Exquisite Pain (Garmau)

Chapter 20 A Plan

Sometimes you have to confront your demons, and sometimes even let them loose to genuinely find a place where you can gain some understandings.
~Peter Mullan
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We stopped running when the children began to become too tired to even walk, and had to be carried.

We all sat down, all except Travis. He started to set up tents, and I could see his skin was turning a purplish grey tint.

"Is something wrong with him?" I whispered to Dante.

"Notice anyone missing?"

"Uh..." I looked around, and Katelyn was no where to be seen, "Katelyn, but she said she would be last-"

"She was caught," Travis snapped, "and we didn't even go after her.." His voice was deeper and he glared at the tent he was putting up.

"Travis, stay calm-" Zoey started

"DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO," Travis shouted.

"You'll wake the kids, so I suggest you shut up, is this how Katelyn would've wanted you to act?!" Vylad stood.

"Well I may never know what she wants anymore, because she's. Gone!"

"She's not gone! They aren't going to kill her!"

"They will! Or torture her, or she'll kill herself so she won't be forced to give anything away!" His teeth sharpened into fangs, and his eyes started to shift in colour.

"We. Will. Go. After. Her."

"WHEN?!"

"When we know it's safe, now sit down and shut up. We know you love her, and we know you're upset. We all are, we all love her. We're family. Enough moping, if you want to go all demon Travis and get caught, then be my guest because we'll save you too. But for now we need to lay low so we aren't all captured," Aphmau spoke, glaring at him. They seemed to have a staring contest, and then Travis let down. He only sighed and turned away, returning to his previous task. "Garroth, we need to talk," she ordered from me.

I nodded, thinking we would talk about the kiss. We walked into the forest, out of earshot from everyone.

"If we want to get Katelyn back we are the two who need to do it."

"W-what?"

"They still think I'm dead, and they still think you're out looking for the rebels. So we can easily return without trouble."

"That's the thing, they think you're dead. How do we explain you coming back?"

"I faked the death to try and find the rebels myself."

"And why I was gone for so long?"

"Tracking took longer than expected. On the way you found me, and so right when you found me, we started to head back."

"When do we leave?"

"Tonight."

"I want in," Travis piped up and we jumped to see him leaning on a tree.

"Travis-"

"I want in. I was in O'Khasis as a traitor before, they won't know second time."

"Didn't they see us when they attacked?" I questioned.

"Nicole cloaked us in invisibility, even if they did see us, they'll only think they were seeing things," Aphmau  sighed, turning to Travis, "fine, you can come."

We told Dante and Nicole our plan and then we headed out.

The crickets sang, and the wind ran through our bones.

"It's way too late. We need to rest," Aphmau yawned, laying on a fallen tree and stretching her limbs. "Night," she lit a black flame and it was tame, even when she fell asleep. She had fallen asleep so fast, you begin to wonder if she ever got enough sleep to begin with.

Travis watched the fire, the light dancing on his shadowed face.

"What if we don't get there in time..." he whispered as I started to get ready to sleep.

"What?"

"I can't lose her," he looked at me.

"What will you do if we don't get there in time?"

"I'll kill every bastard in that damn castle."

"Why?"

"Because I fought too hard to get her, I'm never gonna stop fighting."

"Don't take this the wrong way, but what do you see in her?"

"The stubborn little firecracker? I see a lot in her," he smiled to himself, "she's actually really sweet once you get past her tough exterior. When she agreed to go out with me, I was ecstatic...She let me see every side of her, and I let her see every side of me. She's smart, brave, talented...not to mention beautiful."

I kept silent, letting him talk about his love was good for him. He needed it. He looked up at the night sky.

"Y'know the first time we kissed was on a night just like this. A full moon, the wind running cold, she held her arms and I offered my coat, but her stubborn butt wouldn't take it. I sighed and wrapped it around her anyways, and as I wrapped it around her, our faces were close. We both leaned in and....we kissed. It was magical. That's when I knew I loved her."

He looked at me and shook his head.

"Sorry, I got carried away. Go to sleep, I'll be fine."

"It's alright, goodnight"

The morning came and Aphmau woke up first. I'd say Travis woke up first, but I'm not even sure he went to sleep. I woke up and we set out again. Aphmau flew on her back as Travis and I walked.

"We're almost at O'Khasis, I suggest you quit flying," I sighed. I felt Aphmau roll her eyes as she turned around and started walking.

We walked up to the front gate. Two guards stood, and I nodded for them to let me in. We walked through the over-crowded streets, and people looked at me with fear. Travis' aura grew dark and he held a cold glare on the castle. I looked to Aphmau who's face was emotionless and she showed no sign of worry.

We were three walking death wishes.

All three of us stopped at the castle doors. I took a deep breath and looked at one of the guards.

"Let us in," I ordered.

The doors opened, and with one more breath, we walked inside.

A/N Oh boy, I have been waiting for these next few chapters since the beginning of this book. Along with a few others, but those aren't coming up for a little while. Yes, it's early in the day, but I won't be home all day to update. I love you all devils, byeeeee.