The Messiah [1]

11: Jax

Footsteps drifted to Jax on a cold breeze that raised goosebumps across his skin. He immediately rose from where he was seated against the stone wall of the old weapons shed, ghosting over to the red-headed girl who was padding toward him. Her hair fell in a vivid veil to her freckle-dusted shoulders, drawing Jax's eye to the graceful sweep of her collar bone that was exposed by the thin summer dress.

"I'm over here." Jax whispered from behind her, propping one shoulder against the thin metal wall.

Erin gave a small gasp, jerking to the side and tripping into Jax. He tried to stifle his laughter, but Erin must have felt the tremors passing through his frame, because she reached up to smack her hand against his chest. The movement only made Jax laugh harder. He gave Erin a light squeeze, placing his chin atop her soft hair. 

"You're such a  jerk!" Erin sighed, leaning into his embrace.

Jax couldn't help but smile as she relaxed against him; Erin was his only solace left - a touchstone in a world that was slowly spinning out of control. She worked hard as a maid in the castle, pulling extra hours to receive extra rations so she could support her brother.  Jax admired her strength and was so proud of her, he wished he could show her off around the castle - if only she wasn't his darkest secret.

"I know, but your expression was priceless." Jax smiled, pulling her closer when she tried to move away from him.

She went reluctantly at first, but once Jax's arms closed around her, he heard her sigh in happiness. Jax took the tranquil moment to reflect on when he had met Erin. 

They had been eight and had bonded instantly over mutual experiences. It had been during his mother's sickness, when Jax had felt so lost. He used to wander the compound, wasting time in an attempt to avoid the reality of loss. The king had been completely absorbed by caring for the queen, and Jax's sister had been nothing more than a baby. Restless and alone, Jax had wandered too close to the fences surrounding the compound; where the separation of eye color had already begun. There at the fence, Jax had found a young blue-eyed girl scavenging for berries in the bushes nearby. They had spoken through the gate, and instantly became inseparable.

If the king, or anyone, ever found out that Jax was friends with someone who was considered the enemy, there was no telling what would happen. 

Eventually, Jax had torn up the bottom of the fence so they could crawl through and play together; Erin had soothed a piece of Jax that was nearly broken by his mother's death. In return, he protected her from the harsh outside world, by getting her employment in the castle and making sure she was always well provided for. 

"How long do we have?" Erin mumbled against Jax's chest. Her question made his smile fade, and for a moment he just squeezed her closer.

"Not long. My dad is keeping a tight leash on me, but I just wanted to see you." Jax murmured into her hair, his cheeks reddening at the implication of his words. "To check on how you are, of course."

Jax released Erin, clearing his throat to cover how uncomfortable he suddenly was. Erin's cheeks were equally red as she shuffled away from him, her arms crossed. Jax leaned back against the wall again, crossing his arms and watching as Erin rubbed her arms, trying to fight the cold. Jax frowned; irritated he had left his jacket in his room. He should have brought it along, so he could have given it to Erin.

"I'm doing fine. Mom came home last night for the first time in weeks..." Erin gave Jax a small smile, her head tilting to one side as she stared at him, "Why did your dad tighten the leash?"

Jax shrugged, unwilling to delve into the mess he had fallen into. Instead he pulled Erin closer, rubbing her arms to heat her up.

"What did your mom do when she came home? Did she say anything?" He said to change the topic.