The Awakening

Chapter Thirty Five

Avelon's stomach twisted in knots. She had expected Balor to send some of his most trusted men to find her and Brianne, but not Elha.

Avelon took a breath, her hand trembling on the door handle. She wanted to jump right out of the window and take Brianne with her. But she could not.

Opening the door just a crack, Avelon peered out into the dimly lit hallway, finding only one pair of eyes looking at her. Elha stood there, her eyes wide with concern, her usual composure cracked with worry. The worry and concern emanating from her took Avelon by surprise, her eyebrows furrowing with suspicion. Elha had helped her escape, yet here she was.

Elha was alone—no guards, no other men, but Avelon knew they were somewhere in the tavern inn.

"Why are you here and where are the guards you were speaking to?" Avelon's voice did not withhold her surprise and disbelief.

"Avelon..." Elha's voice trembled, and her gaze searched Avelon's face for something before her eyes turned to steel. "Balor... he's been looking for you. You will come back to the palace immediately."

"I figured as much," Avelon interrupted, her voice thick with hate and venom. She squeezed her eyes shut, fighting the wave of emotions threatening to rise in her chest as the thought of Brianne.

"But, Elha... I need you to leave Brianne behind. Take me. But only take me back to Balor." Her voice cracked, "Please."

Avelon held her breath, hoping that by some miracle Elha would heed her request. Elha had helped her escape. She could help her again- she had to.

Elha froze, her breath catching in her throat and her stoic composure faltering. "What? No. I—Avelon, I can't leave her. That's an absurd request to make!"

Her façade had cracked only momentarily before she resumed her normal behaviour. Avelon had no idea what had made Elha aid her, but she would pick on that scab until Elha caved.

Avelon's voice broke as she spoke, her heart tearing as she forced the words out. "Balor only needs me, and if I go back, he might forget about her."

Elha wanted to protest, her mouth opening but closing as Avelon continued.

"You helped me, help me again." Avelon pleaded, giving Elha no time to refuse. She hated begging, but for those she cared about she would get down on her knees and wail like a baby.

Elha's face softened, uncertainty clouding her eyes. She did not speak for a long time, and for a brief moment, Avelon thought she might refuse, that she might call for help or take her away by force. But instead, Elha's shoulders slumped, and she looked away, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I'll... I'll tell him you cooperated. That it was only you we found." Elha wavered, her hard gaze turning back to Avelon.

"He will pry the information from you, though. Are you able to face the consequences?" Elha's voice had returned to her normal robotic tone as she waited for Avelon's response.

Avelon's breath caught. She did not want to immerse herself into the thoughts of what exact consequences would follow.

But she did. Ramped thoughts of all the small victories Balor had left on her body made her entire body shake. The ghostlike feeling of thin bands of air seemed to trace all the angry gashes still healing on her skin. She closed her eyes, grounding herself silently.

"You'll leave her behind?" Avelon asked again, confirming Elha's agreement with her eyes still closed and her throat tight with emotion.

Elha hesitated again, her gaze flicking to the sleeping form of Brianne, then back to Avelon. She nodded reluctantly, though Avelon could not see.