The Last Avian Soldier (The Nine Realms Universe)

four: new home and the snow

CHAPTER FOUR

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NEW HOME AND THE SNOW

| zephyr |

Voltaire and Madeline's dorm was quite simple. Built into the cave wall like the infirmary made it difficult for me to separate it from the rest of the doors leading to other structures. Inside the walls were a warm tone of honey wood, which I assumed was to make it feel more homey. The living room and kitchen were connected, decorated with a simple dark green carpet, a black leather couch, a coffee table, and a small messy counter. There was also a hallway, which probably led to bedrooms.

"Welcome to our humble abode." Madeline gestured towards everything in general in a dramatic manner. "As you can see, over here we have the fantastical kitchen, and over here is the grandiose living space. Down the hall we got the bedrooms and the bathroom."

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. My hand subconsciously rubbed the burned skin of my neck, causing me to wince. Voltaire's eyes tracked my movements, his expression unreadable.

"How about we show you your room and let you get settled in, yeah? We will have to get you some better clothes soon." Voltaire said.

"Okay."

He and Madeline shared a look, I looked at the ground. I am a burden. I shouldn't be here right now. I don't deserve to. Tears pooled at the corners of my eyes but I quickly swept them away, my heart pounding. What is wrong with you, Zeph? Get a grip!

"You know what, I'm gonna go take a shower. I think two is too much right now. Volts will show you around, alright?" Madeline chimed, looking to me for approval.

"Alright."

She turned and stalked off down the hall, disappearing through a door and leaving me alone with the pale haired boy.

He smiled at me, teeth bright to match the rest of his appearance. "Hi, it is nice to... well, formally meet you. I'm Voltaire. You can call me Volts if you want."

I stared at him for a moment, unsure of how to approach this. I cautiously stuck out a hand, "Zephyr... if-if you'd like, you can call me Zeph... everyone I knew used to."

Voltaire took my hand and shook it firmly. His hand felt cold, and gentle compared to my own. "How about... I call you Zee? You know, something different."

Zee... That's okay I guess.

"Okay..." I replied, dropping his hand.

"Wanna see your room?" He asked. I simply nodded in response. He led me down the hall, past the room Madeline had disappeared in and a room that's door concealed its interior, to the very end of the hall. Two doors faced each other. "This used to be Dallas' room a few months ago. He moved in with his fiance, Gale so now it is empty. Good thing too, I do not think hiding out in the Infirmary would be very enjoyable." He pushed the door open, flicking on the lights and revealing a simple bedroom.

Against the dark left wall sat a bed, covered in dark blue sheets. There was a dresser on the right and that was pretty much it as far as furniture went. Voltaire turned to look at me, "Is this good?"

I nodded, "Yeah... Thank you."

"No need to thank me, Zee. I... I am glad we were there at the auction to get you out. It will be fun to get to know you." I tugged nervously on my sleeves as he spoke, though I knew I shouldn't be nervous. I'm fine here. No one will hurt me.

I'm free from Edgar. I'm not in a cage. He shouldn't even know if I'm still alive. I'm safe... from both of them... so why don't I feel okay with that?