Silver can't die

Chapter 9

I take one last look at the beautiful shades that stain the puffy clouds before I mount Diabla, guiding her gently to a gap.

As we set into a soft trot, my armour ripples gently, then parts, revealing my training clothes. The magic around Isla's feet vanishes as well, and I feel happy that I was able to do something for someone else, rather than hurt them, like I tend to do whenever I grow close to someone. It's part of the reason why I avoided contact. But Marcy, like the goddess she is, saw me for who and what I was and told me straight up that avoiding people was not going to help my problem.

I found my first friend.

Max came a bit later, after I was relatively happy with Marcy's company. We had been doing a job, and Max was the informant on the inside. One thing led to another, and we bonded while under capture.

It's funny how torture can link a group of people for life.

After that, we became our own tight little unit, repelling other people like opposite magnets. We trusted no one else, and I still feel raw from the session with the 'court'.

I'll leave this for another day. Right now, I want to enjoy this warm little feeling.

With a whoop, Isla and her mare plunge off, and I give a cry of mock indignation and follow, leaning into Diabla as we free-fall, wind howling in our ears.

'You sly wolf!' I roar, honing in on the ground as we streamline forwards and slide into position next to Isla.

She squeals with laughter and rolls to the side, urging Diabla and I to follow. We do, and Diabla, plunges forward, catching the ground before Isla does.

I smirk triumphantly and toss my highlighted hair as she pouts sulkily.

'You've got the fastest horse!' she whines, making grabby hands at Diabla. I school my face into a frown, and lead Diabla behind me.

'And you cheated. No touchy.'

She mock-huffs, giving me her best fake scowl.

'You suck.'

I smirk. 'I know.'

I tighten my heels around Diabla, urging her to go faster. Isla got the jump on me again, but Diabla is refusing to go faster, and she obviously does not appreciate being made to go when she doesn't want to.

I give up just as she crows in triumph, sliding off her mare and pumping both fists.

'I freaking won!'

I get off Diabla and place my hand on her flank, smiling up at her.

'Thank you girl. I really needed that.'

'Hey! Aren't I the one who brought you here?'

I roll my eyes. 'Yeah, but Diabla did all the work. She carried me physically, remember?'

'But I carried you emotionally!' she huffs.

'Not the same thing.'

'Is so!'

'Is not.'

'Is so!'

I mock growl, and she squeaks, grabbing her mare's reins and jogging into the stables, but not before leaving a parting jab.

'All bark, no bite!'

I grin and go around the stables, leading Diabla to her special stall. Once she's locked in and I thanked her again, I stroll back around to find Isla jumping as high as she can, trying to reach a small yellow butterfly that does not appreciate all the attention.

'Leave the poor thing alone.'

She sticks her tongue at me, but stops harassing it.

'You said that there are some people I need to meet. Who are they?'

'Ohhhh!' she says, her eyes widening. 'I knew I had forgotten something! You do know the Seven Deadly Sins, right?'

I nod, still not sure what she's trying to get at.

'Well, they're real! Like real people! Or demons, if you want to get practical about it, but still! Real! Like, pokey real! Have you ever tried poking Wrath when he's pissed? Granted, it's not a good idea, but it's sooo fun! He swells up so much you could swear he would burst! And Lust thinks he's a real catch, and is still dumbfounded as to why he hasn't managed to charm Marcy's pants off. I would tell him that she's already found her mate, but it's just too rich when she flips him off. Do not leave your food unguarded, however, especially not around Greed. It'll disappear so fast you'll think it ran away! And-'

'Wait, Marcy's found her mate?'

She immediately looks guilty, and I can tell that I wasn't supposed to hear anything about it.

'But, that's great news! Who is it?'

'I don't think I should tell you ...' her voice trails off as she looks away, suddenly desperate to get out of this situation.

I groan in frustration, but I know she's right. I'll respect Marcy's decision, but she'd better pray she has a damn good reason for not telling me in the first place.

I take a deep breath and let it out, following a technique she taught me that helps you let go.

When I'm done, I smile at Isla.

'Why don't we both go and see where they are?'