Serene Of The Sea

32. Called

As Kai and me arrived in the living room, hair still soaking, Anahi raises a perfect eyebrow, "Kind of you to join us...."
I notice that Tag doesn't look up. His eyes are fixed on his black soup with feigned interest.

We sit, both looking very guilty.
"I saved your seats," Ebony proudly proclaims, like it had been a hard task.
"Thank you Ebony," Kai replies to her, scruffing up her hair a little in an attempt to diffuse the sudden tension.

The mood seems to have shifted from the brightness we had shared in the garden. We had become rather bipolar as a group.
Once everyone was settled, we started the meal in silence.
Tag poked at his soup for a long time before actually tasting it. It was a big change from what he was used to.

"It's not as bad as it looks," I assure him across the table.
Tag looks at me then. Was that hurt I detected in his eyes? What had I done now?
Tag braves a taste of his soup then, nodding slightly to Anahi at his appreciation.

Why was he acting weird?
I went through everything I'd said to him throughout the day. I couldn't pin what was making him so cold.

Once everyone was done, Anahi cleaned up the plates, leaving us to our own devices.
Tag moves over to the couch, twiddling his thumbs.
"You ok Tag?" I hear Kai ask as he takes a seat across from him.
I can't see Tag's face from here, but I know it's something I've done, so I quietly excuse myself from the room.

I feel both of their eyes on me as I cross through the courtyard.
Best to let them get out whatever is bothering them.

I enter my room, taking my time to wander over to the balcony. The city seems so peaceful from an outside perspective.
Seeing the city like this always transported me back to Sanctuary. I missed my secret city. Somehow the enchantment had been lost from Senima. But perhaps if I ever saw Sanctuary again, I might find the magic in it.

I let my mind drift through my memories of the abandoned city. The astrology domes beautiful carvings as I lay on the marble flooring. The beautiful blue light that cast through the arches like reaching fingers.
I wanted to visit that place where it all started. I have been stuck in a complicated web for so long, maybe Sanctuary would clear my mind like it used to?

My thoughts went back to what was happening in the living room.

I wanted to be a fly on the wall right now. Tag and Kai looked to be leading into a deep conversation when I left. They hadn't really taken the time to connect, just the two of them. So this was a good thing. Didn't mean my curiosity wasn't burning my ears. Kai and Tag had been civil, but I've felt this competition brewing between them from the moment we left the ballroom.

I can't say why my eye was drawn to the stairs leading up to our home. But my heart rose into my mouth.
Without hesitation I was jumping down onto the walkway.
Kai and Tag were having a very serious moment when I ran in. But the conversation was drawn short when Kai saw my face.
He rose from his seat, "What's wrong? What happened?"
"They're coming. Now," I spoke as calmly as I could, but I couldn't control the slight break of fear.
Everyone's standing now, "Kai? Can we do something?" Tag's is very serious at this point, like he's about to fight the whole city to get me out.
"No," I hear myself say. I sound stronger now. The memory of Athena's threat echoes in my mind. This wasn't a time to be selfish.

Kai closes the space between us and kisses me fiercely, "I'm coming with you," he says, looking deep into my soul.
I want to say yes, to beg him not to leave my side. I need him, but I have to leave him, "Please don't. Please stay with your family. They need you."
I can see him start to shake his head, "Kai. I love you and I need you to stay."