BEYOND THE RED SKY

17. CHOICES

17. CHOICES

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"I gave Azazel part of my soul. I think he's calling the rest back."

Death. Death was calling Arlen. The elves were perhaps preparing for war, and I was having a picnic with Rina. When Rina pounded on my door with a wicker basket in her hand, I was able to take my eyes off the ceiling I had been watching all night. My eyes were watery and my head ached from exhaustion. The idea that Arlen could die was so strange, it was a possibility I had never considered, and I didn't know what to do.

"Isn't the weather beautiful?

"Yes," I murmured. My eyes left the bright blue sky and fell on the lush green grass laid out like a carpet in front of us. The snow-white daisies and centuries-old trees were laid out in front of my eyes. And as I watched them, I breathed desperately, my heart was constricting.

"You don't talk much. You only talk to Arlen," he said in a half-reproachful tone.

"No, nothing like that. And I'm talking to Leonas."

"Oh, of course. Anyway, even if you don't speak, Leonas will speak for you with his big chin." I laughed for the first time.

"I'm glad you're settling in. You must miss your brother." I nodded. "I hope you'll be reunited soon. When that wizard returns from his journey, he will come here first thing and break the seal on your necklace-"

For some reason, it bothered me when Rina spoke as she explained her plans one by one. I could guess why she wanted this. She wanted Arlen. His eternal love. And I was, according to Vel, just bad luck.

Although the picnic with Rina was more enjoyable than I thought it would be, she talked most of the time and I listened. She told me about her childhood with Arlen, her first swimming adventures with Arlen and thousands of new experiences with Arlen, making me realise how much time they spent together all day. Maybe she didn't do it on purpose, but it was enough for me. And I started to dream about the two of them all the time.

When Rina left my side, she went to the other side of the castle with Celina in isolation. I joined the daytime festivities of the people of Astea, which continued during the day, though not as much as at night. The people of Astea were doing a kind of fortune-telling with magical flowers and delicious fruits were accompanying them. As I watched them from afar, I realised how peaceful they were, while my own people were in the grip of misery and a cruel life. For what? Except to pay for a past offence. I walked towards the castle when a feeling of grief overcame me.

When I saw Arlen, it was warm and the sky was bright. My spirits were lifted by her smile. There was no one around. Leonas was patrolling and Leeme was running errands in the city centre. Since the elf hadn't been heard from for a few days, I thought he had returned and forgotten about this place. Otherwise, according to Arlen, they wouldn't have missed the opportunity to come here. He took a big risk for me and didn't kill her. Fortunately, nothing had happened so far.

When we came face to face with Arlen, when he bowed his head, I followed him and greeted him. When he extended his arm, I took his arm and we started walking. Although I thought we were walking silently through the magical flowers towards the city, we started to walk around the garden.

I was walking with Arlen when I realised he was taking me to the nefertem. We were quiet. That wizard would come soon. Maybe tonight. That's why I thought I'd be leaving soon.

"You're quiet," he said, his eyes travelling over me. I realised there was more to him than his tired eyes, even though he was thoughtful too. He was still trying to regain his strength.