Dawn of Arcane Destiny

Chapter Seventy-Nine

Caelum was walking down the corridor to his quarters when he spotted Ella. She wouldn’t be in this area of the castle unless she was looking for him. He immediately turned around, heading the other way. Caelum hoped she hadn’t noticed him. He didn’t have the energy to confront her at the moment.

“Caelum!” She called out. From the sound of her footsteps, she had quickened her pace. He did the same. He had been avoiding her, he didn’t want another confrontation like they had had a couple days earlier.

“Caelum, I know you can hear me. Wait a moment.” She said.

He shook his head. “I’m on duty, Ella.”

“That’s a blatant lie, Caelum. I know they gave you leave to recover.” Ella Rose protested.

“Are you going to produce my documentation of leave, then?” Caelum asked dryly, still walking away.

“Caelum Goladroth! You stop right now and face me!” She demanded.

He stopped mostly out of surprise at her forcefulness. But he didn’t turn to look at her. He couldn’t stand to see the disgust on her face again. “You sound like Lillia.” He remarked.

“Is that such a bad thing?” Ella asked from directly behind him.

Caelum sighed. “I suppose not.”

“I said face me.” She said.

Instead of turning, Caelum asked, “Is there anything you need?” He was surprised at how detached he sounded. However, formality felt right at that moment. Maybe she would leave him alone if he was short.

She stepped around him and stood in front of him, forcing him to look at her. He looked down but got a good look at her first. She was wearing what appeared to be one of Lillia’s dresses, her white hair pulled up in a common Kamasian coiffure, but she looked anything but common. She was stunning. However, she probably wouldn’t appreciate him saying so. What would a scarred man know about beauty?

He almost shook his head at himself. He never pitied himself. What was happening to him? The condition of his face was a fact of life now and he needed to accept that, no matter the consequences. He hoped he hadn’t gone on that trip for nothing.

“Caelum, look at me.” She said with her characteristic gentleness.

He looked up at her full on, gauging her reaction. At least she didn’t flinch this time, but he saw the strain in her eyes. “What do you need?” Caelum asked again.

“I wanted to talk to you. I’m afraid I owe you an apology.” Ella said.

Caelum groaned inwardly. That was the last thing he wanted. ‘sorry my immediate reaction was disgust. I’ll try harder to hide that when we talk again.’ At least he knew what her genuine reaction was. He hated it when people put on faces. He and Drayce were alike in that way. They both wished people would just act and say what they meant.

“There’s no need for an apology.” Caelum said brushing past her. Unfortunately, she followed him, keeping pace beside him.

“Yes, there is, but I can see you don’t want to hear it.” Ella said.

Caelum didn’t respond. If he ignored her, would she leave him be? He cringed. He didn’t want her to leave him alone, he still loved her. But he knew she didn’t want to be around him, so why was she there?