Echoes of the Abyss (Delaney Series #2)

Chapter 17: Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Leon's POV

I could feel Adelaide's cold hand holding mine when we were engulfed with darkness. I could tell that she was still scared but I admire her for being brave and stepping into the darkness with me.

Bursting into laughter is not appropriate at this moment but seeing her hand on top of mine, and the other on her horse's head just brought so much joy in my heart.

I wanted to laugh because despite being scared, she was still thinking of her horse.
Her eyes were closed so I was able to stare at her. She looked really innocent, and so beautiful, blessed by nature itself.

"Nasa sentro na ba tayo?" I was brought to reality when I heard her ask me.

And indeed, we were already at the center of the city. Something tugged my heart when I remembered that my mother just died.

I wasn't even given the time to mourn.

Lifeless bodies of people from Auroravale are slowly disappearing into thin air, some are injured.

Guards were scattered around together with the mages and healers of our palace. They were all busy roaming to see if there were still enemies left, and the mages and healers were to cater for the injured.

"Are you okay?" I hurriedly asked Adelaide.
She nodded before holding on to the hem of my suit, while looking around. "Kawawa sila, Leon," she said in a very sad tone.

I caught her hand from my suit and held onto it. "I know," that's all I was able to say.

"Nasaan na ang Empress?"

Judging from the atmosphere, the snow falling, and the shaking of the air around us, I could tell that my sister was still handling our enemies.

"She's still out there," I answered in monotone.

"Prince Leon," I looked for the direction of Evette's voice when I heard him call my name.

"Evette," I greeted him.

"Your Majesty, Prince Blair is awake," he said without looking into my eyes.

We weren't able to talk to Blair right away because when we arrived into his chambers, he was sleeping peacefully. We couldn't just wake him up carrying the news.

I played with my tongue on the side of my cheeks. "Where is he?"

"He's looking for your mother," Evette also seemed hurt by the Empress's death, because  he served her for many years.

I nodded.

Evette excused himself and went with the other guards to look around.

I looked up to the sky and sighed. Adelaide's hand warmed my back as she gently rubbed it. "Magiging maayos din ang lahat," she smiled.

I stared at her before going in to kiss her forehead.

At least she's here with me.

Her hands glowed as well as her eyes. "Leon oh," she handed me daffodils.

I smiled and got the flower from my hand." I thought I was the one who should give you flowers?" I said, chuckling.

"Wag na, kaya ko naman gumawa eh," she said while smiling.

I shook my head with a smile on my face. "Come on, come with me to the palace."

She nodded. "Maglakad nalang tayo ah, nasa harap nalang ang palasyo," she pointed to the huge gates.