The door creaked open as a guard walked in. She snapped to attention, bowing low, her knee hitting the ground, before straightening again. He recognized her as Petra, one of the guards watching over his life mate. 

"Karz," she spoke the words with formality and stuck her right hand on her left elbow. A sign of respect. 

"Rise," he spoke tersely with a nod. He was too tired for polite conversation. All night, he had worried about her. 

Petra rose and only then did he notice the worried and tense look on her face. 

He stood abruptly, "What is it Petra?"

"Moya Karz," she looked down with a frown, "she is not eating." 

Ryuu sighed deeply, "Thank you for letting me know, Petra."

She nodded but continued standing there. 

"Is there something else?"

"Well, Moya Karz," she began, looking out towards the glass wall that sat across from the throne, "there are people here to see you."