Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
I look down at the loose-fitting pants and T-shirt I have on. It’s not my usual attire, but there’s nothing wrong with it. I wave Dinesh off and start out of the room, allowing my clothes to change to my leathers and tunic as I go.
“Ah, now that’s much better. I believe Blaise likes you like this.”
I snort and keep moving. He flies up ahead of me, causing me to follow after him. We move through the castle in silence, although I sense Dinesh has more he wants to say.
I think his words over. If Blaise hasn’t wanted space, why hasn’t she come to me? Her music has been filled with such sorrow, but could it be sorrow because she misses our time together?
I can’t allow myself to let my guard down as I have in the past. My priority has to be getting back to my plane one way or the other. There will be nothing between Blaise and me.
I have that thought as we step into a large room. Blaise comes into view as I step through the door and my thoughts become muddled. She stands before a roaring fireplace that highlights her beauty. It’s like she’s one with the fixture.
The flames dance in time to the power that pulses from her. Almost as if her magic has a heartbeat. She’s standing in a red dress. Her hair is pinned up, with sweeping bangs in the front.
“Beautiful, isn’t she?” Dinesh says.
My link pulses as if to reach out for her. “Yes, she is,” I reply.
“Looks like my job is done,” he croons.
However, I’m already in motion toward Blaise. She looks down at the floor as I move closer. When I stop before her, she slowly lifts her head.
I cup the side of her face and run my thumb across her unscarred cheek. All thoughts of nothing being between us go out of the window.
“I’m sorry,” she says softly.
“I’m not your enemy, Blaise. I want to be your friend, but I can’t do that when you shut me out.”
She draws her brows in and looks away. “Friends. Yes, friends, we should be friends.” I don’t miss the disappointment in her words. “I’m sorry about my behavior. I just… I—”
“Let’s start over. It looks like this place has been set up for something fun. What did you have in mind?”
“We have these things. I can’t remember what Father called them. They’re moving, talking pictures. I forgot all about them. Father brought them back from the earth realm.
“Bach found them. I can make them work. I would like it if you would join me to watch them. It’s been lonely without your company.”
“Movies, you mean movies. I love those,” I say with a smile.
“Movies,” she whispers to herself. “Yes, I think that’s it.”
I take her hand and lead her over to the plush seating awaiting us. The moment I wrap her hand in mine, I can feel the magic pulsing through her. We take a seat, and she gives me a shy smile.
* * *
Blaise
He came, he really came. I didn’t think he would. Not after… I’m so sorry for the way I behaved. I’ve missed him so much.
His smile, his laugh, the way his voice rumbles, I’ve even missed him in my dreams. He hasn’t been in one since our fight.
Our fight, was it a fight? Either way, I’m so sorry. I’ve never been more lonely or sad. He has been so near and still so far.
He looks absolutely handsome as he sits beside me. I search the side of his face for a hint of anger but can’t find any. I’m ashamed as he turns to look at me and smiles.
Why does he continue to be kind to me? I tell myself this is his strategy. He will befriend me to make his escape. These growing feelings I have are one-sided.
Be that as it may, when I’m with him, I’m happy. I’ve learned that I missed out on having friends in the past. As I think back, I’m not sure if I ever had real ones.
People were kind to me because they had to be. My real friends are the ones here with me—Ms. Posh, Dinesh, Bach, Soila and Hiasha. I think I took that for granted. Always looking for beauty and power and never true connections.
Yes, Argon is beautiful, but his heart is more gorgeous than anything. He’s shown me more kindness and care than anyone ever has without being forced to.
“Tell me what’s on your mind. I’ve missed your voice,” he says.
“I don’t understand why you’re still nice to me.”
“We both had things we didn’t want to talk about that morning. Whatever it was that you didn’t want to share with me made you upset. I was angry, but I think I understand,” he replies.
“Thank you for understanding.”