Chapter Eight
“ Y ou cannot possibly be serious.”
For being a supposed genius, my brother sure sounds like an idiot right now.
“Morfran, what part of this whole thing are you not comprehending?” I toss the response over my shoulder but don’t stop from changing and gathering what I need for the trip.
“Well, Orobas. It is not as if someone claims every day to have mated someone outside of their faction. In fact— no one has ever made that kind of claim. Have you lost your mind?!“ Morfran is agitated enough by our conversation that he is now pacing while flapping his arms around like a crazed bird.
“If I gave a damn what you thought of my love life, dearest brother, I might be offended that you don’t seem the slightest bit happy for me.”
“Happy for you? You have to be joking! Orobas, you are a faction leader . That means our people look to you to set the standard. If you are mating with some… witch… Then more demons will start courting other magickals outside our faction, and the fall of the demons will be on your hands!”
His hysterical words finally give me pause.
The fall of the demons?
I turn and face my brother. Forcing myself to gulp down deep breaths and refrain from actions or words I won’t be able to take back.
“Morfran, you are my only brother. Even if you weren’t, I do love you. But say one more word about the Gods’ blessed mate I have been gifted and I will not hesitate to go rounds with you.“ He opens his mouth to retort but must see something in my face that gives him pause. He clamps his mouth shut quickly, and I turn my back to finish gathering things.
Once I have the rest of my things in my pack, I secure the top and sling it over my shoulder, turning back to face a still very perplexed Morfran.
“Orobas… are you sure?” His voice is filled with concern but maybe just a small amount of jealousy. I move closer and place my hand on his shoulder for comfort.
“Beyond any doubt.”
He nods and for a moment, I almost think he won’t say anything else.
“You will have to prepare how to address this with the others. Especially a certain demoness who has been convincing most that you and she will be courting soon.”
I wince at his words.
There is nothing in this world that I can say to lessen the blow that Euyriale Tynnan will not be my mate in this life. If there was, that one of the millions of hints and polite declines for her company would have given her some insight. Instead, she continues to pursue me.
Even going as far as to notify others that show any interest at all in courting me, that she is somehow promised to me.
She moved to my village only a few years ago, and if the rumors are to be believed, Euyriale must have been courting another since she left behind a child. If that ease of abandonment hadn’t been a deciding factor in my refusal of Euyriale, then her deep hatred for humans certainly would have sealed the deal.
Don’t get me wrong. I am not a champion for humans. Especially after their blatant disregard for anything but themselves cost my father his life. But they have a right to be here on this earth, just as we are charged with working as their balance. When you look at it that way, we sort of rely on them for our survival. For our purpose.
However, there are a few—very few—who sadly share Euyriale’s way of believing. They think the humans are something to be eradicated from this existence. And that their demise would bring a newfound peace.
I know in my heart that the Gods would never want that.
They would never want that bloodshed and senseless mass genocide.
Just like a mosquito, I don’t have to invite humans into my home to understand they serve a purpose. And as long as I am the leader of this faction, I will see it remain in peace with all other sects and humans, alike.
“Yes, well, Euyriale and everyone else can learn to be happy for me. The Gods would not have put my mate in my life like this only to see us apart for the rest of our lives.” The words settle like a stone in my stomach, but I pat my brother on the shoulder and move past him to my front door.
Daylight has broken and I’m not staying away from my mate longer than possible.
No matter the size of a demon’s wings, flying for long periods of time is draining.
After three breaks to stretch and eat, I have managed to make it to the reader’s village by nightfall.
Unfortunately, she has already retired to bed for the night. Not something I was unprepared for, but my exhaustion is making me cranky. When they offer me a hot meal and a bed for the night, I happily take both.
And when I close my eyes, letting sleep pull me under, I see her.
My sweet Ellie.
“You call yourself a faction leader. What kind of leader sleeps all day?!”
The craggy voice of an elderly woman pulls me out of my restless sleep with a grumble.
“Oh, he is alive. I suppose I’ve lost that bet then. Well then, it’s time for you to be getting up young man, and explaining your business in our village.”
I still haven’t managed to actually open my eyes yet, but moan a response I hope she will take as some sort of agreement. If for no other reason than to let me wake in peace.
When I rub my fingers across my eyes to get some of the sleep sand out of them, the tiny slits open to reveal... a setting sun?
Did they wake the elder only moments after I got to the bed I was offered?
That is immensely rude, and I will be having words with the leader here. It’s not as if I would be able to travel again so quickly anyway. I need rest. That’s why I had planned an entire extra day into the whole thing. So that I could rest for half of tomorrow as I knew the trip back would need to be split into two days to allow for more resting for the elder. But to have her woken? And now myself?
I can be irritable when hungry, but I am far worse when tired.
I pull my shirt on over my head and stomp my way out of the yurt-like structure they keep for guests of the village.
For a moment I can’t find anyone, which only serves to heighten my annoyance. Thankfully I spot the flickering of a fire and as I move in its direction, I begin to hear chattering of voices and someone playing music.
There are several females around the fire and as I approach they all begin to quiet.
“Orobas Blackwell. So kind of you to bestow us with your presence.” Her voice is hoity and commanding. But as the leader of this village for nearly thirty years, she has earned her standing.
“Hyrian West.” I bow in a show of admiration. A customary reaction to the leader who once taught me how to wield a blade. “Thank you for your hospitality. I did hope to have this conversation in the morning after I had a chance to rest, so I apologize if I am less than my usual sweet self.”
Hyrian gives me a puzzled look, which is shared by the rest of the women as they exchange glances. However, the elderly woman at her left erupts into a fit of laughter.
“Orobas, you arrived at our village Tuesday night. After which I am assured you were properly fed and offered a bed.” I nod in agreement but don’t speak as she seems to have more to add. “It is now the evening of Thursday. You have been resting–rather oddly I might add–but resting nonetheless since your arrival.”
I’ve been sleeping for two days?
Fuck.