"What do you mean a storm," Niel asked, tilting his head to look up at the sky, "it's perfectly calm."
"I don't think she's literally talking about a storm," Angel stated. As if sensing their conversation, the wind kicked up, swirling a few fallen leaves around the trio. "Or maybe not," she said.
I sighed, not really knowing the answer to that. "Honestly," I started," I'm not sure, I just know tht some way or another we are going to be stuck directly in the middle of something dangerous." My heart pounded as I spoke the words I'd been trying to absorb myself.
"Hate to break it to ya," Niel stated bluntly, "but you're the one that brought us out here."
"Because you decided to bring your troubles here. Not to mention that you two are the ones who wanted to come with me," I replied.
"I did no-"
Angel cut him off by stepping between the two of them. "It doesn't matter whose fault it is," she said darkly. Her head was low so her long, white bangs shaded her eyes from me. "We're all in this and that's not going to change. I almost think I should be more afraid of you two killing each other than anything else..."
Niel took a step forward, "I'm a prince, there's nothing that little-"
This time, it was my turn to cut him off, " what? What were you going to call me?" I yelled, infuriated by his pigheadedness. "Your lineage means absolutely nothing to me! My parents may have risked their lives for your bonehead of a father-"
"Don't you dare talk about my father like that!"
I took a step towards him, readying myself to attack. "You don't own me you stupid idiot! I'll die before I give Angel to you!" I could feel the heat on my face as my anger rose, "I'm not doing any of this for you," it wasn't entirely true, I wanted him to be safe, to live a life without the fear of the witch, "all I want is to keep my city safe. Nothing else matters to me." I curled my left hand into a fist and let it fly. My knuckles made direct contact with his cheek.
"Ericha," Angel exclaimed, taken aback by my actions, "what on Earth are you doing?"
Niel just looked at me, utterly stunned. I let out a small laugh, "you two go on ahead, I'll find your camp before night falls."Angel's expression softened. "Don't worry," I instructed with a smile, "I just need some time alone."
"Haven't you been alone," her voice was so soft and quiet that I almost couldn't hear it, "long enough?" I didn't answer, I really didn't want to be alone, but every time I was around them my stomach acted up, not like a bellyache or anything, just... different. Besides, I needed time to think of ways for all of us to survive this stupid storm I'd gotten us all into. With a final little smile, I messed up her hair and left for the cover of nearby trees. I have to keep them safe. All of them are my responsibility and i will protect them. I have to. I have to keep them safe.
