Bright One | Empire of Blood and Swords Series

41. Back to School

-41-
-Back to School-

Three weeks, three weeks since I've been here. And three weeks since the last time Saoirse and Seth has a civil conversation.

Most days she ignored him, and he to her. They only exchanged a few words when asked by their uncles, but that was all. I spent my time training with Ryker and Athos. Yes, the latter started his shift again. Quieter, but still hardworking. Wěi Lóng would come once or twice a week, teaching me in silent. Along with Sapphire's accompaniment.

Alexandros never visited once.

Perhaps he was still angry at Sapphire, or perhaps the Imperial Court kept him busy. If his absence had bothered Sapphire, she didn't show it.

The uncles and aunts are usually gone for the day. And back around the night. Thompson only came out of his lair when needed. The rest of his time was spent dying away in the shadows of his bedroom, with the remaining life of his beloved.

Lucia never got better, even when I came to tend her. Her eyes more grayish than the last time I saw her, the light now gone. It weighs on me heavily, seeing her slowly, withering away. Such pity, if only we knew what her sickness was. Not that disorders had pills or medicine to heal. Scars that dug too deep cannot be sealed so easily.

With that being said. . .

A loud knock, inpatient and forcefully on the door of Seth's room.

After my trainings, I spend the rest of the day—I mean evening—with Seth. We hang around in his room, chatting away our time. After all, we were immortal.

Saoirse's scent flooded through the doorway, earning a scowl from Seth.

"What?" He asked.

She took that as an approval to enter. Striding into the room, she took in her brother's room. Tidy and arranged, unlike most men's. Papers and crystals on his desk were in order, not a single dust touched the surface.

Though it doesn't seem like he uses those things often, he kept them as presents from his friends.

I haven't forgiven him, not after what he said. A part of him was still healing, still broken from the past. I wonder if my butting in would help, even if it meant trying to help him get through.

Those emerald eyes didn't meet Seth's, nor mine as she handed a letter over.

"They want your rank back by two days. Schedules and timetables are all in here," she said, her tone an icy roar, even without raising her voice.

Seth gave a nod, his eyes cold as she teleported the letter onto his desk. Then she was gone as quick as she came.

"Damnit," he cursed.

"What's wrong?" I asked, picking up the letter from his desk.

"I have to go back to school," he mumbled.

A snort escaped from my lips, accidentally. He didn't hide his glare. I touched the insignia on the letter, the bright, bold seal of a lily, with wave-like curves.

Lilygrasp, one of the schools in the Achillea empire.

I never asked about his school years, though I suppose he wouldn't want me to know anyways. The boring stuff, he once said, waving away.