AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Finishing my explanation, I look at Leon with what I hope is an earnest expression. I don’t want to tell him about what I overheard. It’s very possible that Need was discussing me, and I don’t want anyone to know I heard them. Not when Need made it clear that keeping their mortal in the dark is a high priority. I have no idea what they’re talking about, but I’m beginning to come to terms with the fact that eavesdropping may be one of the only ways I’m going to figure out exactly what’s going on here.
It's time to go full super spy on this realm.
I’m a terrible candidate for a spy.
Leon smiles at me, understanding coming across his face. “Of course, you were distracted. I keep forgetting that this entire world is new to you. You need to stay close, though. You’re vulnerable, Vivian. Only I can protect you.”
I smile gratefully at Leon. “Thank you. I appreciate having you here to look out for me.” Again, not actually a lie. I have no intention of being caught alone in a roomwith other supernatural creatures that may or may not have my best interests at heart.
Leon seems placated by my appreciation. Taking my hand, he notes. “I’m happy to see the bond is settling down.”
I look at him, surprised he’s noticed. “How do you know it’s settled?”
Leon beams at me. “You couldn’t have gotten more than thirty feet away from me and stayed conscious if it hadn’t. The pain alone would have taken you out.”
My eye twitches. “Please tell me why that is something you look giddy about.”
Leon pulls my hand as he starts down the hall again, now laughing at my retort. “Because it means you’re accepting our bond. You’re accepting us.”
I don’t respond and only feel myself swallow loudly. Is that what I’m doing? I’ve been trying to get along better with Leon and trying not to set him off as much. Is that me accepting us? I don’t feel overwhelming happiness at the thought.
I need to change the subject. “When was the last time you were here?”
Leon’s gaze darkens. “Just shortly after you died. I was brought back here to be stripped of my power and imbued with Destroyer energy. Destroyers are not allotted the same freedoms because their nature is much darker and dangerous. Since I was changed, I’ve been locked up and asleep unless I was called to act on behalf of the council.”
There’s the guilt again, clawing through me. I keep being distrustful of uncollaring Leon. But being constantly controlled by a council or collar for thousandsof years can’t be a good life. Then again, Leon called my town insignificant. Maybe keeping him under lock and key unless absolutely necessary isn’t such a bad idea.
“I’m sorry you lost so much,” I answer, unsure of what else I can say. Leon’s thumb brushes against my hand in a gentle motion.
“It’s all been for a higher purpose. We’re reunited now. Destiny has served us well, no matter the cost.”
I’m not going down the fervent destiny speeches again. The bond gives another tug, but it doesn’t come from me this time. Leon is eyeing me as we exit into a courtyard, heading for a smaller building up ahead. A hunger in his expression sends a pooling heat through me.
My breath catches in my throat as I try to think of something to say to distract me from the bond lighting up again. “The people here. They don’t seem very welcoming of you. Why is that?”
Way to go, Vivian. Why not find other elephants in the room to call out?
Leon slows as we approach the smaller building. It sits in the centre of the courtyard, and the ground is covered in dirt and sand rather than grass. “As a Creator, I was welcomed, worshiped even. But when I fell from greatness and became a Destroyer, I was tainted in the eyes of the Otherworld. I have not been forgiven.”
We stop not far from the small building, and Leon lets go of my hand, turning to face me. “I need to speak to the captain of the guard. Wait here for me, and don’t go anywhere.”
I want to come inside, but the soldier must have heard us approaching. A man opens the front door beforeLeon reaches it. “I assumed you’d be by soon.” He says, eyeing Leon. His hair is long and black, tied behind his head. His skin is olive-coloured, and he has dark brown eyes. I’ve seen him before. Very recently.
I hope my face doesn’t give anything away when Leon greets him. “Rydon, just the man I’ve been looking for. We need to talk.” And without another word or bothering to introduce me, Leon walks into the cabin and shuts the door.
I probably would feel a little more insulted, except my anxiety is now skyrocketing. There’s no way Rydon could know I overheard his conversation with Need. But creatures here are supernatural. What if Rydon has a crazy smelling ability?
Taking a deep breath, I mentally talk myself down. It will be fine. Surely, he and Need wouldn’t have continued their conversation if he'd sensed me in the library.
It’s fine. Totally fine.
My heart always thunders this fast.
Trying to distract myself, I spin around to get a better look at where we’ve ended up. I keep saying I need to be more aware of my surroundings – so here we go. It’s a beautiful day, like a warm summer back on Earth. This part of the castle courtyard is deserted but looks like a training area for soldiers.
The sun is beating down on me, and I’m starting to overheat in the tight corset of the dress. A tree just a hundred feet away beckons me. The shade below it looks very inviting. Still, I don’t move. Leon keeps asking me not to stray, and this time, I’m determined to listen — teamwork at its finest.
Maybe if I earn Leon’s trust, he’ll be less wary of my judgment.
