Drakan (The Chronicles of Eli) [#Wattys2015]

Chapter 18

   I asked to get at least 100 reads or 110 comments and you guys have far surpased that by saturday. I am so overwhelmed with happiness. Thank you all for giving me that feeling. This is for you guys bringing me from 2077 reads (thursday night) to 2454 reads (tuesday night). Simply incredible in my eyes and i am in great awe. So please enjoy this chapter!

            “Alex!”

Eli abruptly sat up and scanned the forest for his friend. Immediately he felt the tender touch of two hands placed loosely against his shoulders. The hands gave a gentle shake, inducing Eli to see the scene around him for what it was. He blinked hard and wiped the grimace off his face once he saw the pair of light brown eyes softly looking down at him. He bit his lip and held back the sobs but those walls were quickly demolished by the hard tug from Valens arms.

            “I told you to be careful.” His voice was tremulous.

Silently allowing his love to pour from his heart, Eli reciprocated the gesture and wrapped his arms around Valen.

            “I knew you’d come.” He mumbled into Valens chest.

As the seconds went by, Eli found peace in the clutches of his father’s embrace. At that moment he thought of nothing else, pin pointing his fantasy someplace where no one will bother them. He felt Valens chest waver as it rise and lowered in an irregular rhythm. His heart clashed against Valens chest. He snuggled in closer to feel the same amount of love. The grimace returned as his mind jumped to a method of muddled thinking. Eli eased in his way away from the heartless shell that seemed reluctant to let go. Valen sniffled. Eli felt the movement of Valens arms rising upward and by the time he was face to face with him, Valens hands were already leaving his eyes.

            “Who did this to you?” he said, lifting his chin towards Elis face.

            “I’m sure his face looks just as bad.” Eli said with a half way smile, knowing deep down it wasn’t true.

            “Was it peter?” Valen stiffened, “Did he do this to you?” Rage consumed his easy eyes as his soft knuckles hardened.

This time Eli gave a genuine smile, “No”. He shook his head and chuckled slightly, “It wasn’t him yet.” Eli slowly inhaled, then rushed the air out of his lungs. “This was between me and Liam.” He finished with his finger pointing to an aching sore on his face.

            “I see”. Valen turned his head so that he was facing in the direction of Alexandria. “Should I assume to hold this predator accountable for you two’s mishap?”

At the mention of her name, Eli instantly sprang forward and searched the room for her.

            “She’s in my room resting. She’ll live.” He said just as Eli made an attempt to stand.

Feeling relieved, he slumped back down and rubbed his forehead as he let out a silent sigh.

            “No, not necessarily.” He said, shaking his head. “And this definitely wasn’t a mishap. This was a feud between me and him over a disagreement.” He knew he sounded bitter but at the moment he couldn’t mask his feelings.

            “May I ask what the disagreement was about?”

Instantly a knot caught in his throat, forcing silence upon him. He couldn’t bring himself to lie to Valen nor was he ready to tell him the truth. Instead he decided to avert his gaze from Valens confused stare and began fiddling with his shirt, while he bit his lower lip. Valen nodded and shrugged slightly.