Loveless/ a POWERLESS fanfiction story

Chapter 20: Brian

Shadows dance on the rough gray surface of the boulder like strange forest spirits, flickering in the light of the fire we managed to start using dry twigs and a bit of moss. The flames eagerly consume the wood, leaving only embers and thick smoke. Cold air seeps into everything, slipping under my clothes like an unseen enemy. I lean back against the stone, feeling its icy touch through my shirt, and glance over to see Blair curled up on the ground opposite me, hugging her knees, trying to stay warm. She looks utterly exhausted—her shoulders droop, and her gaze is lost in the flicker of the flames. She's wrapped in my jacket, just like the ones worn by the other Sights—white, thin, and far from practical.

I pull a piece of stale bread from my pack and slice off a strip of cheese with a knife. I offer her the food, and she practically snatches it from my hand, tearing into the bread with such fervor that I momentarily forget she's a noblewoman used to fine dining and the glitter of palace halls. Crumbs fall onto her lap, but she doesn't seem to notice. I can't help but smile at this unexpected sight.

"I need to find Sadie," she mutters around a mouthful, not even looking at me. Her voice is muffled, but there's a resolve in it that gives me pause. She's still clinging to this idea, despite everything that's happened.

I scoff, shrugging as I try to catch a glimpse of reason in her expression.

"She could be anywhere in this forest. You'll waste all your energy wandering around. And you'll need that energy."

Blair doesn't respond, her gaze fixed somewhere beyond the circle of light cast by the fire. But I press on.

"There's a Sight camp about two hours from here," I say. "They've set up there for the duration of the Trials. If we stay close enough but keep out of sight, we'll have access to supplies."

She whips around, fury flashing in her eyes. "I won't sit around, feeding off palace scraps while my friend might be starving somewhere out here."

I roll my eyes, trying not to lose my patience. After what happened at the ball, I suspected she'd be stubborn, but this level of defiance still takes me aback. And the worst part is, if she doesn't come around, I'll have to either come up with a new plan fast or roam this forest with her, chasing after her friend. Neither option appeals to me.

"This is a competition, Miss Archer," I remind her, emphasizing formality to bring her back to reality. "And as much as you care for Miss Knox, she's your rival. And I," I say, pointing a finger at myself with a touch of irony, "am the man who will be executed if anyone discovers I interfered with the Trials. So, if possible, let's not make my job harder."

She snorts, her nose wrinkling in displeasure, but she keeps chewing, not even bothering to look at me.

"I didn't ask you to come," she snaps through the crumbs on her lips, which only makes her indignation more comical. A wild forest creature, not a lady.

I smirk, feeling the corners of my mouth lift despite myself, though I don't let my guard down entirely.

"Well, if it weren't for me, you'd probably be starving by now. I doubt you'd have been able to hunt in this forest with your bare hands or convince the local animals to offer themselves up for your dinner."

She scowls. "Actually, I've already managed to get one strap," she retorts, pulling a leather strip from her pocket as proof.

I'm genuinely intrigued. "Who was it?"

She hesitates but finally answers. "Jax."

I can't suppress a laugh, and her eyes blaze with anger.

"My father bought you to guard me, not to voice your opinion," she says, and her words sharp. "Tomorrow," she adds with a mocking smile, "you'll go with me to find Sadie. Or else"—her smirk widens—"you'll lose your precious position at the palace. And don't forget: even if you dared to tell anyone you helped me during the Trials, no one would believe you."