Bright One | Empire of Blood and Swords Series

30. Fault

-30-
-Fault-

Two weeks later, reports of attacks increased tremendously. Most of them targeted at the Banes. I hardly ever get to train because the generals kept assisting the princes to send reinforcements. And to defend the cities. Saoirse fully recovered on the fourth day, jumping back on her legs and insisted on going to the attack sites. But Sun forbid her.

Wěi Lóng came by every two days, training my Firewalker skills. Fire after fire, embers after embers. And a lot of scolding, since most of my power comes from the frustration of not understanding anything he says. I feel like I'm releasing all of me, but he said it still wasn't enough. We'd train for two hours—three hours max—before I collapsed from the heat. When I woke up he was already gone, saying he couldn't stay for too long.

But other than that, I'd spend my time reading about the Kells. And also train my new bond with Seth, Sapphire and Saoirse. The others are gone to the war-camps, helping out the injured. That evening, as the sun finally set, the four of us say down at the chairs on the balcony. And we began exercising there.

Saoirse would keep scolding me that I wasn't focusing enough, and Seth would tell her to shut up. Sapphire just sat there, silently suffering from her siblings' bickering, only adding things when she felt like I wasn't improving. But if I had known better, I'd say they were trying to keep me busy.

"You don't have to do this, you know," I said.

"Do what?" Seth asked, his voice so sincere.

"Keeping me from thinking of Connie," I whispered.

They froze, the guilt and realization flashed across their eyes, but only for a split second. Saoirse's laugh sound forced, but she draped an arm over my shoulder and pulled me to her.

"Of course we are, we're that good, aren't we?" She asked jokingly.

I only smiled in return. They didn't have to. They didn't have to put up this much for me. It was because of me that Saoirse almost got killed. That Sapphire showed everyone that sinister side of hers, which she doesn't want anyone to know about. And I shot a blast at Seth. I hurt him physically.

Are you all right?

A male voice whispered through my mind. I had gotten use to the sudden messages Seth sends through the bond. It was great, to know that someone is out there looking after me mentally.

I'm fine. I'm just. . . happy. I answered.

Why is that?

That you still chose to stay with me even though I put everyone in danger.

His mind went silent. I lifted my head and met his gaze, so caring and gentle.

I'm here if you need me.

Likewise. I answered.

"Isn't it annoying how people talk telepathically in front of you?" Saoirse asked, releasing herself from me.

"It could be something personal," Sapphire answered.

"Like what? Religion?"

"Who knows? Ask them."