The Seelie Curse

Chapter 31

The Aos Sí man makes a humming sound, sending the slight currents in the air vibrating. "How did you come across a Ludeag, little selkie?"

"It was at my home. Why were you spying?"

The man scowls, his face turning cruel with that single motion. But his eyes are still kind, a clue to the person within. "None of your concern."

Astrila glares at him. "I should think it is my concern! Who were you spying on? If it was me, it's my concern because I'm the subject. If it's the other two, they're my friends so they're also my concern!"

The man's scowl falls away to be replaced with a smile. "Well said, little selkie. Tell me more about how you came across a Ludeag."

"Why are you so interested?" The man doesn't answer and Astrila sighs. "If I'm going to answer your questions, you owe me answers to mine."

He raises an eyebrow. "I owe you, do I? Do you know who I am?"

Astrila raises her chin higher and shakes her head. "No, I don't know who you are. But regardless, if you want answers you should give me answers."

He tilts his head. "I suppose that's fair. I will give you the answers you speak if they are not of a dangerous matter. You first. Tell me about the Ludeag."

Astrila sighs. "It was in the lagoon on the selkie island. It tried to kill me. I survived and once it was dead, I was told by an Akhlut to keep the heart."

"An Akhlut? Really?"

Astrila nods. "Yes, an Akhlut. Who are you? Why were you spying?"

"An answer for an answer, little seal. Which should I answer?"

Astrila grins. "Both of them. You've asked two questions and I've answered both. Now you have to answer both of mine."

He blinks in surprise then laughs, the sound edged with his shock. "Very well. I was spying because there is something important in that clearing, something to protect."

Astrila raises an eyebrow, her voice dry. "Something in the clearing. Sure."

He gives her a warning look and continues. "I'm the Forest King. That is the answer to your other question. How did you find me here?"

"The wind led me."

Surprise glows in his eyes once again. Astrila frowns, trying to think of her next question. Their earlier discussion of Atka, however brief it was, sparks something. It nudges her memory, reminding her of Atka's words. A gasp slips out of her mouth, almost too quiet to be heard. But no matter how desperately wants to know the answer to that question, there is a more pressing one. There's something about him that's familiar.

"You meant Ro when you said there was something important, didn't you? You're-"

He cuts her off. "Don't. Don't say it. The answer is yes. How is she?"

"You could see for yourself."

The man shakes his head, his red hair shifting against the gold of his antlers. "No, I can't. It's not safe for her. Now tell me what I wish to know."

Astrila sighs. "She's alright. She went into shock, but she should be fine soon." She shifts nervously on her feet and the man sighs.

"Just ask."

The words jump from her mouth. "Do you know what type of Aos Sí my wind magic could be from?"

He nods. "Ah yes. It could be a dryad, but that doesn't seem very likely. You don't look like you have that connection to trees. I would think you were part Sylph."

There is a call from the clearing. It's Ro, her words still soft at the edges, a remnant of the shock. "Star! I feel better now! Come back!"

The man's lips twitch into a smile and he nods towards the clearing. "Go."

Astrila glances back at the clearing. When she turns back to look at him, he is gone. She sighs and begins to run back to the clearing. Ro is staring at the trees when Astrila walks through them, her head raised for the best visibility. Astrila has to bite back her smile. Ro is impatient, eager to get up. Astrila rushes over to her. Ro's colour is good, no longer pale. Her cheeks are flushed, her eyes bright. Astrila smiles.

"Are you still thirsty?"

Ro beams. "Nope. I was a bit surprised by that, but it's true. I'm not thirsty anymore."

"Do you feel warm?"

Ro shakes her head. "No. There's a bit of a chill actually. The breeze doesn't help."

Astrila tenses. She hadn't realized there was a breeze. Knowing that it's there now, she can sense that it's from her, from the turmoil in her thoughts. It's from what she learned about herself and the Forest King. She lets the wind still and returns her attention to Ro.

"I think you should be fine, but tell me if anything feels wrong, okay?"

Ro nods. "I will. Where were you?"

Astrila frowns. "I thought I saw something. It was nothing."

"Are you sure?"

Astrila has to hide her wince. Ro can tell that something's wrong. "I'm sure, Ro. Come on, I'm sure you want to actually get up."

Ro's gaze is sharp, but she looks away from Astrila after a moment, knowing that pushing the matter won't help.
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What do you think Astrila figured out? What do you think of the question for a question? Why is Astrila hiding things from Ro? What's going to happen next? Tell me your thoughts!

Happy reading and I'll see you next chapter!

~Goddess of Fate, signing out.