Never Ever

24

Axel hung his head..

Ever: I had my suspisions.. You are very good with the animals of our realm, and you don't feel only human, there was always something else as well, only I couldn't exactly put my finger on it, but why haven't you said anything?

He shrugged: I didn't think it mattered

Ever: But the magic..

Axel: I had no idea I could do that, I knew I was half elf, but I've never displayed any powers before. It was a desperate move, but I'm glad it worked

Ever nodded: You know, maybe your abilities manifested themselves because you needed them so, and in this realm, magic is more abundant

Axel: Would you have been disappointed, if I was only a human and didn't display any magical abilities?

Ever smiled, eyes twinkling: Not in you, magic or not, you are you. However, I would be disappointed in myself if that was the case. I pride myself in having a strong sense of these kind of things

Axel smiled back at her, his fears diminishing, he brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear: You should rest. It was a long journey..

She nodded at him, slightly disappointed

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

After they were rested the group were eager to have a meeting and discuss the next move

Romeo: I talked with their majesties and some of the trusted nobles, but sadly we can't trust everyone. I want to search for the traitors, but I have no idea where to begin.. Do you?

He aimed his question at Ever

Ever: I don't really, I just think it's not going to be obvious, they are probably well hidden, and might be just under our noses..

Romeo: So I gather you think Ms. Malice and the others are not suspects, regardless of their infamous bad traits?

She nodded: Meria might be malicious to a degree, but she wouldn't go further than slandering or embarassing the ones she doesn't like. She doesn't have the evilness nor the guts for that and the same goes for her posse. I think whoever these people are, they have higher rankings and they might appear as supporters to hide their real intentions

Noire: I think the lady might be right but it could be whom his highness pointed to, since you think they are too much of obvious suspects, others will think the same and dismiss the possibility

Romeo nodded

Maya: I regret that we can't be more helpful, since we don't know any one that well..

Romeo: Your presence and support are help enough

Ever coughed, hiding a snort, and Axel smirked at her. Noire tried to appear like he didn't notice, even though his redenning cheeks proved otherwise

Romeo cleared his throat: Anyway, how can we find out who's behind the attacks?

Ever replied, a grim look upon her face: We wait, never dropping our guard, for the next attack, and hope we recognize the specific print of their magic..

Axel: Magic print?

Ever: Every magic user has a certain mark, a different signature to his magic from others, if you know how to discern it, you can tell by that stamp it has, who the person that cast the spell is

He nodded his head

Ever: Your highness, I suggest you subtly increase your and Lady Maya's guards, have them under cover

Romeo nodded, a look of grim determination upon his handsome features

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A small party was held, to celebrate the large alliance between the magical species, where all the nobles were present

Meria was there, looking down her nose at Ever, who only made her angrier when she ignored all her attempts at irking her, and those attempts were many

Auden: You've grown stronger little sister, and more confident. Is that the effect of a certain someone?

Ever blushed: I didn't know you liked to tease, brother

Auden sobered a little: No, because our relationship has been lacking. I am very sorry for that, it was partly my fault. I would like to make amends

Ever smiled at him, silently accepting his apology, he understood and smiled back

Auden: We should include our sisters and parents, gradually, but you would have to be patient with them, just like me, they are not that good with these things

Ever dropped her gaze, Auden felt a bit uncomfortable, he wanted to lighten the mood: You look beautiful tonight, and I see that a certain gentleman agrees with me, for he keeps looking your way

He nodded at Axel, and Ever's cheeks reddened

Auden: I must leave you for now, but I'll see you later

He parted ways with her giving her a warm smile

Ever's family were never ones for warm display of affections, so his action made her heart swell with warmth