Search for the Extinct [Last of Elves book 2]

Sixteen: Aura

Aura

Maybe I’ve found a way. Hunaja seems to know what I want to say. I think Kura and Ali understand the beastkins.

I’m glad the captain isn’t here anymore.

The quill rested on the page, and was left there. It was hours later that it began moving again.

I think it worked. I managed to ask Ali to show me the woods, and he seemed happy to. He told me everything I wanted to know. He seems to understand me like the captain and priestess do. Almost like he’s known me all my life. I don’t know how. Maybe he’s been learning when I had been talking with the captain. I don’t think I mind. It’s nice not having to get someone else to say what I want to say.

I’d like that.

I like him.

He said that his scars were from a fire. I can’t imagine how much that must have hurt. He doesn’t seem to care anymore. He said that it happened before I was born. That’s a long time ago.

I managed to ask him how he got here. His response was to laugh. I like his laugh. It’s a happy sound, not like the laughs of the other priestesses at the temple.

He said that he and Kura travel around the land.

A purr filled the room, and the quill paused as Hunaja demanded attention.

I wish I could stay with them. I like it here. It’s free. I want to stay with Hunaja. I thought she was Ali’s, but she seems to stay closer to me.

I don’t know if he minds. I hope not.

The quill tapped the page absently, the words stuck. They didn’t want to come out.

I wonder if my mother will want to know that they’re here. I think she’d be interested. Maybe when I get home, I’ll tell her.

It’s snowing outside. Ali told me to go inside before it began, and I did. But he’s not back yet. I think Kura is worried for him. I am too, but I can’t say it.

I wish I could. I want to be able to comfort her.

I hope Ali is alright. I’m scared of Kura sometimes, still. I know she doesn’t like me. I don’t know if she likes anyone.

For a long time, the quill was motionless. The next words, when they came, were infinitely slower than before.

I hope none of this is my fault. It feels like it is. That I’m the reason why Ali and Kura are so distant from each other, and why she doesn’t like humans.

Maybe it’s why Ali left tonight.

I hope he comes back.

I’m scared.