Legacy: Infinity (Book 3)

Chapter 27: Draw

Chapter 27: Draw

Jay and Ash faced each other across the stone gray cave. Rays of sunlight crept in beneath the ivy curtain and the light that filtered in through the ivy curtain glowed upon the gray surfaces, green as moss on the cave walls. The tireless twittering of birds could be heard, announcing to all the world what a succulent breakfast they would make.

But neither cat was interested in breakfast. Jay stared at Ash, driving all her hate, disdain, and humiliation into one fine point to use against him. And he watched her, gray eyes that held not a hint of fear despite how she had proved she was the superior fighter in a match. He held her below him, his condescension for her seemed limitless.

"I suppose you wanted me to come here for a reason," Jay's voice was swathed in a gray tone, she would not express any emotion despite what she felt inside. A raging wildfire of anger, she wanted nothing more than to cut him down for good.

Ash nodded, his tail waving behind him in a slow, rhythmic motion. "I thought it was time we met up again. We have much to discuss," he inclined his head and stepped toward her.

Jay didn't respond, not a hair on her pelt twitched as he stopped, standing only a tail-length away, the sunlight turning his fur a blazing orange, but his eyes remained listless. "I'm sure by this point you know about the StarReaders, namely their present situation and their goal." Jay grunted and he continued. "And I'm sure you're also aware I was working with them the whole time and that I knew your plans never had a chance."

"And yet they worked," Jay mewed.

Ash's eyes snapped angrily, "What are you talking about? The mountains are not a peaceful place for your kits, and certainly not for you, that was your goal."

Jay's whiskers twitched, "No, I can't abide boredom. I knew that whether Python or the Ivy Cats won, there would be no peace. My goal was simply to find a safe place for my kits, and I found that."

"Yes," Ash mewed dryly, "You're hiding out in Python's old haunt. But surely you're not stupid enough to think that it is anything but a temporary solution. No cat can could survive a cold season on that mountainside."

"I have my own plans," Jay cut in coldly. "Now what do you want?"

Ash took a step back, regaining his composure. "From you? Nothing."

Jay's ears went flat against her head, "Then why have me come here?"

Ash shook his head, "You misunderstood. Nothing is what I want from you. No interfering, no getting involved. I want you to remain outside of this valley for as long as I live."

Jay's ears twitched, "That could happen a lot quicker than you might imagine," she mewed, opening her jaws and unsheathing her claws.

"Don't bother, I may die, but from here one of the StarReaders will hear me and they'll find you, or at least your scent trail. And then you'll lose your hideout," Ash mewed disdainfully.

Jay didn't tell him he was underestimating her, she could slice his throat before he saw it coming. But it was in her best interest to let him believe he was in control, after all, she'd lost last time because she'd thought she was in control.

"Your request was for me to stay out of your business," Jay mewed slowly, "But I haven't set paw in the valley for a moon until last night."

"True, but you were sending Silver and Midnight here. I'm not concerned about what they might do, but so long as they're taking your orders, you're involved," the orange tom's tail lashed.

Jay felt a cold inkling down her spine, "I don't suppose you would believe me if I told you I never told them to come here. Or that you'd believe why they've been coming down here on their own," she added with a snarl, it dripped with disgust and Ash's gaze sharpened.