15. Chapter 15
15
T he man carried me to a nearby stream, keeping watch as I attempted to wash away the dirt and blood that coated my hair, neck, hands, and clothes. The water stung my skin, intensifying the chill as the night grew darker. He demanded I lather my bleeding wounds with the salve he shoved in my hands. Its sting surpassed even that of the icy water, but it sealed my wounds almost completely, leaving me speechless as I saw my skin stitch together.
He spat at me to hurry as he nervously continued to scan the surrounding area.
Rising swiftly, I brushed past him, each step heavy with a dull ache as I headed back onto the dirt road toward Levon's estate. Despite my fervent curses, each one aimed at driving him away, he remained stubbornly at my heels, as relentless as the biting wind slicing through my soaked clothes.
"Okay, thank you for that interesting salve and for rescuing me, but I'd rather not a stranger to follow me home. Now, leave!" I snapped, my anger boiling over, but he merely scoffed, his smirk infuriating me further.
"Not a chance," he shot back, his defiance sparking a surge of rage within me.
I grunted in frustration, sensing that fiery ember of irritation burning deeper inside. As we rounded the bend, the expansive glen of Levon's estate came into view, illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns scattered about. It stood in stark contrast to the darkness we left behind.
I quickened my pace as I crossed the grass toward my now-closed window, glowing with a faint light within. Dread filled my heart, knowing I had been caught.
The man abruptly clutched my good arm again, dragging me towards the front entrance. I cursed at him, attempting to break free. "What's your problem?" I sneered.
" You are, " he snapped, baring his teeth, and continued to pull me, forcing my boots to skid across the gravel. He dragged me up the smooth steps and seized the large knocker on the door, banging it against the hefty oak doors. The sound echoed through the estate, awakening everyone in its path.
"They're asleep!" I spat, wriggling my arm out of his grasp.
"As should you be!" he said through bared teeth.
He finally released me as the door swung open, revealing Levon, several men, and guards behind him. Levon's eyes widened in a moment of shock, first taking in my stained and bloodied clothes, then paling as he noticed the man standing beside me, also covered in my blood. The silent exchange between them spoke volumes, leaving me to wonder if they knew each other. When Levon's gaze shifted back to me, it carried a chilling intensity.
"Emil, take Eliah up to her room," he hissed to the guard at his back. "Have Saasha clean her up. Stand guard at her door until I arrive," Levon commanded, his voice billowing with outrage.
Emil moved forward, seizing my arm and pulling me into the home as if I were a child. The seething anger radiating from these men only fueled my fury. Despite the pain throbbing through my body, I resisted, my feet scraping against the polished floors.
"I can walk on my own!" I snapped, feeling Emil's grip tighten, undoubtedly leaving bruises on my arm. But he let go, shoving me forward. Glancing back, I caught sight of my rescuer glaring daggers at Levon, his face twisted with rage against the candle-lit entrance. Levon's gaze met mine, his eyes cold as he turned back to my rescuer, his hands clutched and shaking.
The laughter and freedom I felt had long dissipated, replaced by a heavy sense of dread, knowing I had squandered any chance at freedom.
Embarrassment flushed my cheeks, adding to the redness of my bloody face. I averted my gaze, walking with Emil trailing behind me.
Dressed in my new nightgown, courtesy of Levon, I anxiously awaited his arrival. Saasha silently departed after helping to clean and patch up the remaining wounds the salve couldn't cover, leaving me to ponder the forbidden magic it seemed to contain.
As the night wore on, exhaustion set in, turning my eyelids heavy. I never intended for this… chaos to happen. I rubbed my eyes, wallowing in self-loathing.
The door creaked open, accompanied by a gentle knock. Levon stepped in, his demeanor no longer angry but rather tired and defeated. As I began to apologize, he raised his hand, silencing me before I could continue to speak.
"Do you comprehend the gravity of your actions tonight? Do you realize what could have happened to you?" His voice, though cold, carried an undercurrent of concern as his eyes burned with judgment. "Eliah, if you want to leave, you can. I won't restrict your freedom. But please, for Tyran's sake, inform me . I realize our previous conversation may have fueled your anger, but you must think before you act."
All I could do was look down, feeling embarrassment burn through me. I clenched the covers, trying to think of something to say, but nothing came—nothing I could do to atone for what I had done. I knew I was foolish for even taking the first step out the window and acting out of anger.
"How am I supposed to defend myself when you don't tell me anything?" I shot back, my voice rising with anger.
He stepped closer, running a hand through his hair. "Those creatures you encountered are called Miehjas, and I warned you there were prowlers—"
"Not prowlers that kill!" I retorted. His fists clenched as I raised my voice.
"It's late," he countered, evasive once again, though his voice tinged with urgency as he moved beside the foot of my bed. I huffed in frustration, struggling to contain my emotions as he continued. "You have no idea how terrified I was when I returned to your room and found your window wide open. Knowing the Miehja were out there. I—" he stopped abruptly, his voice catching in his throat before he composed himself.
"I immediately shouted for my men to wake up, grabbing weapons and praying that you were still unharmed. Then, when I heard the knock and saw you covered in blood," his words trembled with emotion. He cleared his throat and straightened his white tunic, his demeanor a mix of concern and resolve. "We'll discuss this further tomorrow. Rest now, and please don't ever do that again ."
He stalked back to the door, swiftly blowing out the candle, engulfing me in darkness and leaving me at a loss for words. Too many questions swirled in my mind, but I struggled to articulate them as I grew tired. I sank back into bed, gazing up at the smooth ceiling, searching for patterns among the bumps and faded spots, but found none, much like everything else in this place.
Turning over, I tried to expel thoughts of the Miehja, Levon, and his sorrowful eyes. Yet, the memory of my rescuer, with his broody demeanor and burning eyes, lingered, haunting my dreams and filling me with an unsettling sense of dread.
I awoke only after a few hours of sleep, surprised by the absence of any marks or blemishes from the Miehja attack—as if it had all been a nightmare. Shaking off my confusion, I hastily dressed, anxious to meet Levon for my morning run. Racing down to the entrance, I paced, rehearsing several apologies in my mind and scolding myself for my foolishness. His footsteps approached against the silent morning, and I forced myself to stand tall and fake interest in the painting hanging nearby.
"Stop pretending you're enjoying that, and let's go."
My eyes widened in surprise while my heart dropped with dread. I whirled around to find my rescuer from the previous night standing before me. His expression was filled with disdain as if appalled by my presence. He had forgone his cloak, revealing attire of brown leather, with weapon straps adorning his legs. A dark brown tunic accentuated his chestnut shoulder- length hair, fully pulled back in a tight knot. His amber eyes still blazed with an intensity that pierced into my soul.
I tried not to flinch at his gaze, pursing my lips. "What are you still doing here?"
A smirk formed on his lips, creasing his tan skin as he folded his arms over his chest, puffed with pride. "I'm here to ensure you don't do anything idiotic again. " His last word came out with a bite, foretelling that if I did, he would rip my head off for it. "And to train you properly ."
"I didn't realize you were a nanny," I retorted, mirroring his folded arms and stance. He rolled his eyes at me before turning and walking out the door, the same one he had brought me to just several hours earlier.
"Don't make me drag you again… Eliah," he mocked, waiting for me by the open door. Rage surged through me, crackling the air with intensity. I waited for it to erupt and tear me apart completely.
He merely grinned, stepping aside, and waited for me to move. With a heavy breath, I quivered with irritation as I advanced toward him. Wherever Levon was, he better have a very good explanation for this.
"Why would I ever go anywhere with you?"
"Why would you ever go anywhere without me?" he smirked, before grabbing my arm again and dragging me outside.
" Let go! " I hissed, struggling to break free of his tight grip.
He finally released his grip as we reached the path leading to the back of the estate, heading toward the armory. The morning felt colder than usual, and our breaths were visible in the chilly air, rising from our lips like wisps of smoke.
He continued towards the weapons, striding with an air of superiority as if he were some self-appointed king. I couldn't help but roll my eyes and spit with disgust. He embodied the same self-absorption that Jesri and Calum bled. Too full of themselves to give a care about anything but—
"Is sulking all you're capable of?" he jeered, glancing back at me as he halted beside a barrel of weapons. He yanked out a large sword, tossing it between his hands to test its weight and balance. His arm muscles flexed under its weight.
Suppressing my anger, I stormed over to him with heavy steps. "I don't train with strangers. And all I know is that you could be an imposter, misinforming me about whatever—" I cut myself off, realizing it might not be wise to disclose the Match with someone other than Levon. Folding my arms, I watched as he approached, his every move dripping with sarcasm.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, my lady," he said, bowing mockingly. As he straightened up, he advanced toward me again, causing me to instinctively take a step back. "I'm Kaizen—there, now we're acquainted," he added, his voice lowering. "Now grab a sword," he growled.
"Tyran, please, help me not to kill him," I muttered under my breath; my lips pursed tightly as I marched toward the barrel.
Ignoring the swords, I grabbed a Footman's Mace instead. Its top was adorned with a row of uneven spikes that ran down into its center. Balancing it between my hands, I tossed it back and forth, mirroring Kaizen's earlier actions with a hint of disgust.
He narrowed his brilliant amber eyes at me, and I matched his stare and forced my face to remain impassive, hoping he wouldn't notice my discomfort.
Kaizen strode toward me, plucking the tip of his sword with a grin. "Fine, let's see what you can do with that," he taunted.
Before I could think, he struck, the mace reverberating against my arms. I stumbled back as another blow hit, causing me to lose my grip. In an instant, the mace went flying, and he held his sword up to my throat.
"Dead," he hissed, standing mere inches from my face. With a forceful push, he thrust me back. "Again."
He walked out and around, assuming a defensive stance with his sword held overhead. Anger struck at my heartstrings like a haunting melody, humming deep within and urging me to ignite into a fiery rage. I forced it down, remembering Levon's words and breathing techniques. I am in control .
Retrieving the mace, I swung it back and forth, letting the heavy metal pull me with it. He was unnaturally quick, I will give him that. But his condescending attitude needed to stop, along with that infuriating smirk. Gritting my teeth, I squared my shoulders and met his gaze head-on.
I struck first, throwing my entire body into the swing and slamming the mace into his sword with a resounding crack. He stepped back, retaliating with another strike, but I managed to defend myself and counter with a kick. My foot connected with his leg just before he stomped down to catch it, but I was too quick for him, so I lashed out again.
This wasn't a dance; it was a battle. Both of us unleashed the rage within, each blow resonating with fury. With each thunderous clash, the earth trembled beneath us, echoing like a stampede.
I struck hard, forcing him to stumble back. He smirked at me, arrogantly pushing back the strands of his hair before casually dropping the sword to the ground and rolling up his sleeves. With a flick of his fingers, he taunted, "Show me what you can do…orphan."
The fire within me surged, melting my insides and igniting like lightning as I let the mace drop. With a primal cry, I lunged towards him, letting the wind take my feet as I jumped into the air.
My fist slammed into his cheek before he could even finish speaking, sending shock waves up my arm with a sting. I delivered another storm of punches to his arm and ribs, but he expertly evaded several blows. With a forceful shove, he pushed me away, landing a strike on my side that left me gasping for air. Stumbling backward, I quickly dodged his next attack, sensing him holding back and further fueling my frustration. In a swift motion, he swept his leg out, catching hold of my foot and sending me crashing backward in a heap. My face collided with a nearby rock, sending my vision spinning.
He pounced on top of me, crushing the air from my lungs as he grasped my wrists in one strong hand above my head and pinned his knees into my thighs. His other calloused hand closed around my neck, squeezing gently.
"Dead again," he breathed into my ear. I shifted my leg from his, my knee ready to strike his groin, but he quickly grabbed my thigh, pushing it down. "Definitely dead," he growled. I spat at him, feeling foolish as I squirmed in his grasp.
"Kaizen!" Levon's voice pierced through the rage swirling inside me.
Kaizen smirked, lifted one leg, and released my hands. Without thought, I slammed my fist into his handsome face and shoved him off, spitting at him once more.
He fell back with a grunt, chuckling as he slowly rose to his feet. His eyes glinted with amusement as his hand touched his red cheek, mirroring my throbbing knuckles. I stood up, preparing to throw another punch, but Levon's hand gripped my shoulder, forcing me to face him.
His crystal eyes shimmered with rage as he tilted my chin up to examine my face. I could feel a bruise forming and swelling around my eye from the rock, but I was too consumed by anger to care. I quickly shoved Levon away and turned back toward Kaizen, who was still disturbing the peaceful morning with his laughter.
"Are you out of your mind!?" I hissed at Kaizen, storming toward him as he proceeded to clap with amusement.
"Well done, Eliah," he breathed. Standing just a breath away, he stared down at me. "You wouldn't last through one round." Stepping back, he turned to Levon, who was now seething with rage. "And there's no way in Geisha I'll allow it."
Levon gritted his teeth, his jaw fluttering as he stared at Kaizen with the same intensity.
My stomach churned, burning my fingertips and turning the air metallic. I could taste it on my tongue and sensed that Levon and Kaizen might have felt it, too, judging by their backward steps and side glances at each other.
I grasped Kaizen's tunic, feeling his breath against my face. Oh, how I longed to shatter every bone in his pretty face.
" You know nothing about me! And you, of all people, do not get to choose what I do!" My fury surged through me, pulsating with every heartbeat. I could feel it thickening the air around us, enveloping us in my seething rage.
Kaizen took a step back, gently prying my hand from his shirt. His gaze shifted towards Levon, who stood there pale, his eyes blazing with ice.
"I won't. It's too dangerous," Kaizen declared, his voice edged with firmness.
He turned back without waiting and stalked to the barrel, stooping to retrieve the sword and slammed it into place.
I felt an overwhelming urge to keep punching something, to scream, to cry with rage as I watched him stalk away.
Levon's touch on my hand effortlessly brought me back to reality. "Eliah…" his voice trailed off, laden with frustration.
"No!" I shook off his touch. "I don't want him training me, Levon. I'm sorry I left last night—but look at me!" I faced him now, extending my arms and gesturing to the whole of me. "I'm fine! I don't need protection; I need you to teach me how to win this Match that you're determined to keep a secret! You saw how easily he took me out."
I stopped and palmed my face, heaving in a breath, trying to calm my racing mind, which only began spiraling downward.
"Eliah, Kaizen is a different breed—"
"I wasn't looking for comfort," I snapped. I turned back towards him, seeing his jaw clench as he glanced at Kaizen's figure rounding the other side of the estate. "Why can't you tell me?" I yelled, scaring off any peace left.
" Because I don't know! " he shot back, matching my anger and running his fingers through his unkempt hair. "Do you have any idea how infuriating you are?" He turned away, cursing under his breath as he rubbed his face in frustration.
I stood there with my arms crossed, demanding more explanation.
He looked back at me, his frustration evident. "I'm serious when I say I don't know," he trailed off, his expression growing pale. "There have only been a handful of Matches in his lineage, but each one is always different, always a surprise until right before, and always deadly."
My throat closed up, but I held my head high.
I scoffed a laugh. Why else would Jesri send me here if not to be rid of me and gain something? The realization hit me hard, and the weight of my repressed emotions seemed to press down on me, intensifying with his confirmation that he didn't know.
"Thank you for sharing what you know," I said, my voice strained but steady. "And…I apologize for what happened last night."
"Don't. I would do the same in your situation," Levon cut in.
We stood there in tense silence for a few moments before I broke it.
"Who is Geisha?" I asked.
He looked at me with shock and confusion. "What?" he retorted quickly.
"Kaizen, when he said he wouldn't allow it?"
He looked down and away, shaking his head. "I don't know. But I have much to do today, so let's hurry with our run."
He began jogging away, leaving me with the sinking feeling that he wasn't telling the truth.