The Dark Wind

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

“Do I, Keeper of this domain, have your permission to stay?” Kote asked again when I simply couldn’t work my way around the lump that lodged in my throat. My mind was stuck, not working as a whirlwind billowed past, wrecking all possible train of thoughts.

He was still holding my hand, but I realized, only now, that it was throbbing no longer. It was as if… he had healed it, just by touching, holding and kissing it. I should have known. His ability to force open the doors and windows without wind; his ability to close the window with a flick of his hand.

This was truly the pioneer of the nightstalker race standing before me, a true gentleman as he stood, waiting my reply.

I didn’t trust my voice not to crack, so I nodded numbly. The small smile that tugged on his lip turned into a bright smile as he kissed my hand once more holding it delicately in both his hands now, as if my hand was a piece of extra-fragile glass. It felt nice that someone was treating me with such care and concern, though he didn’t really know me. But it was more than unnerving to know that this nightstalker, standing before me, kissing my hand, was Kote.

Kote, Jin’s master. Kote, the pioneer of the nightstalkers. Kote, who had declared himself washing his hands off nightstalker affairs a few years ago.

“Pardon me if I had not asked if I could heal your hand. You seemed in quite a pain when Wind clutched it so hard. It was almost seeping through.” Kote’s voice was soft, but genuinely concerned as he carefully plucked the bandage off my hand, unwinding it slowly to reveal a hand that was unharmed; healed like Jin’s.

“T-Thanks.” I stuttered a little, though I prided myself for not trembling. My pure, primal instinct was screaming for me to drop to my knees before Kote, but I couldn’t do that when Kote was holding my hand like it was a precious jewel.

“It’s always my pleasure to help such a charming lady like you. Your reputation has brought you quite some attention, Dru.” Kote’s swift, charming reply could make me swoon, had I not been so preoccupied that I was plain standing before the Master of all nightstalkers, and not kneeling in respect.

“I-I should believe so, Ancient Kote. Rumors travel with lots of added flair. I am not that strong than most would believe.” I did my best in a humble tone, and from the smile on Kote’s face in reply, I was partly sure it worked. Had Kote always been this friendly? Why did I seem to forget my impression of him from when I was still hanging on the coattails of Wind?

“Humility is one attribute rumors have not failed to pin on you, Dru. Surely, as one of Wind’s creation, setting out on your own proves yourself strong enough.” Kote said, and though I stifled a giggle at the thought of Kote putting Wind down so delicately, I managed a smile in reply to his.

“I insist, it is the rumors who speak highly of me. I am but just another nightstalker, searching for her own rights and strength.” I was painfully aware that everyone else in the room was kneeling before the Master Ancient –as many have come to know Kote as –listening to every word I spoke or stuttered to Kote.

“Surely, you have found both by now? To have my Jin here, stepping upon your lands, in your unique little nightclub, surely you have found both your rights and strength?” Kote said as he made sweeping motion. Though I was relatively sure some of my nightstalkers had no intention to straighten their spines, every single nightstalker in the nightclub, save me and Kote himself, stood up in one single movement.

Shocked and confused glances were exchanged between my nightstalkers as they slipped back into their seats, watching the show. Jin and Wind, for their part, only stood numbly side by side, their eyes tagging on Jin’s feet, as if they were a pair of guilty kids, caught for fighting.