Protector

not going anywhere

~~~ jaron's point of view ~~~

I whispered Tobias' name again and saw his eyes open. He pushed himself up to sitting with a groan, eyes sparkling and I chuckled at his bad acting display. We talked for a brief spell, catching each other up on happenings outside these walls and in. Then, abruptly, like a slap to my face, the subject turned to Imogen. I lifted my chin, determined not to cry, and softly explained that she was gone. Tobias was quiet for a moment, almost as though in a prayer and then turned his gaze on Hunter.

"Who's that?" he inquired.

A small smile tugged and the corners of my mouth, chasing away the overwhelming grief for a time, and I winked at my friend.

"That, my dear Tobias, is Hunter, Princess of Carthya."

Tobias' jaw fell open, and the blank, befuddled look he gave me was almost laughable.

"I... I don't..." he trailed off. "She's supposed to be dead."

"So am I," I countered.

He shook his head in disbelief. "How long has she been here?"

"Six years."

"Since the pirate attack?"

Nodding, I appreciated once again how strong my sister was. Tobias stared at her for a moment before coming back to himself.

"Is she... alright?"

I opened my mouth to explain what they had done to her, but was cut off by another voice.

"Of course."

Hunter pushed herself into a seated position, carefully leaning back against the wall and hissing as her back touched the stone. Tobias and I both sat up quickly, startled by her sudden awareness and I let out a breath I hadn't known I'd been holding.

"You-You're awake," I stammered. "I was worried you were—." I paused. "You've been out for days."

I broke off, my eyes watering as I struggled to regain my composure. Hunter turned her head to look on me with tired yet loving eyes.

"I thought you were gone," I choked out.

She smiled at me. "I'm not going anywhere."