The Fall Of Imbria (The Fendara Series. Book One)

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Simon

I didn't sleep. Not really. Each time my eyelids fell closed, my brain woke me, not wanting to give me the opportunity to fall into another hole leading me to the depths of the Forged Ruin.

Unable to get any rest I found myself drifting down the stairs to sit on the old bench swing hanging from the overhead on the front porch of the inn. The sun still surprisingly out and hours later, I dip my fingers into the front pocket of my war leather pants, prying out my worn flask and taking a drink.

Elbows resting on my knees, I take a breath and enjoy the sound of the cricket's song as the rain begins to pour from the now clouded sky.

Even after our rush through Imbria back to Kimona, the journey alone still took up most of our day. Everyone was exhausted and wanted sleep before we head out first thing in the morning.

I just wish I could say the same for me, that I was also getting my long overdue rest, but unfortunately sleep is a rarity these days.

I turn my head towards the sound of the front door creaking open and a familiar ashen hair women stepping out of it.

A sly grin creeps up my mouth. "Hello doll."

She looks very unamused as she walks out and leans up against one of the beams at the top of the few stairs leading to the deck. A few feet from me, but a distance that seems chosen for a reason.

My smile drops at the thought of that and I take another swig from my flask. "What are you doing awake?" I bring myself to ask.

Without looking at me she answers, "Same as you I suppose."

"Hmm"

"I'm going to go for a walk, don't inform my brother."

She goes to take a step and I rise, making my way to her in one stride, I grab her arm. "In this weather?"

She eyes my hand where its latched to her and then drags her eyes back up to me. A face I cannot decipher this time and then yanks her arm from me.

"Victoria." I call her name but she continues to go down the steps anyway.

Turning around to give me one last stare she says, "A little rain never hurt anyone." Then coiling and uncoiling her fingers a flash of blue lightning flashes in the sky, thunder booming with it.

Her magic only causes it to storm harder as she cuts through the alley way of two shops and disappears behind them into Kimonas forest.

I stand here for a long moment, pacing back and forth between the door and the stairs until finally I give up. "Fuck."

Stomping off down the steps I follow her scent, one I didn't realize was so strong prior to now.

After traveling throughout the wet greenery and tall silver birch of the spring court, I pop out at a tree line, revealing a massive open plain of land.

I look around until I see a person sitting in the grass, leaning up against one of the trees farther down and saunter over.

I'll admit I'm rather irritated and tired of being out in the cold rain but once I see her. I hear her. Her cries. Part of me thinks better, thinks it would be best to leave and let her have her space she so surely needs. But I can't leave her, not like this.

She doesn't hear me approach as I stand before her, watching and hating myself for it.

"Can I be of assistance?" I force out.

Victorias head snaps up in surprise then quickly changes to frustration. "It's impossible to get a moments peace around here." She grumbles out between sharp inhales. The rain rolling down her quivering lips.