23. Chapter 23
23
" W hat in Giesha is your plan, Levon ?" Kaizen's words slashed like a whip, cracking the once passionate air, each syllable dripped with venomous derision.
In an instant, Kaizen was at my side, his fingers like iron claws, as he seized my arm and thrust me toward the stairs. But before I could react, Levon intercepted him with angry determination.
"Take your hands off her," Levon growled, tearing Kaizen's grip from my arm and shielding me behind his towering frame. "I've had enough of your help. Go, " he said, pointing back to the stairs.
Kaizen puffed an airy laugh filled with mockery. " You know I can't do that ," he hissed between clenched teeth. "You'll end up being the one to kill her before the others get a chance."
My gaze snapped to Levon, whose expression hardened in response to Kaizen's threatening words.
"Others?" I demanded, stepping out from behind Levon's protective stance, my voice trembling with urgency. "What do you mean, others ?"
"You will, Levon. It's forbidden . Remember your place," Kaizen spat, taking hold of Levon's collar. The room's cool blues morphed into searing oranges and reds as if reflecting Kaizen's simmering anger.
" I don't care. I've waited long enough and won't waste my time any longer," Levon countered, forcefully pushing Kaizen's hands away.
"You don't care?" Kaizen snapped with enough hatred I took a step back.
The two of them snarled at each other with venom, having that silent conversation within their eyes. Levon's jaw clenched, and with purpose, he turned toward me, reaching out for my hand. But I hesitated, retreating and watching the once tranquil blue ambiance erupt into a tumult of fiery hues, painting the room in shades of crimson and gold as if they reflected the feelings in the room.
"The truth, Levon," I interjected, looking back to him and suppressing my confusion and rising fear. Kaizen scoffed as a smug grin spread across his face, crossing his arms over his chest. He shot Levon a challenging glare, silently daring him to speak.
Levon's jaw tensed, his eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and frustration as he locked gazes with Kaizen. "I thought we were on the same side," Levon seethed, his voice tight with suppressed emotion.
"We are, but I think it's time she knows the truth ," Kaizen replied, his tone heavy with brooding intensity. Levon bristled, puffing up his chest with irritation.
"This is my life you're both toying with. No more secrets ," I rasped out, my frustration simmering beneath the surface. Despite my wish that Kaizen had never intervened, a part of me was grateful for the potential knowledge he might bring. " No more. "
Levon stood there looking in shock and anger. Kaizen growled lowly, waiting for Levon to answer.
"Eliah," Levon began, his voice strained with hesitation. The vibrant scarlet hues of the crystals surrounding us began to soften, returning to their tranquil blues. "Eliah, you're being…" His voice faltered as he fought against the truth with sorrowful eyes.
"Say it," I demanded, my voice quivering with fear.
"That day at the markets, when you asked about the Spellcasters," Levon continued, each word heavy with dread. My blood ran cold at the unexpected mention of them. "They are just as malicious and evil as you feared. And…" he paused, the truth catching in his throat. "They're hunting you."
He instantly held my arms, anchoring me as my limbs went slack.
"Hunting?" I breathed; my mind spun with a whirlwind of dread and endless questions, suffocating as if the air itself had been sucked from my lungs.
"We won't let them touch you, Eliah. I swear," he vowed, his words a flicker of hope in the abyss of my terror. He clung to my hands. My heart pounded in my ears, drowning out all else as he pressed on, his voice dripping with desperate urgency.
"Their leader, he feeds on the fears of our souls," Levon's voice quivered with horror and disbelief, each word heavy with the weight. "They all infiltrate minds, dreams, and even the earth beneath us. I didn't want to believe it during our breathing exercises, before your evaluation, or when you wouldn't wake up after our encounter," he said, gesturing towards his barely bruised face. "Or with the Miehja attack…" His voice trailed off, his gaze distant as if haunted by the memories.
"Before Creos' civil war between the Magics and the Mundanes, the Spellcasters were once ordinary…Magics, wielding their abilities for good, or so many thought. Rumors spread about certain Magics delving too greedily into their powers and breaching boundaries that should have never been crossed. From their leader, they birthed a darkness that twisted their magic into something horrific that should have never existed in time or here in this realm," he paused, looking towards Kaizen. "This was the beginning of the Cataclysm." I narrowed my brows, trying to remember ever hearing of the Cataclysm in any of the history lessons Jesri demanded I take, but none came to mind.
The two of them glanced at each other again, having that annoying silent conversation with their eyes before Levon continued.
"King Leonard foresaw the devastation these Spellcasters would bring and attempted to contain the threat through tests and trials. But when the people rebelled, Creos plunged into civil war, starting the Great Cataclysm in more than just…" he stopped, quickly glaring at Kaizen. "More than just this world, and therefore, King Leonard had no choice but to eradicate all Magics for the safety of his Kingdom and his people."
"Peace reigned for years here in this world," he said as if he could recall being in such times. "Until a group known as the Onyx Market arose—a group of bounty hunters targeting those few individuals whose lineage possessed magic, and branding them as threats to society. Falsehoods spread like wildfire, and bounties were placed on any leads to a Magic, leading to countless disappearances in the dead of night for a wealthy sum. Even those innocent souls, devoid of any magic, vanished without a trace," a single tear slid down his cheek, which he quickly wiped away.
He drew in a sharp breath, his fists clenching with anguish.
"When I was in the Royal Guard, I had no option but to obey orders and follow these rumors to see if they were true."
The air thickened, turning the tranquil blue hues into a torrent of dark purples that seemed to swallow the room, mirroring the same turmoil within me. Instantly, I regretted almost kissing him, regretted coming here, allowing him to train me and lull me into submission.
I stepped back, speechless, feeling the tendrils of darkness from my dreams cling to my mind as if it were simply making itself comfortable.
"Eliah," Levon said, reaching out. I yanked my arm back from him as anger sliced through me like a tidal wave.
" Are you still on that mission?" I snapped, now shaking with anger. The mere suggestion that I could possess any trace of magic ignited a blaze of indignation within me.
His eyes darkened, the air around us crackling with an intense amber glow, swirling with fiery reds, scorching yellows, and gleaming golds. We swiftly turned our gaze to the shimmering crystals, the room pulsating with tension.
"I told you I left that years ago ," Levon anguished, his emotions rising.
" Then why ? Why are the Spellcasters hunting me?" I spat, the words bitter on my tongue.
Kaizen answered before Levon could interject. "All we know is that the Spellcasters have never stopped hunting for what they want most: immortality and power, and they'll stop at nothing to chase even the faintest whisper of a lead."
Fear began clawing at my insides. "What makes them believe I hold anything of value?" I pressed, forcing my voice to remain firm despite the tremble in my limbs.
Levon interjected, "Before dinner yesterday, you mentioned a dream. What was it?"
The memory of the shadowy figure flashed vividly in my mind, causing me to reflexively clasp my wrists, still feeling the icy touch of the manacles. Levon and Kaizen looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to elaborate.
"After…whatever happened," I began, gesturing towards Levon's face. "I believe I wasn't able to wake because I was trapped. Trapped in a cold…dark cell, chained to the ground like some kind of wild animal. There was so much fear and darkness that it felt tangible, as if it knew who I was and where to find me."
I released a shaky breath, trying to push away the memories of blood-curdling screams and the haunting image of the shadowy figure with its long, spider-like fingers wrapping around my throat. Unconsciously, now clutching at my own.
"A dark figure knew me by name," I stuttered, not wanting to relive it further, fearing what it might mean.
Kaizen went ridged as Levon huffed angrily, staring at me like they had seen a wraith.
Kaizen interjected. "With their leader, the Spellcasters found a way to fabricate neural pathways through hellish anomalies in their magic—the things that connect everything," he paused, disgust and anger radiating from him like the color surrounding us. "They have found something within your mind—the slightest of memories you had as a child, something you witnessed, or something that caused a rift they could see through for their filthy desires."
"You're telling me they are causing these…tremors—these dreams?" I said, barely above a whisper.
"The dreams, yes," Kaizen said as the two of them nodded, sickening my stomach. I stepped back, trying to take it all in. My breath caught in my throat as I attempted to swallow, but my mouth went dry as fear crept in like tendrils of darkness, swirling my mind with confusion. I clenched my fists together to stop the trembling.
"If you still have a warrant to silence these rumors," I mocked Levon before turning my gaze to Kaizen. "Then what is your role in all this?" I ordered, coiling my anger and trying to understand any of this.
Levon clenched his teeth, a glint of remorse flickering in his eyes.
"To protect you," Kaizen stated flatly.
I couldn't help but emit a hollow laugh, feeling utterly numb. "But you're both, somehow, on the same team?" I mocked again, glaring at Levon.
"That's why I left," Levon snapped, holding my gaze angrily. "I didn't know what all those secret missions would entail, but I had to do my duty. For more reasons than you could ever understand."
Kaizen gripped Levon's arm, backing him down, as my hands shook with anger.
Levon shook off Kaizen's hand, his focus sharpening on me. "I'm not looking for pity, Eliah," he declared, his voice edged with bitterness. "Every day, the choices I made haunt me, but they were necessary for the greater good. I acted in service of the essential objective, regardless of the consequences. And I intend to honor my promise to her," he nodded towards the stairs, where his mother's portrait hung. "No matter what, I won't allow anyone to harm you. I swear it," he vowed, his tone resolute.
I absorbed his words, trying to steady my emotions amidst the creeping fear that the Spellcasters had infiltrated my mind. They were not merely a made-up bedtime story to scare a child into submission but a real threat skulking in the shadows.
"Then what about the King's Match?" I demanded, releasing my grip on my emotions and searching for truth in his emerald-blue gaze.
"We proceed as if nothing is amiss. We will be safest within the King's Court, and I have allies who are keeping me informed," Levon replied.
"How long have you known the Spellcasters created these…pathways in me?" I pressed, my tone sharp with accusation.
He met my gaze wearily. "Not until after your first evaluation," he confessed quietly.
"Were you ever planning on telling me?" I demanded.
"Would you have believed me if I had told you sooner?" he retorted. "You barely trusted me, assuming me as arrogant as Jesri."
"You're not disproving that point," I seethed, feeling the pulse of the amber glow in the room resonating within me, leaving the air thick with tension.
Kaizen cleared his throat. "We need to leave, it's a long journey to the Creaic Gap, and we shouldn't be out after dark," he stated, his gaze shifting to Levon with a silent warning.
Levon nodded his agreement as Kaizen ascended the stairs. Leaving us trailing after him in uneasy silence.
"Why subject me to this tournament then? Won't participating make me an even bigger target?" I hissed, looking at Levon with sunken shoulders. "You claimed you had no choice; let me make one." Desperation lined my voice.
"Eliah, I…I can't," he replied, his voice strained. "There's too much at stake to pull you out now. Jesri would demand your return, and who knows what he'd do to you next. And if the king knew, he'd send even more scrutiny your way." His desperation was evident as he took my hand, his eyes pleading for understanding.
"As far as we know, no one knows you're the one the Spellcasters are targeting with their mind-scraping. Casmir told me that the Onyx Market is in disarray trying to identify individuals, but they're hitting dead ends. The 'Casters aren't divulging any information to the hunters this time, and we fear the reasons behind their silence are bigger than we can comprehend."
"Casmir?" I replied softly, not believing that friendly silver-haired man to be a part of such schemes. "And how do you plan to protect me against all this?"
His hand trembled as he halted me on the stairs.
"We'll protect you, no matter what it takes. I won't allow anything to harm you ever again," he swore, squeezing my hand tightly. "We hope that if you become champion, the king will deploy his forces to safeguard you, grant you freedom, and it will all be worth it."
" But why? Why me?" I whimpered, the words escaping before I could stop them. "Why protect me when you've slain so many others?" Instantly, I regretted my words as I saw the hurt in his eyes turn to smoldering anger.
"Because without you…life itself would cease to exist," he muttered, turning away, ascending the stairs, and disappearing through the door. I stood there, breathless and confused, still wondering why. An immovable fear began to gather in my mind and heart as I stood there, uncertain if I should be grateful for finally receiving answers.
I emerged from the secret alcove, determined to maintain a facade of strength despite the fear coursing through me. I refused to succumb to it. Whatever lay ahead, I was determined to face it head-on. Even if it meant risking everything, I was prepared to fight for my freedom.
After quickly eating a light breakfast, I said my goodbyes to Elise and Saasha, not allowing my emotions to spread further, and hurriedly went outside, soaking in every last ounce of this grand estate, the tall evergreens I'd grown to love, the glimmering views of town off in the distance, but having a foreboding feeling that I wouldn't see it again.
Levon conversed with several staff members at the carriage door while Kaizen sat as the coachman, holding the reins as the horses pawed impatiently. I thanked the people lining the estate, appreciating their well-wishes, before taking Levon's hand. He helped me into his sleek, velvet-lined carriage, the rich fabric and polished wood gleaming in the afternoon light as my stomach turned leaden with worry.
He began to close the carriage door, but a palpable discomfort hung around him. "I'll be with Kaizen until we reach the Creaic Gap, where we'll stop at an inn. We hope to arrive at the King's Court by sundown tomorrow," he explained, managing a faint smile before bidding farewell to the others and clicking the door in place.
"Levon," I began, catching him through the open window before he could join Kaizen. "Thank you."
He looked down, not meeting my eyes. "I might be beyond redemption, but I'm simply trying to improve. That's all I have left." His words carried a weight of regret and determination, revealing the depth of more sinister things happening.
He stepped from view and hopped onto the driver's seat, rocking the carriage before the horses moved and propelled us forward.
I wasn't sure whether to be thankful for the peace or upset. I sighed, annoyed at myself for being frustrated with him—frustrated by his unsettling past, the orders he shouldn't willingly have followed and every painful detail I was unprepared to hear. Perhaps I should have remained in ignorance.
I rubbed at my eyes, hoping to dispel the tumult of emotions as we entered the woods where Kaizen first found me, bloodied and a mess. I prayed that that would be the last time I'd ever encounter the Miehja.
I inhaled the sweet pine scent mixed with the dry dirt rising from the carriage wheels.
Inhale.
Exhale.
The world was much bigger than I could have ever thought possible, and the problems deadlier than I imagined.
The shadowy figure flashed before my eyes, my name like claws on its tongue. I shivered, pushing the image away.
"They feed on the fears of our souls," I muttered to myself, the weight of those words settling heavily in my chest.
I sucked in a sharp breath, feeling the carriage sway beneath me, a physical reminder of the uncertain journey ahead.
"I am afraid," I admitted quietly, the truth hanging heavy in the air.
The dense trees gradually gave way to gentle, rolling hills and valleys and vibrant cities bustling with life. As I watched the bustle beyond, I couldn't help but think of what I might never encounter again—tasting Mrs. Bleel's savory dishes, savoring the fragrance of exotic spices, hearing the giggles Elise might exclaim after a stolen kiss or Saasha's cheesy grin.
I hadn't anticipated missing Desrin as much as I did. I never thought I'd find solace beyond the confines of Jesri's elegant estate. Yet, I was undeniably mistaken, and the fleeting taste of freedom felt liberating.
However, with each rhythmic thud of the carriage wheels against the stone road, propelling us northward towards a court I wanted no part of, that sense of liberation slipped further from my grasp. Towards an uncertain future, with a king and his ridiculous Match to feed his court's appetite, or toward demise with the Spellcasters and the Onyx Market.
I scraped at my nails and tugged at my hair and sleeves, growing increasingly impatient and desperate for answers. I yearned to talk, to distract myself from the mounting tension. Grabbing the book from my satchel, I read through its pages until it became unbearable to look down for another moment. The memory of the light breakfast I shared while conversing with Elise and Saasha churned in my stomach, threatening to resurface.
Leaning against the window's opening, I focused on calming my breath, quieting my racing thoughts, and soothing my restless soul, anything to distract myself.
I sat up straight, irritated as Levon's secret alcove breached my mind. I replayed the sensation of his lips against mine and what it meant. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, but I forcefully pushed the image away, shaking my head to rid myself of the thought.
How could I be infatuated with him, of all people? One who is working with Jesri but is…kind? One who desires my freedom but makes no move to get me out of this Match? How could I let myself feel these emotions when all my life I've only ever been told to hide them and push them down, to believe that all I was good for was as a weapon? But no matter how hard I tried, the butterflies didn't dissipate; they only made my heart flutter more intensely.
Touching my lips, I let out an exasperated breath, forcing my thoughts to quiet. Determined to focus on the present and not get tangled in emotions I had no business exploring, I settled against the window, counting the sparse trees that passed by before I drifted off to sleep.
The carriage lurched to a sudden stop, jolting me forward. Grunting in frustration, I caught myself on the velvety seat opposite, then sat up and peered out the window. The carriage swayed from side to side until Levon came into view, adjusting his dark tunic after hopping down. He walked to the door and pulled it open.
"We wanted to stop and stretch our legs for a moment," he explained, extending his hand wrapped in a black leather glove.
I accepted it, quickly smoothing my hair and wiping my face, hoping I didn't appear too disheveled from sleeping. Stepping out, I relished the sweet, lush scent of the surroundings. We found ourselves amidst an ocean of open fields and tall, swaying stalks, with a large mountain looming in the distance. Inhaling deeply, I rolled my shoulders and stretched my neck, glancing up to see Kaizen standing atop the carriage, surveying the fields.
"We're safe," Levon quickly added, noticing my frown. I managed a curt nod before he gestured for me to join him at the back of the carriage, where he opened a box filled with leathered fruit, nuts, bread, and dried meat. He grabbed a handful of everything and handed some to me, tossing more up to Kaizen, who caught it effortlessly.
"How close are we to the Creaic Gap?" I inquired.
"About another two to three hours," he replied, clearing his throat before taking a bite of bread and meat. I followed suit, taking a few bites, surprised by how hungry I was, and quickly finished the handful he gave me.
"I'll join you inside if you don't mind," he asked, his eyes glinting in the full sun. I gave him a slight nod before he whistled up to Kaizen. "Let's head out; I'll sit with Eliah," he called out to Kaizen.
Kaizen looked at him knowingly and hopped down to his driver's seat, taking the reins in his hands. Levon opened the carriage door and helped me inside before the carriage lurched forward, carrying us away and across the swaying green sea of hills.
"I'm surprised by how open it is out here," I remarked, still gazing at the rolling hills, attempting to break the awkward silence.
"King Thealor prefers these lands for farming," he said with a smile, gazing out at the green expanse. "You'll miss the openness here once we pass the Gap."
"Is it busier than the town?" I asked, not sure how anything could be more chaotic than that. He nodded, prompting my mind to wander to visions of the King's Court.
Awkwardness hung heavily between us as we sat fidgeting, each waiting for the other to initiate more small talk. He cleared his throat, opening his mouth as if to speak, but then hesitated, opting to glance out the window again, admiring the sense of freedom beyond.
"I apologize for my comments earlier. It was a lot to handle all at once," I confessed, feeling the weight of my admission. "But thank you for telling me the truth." The sincerity in my words conveyed my gratitude for finally being given clarity after years of uncertainty, even though the weight of it scraped my heart.
He looked at me, his expression surprised, his mouth slightly agape and eyebrows raised.
"Is the Lady Eliah apologizing to me and thanking me?" he teased, shifting slightly closer to his seat across, a hint of amusement playing on his lips.
"Don't expect me to hand them out freely," I retorted, narrowing my eyes. The tension eased as we shared a brief moment of lightness.
" I apologize for leaving you with questions," he confessed, his voice full of remorse. "I didn't want to share the reality when we didn't fully understand it ourselves. When we first met, it took every ounce of my soul to keep silent about the tournament and the evaluation. Jesri was worried you would act out. He forced me not to say anything, threatening to cancel his deal, and I'd risk losing you…again." His head hung as he clasped his hands and leaned forward on his legs.
"I couldn't risk losing you," he continued, his tone softening with admiration. "You were so much stronger than Jesri led on. Fearless, determined to fulfill your dreams to obtain freedom, no matter the cost. You were far more formidable than the girl I remembered against the seaside." His words carried a mix of awe and affection.
A flush of red spread across my cheeks as I cleared my throat, trying to quell the rising feeling. "Do you have any more details about what this Match might involve?" I asked, hoping Edmon had provided more information.
His expression turned blank. "No, it became too risky, and we didn't want the king to trace it back to us. Especially since he's obsessed with surprises and has been known to imprison anyone who spoils it," he explained, his voice tense. Taking a deep breath, he averted his gaze and started to tap his foot nervously. "I'm sorry," he stammered. "For everything. I didn't know what else to do to grant you freedom…to keep you safe."
I hesitantly touched his arm. His eyes met mine, forcing me to retract my hand. But understanding washed over me—realizing his promise to his ailing mother, vowing to be a good man, but becoming ensnared in the evil and misery of the world. Yet, he found his own path to freedom and tried to help others find theirs—people like Elise, Saasha, and me. I offered him a sad smile, observing the weight of his choices bearing down on him. It made me wonder if not all men were inherently malicious, as Jesri had often claimed.
"I do vow to protect you, Eliah. Always," he declared solemnly as he took my hands in his. His expression softened as he gazed into my eyes. "I pledge my life to you and will honor that promise. Bitter words and a fiery heart mean nothing if not from you. I am not easily broken; know I am yours now and forever."
My breath caught in my throat as he glanced at my lips, igniting a flurry of emotions that danced down my body. Irritation bubbled within me, frustrated at myself for craving the touch of his soft lips. Yet, there was a newfound sense of freedom in being desired by someone as flawed as I was. It dawned on me that my brokenness could be the very thing that someone might cherish fully, unlike the fleeting infatuation I had with Calum.
I wished I could go back and tell my younger self that good things were on the horizon, urging her to hold on a little longer. The label of an unloved, forgotten ward didn't define me entirely—it was just a fraction of who I was. Beyond my scars and past traumas, I was desirable, and this realization filled me with hope and empowerment but frustrated me with the longing to be touched by him.
"I'm still upset at you," I taunted, breaking the growing silence.
"It wouldn't be you if you weren't," he smiled, letting go of my hands and leaning against the carriage wall.
The sun shone through the carriage, casting shadows across his face as we rode on through more fields of green. His face was still marred with yellowing bruises along the small scar barely visible under his jawline.
"What happened?" I asked, causing him to cock his head in question. "To your face, I mean," I said with a swallow.
His jaw fluttered as he glanced back out the window. "One moment, you were yelling at me; the next, I was in my room with Saasha stitching me up." He turned to look at me, a tight smile on his lips. "Believe me, I've been through much worse."
"Did I do that to you?"
He only stared at me, slightly shaking his head but not answering.
A hard lump formed in my throat as I tried to force down the gnawing fear from their tales about the Spellcasters and bounty hunters.
We rode in silence as awkward tension filled the air, drowning out all the noise from earlier.
He cleared his throat, "Did you always enjoy pastries?" he asked rather abruptly.
I couldn't suppress my laughter quickly enough at the unexpected question. "Well, as you know, Jesri was never keen on letting me indulge in anything delicious. So I had Calum sneak me sweets, then Aoife joined in too, knowing Jesri had enough and wouldn't notice they were missing."
He smiled fondly, "My mother and I used to walk to her favorite pastry shop every Saturday before she fell ill, and I think that's why I fell even harder for you at the Spring Harvest Celebration because of your love for pastries."
"Oh?" I teased, feeling the blush creeping back up my cheeks and flutter into my heart. "And here I thought you were too drunk on the wine?"
He grinned, "Or perhaps too drunk on the notion that I was finally with you?"
My heart pattered, and the churn in my stomach turned into butterflies, blushing my cheeks.
He looked up at me with a chuckle, "You hide your emotions very well," he mused, crossing his foot over his knee.
I couldn't help but suppress a grin. "Well, if you didn't say such things, perhaps I wouldn't have to."
We shared a chuckle, the tension between us melted away with each passing moment. His gaze turned tender as he looked back at me, putting his leg back down and leaning forward.
"I mean it; I am yours now and forever, Eliah," he declared, his hand finding mine on my knee, sending a shiver of warmth through me at his touch.
He moved closer, intertwining our legs. "You'll never wrong me, Eliah," he whispered, his voice a soothing balm to my racing heart.