I didn't remember how long I walked—only that my legs wouldn't stop moving.
The forest was darker now, the path fading into fog, but I didn't care. Each step felt heavier than the last. I just wanted to stop feeling. I'd died once already. I could do it again.
But every time I looked at my hands, unburned and whole, I heard her voice in my head.
You're bound to me.
So, even if I wanted to die, she wouldn't let me.
By the time the castle came into view again, I was exhausted—physically, emotionally, completely. The towering spires pierced through the mist like blades. The closer I got, the more I hated how familiar it already felt.
I opened the doors tiredly, dragging myself inside. I don't know why, but after hearing Isha I just lost all hope. She'll never accept me. Not that I really blame her.
"Wasn't expecting you back so soon," I heard the sorceress casually say. I looked up to see her sitting on a chair and carelessly flipping through a book, not sparing me a glance. Her midnight hair spilling over one shoulder.
"Neither was I," I muttered, walking forward.
"That's interesting," she said.
I didn't reply. I walked past her wordlessly, too tired to speak.
"Changed your mind?" she asked smoothly behind me.
"No," I said flatly. "I just realized I don't have anywhere else to go."
"That bad huh?" She asked, her tone softening slightly, eyes not leaving the book. I was startled for a second. I turned back to look at her but she didn't turn, making me wonder if I had imagined it.
"I never told them," I just said. She hummed quietly.
I nodded slowly, then resumed my journey to the room she gave me upstairs.
I closed the door, dropping off my bag by the side and sat by the window. I glanced at the view, thinking about everything.
Isha is going to join the Al'mera soldiers. Which means she'll undergo harsh training and see the brutal side of the world. I lowered my gaze, thinking of how I never wanted this for her. She was supposed to be pure, not knowing violence. I sighed.
'Well on the bright side, she'll be able to protect herself now I'm not with her.' I thought, trying to be optimistic.
A soft knock came on the door, disrupting my thoughts. I averted my gaze, ignoring the evil sorceress as she came in. I briefly wondered why she even bothered to knock since she owns the place. Silence stretched between us.
"Now you understand," she said softly, almost like she was talking to herself.
I turned then, letting the anger wash over. "Understand what? That you've ruined people's lives? That you turned me into some—some half-dead puppet just because you were lonely or bored?"
Her eyes darkened. "Careful, Kira."
"No!" I shouted, standing. "You think you can play god and decide who lives or dies because you're powerful, but you don't understand what it feels like! To lose everything, to come back, and realize you're not wanted anywhere—not even by the people you love!"
The room trembled faintly, a sign of her barely restrained power.
Then she spoke—quiet, controlled. "You think I don't know what that feels like?"
Something in her tone stopped me cold. I blinked, suddenly unsure.
She sighed, the fight leaving her shoulders, and turned away. "You should rest. You look like hell."
"That's your fault," I muttered.
A faint smirk tugged at her lips. "Perhaps."
Then she started walking off, her gown trailing behind her like a shadow. I glanced back at the small village in the distance, a sigh leaving me.
"I'll agree to be your spy… on one condition." I said it before I could chicken out. Elaine paused mid-step.
She turned back slowly, studying me silently. Probably thinking I'm stupid for making terms. Surprisingly, she said, "Go on."
"You won't stop me from protecting Isha," I demanded, ". . .even if it means killing you."
It was reckless, maybe stupid. But even if Isha never forgave me, that doesn't mean I'll stop protecting her. Even if I have to work for the one person who destroyed my life, who I've grown absolute hatred for. In my heart, Isha will always come first.
Elaine stood absolutely still, unreadable. Just standing there and staring at me. I noticed how she rarely express her emotions, I don't even think she knows how. I started feeling nervous. What if she decides to kill me for being a pain in the ass? No, she said she needed my skills so that should save me, right?
"Look I meant what I said, I'll–"
"Done," she cut me off. I stared at her, dumbfounded.
"What?"
"I said done, I agree to your condition," she stated nonchalantly.
"Y-you're bluffing right?" I asked in suspicion.
"I'm adding it to our bond," she said, in no mood to argue. She waved her hand and I felt something shift in my heart.
Wow, that was easy. She finished and looked around, before graciously sitting down with a small, almost bored sigh.
"Now that that's settled, your first mission." She said.
My shoulders tightened. "Already?"
"Awwn don't worry, you won't be seeing me much if that's what you're worried about," she said in amusement.
"What is the mission about?" I asked.
"I've been hearing rumors about the kingdom Tahalis, plotting an invasion against the village. Now, normally I wouldn't care, but this is also a threat to my territory. So I want you to find out if the threat is real," she told.
"Why would Tahalis attack us?" I asked. We were a village, not a prize worth war.
"They want the child of light," Elaine said casually, as if naming the weather. "They think having the golden heart secures dominion. Power consolidates power." She sounded almost bored.
I don't think she knows it's Isha. Which was a good thing.
I stared at her weirdly, "For someone who's destined to die at the hands of a child, you seem awfully calm."
She shrugged, "It is a child."
"You underestime people a lot," I noted.
"They usually disappoint," she replied.
I sighed, not arguing with her further, "So my mission is only to find out about the threat right?"
"Yes." She crossed her legs, the picture of languid command. "You'll have freedom of movement. You'll report to me."
"How long is it going to take?" I asked.
"A few weeks, hopefully months." She paused, then added, seeing the flare in my eyes, "I will not harm your girlfriend. I don't go back on my word."
"And Al'mera?" The question rose before I could swallow it.
She exhaled once. "I will not lay waste to the village. There — satisfied?"
"Not really," I muttered.
She snapped her fingers; a dark mist curled around her hand and dissolved. She opened her palm and placed a simple gold ring in it. "A teleportation ring. Use it to travel. It links to this keep."
I took it reluctantly. "What if something happens and I don't make it back?"
She smiled, "That's highly unlikely. But if something should happen, I'll be alerted through the bond."
I scoffed, "So my life. . .and death, practically depends on you."
"Don't worry, you'll pull through. You're resilient and strong-willed," she stated.
"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" I asked dryly.
"It's a fact," she smirked, then rose, "I've arranged the necessary things you'll be needing. If you need anything else, let me know. And Kira…"
I looked up.
"Next time you try to run," she said calmly, "don't come back."
I didn't reply. I just stood there, staring after her as she left—because for the first time since I met her, I wasn't sure if she meant it as a threat… or a warning.
I stared at the ring in my hand. The weight of it felt heavier than gold. I slipped it into my pocket and swallowed the urge to throw it against the wall.