Faeborn (Sequel)

Valuable Information

Alkaios examined each herb and root on the table of the shopkeeper. The sounds of the bazaar rang around him, as well as tantalizing, exotic scents coming from the food stands littered around the plaza.

As Alkaios inhaled the strange air, he allowed himself a small smile. Leaving Earth had been the right decision, seeing as how he could now be alone with his thoughts, with no worries of judgement or distrust.

He turned his attention back to the task at hand, his actual hand deftly sweeping back his black hair in a nervous gesture from his life back on Earth that he wasn't able to shake.

He mentally chided himself. He was in a whole separate universe, and he still couldn't help but think of his first home.

The shopkeeper was growing impatient, tapping his foot and pulling on his long beard as he eyed the ever growing line. A small bud of irritation bloomed in Alkaios's stomach, but he dropped the root he was holding and wandered off. There was nothing of use there anyway.

He followed the invisible tether that tied himself to Era. When he said earlier that he was glad he left so that he could be alone, it wasn't exactly the whole truth. The rest of the Seraphim had come with him.

He wove through the crowd, little more than a shadow. He eventually appeared at the stall that he knew he'd find Era at- the pastry stand. Pressed up against her was Aiyla, her bright blue eyes shining with longing.

Alkaios let loose a deep sigh, and tugged on both girls' braids. "We have to go," he said, voice gravelly.

He stepped back in an instant, and two blades found the spot where his neck was, just a second ago. He chuckled internally.

They had come to this trading planet as a pit stop before they went back to Chaos' palace. Alkaios had come for more than just herbs and roots, though. He was paying for information. Even Era didn't know, and this was only because if she knew, she would definitely stop him.

As he contemplated this, the girl he was imagining stepped into his field of view. Just as striking as before, her golden eyes found his.

His stomach clenched, but he didn't step forward as he would have before. After he swore an oath to his old gods, Era explained that what he was doing was irrational.

In her words, "The bond between us creates a rush of feelings for about a month after it is discovered. What you're feeling right now is just your brain reacting to the sudden change of your heart. Magic is heavily involved, but we need to take a step back from each other. Figure this out... naturally."

Basically, everything he did for her previously was just out of obligation, what he thought was right for him to do. It was the bond messing with his head.

He wanted to argue, but didn't. If she wanted to take a step back, then he would listen.

It also didn't help that she was in a rough place right now. Ever since her wings were shorn, her powers decreased. She was still strong, to be sure, but she no longer possessed the godlike magic that she once did.

"Did you get what you needed?" Era's voice struck him out of his reverie. She looked off to the side, avoiding his eyes.

"Yes," he said, looking down. Aiyla scoffed at both of them. He chose to ignore it.

He turned on his heel and walked back toward the ship, growing tenser the more he walked away. There was valuable information spinning in his head right now, and he needed to talk to Chaos immediately.

This was really just a setup chapter, but I hope you enjoyed it anyways :)