The Dance of the Keepers

Chapter 43 The Great Escape

Grayson let out a shout of pain, stumbling backward off of my blade, clutching at his abdomen as blood poured out. Before I could do anything further, Evangeline cried out and narrowing her eyes she blasted me back with a jet stream of water. I didn't dare use my Wind Wielding too openly, my reputation as Keeper Amica was toast, but Astrid Coften was still in the clear. Instead, I created a pocket of air around myself to keep the water from drowning me. When Evangeline released the wave I lunged at her ready to strike, only to see her crumple to the ground unconscious. It took me a minute to realize Kyle had whacked her over the head with the hilt of his sword. I closed my eyes momentarily, relieved Kyle was still on my side.

"What in the name of all the is good do you think you are doing?"
He growled in a low tone that scared me more than if he had yelled.

"He's my friend, from before all this."
I exclaimed, pointing back at a shocked looking Cassian.

"I won't watch him die."

"You nearly killed him earlier!"
Kyle protested.

"Because I didn't know who he was!"
I snapped.

"So if you had known, you would have let his majesty die? You would have betrayed your country?"
He demanded to know.

"No, I still would have saved the ungrateful tyrant because I didn't do it for him in the first place!"

"Coften."
Grayson choked out, staring at me wide-eyed.

"You'll hang for this Kyle."
He rasped.

Kyle swore colorfully and grabbed my shoulders.

"Do you have any idea what you've done?"
There was desperation in his voice that nearly made me regret my decision.

But I wouldn't apologize for saving my former friend's life. I wasn't loyal to a cause, or an idea, at least not now, I couldn't speak for who I had been before the memory serum. I was loyal to the people I loved, simple as that.

"Astrid?"
Cassian asked hesitantly.

I turned back to look at him for a brief moment, but there was something else I had to take care of first. It would be our only chance to know the truth. I jutted my chin out towards Grayson, who was struggling for each breath.

"Did you send the Sentinels after Kyle?"
I questioned the dying Keeper.

"Why would I tell you, you worthless traitor?"
He hissed, wheezing in pain.

I stepped closer to his broken body.

"Because I'll make your death quick if you do."
I answered in a cold tone, trying not to think too much about taking another life.

Grayson deserved it. He was the bad guy. I wouldn't have to feel guilty for ending him. Right? I held my blade to his neck, waiting for his answer.

"Yes."
He coughed out after an interminably long silence.

Kyle stiffened and crossed his arms.

"Why?"

"Because I could. Because I wanted him dead. For Ryland's sake."
Grayson mumbled.