14. Chapter 14
14
T he past two weeks passed in a haze of relentless training. Each morning, well before sunrise, we set off on grueling runs, pushing ourselves harder every day to beat our previous times. Levon had drilled into me the importance of mastering the breathing techniques, insisting they were even more crucial than combat skills. At first, I didn't see the point, especially in terms of my emotions, but in the thinner air of the higher altitude, I felt the difference—they steadied my movements and kept me sharp during weapon training. Each exhale fueled my strikes, making them stronger and more precise as I tapped into my sharpened senses, doing my best to remain in control.
When I had free time from the usual grind, I turned to archery practice. It felt like a breath of fresh air—a chance to focus purely on refining my aim and form without the pressure of competition or expectations of Jesri weighing me down.
Since Levon preferred to handle tasks more independently, he requested that I help with food preparation and cleaning, which was surprisingly enjoyable. He also rolled up his sleeves to pitch in alongside his staff and help prep the food or clean up after supper.
It was strange but heartwarming to see how closely he worked with his staff, unlike Jesri's, who were always afraid of making a mistake.
It felt almost surreal like any day I might wake up back at Jesri's estate, stuck in forced conversations with people who resented and admired me because of Jesri and Calum's status. I could almost feel the exhaustion creeping back, the same kind that had once driven me to burn out. It was hard to believe that Levon's behavior was normal for these people, and it made me realize just how much I had been robbed—robbed of any sense of goodness.
As we washed and dried the dishes after another delicious meal, Levon observed my slumped shoulders. He had a knack for noticing things, particularly regarding me.
"May I inquire why you're scrubbing so vigorously?" His tone carried concern. I glanced at his forearms, each movement delicate yet powerful as he dried the ceramic plates.
"I don't understand," I paused in my scrubbing and faced him. "Why aren't you like Jesri? Or Calum? Or any other arrogant men who hold me in such low regard? Why are you so kind?"
His emerald-blue eyes glowed in the kitchen's dimness, illuminated only by a few lanterns. He grinned, prompting me to roll my eyes before resuming scrubbing. Abruptly, he reached out and took my hand, compelling me to stop.
"Most men are not like them."
I drew in a breath, unsettled by the multitude of unanswered questions swirling in my mind. Jesri's involvement with someone like Levon didn't add up.
"I need answers," I murmured, pulling my hand away from his, the sensation of soap lingering on my fingers. "Please."
He exhaled, glancing at the remaining few people tidying up in the kitchen. Setting down a plate, he reached for a towel to dry our hands. "Elise, could you finish up for us?"
A blonde woman nodded graciously, offering a smile as we headed back upstairs.
I looped my arm through his as we ascended the tight spiral staircase to the main floor, guided solely by the lamp he held. The dancing flame cast unsettling shadows on the walls, and I couldn't shake the feeling of unseen eyes watching our every move.
"There are things I still cannot say. But ask me, and I'll answer—" he glanced down at me, "—based on the question."
I nodded as he led me to the main stairs and into his study. Papers still lay scattered across the mahogany table, his notebook open with charcoal nearby. Hastily, he closed it before I could catch a glimpse. Two large leather seats and a smaller table between them, adorned with an empty crystal glass, welcomed us. He gestured for me to sit as he settled into the other chair. The room was filled with aroma, a blend of sandalwood and citrus, making me wonder if he spent more time here than in his own room.
"Why are you and Jesri friends?" I asked, the words coming out harsher than I intended.
"I wouldn't call us friends, but rather partners—"
"For work purposes?" I interjected.
He hesitated, then nodded. "Yes."
"Why? Why would you choose to work with him?" This time, my words dripped with venom, each syllable laced with bitterness.
"It's not that simple," he lamented.
"Not simple?" I scoffed. "You have a choice. You get to decide!" I stood up, my fists clenched as I struggled to contain the swift and intense surge of anger. "I don't understand why you want to take my freedom and do this Match and be working partners with Jesri. I…I can't wrap my mind around it. You're too kind for something like that…aren't you?"
"Eliah, calm down. Remember the breathing techni—"
" Calm down ?" The words tasted metallic on my tongue, shaking me to my core with every breath. Instantly, I regretted uttering the words, feeling childish and feeble.
Why couldn't I control myself?
Frustration surged through me, and I didn't want to continue this conversation anymore. I went for the door, yanking it open only to have it slammed shut, barely missing my fingers.
I hissed out and turned around to find him looming over me, his arms pressing against the door on either side.
"Control it," he spat. "Don't let it overpower you, or you will fail , Eliah."
I tried to push him away, but he stood firm and immovable.
"I didn't come here for you to lecture me about my anger," I hissed.
He backed away. "I work with Jesri because I believe you are the key to something crucial, and I chose to work with him to get you out." He pointed a finger at me as his nostrils flared in anger.
I stared at him, dumbfounded.
All of this was for some worthless beliefs he held about rescuing me? I scoffed. I am not a damsel in need of saving. I clenched my fists, feeling my anger rise.
"A key?" I sneered. "A key for what?"
"You wouldn't understand," he snapped.
"Then help me understand, Levon! I'm tired of being kept in the dark. Help me understand—"
"I can't!" he exclaimed, his voice rising, silencing even my breathing.
We stood in silence for a few heartbeats, feeling the tension swell between us.
"Can't, or won't? They are two very different things," I murmured. He stroked his hands through his hair, his sleeves still rolled up from cleaning, and shook his head. "What are you not telling me?" I sat back down on the seat, trying to make sense of everything. "Why this Match to begin with?" My voice flooded with desperation.
"Eliah," he sighed, rubbing his temples as he settled beside me, his scarred hands in plain view. He glanced up, meeting my eyes. "I'm not kind, " he paused. "I've done things—dark things—that I have to live with," he stopped again, his gaze becoming heavy. "Some things are best left in the past, Eliah. But this anger —you don't realize how quickly it can take over, turning everything good inside you into something dark. I've seen it happen to myself, and I don't want you making the same choices I did."
His words hit me like a punch, and my mind flashed to the Spellcasters and the massacre of all those innocent Magics. I swallowed hard, almost choking on the weight of his confession.
I hadn't expected him to be so honest. He was clearly trying to make amends, to be better—that explained his work in the kitchens and his kindness to his staff. But that didn't mean he had the right to dictate my life or control my choices and emotions.
I placed a hand on his arm, noticing how the light in his bright eyes had dimmed, replaced by a hollow look of regret.
"Levon, you're not here to be my protector. Your job is to train me for the Match, not shield me against things that might happen. What I need right now is to know what this Match truly involves," I breathed, matching his heaviness. "I have to win—It's my only shot at breaking free from Jesri."
He stared at me, absorbing my words in silence before taking a deep breath. I pulled my hand back and stood up, the anger still boiling inside me, ready to explode. "I need to know what I'm up against. You can either tell me or I'll figure it out myself." I turned, yanked the door open, and slammed it shut behind me, frustrated that my room was so close to his study—I needed more space to cool off.
The uncertainty weighed heavily on me, stifling and relentless. I was desperate for answers, even though I knew they might reveal truths I wasn't ready to confront.
I needed air. I needed to get out and take control of my life, even if only for the evening, and explore the town on my own terms. I waited until his footsteps faded down the hall into silence before I changed into my training attire. Opting for a long black top and brown pants, I slipped one of the daggers I had stolen from training earlier into my boot as I tied the laces. After securing a satchel, I flung open the immaculate curtains to reveal a full moon illuminating the shadowy grounds below.
The sky was an inky black, dotted with dozens of shimmering stars and constellations, looking down at me with indignation for what I was about to do.
I cracked the window open, feeling a cold gust of wind rush in, sending shivers down my spine and raising goosebumps. Hastily, I searched for an overcoat and found one at the bottom of the armoire. It was patched with leather and lined with rabbit fur, instantly warming me up as I slipped it on.
I walked back to the window and looked over the glen, where tall trees framed the path leading to the town. In the distance, the lights glowed softly, hinting at the lively activity beyond.
I glanced down, assessing the distance and my footing before making my move. Gripping the window frame, I carefully lowered myself onto a narrow ledge, just wide enough for one foot. The thrill of rebellion surged through me with each cautious step.
At Jesri's estate, such recklessness would have been unthinkable. Darius's men patrolled the grounds so vigilantly that slipping out unnoticed seemed nearly impossible.
A smile tugged at the corners of my lips—Levon, on the other hand, was much less of a worrier.
I descended smoothly until my footing faltered, leading to a sudden fall. I managed to quickly grab onto another small ledge to slow my descent before dropping in a heap on the ground. Coughing for air, I quickly recovered and brushed myself off. With a grin threatening to escape, I started my run toward the town, containing the laughter that bubbled up inside me.
The cold air and high elevation stung my throat with each breath but propelled my legs and arms to move faster. The dirt beneath my feet crunched loudly against the stillness of the night as the moon illuminated my path. Tears streamed down my face from the cold, and the uncontrollable giggles from rebelling urged me to run faster.
With arms outstretched, I twirled, letting the gentle wind lead the way.
I came to a halt, crouching down to catch my breath. As I covered my mouth to stifle my giggles, I couldn't help but reflect on the freeness. With Jesri, it took all of my control not to defy him, to assert my independence, and to prove that I was not his to control. I allowed him to believe he held sway over me, allowed him to perceive me as his prized possession, all the while knowing that my liberation was inevitable. I would never return to that life, never to be his pathetic ward.
A sudden rustle to my right jolted me into silence, halting my laughter and leaving me breathless. I immediately scanned my surroundings, my heart pounding as I recognized how vulnerable I was on the long, rocky road. The darkening sky and dense trees surrounding me seemed to close in, intensifying my sense of how utterly alone I was.
My thoughts returned to Levon's warning about the prowlers from our first run together. He had never given specifics about what might be lurking in the shadows, but the vague fear he had instilled was enough. The dread in my chest grew sharper, and I felt a surge of panic. I had no intention of staying around to find out what dangers lay hidden in the darkness.
Drawing my dagger, the skin on my neck pebbled as another flurry of movement rustled behind me. Regret flooded me—I should not have done this. How utterly foolish of me.
A deep snarl reverberated from the ground to my left, sending a shiver down my spine. Every fiber of my being urged me to flee, and my heartbeat echoed loudly in my ears. I crouched low, regulating my breath to silence and sharpening my senses. With cautious steps, I advanced, straining my eyes to pierce through the darkness of the thicket.
What in Tyran was I thinking ? I huffed, annoyed at myself. I wasn't thinking, that was the problem.
As more movement stirred behind me, branches cracked loudly. Whirling around, I extended my leg to steady myself. The rustling of several bushes and branches revealed that I was vastly outnumbered.
The movements quickened, accompanied by the menacing sound of snarls and the snap of saliva. My thoughts returned to the beasts in my evaluation, realizing they made a similar noise that made my skin crawl. Clutching the dagger tightly, I prepared to flee or fight.
A growl lashed out to my side, exposing a leathery black feline animal with talons and teeth like daggers, already dripping with blood. My stomach heaved, ready to expose tonight's dinner.
I stepped back, quickly looking in my peripheral vision, only to see another one pounce out behind me. I slowly stood back up, hoping to look taller than I was.
Their jet-black bodies contrasted sharply with their milky-white eyes, suggesting blindness. Despite their stature, standing just below my shoulders, they crept with a vengeful determination on their six powerful legs—six, not four. My swallow stopped in my throat.
"Tyran," I swore under my breath.
Why would these things be so close to the town? I stopped my thoughts as a fearful spark ignited, making my mouth dry. Within an instant, two more jumped out, all four circling me like a hawk narrowing in on its prey.
Inhale.
Before thinking longer, I cried out, slashing my dagger and cutting one right in the eye before it pounced on me. Its weight crushing me as its talons tore through my flesh. I screamed out in pain, frantically slicing my dagger into anything it came in contact with.
A sticky warmth pooled on my chest, sending me into a frenzy of emotions as my arm burned in pain. I quickly saw the others stalking back and forth, watching.
My dagger made contact, as did its claws, sending us both roaring in pain. The fire within me erupted, slicing through my darkness like sharp nails. It clawed at me relentlessly until all I felt was a fiery burn.
I screamed, allowing the pain, the warmth, and the flames to consume me until I felt like stardust. Abruptly, a bright light flashed, momentarily blinding me as a weight lifted from my chest and my fingertips burned with searing pain that was bitter cold.
My eyes snapped open to see the creatures scattered several feet away, two of them unconscious as more began to creep out of the forest line.
I went to wipe away the sticky blood coating my eyes before one caught me by the boot, dragging me towards the forest as another clamped down on my left arm. Pain engulfed me, blurring my vision as I kicked and screamed with every fiber of my being.
A frenzied fear consumed me as I slashed away, one strike after another. A deafening screech reverberated through the thicket as the creature faltered at the noise.
I wiped my eyes in time to see an arrow lodge deep into the animal's throat above me, coiling and spewing black blood onto my chest. Another arrow whizzed past, lodging into the animals on my right and left, then to the one dragging me by foot.
Some scattered away, yelping, but were only replaced by more of them. I stumbled to my feet, feeling blood running down the entirety of my being. I looked for the archer as more arrows buzzed past, lodging deep into each animal, ready to pounce. I felt weak, unable to defend myself with the small dagger that wanted to slip from the warm blood in my hand.
A tall figure emerged from the thicket of trees, swiftly releasing arrows with lethal grace. His dark brown cloak billowed at his side, the hood casting shadows over his face. The air resonated with the twang of his bowstring and the agonized cries of the beasts as they fell, one by one. With the tip of his bow, he sliced through the creatures as though they were mere butter, scattering them away until only their echoing cries were heard in the distance.
I swallowed hard as I clutched my bloodied arm, noticing he also took a deep, steadying breath. As fast as it happened, it had ended.
Awkwardly, I stood, feeling my dagger threaten to slip from my grasp. I glanced down to see my coat torn into pieces, revealing tattered remnants of my shirt beneath with a sizable gash running down my leg and pooling blood into my boots. My satchel was nowhere to be seen.
I blinked away stars, struggling to regulate my breathing and stand upright with the engulfing pain threatening to overtake me in my leg and arm.
The man seized my bloodied arm, wrenching me towards him.
"What were you thinking?!" His voice carried a roar of rage as I tried to yank my arm back in pain, but his grip was unyielding; his figure dominated over me as he examined my shaking arm. "You could have been killed!"
He bared his teeth, releasing my arm with a forceful shove, and muttered curses under his breath. He pulled back his hood and palmed his eyes as anger and loathing radiated off of him.
Stepping back, I hissed as a surge of pain splintered up my leg. His head snapped in my direction, worried about my hiss as I stood dumbstruck by his beauty. His eyes were amber, gleaming like molten gold, outshining even Calum's gentle light-golden brown gaze. They held a vibrancy, an intensity that seemed to pulse with life, drawing me in with an irresistible temptation.
Some of his shoulder-length hair was pulled back, revealing his straight and stubbled jawline and muscular neck. He stood a few feet taller than me and felt…familiar. I took another step back, forgetting my leg, and stumbled back.
He was at my side in an instant, grabbing my arm firmly. "Can you walk?" he hissed, his voice urgent.
I tried to yank my arm away, but the sudden movement made my head spin and my vision blur. "I didn't…need saving," I gasped, struggling to clear the haze of dizziness and feeling a flush of embarrassment creep across my cheeks.
Awkwardly, I began shuffling back toward Levon's estate, keenly aware of how ridiculous I must have looked. I hoped he would disappear into the trees as quickly as he had appeared.
Behind me, I heard a frustrated grunt as I wobbled. The pain in my leg and arm threatened to overwhelm me as I forced myself to keep walking. When I glanced back, I saw him striding after me, his bow slung around his chest. I stopped abruptly. "I still don't need saving. You can leave, " I snapped.
He continued forward, stopping right in front of me. Without a word, he thrust a small jar that looked like salve into my hand. "I think you do," he growled, then swept me up into his arms, his clothes becoming stained with mine and the creature's blood. He walked forward, leaving me seething with a mix of rage and humiliation.