Scientific Fantasies (Wattys2015)

Chapter Twenty-One

She stopped at the edge of the forest, tears filling her eyes, and fought to keep them away. She didn't want to cry now, not in front of him, and certainly not because of him. Keeping herself hidden, she sat with her back against a tree as they'd arranged, waiting for him. Her wings were tucked out of sight under her shirt, her green eyes dark with sorrow.

Nothing happened for a long time, and she slowly relaxed into the tree, closing her eyes as she waited. It had been too long since she'd been alone and peaceful. She didn't know how long it was, but after a while, she heard the distinctive sound of his wings — a sound that she could pick out anywhere. She opened her eyes, peering up through the branches of the trees, and soon saw him, hurtling at breakneck speed — as he always did — towards her.

She got to her feet, a smile lighting her face, and he landed remarkably lightly in front of her considering the speed he had been going. His smile was more fleeting than hers, but she still saw it. To her distress, she lost control of her tears, though, and one escaped down her cheek.

His fingers brushed the droplet away, and she had to look down, unable to bear the kindness in his eyes. "Do you have to?" she whispered.

"Bella," he murmured, letting his hand drop. "I must."

"I don't want you to," she whispered. Another tear fell. "Please."

He pulled her to him, holding her close. "You're like a sister, Bella," he murmured. "I'll never forget you."

"Can't I come with you?" she begged.

He shook his head. "I can't let you. It's too dangerous. I don't want you hurt more."

She didn't let go of him, his feathers warm under her fingers. "Please," she whispered.

"No," he said gently. "You'll be safe. They can't track you anymore. She knows somewhere you'll be safe."

"Why do you trust her?"

He hesitated, and she looked up to see that he refused to meet her eyes. "Talon?" Fear leapt in her throat.

"It's going to be alright," he told her, drawing away from her. "Come. She's waiting. It's time."

She sniffed and trailed after him. As she'd known, the scientist was there, waiting in a car for them. She hesitated, glancing at Talon, but he was waiting for her. He wasn't going to push her.

After a long moment, she walked forwards, keeping a close eye on the scientist. Even if Talon trusted her, she wasn't so sure about it. She slipped into the back of the car as Talon sat in the front, and glanced over his shoulder at her.

"You'll be safe," he said. "I promise."

The scientist said nothing, concentrating on her driving instead. Bella didn't answer him, huddled down in the seat as far as she could go, trying in vain to stop her tears. She did want to be safe, away from the horrors of the professor and his team, but she wanted to be with Talon, too. She didn't really know what to think right now.

Both experiments were silent. Natalia didn't know what she could say to break the uncomfortable atmosphere, so she said nothing. She was still shocked by what the male — Talon — had offered in exchange for the girl's freedom. Stunned, really. She'd never have guessed that he would do something like that.

Briefly, she glanced over at him. He was looking out the window, his face in profile to her, and felt a surge of emotion rush through her. She tore her eyes away from him, and focused them back on the road, confused. Determined, she pushed it to the back of her mind. She would think about it later, when the girl was safe. She had a promise to keep.