The Path to Redemption

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓇𝓉𝓎-𝒯𝓌𝑜

↞･:*✵*:･↠

"Stay out of trouble. I mean it. And no abilities. If anyone learns there are people with abilities here there's a chance they could go ballistic. If you sense anything strange, or anything out of the ordinary—like a guy who can shoot ice from his hands—report back here immediately. If you have to fight, do so in an alleyway. Lure the threat away from everyone in the vicinity so that you're concealed. Understood?" Velut's eyes darted from one person to the next, his gaze hard, like a general's. Once everyone nodded and muttered their yes's, however, his eyes softened, a grin spreading across his face.

"Wonderful, we meet back here in three hour, when the sun has begun to set. See you then." He waved before grabbing Paxton's arm, dragging the cook into the bustling crowd before he could argue—not that he would've anyhow.

With that, the group began to disperse. Edra was immediately interested in a shop containing herbs and Crocotta followed after her, her eyes scanning the crowd like a dog in an unknown place. Eris parted next, spotting a stand full of weapons such as swords, bows, arrows and daggers. Amon and Nix eventually left, also, after having noticed a booth with a woman who claimed to be psychic.

That left Gale and me alone, the two of us staring into the crowd. The last time I'd been to town, I'd been confronted by a man who had told me I had three days to make a decision. At the time I'd been confused, not understanding what decision I had been offered in the first place, but now I knew better. Colton was out there. I had made my decision, and he his. He claimed to love me, yet here he was trying to tear down everything I valued. He wanted those with abilities to rule above all. It was a possibility, but not a good one. It was corrupt, and he was too filled with determination to realize it.

"I see a bookshop," Gale spoke up, interrupting my thoughts. I looked over at him, watching as he stared ahead, his eyes only meeting mine when he felt my stare. I nodded, taking in a deep breath. "Want to go?"

"Yes, I would like that."

I grabbed his hand impulsively. His muscles tensed at my sudden touch, though he did not object. He must know why I'm so petrified. I thought nothing of coming to town when Velut had offered, and yet now I wished I could leave. But that would be cowardly, foolish, and I was none of those things. I was strong, and I would prove it.

The small shop was lined with so many books I almost thought it held more than the palace library. I knew better, though, seeing as the palace's library was five times bigger than this shop. Still, these books seemed more enjoyable than those of the palace.

A weight seemed to lift itself from my shoulders as the door closed behind me, Gale now standing by my side. I inhaled slowly, taking in the scent of leather and ink. I was safe. I stepped forward before I could stop myself and began to scan the rows of books, taking out certain ones and perusing the backs. A few I put back, but most appeared enticing.

Gale did the same though he rarely took any books from their shelves. He was on the opposite side, and occasionally I'd feel his gaze on me, almost as if he were continuously checking in to make sure I was still there.

After an hour, I had a stack of books resting on my arm, and I was about to pick another when I heard Gale laugh. I turned to face him, cocking a brow as I did so. The smile that was on his face was genuine, one that I knew was special. It was one I knew only few could manage to get out of him.

"Is there a problem?" I implored, causing his smile to widen.

"Of course not, but where exactly are you getting the money to buy all of these? Or are you planning on making a run for it?" Gale joked, causing me to roll my eyes.