Tributes

Chapter Forty

"Luke?" Heilan frowned as he saw the man stumble out of Edwards room his pale skin, looking more green than pale, and hair more grey than blonde. He saw about the nightmares but was something else plaguing Luke? "You look terrible Are you feeling ok?" he moved forward and put his hand on his forehand. 

Luke pulled out of his grip and shrugged, running a hand through his messy hair. He was wearing his sleeping clothes still, partly because he had slipped into Edmunds room in the middle of the night and hadn't had a chance yet to go back to his room. "Not sleeping well."

"Or at all," Edmund muttered, slapping his shoulder as he passed to the breakfast table.

Most of the others were already sitting down, Kain complaining to Paul about one of his older brothers having cold feet while Abel made the soup swirl in the air. Julia tapped him on the head and scolded him for playing with his food. Abel flushed and looked down but Julia was quick to ruffle his hair. Jack had taught him out to play with water the previous day. Luke watched him it with heavy eyes, jealousy burning. 

"Luke," Heilan sighed, pulling his chin so LUke was looking at him again. "You can't keep doing this, you know?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about," Luke sniffed, pulling away, his body language defensive as he curled in on himself. 

Helian's fingers went to follow him but paused as he saw Luke's expression. He hadn't seen that look in Luke for a long time. He did not like it one bit. Heilan's burrowed deepened before he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Luke's shoulders. Luke stiffened before relaxing and hugged back just as tight. Dampness grew on his shoulder but neither said anything as Helian rocked Luke gently.  A touch of magic to keep the others from paying attention to them surrounded them and Luke seemed to grow heavier as he leaned on Helian. 

"I'm very fond of you, Luke. Please don't hide from me," Helian murmured into his ear. Much like Tyreol, the fact many of the tributes choose to avoid them hurt Helian. He had made friends with each of the immortals, but he was linked too closely to Tyreol for many of them to stand when it came to contact after they left the castle. It was different, Helian had friends around the residents but it still stung. "You don't have to tell me everything, but don't hide."

"Sorry," Luke muttered, burying his face against Helian. "Just tender today."

Eyes darting other to the other tributes, Helian kissed the side of Luke's head roughly. "You were here first. If you need help, call me and I will help. If it's taking you to my rooms or just being here, it doesn't matter.  I don't have the same stupid rules as Tyreol." Luke's arms tightened and he nodded. Helian gave him one more kiss, waved away the tear trails on Luke's face and broke the little bit of glimmer he had used. Luke smiled shakily at him but there was something less scared in his eyes.

Fingers tangled, Helian led Luke over to the table and sat him down firmly next to Julia and Paul. Paul looked between them as Helian dished out a serving for Luke and put it in front of him in a clear order. Paul shifted to the side slightly in an invitation for Helian to sit but when Helian shook his head, Paul pressed against Luke arm hooping through the man's arm and head leaning against his shoulder. 

Jack appeared, looking fresh and ready for the day. He sat down opposite Luke, eyes narrowing as he took in his appearance. He opened his mouth but paused. From where his eyes were falling, Helian was willing to bet Paul was giving his best dark glare. Luke wasn't looking at the man, eating his soup calmly. Helian caught his eyes too and shook his head.