Darkness Bound

-13-

Lily opened her eyes to see Tieran resting his head on his hand in the armchair. His eyes were closed and he breathed deeply. The morning sun casted a shadow over his face. Even asleep he looked ethereal. His expression was soft and calm. So peaceful.

"Staring is rude," he suddenly said.

She blinked, "I wasn't staring,"

He opened his eyes, locking with hers. She felt trapped in his gaze. Like she couldn't look away. It wasn't exactly a scary feeling, more like a captivating one. She finally managed to blink.

"Why didn't you go back to your room?" she asked.

"How could I when you were whimpering and moaning in your sleep," he stood. His back was stiff and the wounds in his chest ached.

Lily sat up and watched him, "You should have gone to bed. You're still recovering,"

"Is that so?" He walked to the door.

She hopped out of bed and followed him, "I'm serious, Bear. If you don't rest, you won't heal," she bumped into his back. "Ah!" she exclaimed. She looked around him to see Eiden and Dana standing frozen in the doorway of another room. Tieran crossed his arms.

"Did I miss something?" he asked.

"Oh hey guys," Lily greeted as she walked around him, "Did you guys bunk together?"

Tieran's eyes dared them to answer.

Dana chuckled awkwardly, "Lily! Wanna grab breakfast?" she hooked Lily's arm and pulled her toward the stairs.

—

Lily happily ate her food, completely oblivious to the tension around her. Tieran, who sat beside her, had his arms crossed as he stared at his sister. Eiden had refused to sit and instead stood by the table with his hands clasped in front of him. The silence was almost unbearable.

"Nothing happened," Dana said softly, "There were two beds,"

"You couldn't afford another room?" Tieran asked.

"They only had one room available," she replied, "And besides, didn't you and Lily share a room too?"

"You dare talk back to me?"

She bowed her head, "No, brother,"

He turned his head to Eiden, "And you,"

Eiden dropped to his knee, "I swear nothing happened, my lord. I was willing to find another inn, but Lady Dana was feeling ill, so I couldn't leave her here alone,"

Lily's ears perked, "You're feeling ill?"

"I-I was," she said quickly, "but I'm much better now,"

Since Eiden mentioned it, Tieran noticed the thin layer of sweat dampening Dana's forehead. "Have you eaten?" he asked. She cleared her throat and looked away, "Dana, did you eat?" he asked again. She shook her head. He sighed, "Make sure you eat something and go rest. I won't be needing you today," he stood. He looked over to Eiden, "Make sure she eats then meet me at the clock tower," he pushed in his chair and left. Lily quickly snatched a last piece of bacon then stood to chase after him.

~~~

As Lily and Tieran strolled down the street, Tieran released his fifth deep sigh.

"Is something bothering you?" she asked.

"No," he replied.

"Mm, your furrowed brow and tense posture says otherwise," he ignored her. She smacked her lips and spotted a shop nearby, "I know what will cheer you up," she pulled his arm toward the shop. They stopped outside and he stared at the sign, 'Candy Shop'. He looked down at Lily.