A week has gone by since that incident and we haven't lost anyone else. Yet. Raleigh was still shaken up about it, she has hardly eaten in the past week and she's appearing more hollow everyday, her muscle and weight disappearing off of her. Every time her brothers try to get her to eat, she pushes it away and storms away from the table. She's going to die if she doesn't eat.
Lyle sits to my right and eyes Raleigh, "You know you will die if you don't eat?"
How does he say everything so perfectly in line with my thoughts? Kind of creepy.
Her bloodshot eyes flick towards him and with a snarl she stands up quickly, "Fuck off, Lyle. You didn't just lose your sister."
His eyebrows shot up and he slowly stood up looking down at her, "I know, but don't assume I haven't lost anyone just because I'm telling you that you will die if you don't eat. I understand your grief, but unlike you I don't let that hold me back from my potential."
She spat, "You don't know shit."
Lyle shrugged and pointed at Ridoc and Remington, "She will die, huh?"
Ridoc sighed and nodded, "Raleigh, if you don't eat you will die in the trials."
She threw her full plate at Ridoc and with a glare she stormed away from us and the dining hall. When Quincy died Addison was far better off than she is right now. Which comes to question, why was she okay with it? I'm assuming it's because everyone takes grief differently. And, Fafnir College isn't the place to hold grief like that.
Lyle sat back down and continued eating his plate. Pushing my empty plate away I look towards the exit, "Do you think she wants to die?"
Lyle shrugged and moved his head side-to-side considering my words, "I wouldn't doubt it. If she and her sister were that close then I suppose she would."
Looking back at Lyle my eyes examined his face, "Are you ready for the trials? I've always heard they were difficult."
"Your mom told you that?"
"No," I swallowed, "my dad. Probably trying to scare me."
He grinned, "Did it work?"
I smiled and swatted his arm, "Of course it worked when I was a kid."
"Right…when you were a kid," he eyed me for a second with a grin before he went back to his plate and finished it off. "Well, the trial isn't for another two days. What should we do until then?"
I shrugged, "We could train."
Lyle's lips turned into a frown, "We always train, Blake. Don't you want to do something fun?"
I scoffed, resting my elbows on the table letting my loose hair run down my shoulders, "Last time we had fun it was at the lake and even then it didn't end very well."
His frown turned up into a smirk, "Yeah because you're a sore loser."
A gasp escaped my lips and I glared at him, "I'm not a sore loser. You are using techniques that do not apply to that current magic type. Like who uses Earth moves for water?"
He laughed, shaking his head, "Princess, the greatest benders are ones who use different techniques in different practices. You can use many different forms of different elements and bring them together. I've seen people use the water move you did, bringing it around and deflecting it, with fire. They literally grabbed the fire and using water movement they moved it around their body and deflected it back to their opponent."
He has a point, frustratingly enough, "Alright, Lyle. Is there any move that doesn't go well with others?"
He grabbed his dining cloth and rubbed his mouth before setting it down and shrugging his shoulders, "Not necessarily. There are moves that might not go. As you know, Water and Air are the most similar and the same with Earth and Fire. Well, Water, Fire, and Earth also go well together but Earth and Air don't mix the best. Earth techniques are too hard, you could use it but I'm not sure how easy it would be."
"But isn't Fire just as hard as Earth?"
He shrugs and turns his head letting his hard eyes examine me, "Well, not really. Fire is just hard strikes with your limbs, but it does require a certain finesse. Like what we did with the exercises with the fire ball and the torch? Earth is more of using force or strength to deal with your opponent."
Once again, Lyle has a point. I'm really tired of him having smart ideas and being an actual good person. Isn't he supposed to be terrible? I'm sure being Prince to Endorskarr isn't the best and probably rather demanding. I wonder how his father is faring? Is he angry? Disappointed? I feel like my mother would pop a vein if she found out I left to go to the supposed enemies territory.
"So, at the lake when you used the Earth moves that was intentional?"
He nodded his head with a smirk, "Princess, everything I do is intentional."
After that me and Lyle went our separate ways, I went to the library and I'm not really sure where he went. He just said he had somewhere to be. Quickly walking to the library I opened the doors and stepped inside. Everything looks to be where I left it, which is kind of crazy considering I haven't been in here in a week or so. Wiping my palms on my sides I looked over the shelves, dust was settling on them and the books. Going up to the same bookcase I grab the same book, "Dragons and Humans: A Test of Time". Sitting down with the book again I cracked it open and started skimming the pages. Where did I end up?
I remember the book was jumbling information and the book was mostly about the fight between Fae and Humans with the treaty between the two where we kept the Dragons and Humans took their land and kept their magic. The part that I didn't quite understand is why they insisted on the title. Humans and Dragons don't have any connection, everything in here states that we have the strongest connection with them. Skimming more of the pages I reached the back of the book, "Humans and Dragons shall always be connected. Their souls are connected, as we are to them."
Their souls are connected as we are to them? Is the writer saying that Human souls are connected to the Dragons? I always believed that our minds and magic is what connects us to the Dragons. So if we're connected to magic then Humans are connected to the soul? But that doesn't make any sense, because the Humans gave up their dragons to the Fae to end the war, therefore they can't be that connected to them. Oh my Welun, my head is going to explode.
"Hey Princess," a gruff whisper slithered through my ear.
I jumped in my seat swerving my head to look at him on the right, "Lyle! You scared the hell out of me. What are you doing here?"
He shrugged sitting down next to me, his eyes moving over the words of the book, "What are you reading?"
Uh oh. Should I tell him? "Um, well the title is named "Dragons and Humans: A Test of Time". Most of it is about the same old same old. You know, the war between Humans and Fae with the treaty between us and the Dragons being left to us."
"Forced." He said between his teeth, as if he was forcing out the word itself.
My eyes flicked to his green ones, "Do you know something?"
His deep green eyes searched my lavender purple ones, "What do you know?"
I clear my throat averting my eyes from his back to the book, "Nothing. This book is the same as every other book." I shut the book and shove it away from us, pulling my hands back I rested them in my lap
His eyes followed my movements then settled back to me, "You know its been a month since our kiss."
"Has it really? I can't believe its been that long."
He smiled softly as if recalling the memory, "Yes it has. You know I've been counting the days since our lips touched?"
Air caught in my throat and it suddenly was difficult to speak or even breathe, "N-no I didn't." My palms began to sweat, the urge to wipe them on my pants came rushing in full force.
Lyle bent forward slightly and put his hands on top of my resting ones, "You are beautiful, Blake."
Well, there goes all the air in my lungs, "I–"
"I mean it. No one in the realm compares to you."
I scoffed, "Don't be ridiculous, Lyle, I'm su–"
His hands went from my hands to cradling my face, his thumb gently rubbing over my bottom lip, "I mean it Blake. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. You are beautiful."
A blush crept its way onto my face settling on my cheeks and upper neck. God, he has a way with words. Charismatic bastard.
He slowly leaned into my orbit. I've wanted to kiss him for so long, but can I do it again? It's such a simple move but it can cost me everything can't it? His right hand slowly moved from my cheeks to the bottom of my chin where he caressed me slowly bringing me forward to him. Suddenly, the door to the library slammed opened and we sprung apart like someone lit a fire between us. Lyle stood up quickly covering my view to the door.
"Who the hell are you?" Lyle questioned
"I'm Knox, Blake's guard. Who are you?" Knox's voice raised. I can't see him, but I know his face is red.
Oh God. This could be the worst timing. Ever. I hear footsteps approach at a quicker pace than I'd actually like. An arm grabbed my shoulder pushing me back against the chair.
"Blake? Are you okay," Knox's eyes moved over my body like he was examining me for bruises or cuts or even broken limbs.
Lyle grabbed a hold of Knox's forearm and pushed him back slightly, "Back off. She's fine."
Knox let my arm go as he was pushed away from me. I stood up and put myself between them, "Guys, I don't know what has you both in a mood but I'm fine. I haven't gotten hurt while we've been here."
Knox smiled, his ocean blue eyes were so bright, "That's great to hear, Blake. Now, who is this guy?" He paused and looked him over, "Wait. Are you the Human?"
Lyle's voice was a low snarl as he looked Knox up and down as if sizing him up, "You should leave."
Should I say something? No. Yes? Ugh, this is hard. Knox is my best friend, but Lyle is… what is Lyle to me? My fake-ish boyfriend but he is also my friend. I'm not entirely sure how we got here but here we are, "Knox, maybe now isn't the best time."
Knox looked between me and Lyle while setting a hard expression, "I'm sorry, but did I interrupt something between you?"
I started to speak but Lyle cut me off, "Yes and I'd appreciate it if you fuck off."
Knox's jaw ticked and his eyes went from the bright blue to the darkness of an angry ocean, "What did you just say? You're a filthy, inbred Human. I was there when we pulled you across the border. Dirty piece of shit." He spat on the floor.
"Hey! Back up Knox," I raised my voice at him and slightly pushed his shoulder causing him to go back a couple steps.
Lyle balled his fists by his sides, his jaw tight, "I suggest you leave, Fae."
Knox rolled his eyes as hard as a rock and walked towards the exit, "Come visit me when you can, Blake. My room is right next to yours," he slammed the library doors.
Lyle visibly relaxed, unclenching his fists to where they were loose by his side, "Princess, I–"
Putting my hand up I shook my head, "No. He shouldn't have called you filthy or anything. I don't blame you for acting how you acted. I'm going to go talk to him before it's too late. I'll see you later."
He nodded, his anger was rolling off of him in waves, but he kept his composure back there. Walking away from Lyle I left the library with the doors wide open. What the hell was that between Lyle and Knox? I know Knox has a major crush on me, but for Lyle it's simply a performance. Is it? Yes of course it's just a performance. Walking quickly to our wing I ran up the steps to where I think his room is. Well, there's only one room right next to mine and it's to the left of mine; so I guess that's where he is. Knocking the door I waited a couple seconds. C'mon, open the damn door.
The door opened and I stepped inside with an exhale that I didn't know I was holding, "Knox, what was that?"
He shut the door and stared me down, "I'm sorry, what? He stood between us like I was someone who was going to hurt you."
I crossed my arms and kept a short distance between us, "To be fair, we have been keeping an eye on each other since we started. He didn't know who you were and you didn't know either."
Knox scoffed at my statement and shoved his fingers through his hair, "Everyone knew we were coming to help you guys. You know I'd never hurt you," his voice sounded slightly desperate. Does he think I believe he is the bad guy? Ridiculous I've known him my whole life.
"Knox, I've known you since we were children. You were at every birthday party and ceremony. Wherever I went, you were right behind me. Of course you're not going to hurt me." I knit my brows with concern when I looked at him.
He nodded, releasing a breath and his hands went to mine, "I heard Quincy and Rhiannon died."
Sucking in a breath I squeezed his fingers, "Yeah, Addison is surprisingly okay but Raleigh is pretty shook up about it. She hasn't eaten in days. She's losing so much weight and muscle." I paused and whispered "Knox she's going to die."
He shook his head and took one of his hands from mine and tousled his hair once more, "That's bad. The pool is much smaller this year for you guys."
"I know, I'm assuming that's why you guys are here. To keep us from killing each other?"
Knox's eyes flew away from mine and towards the window above his desk, "Yes and no."
He was always terrible at lying, "What do you mean, Knox? That is the reason why you guys are here isn't it? Addison said so."
He shrugged and tapped his foot at a rapid pace, "Like I said, yes and no. Yes because I have to protect you from the others. But we're also here because someone has been spotted coming up to shore. Not sure who it is, but they come, talk to someone and leave all within a few minutes. We're pretty sure it's Human and if they are then that means we need to investigate everybody and find the snake. Unfortunately, the only one here with Human ties, that we know of, is Lyle."
It was my turn to roll my eyes and I did so with a scoff of disbelief, "Really? He's been trying to belong here and you guys are accusing him of still talking to someone from Endorskarr?" I snatched my hand from his, leaving it at my side.
Knox turned back to me, "Blake, he is a Human. He is the Prince of Endorskarr. He's doing something and I can feel it," his voice was hard and had a ring truth to it.
"Yes, it's true he is the Prince of Endorskarr but he's also here. He cut ties with that Kingdom and came here instead. He is here, Knox."
He folded his arms across his firm chest and tilted his head to the side, "Do you know what Endorskarr means, Blake?"
What? What does that have to do with anything? "Knox, that has nothing to do with our conversation."
His laugh that rang out from his throat sounded cold, "Endorskarr means brother or sister of the blood."
"What? It couldn't be that," the book. The freaking book I was reading earlier. That's what they meant by souls.
"Believe what you want, Blake. You know how our Kingdom's name is Bahsk Narod?"
"Of course I do. I'm not stupid, I was born here."
He stepped forward closing our already small gap, "It means false mouth."
"How– How do you know that, Knox?"
He leaned down slightly so his eyes were level with mine, "My father knew languages, remember? All that time I spent with him was studying those languages."
"And the language you studied was our old tongue? There was a reason why we strayed away from the dead language."
He grabbed my shoulders and squeezed them tightly, "Blake, you're so smart and I wished you'd listen. They're lying."
"Who's lying? Surely it couldn't be our own blood?" I can't let him know I know.
"Fae are, but why would it matter if we're still here on top. We need to keep their secret as long as we can and tell the Elder's that if we don't do something soon then everyone will find out." Knox looked deadly serious. What the hell?
"Knox, let me get this straight. You know that the Fae are lying, possibly about everything, and yet you want to keep it a secret to keep us on top and the Humans underneath are thumbs?"
"Exactly. We can stay separated from them. Keep you safe." Knox's eyes softened when he looked at me. To keep me safe. He doesn't know that I've figured out that book.
That book will be burned and we will be dead. Mother always said to never let the High King and Queen know what you know. If it is treasonous you will be dead before morning, "I have to go," I roughly pulled myself away from him and shut the door. Opening the door to my room I collapsed to the bed and put my face in my hands. I cannot think about this right now. I have my first trial in about a day now. Swallowing the lump in my throat I smoothed my hair that was rolling in waves down my back. I can't give up that I know what he just told me. If I even let my mind wander around the wrong people I will give everything that I just learned up. In the next couple of months I need to be cautious of who I hang around. The Dragons shouldn't come before the trials are done, so that's good. No one will be gaining their new skills yet and that gives me time to train my mind.
Training your mind so you're strong against those with psychic abilities, especially those who have telepathy or precognition, is difficult. Might be one of the most difficult things I'll ever do, but that's what the mind trial is for. Training yourself and your mind so you can be strong against any enemies we might come across, but of course not strong enough so they can't get in. And who is they? The High King and Queen and their staff. We all know what they can do, but they're generous enough to not use it. Generous or biding their time?