A Healthy Rivalry: The Lion vs The Warrior

XV

The Blue

AK

I sat on the floor against Karter's closed door, just staring at him sleep.

'You don't have all the pieces. For now, just follow your heart.'

What was my heart telling me? My head is throbbing too loudly for me to hear it. I felt like Karter needed a reward for not literally killing himself, but honestly I just wanted him to go to sleep. I need to think and process what the fuck I just witnessed.

Did I really cry? Over a man I've known-actually I should stop beating myself up for the time period. We're obviously meant to be together.

I stood up and began to pace. A Rippley just spoke to me. I know I went to Rippley Academy but no one has seen a member of the family in decades! Maybe even a century! I went over the history I was taught in school once more.

Rippley Academy, home of the Echoes. 'A single voice can rattle the world, a group can shake the heavens.' We're taught of the first Rippley, called Grandfather. He was a Manipulator with the Unique 'Clockwork'. He was one of our founding members, said to have forged S.A.F.E. alongside other "Noble" and "Royal" families, and the Continentals.

He, and all of his descendants, have golden, animated hair and matching eyes- aside from the iris. Their every move affects fate itself and for one to come straight to me...

I looked at Karter and immediately revised my thought, to us. I continued pacing.

Alongside him, a- no- THEE Upendo. The ultimate matchmakers, both giving us advice to keep us together.

I rubbed my eyebrows. What is my heart saying? Jump in feet-first, especially since we're obviously meant to be together... but why?

My emotions are all over the place. Karter's heart and mind are probably so heavy. My sparks were flying off my skin, because my instincts were practically trying to force their way out of my body.

I need to dance. I usually put my hair in a braid to dance, but Karter has my hair tie. I was taught that you need to think positive thoughts while braiding your hair; energy I don't have anyway. I hope my mother and grandmother understand.

I stopped my pacing and took a deep breath. Soft, rhythmic beating from a single drum sounded around me, and I looked to Karter to make sure it wasn't bothering him.

I started hopping with my feet together, occasionally I would turn. I was more focused on my breathing than the dance, but my mother loved to dance and I adored her. Eventually, I relied on it when I outgrew her coddling.

I was dancing to uplift my spirit. To heal. To find some guidance. My arms extended as I turned and circled. I started feeling better, lighter, more in control.

I slowed to a halt when a soft knock sounded. The drum softened until it disappeared altogether. I glanced at Karter and found him snuggled even deeper in the pillows, while purring loudly. He looked at peace too.

I opened the door and forced a smile at Beau. I stepped out, but kept the door cracked so I could hear Karter. "What's up?"

He gave me a once over. "Just seeing how you're holding up. It's only our third time seeing it, and it still got us. Plus he's your boyfriend-"

He held up his hand, "Side note, you're in for a long, intimidating lecture with our siblings WHEN you meet our parents. You hurt my brother, we will make you come up missing. Compris?"

I let out a weak chuckle and nodded, then he continued. "I asked Dior about you when I sent that video, she tells me you're notorious for overthinking."