Primous Rising [Book 1 of The Unravelling series]

12. Celestiana

The following quietude stretched on. Elliot wasn't going to forgive her anytime soon. Her heart sank.

"There's no need to apologise," Nikolus spoke, shattering the dreadful silence.

She turned to him and her hazel eyes that had transformed to bright blue, almost grey, locked with his glowing emerald ones.

"I was with your parents when Pyriom called," Nikolus continued.

Prior ache forgotten, Celest's entire focus glued to him. She wanted to ask about their well-being, or if Lyonaurd had harmed them. And whether her family was mad at her. Instead, she bit her tongue as her heart pounded in her chest and waited for him to continue.

"They are safe," he began, and relief swept over her senses. "But, turns out no region under Liberal kingdom is Primous friendly."

Celest tilted her head to one side and stared at him with confusion. Just as she parted her lips to question, Nikolus went on, "Let's keep it that way. I'm certain your mother can explain this matter much better than me."

Her eyebrows knit together. How will my mum do that? We are heading towards the royal palace.

"So now all of a sudden, Liberal lands are unsafe for her?" Elliot spat. "How convenient," he muttered.

"Elliot, please," Celest softly pleaded. She was tired of fighting and arguing.

"I'm constantly telling you they are a bunch of liars, but you never listen to me. All immortals are deceiving, self-absorbed, and cold-blooded." The venom dripping from his remark was ample to kill a dragon in a heartbeat. The knife-like words startled her. They were razor-sharp and cut through her heart, and the poison lacing it prevented the wound from ever healing.

Tears prickled her eyes. The growing lump in her throat made it harder for her to breathe evenly, regardless of her efforts. Celest knew none of them would stay hidden from the High lord.

She felt weak and childish for tearing up because Elliot's words were true. She chose her family and Nikolus over him, while he had risked his life and family for her. Yet, it hurt to hear the person who only expressed his undying love to her for years, regard her nature with such hatred.

"Must I remind you why you're still alive?" Nikolus boomed.

Celest's head snapped to him. His out lash was the last thing she expected to happen. "Please Nik." Her voice scarcely above a whisper, only meant for the Lord's ears.

He held her gaze with an unreadable expression before returning his attention to the vacant highway ahead.

The little magic Nikolus had used before they moved had eased her pain, but it had not wiped out the exhaustion. Celest shut her eyes and leaned her head back into the leather seat.

The image of a past from not long ago flooded her mind and played before her closed eyelids. The Elliot she adored, vibrant and kind, prominent in those memories.