A Thousand Year Obsession ✔

40. Don't Trust A Gift From The Enemy

40. Don't Trust A Gift From The Enemy

"You made a picnic. Really?"

My mind arose from the depths of unconsciousness at Alexander's voice. My eyes fluttered open and I groggily sat up, swallowing a yawn as my gaze drifted over the scene before me.

We still occupied the island, but now a blanket had been spread out beneath the tree, littered with plates of fruits and tiny sandwiches and cups and flasks of wine. Alexander stood in front of me, his eyebrow arched towards a boy about my age that stood just behind the picnic. The boy grinned childishly, his dark chocolate eyes sparkling. The wind tossed several strands of his golden hair out behind him, but he made no move to correct them. A light coat of freckles slathered his lanky body and his skin was so pale it nearly reflected the sunlight showering down onto it. His gaze shifted towards me as I studied him, but I didn't look away, only searched his gaze for something even remotely inhuman. And yet, all I found was a childish amusement.

"Are you . . . " I trailed off, removing my gaze from his to search for the ring. It was nowhere to be found. My hand rose slightly before falling down again and I slumped into myself. "You know . . . ?"

"My name is Silas." He replied. "Come, sit, you must be starving."

Alexander glanced back at me with a frown before huffing and crossing his arms, slowly making his way towards the picnic. I didn't follow.

"You didn't answer my question." I said stoutly.

Silas just grinned and gestured towards the picnic. "Do you like it?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Uh . . . sure . . ."

That seemed to satisfy him. He sat down on the blanket and nodded for Alexander to do the same. Then they both waited for me. I stared at them.

"The picnic was not my idea." Alexander muttered.

I stood up quickly, but I didn't go to the food, though my stomach really, really wanted to. Instead, I began walking slowly, cautiously, backwards. Alexander rolled his eyes.

"Do you really want a repeat of the tree incident?"

I bit my lip, but stopped. I glanced behind me as the shimmering lake before sighing and dragging myself towards the picnic. Silas grinned and patted the spot beside him, but Alexander grabbed my arm and jerked me down next to him before I could sit down on my own. I glared at him.

"So. Alexander? Morgana? Shall we get on with it?" Silas asked brightly, his toffee eyes locking on mine.

I looked away quickly. "You know, I'm kind of wondering, what is the meaning of all this?" I questioned sarcastically.

Alexander moved to speak, but Silas cut him off.

"My brother and I," He began carefully, "have agreed that instead of all the careless fighting and kidnapping, we will decide by discussion, which of us gets you."

I stared at him.

"Wait." I said shortly. "You mean to say . . . that you too have acquired this strange, inhuman obsession with me?" He smiled and nodded. I gaped at him. "But we've only just met!"

"Two seconds is enough for Silas." Alexander muttered.

"I'm not finished." I snapped. "And the both of you . . . are going to resolve this . . . by talking? Did I miss something?"

"Not at all, Morgana. You are precisely correct." Silas' eyes sparkled as he watched me.

I frowned. "Wait a second more--who told him my name?"