10. Chapter 9

Chapter 9

E mma and I spent the rest of the short summer together. We watched movies because it was so hot that we didn’t dare go outside for more than some quick dips in the pool. I didn’t unshield my soul again around her. I was frustrated. I had let my guard down, and I wouldn’t do it again.

School was about to start, and Glasson had filled me in on Ashlyn. Ashlyn was going to seek us out so that I could help guard her, too. I sighed, just thinking about it. It was enough that I had my hands full with Emma and this possible Terran wanting to kill her, and that Shad was here, who I had yet to speak with, for obvious reasons: I was avoiding him—but Ashlyn, too? Not to mention, the box in my brain, which kept threatening to unlock at any given moment if I were to even think of the blue oceans of Torren or of grey eyes—these were things I tried not to think about—trigger images. I laid on my pillow a bit longer than usual after my alarm went off. I stared at my alarm before finally getting up and getting ready for school.

After I showered, I picked out a pair of pants and a shirt, slung my backpack on my back, and that's when I heard it— Prince Shad’s melody—for the first time in a long time, and it was close. I looked out my window, and there he was, crossing the street and heading right for Emma’s house. What was he doing? I darted down the stairs and out my front door. The pull to keep my vows and to protect Emma was pushing me toward the Prince.

“Prince Shad,” I called. He looked up, and our eyes met. He looked pissed, more than pissed, actually—enraged. He walked up to me, and I groaned as I realized that he had a few inches on me. But he was slim, and I was strong from years spent training, and more recently, playing football. If I needed to, I could take him down. He was also younger than me, I reminded myself.

“Shielded soul, huh?” Shad said as he placed his hands in his pockets, scowling down at me. I tried not to laugh as I noticed that he wore a suit, an actual suit.

“You going to a wedding or something there, Prince?” I asked with a laugh. His brow furrowed, and I would never tell anyone this, but I felt like taking a step back; he was actually pretty intimidating. I told myself that it was just because his melody was so strong, not because of the look on his face.

“I am attending school.”

“Well, you might want to check in with the times. Teenagers here don’t wear that,” I said, motioning to his clothing.

“Knight, if I cared what you thought, I would have asked you, but alas, I do not. I am a prince of Embra, and I will dress as such.”

“Whatever you say, Prince.”

“If you could, please call me Shad. That would help me blend in better.”

“And what makes you think I want, or would, help you ?”

“I assume you do not want to tell Emma about melodies, or you would have already?”

“Maybe.”

“Well, I plan on telling her—because I do not plan on ever keeping secrets from her, but I will be courteous and let you know when I do.”

“Really?”

“Yes, I want to get to know her, and that takes time. You must give me time.”

“What are you doing here?” I tried to keep my voice down, but I was angry. Give him time ?

“What do you mean?”

“So you think you finally found her?” I whispered.

“Yes, you know exactly why I am here. Don’t play games with me, Ryker. How long have you known?” The anger on his face was palpable. His golden eyes seemed to glow. I bit back the intimidation I felt.

“ Shad ,” I said his name with a scowl. I enjoyed the twitch he made at my use of his name. “You’re making a big deal out of nothing.”

“Nothing? Are you serious? This is not nothing. How you could even say that to me, baffles me. How could you not remember what The Ancient told us?”

“Of course, I remember. I know it’s a big deal, okay. I get it,” I said, running a hand through my hair.

“You have changed; back home, they would not even know you. Do you not understand how important this is—for her, for us, and for our people?” Shad asked. The last part he whispered.

“You can’t just come here and expect me to do whatever you say, Shad. Seriously—this isn’t Embr—”

“Ryker, I can come here and do what I wish, and you know that I have just as much of a right as you. I have been all over this realm, and you knew about it the entire time. I asked about this place, and you told me—”

“Just stay away,” I quietly retorted. I wanted it to come out more demanding, but I sounded like I was begging, and to be honest, I was. “She doesn’t know anything.”

“You think after all these years, I’ll just walk away? You have no right to that wish—or warning—especially after what you have done. It was tasked to us both. Sixteen years, Ryker. For sixteen years, you have had your time.”

“Shad, you don't understand. I couldn’t—things have happened. She is in danger.”

“I thought you were a Torren Knight? What have you been doing? Do you even remember who you are?”

“Do not patronize me Shad .” I said his name mockingly. “You know I’m not a seeker, and I’m not an Ancient; I’m not invincible. I need help finding someone. I don’t have any more connections, and someone, someone from Terra is after her. I believe one of Tarick’s men.”

“I will help. Keil and I have resources of this realm’s magic, or technology rather, at our disposal, and you have had your chance. You have failed miserably, so now it is my turn.”

He was right, I knew he was. I had failed, my oath broken. If I was to return to my kingdom of Torren, I would most likely pay for it being broken. But at the moment, I still had to protect Emma. Perhaps, I should get as much help as I can–even from this pompous prince. I sighed, brushing my fingers through my hair.

“Well—okay, fine.” I backed down. I could not let my pride hurt Emma. “I would appreciate any intel Keil could give me on this guy. He has been almost impossible to track.”

“I will update you,” Shad agreed.

“I guess we have to work together again,” I said, irritated at the idea.

“Seems so, but you need to give me time with her. I do not want you interrupting my relationship with her.”

“What relationship?” I asked in anger.

“Unlike what you may believe Ryker I would never force her into anything. I just wish to get to know her and help her as best I can.”

We were silent for a time. I felt his melody reach out to speak with mine, but I didn’t dare unshield my soul so close to Emma. I would never do it around him. I had too many secrets to keep.

“Why do you shield your melody, Ryker?” Shad asked, and I tried to remind myself he was perceptive–that he had not just heard my melody and knew I was keeping secrets.

“Emma and I are close. She and I—”

“Are you fond of each other?” he asked.

“Yes, we are.”

“I understand, and although I am more enraged than I can possibly explain, I am grateful that she is safe. Even if I didn’t know about her being here with you, her safety is what matters most.”

“Agreed,” I said, hating that I respected him for that comment.

“I need to go. I do not wish to be late to my first day of this realms academy.”

“Little hint, Your Royalness. Don’t call it ‘this realms academy,’ Call it high school.”

He nodded and walked across the street, back to his house, and I couldn’t have been happier about that.

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