Awaken - 27. Band of Misfits 2.0

Wren looked bored as he lounged on a tree stump about thirty feet from the first layer’s entrance. He wore the black leathers that I was beginning to associate with the Verseckt. He also wore a white tunic under his leather vest and a single small dagger was strapped to his thigh. His hair was pushed away from his head in a mess of white. He wore small black discs on his nose that hid his eyes, delicate silver chains hanging from the outer edges that tucked behind his ears and held the strange things on his head.
His eyes lit up as he eyed Eon, but he stayed where he was. Eon’s muscled arms were bare, and we wore a navy shirt under his own brown leather vest. Hanja stood to the far left, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. He was finishing the end of a braid that sat higher on his head, so his hair didn’t hang as low. He’d abandoned the thick robes and wore a deep burgundy long-sleeved shirt that clung to his torso, and black loose-fitting pants. A sword sat on his hip and I eyed what had to be a long blade, the hilt smooth and wrapped in burgundy. Tyren stood next to him, a loose gray tunic and black leggings, with matching dark boots. I’d never seen Tyren so…subdued. All his normal bright colors were gone. Even his earrings and jewelry were missing.

I stopped short when I noticed we had an addition to our party. Amaris stood away from everyone, sharpening the edge of an axe. I stared at her and she looked up after ignoring me for some time, “Whether I like you or not, I won’t abandon Talon. Don’t get in my way or my hand may slip.”
She wore her outfit from the other day, bustier and pants, but today there were more knives on her back and each thigh held one as well. She secured the axe on her back and I looked over the group. It was truly an odd arrangement of people. Two teachers from the Magik school, two members of the Verseckt, Eon, and I. Tyren had arranged horses for everyone and whoever had them would meet us farther up the road. Out of the city’s view. I glanced around again. Strange or not, I almost felt bad for whoever we were going after. Each person in this group was a weapon in their own right. Including me. It hadn’t occurred to me until this point. I was coming along in my training, but if I could focus an ounce of my power, I could wipe clear an entire battlefield.

I took a deep breath and cleared my throat, everyone turning to look at me, “Everyone knows the plan?” I looked pointedly at Amaris who gave a curt nod as she moved to stand next to Wren. With her movement, I was now in the center of all these people. I met each one’s gaze, “I’m thankful that you’re all here and I know Talon would be as well. As much as I know this will disappoint at least one of you, this isn’t a revenge mission. Once we have Talon, we get out of there. Is that clear? I don’t want anyone to be lost because they got caught up in punishing whoever is responsible.”

Wren’s head tilted to the side, his chains jingling softly, “Will you hold yourself to the same expectation, little ray of vengeful sunshine?”

“Y-yes. Like I said, if we do this right than I think there’s no reason any of us should be gravely wounded or worse.” I looked to Eon and his face was serious.

“Don’t hold onto that hope.” Hanja disagreed softly, “Battles often do not go the way you think they should. Doesn’t matter the size of the skirmish.”

“Either way. I don’t want anyone to be reckless.” I said firmly.

“And who exactly put you in charge? You have the least battle experience of anyone here.” Amaris glared at me as she spoke.

“I did.” I bit out, refusing to be the first to look away. She averted her gaze and grumbled, but a tilt of Wren’s vicious smile in her direction shut her up. Wren was swiftly becoming my favorite ally today. I made my way forward, hoping everyone would get the hint and follow. I didn’t look back as I made my way over the dirt road. Eon stepped up beside me and I watched Tyren grip Hanja’s hand and yank the other man along out of the corner of my eye. Wren hopped off his stump and where he went, Amaris followed. After twenty minutes, Tyren guided us into a nearby thicket of trees where our horses stood waiting. Each horse was already loaded with bedrolls, packs of supplies, and strange canvas bags. Eon and I had packed small bags of necessities and it looked like everyone else had as well. Minus Wren. The reins of a black mare found their way into my hands and I hauled myself up. Wren looked horrendously uncomfortable atop his own painted horse and let out a huff of frustrated breath as the animal shifted wildly under him.

“Do you not like horses?” Eon asked as he rode up beside him, his horse huge and bay colored.

“No, animals don’t like me very much.” Wren mumbled as his horse actively tried to buck him off.

“I can’t imagine why.” My brother grinned and Wren stared at him for a long minute. He leapt from his horse to Eon’s, wrapping his arms around my brother’s waist as he sunk down on the animal. The chains near his face protested loudly at the sudden movement. The horse reared and Eon leaned forward, his palm rubbing the animal’s neck as he whispered in an attempt to reassure the animal. The poor horse was still displeased, but we watched as it slowly calmed under my brother’s hands.

“You’ll ride together then?” Tyren asked, his eyes taking in the scene before him, a small smile on his face. Amaris giggled and Hanja simply raised an eyebrow, his face serious.

“Apparently.” Eon sighed, sitting up straight, wincing as Wren’s arms wrapped around his waist.

“I’ve never been on an animal this long. Last time I got bucked off.” The sincere wonder in Wren’s voice almost made me sad. What was it like to be seen as a monster? Relied upon heavily, but hidden away to prevent anyone from witnessing the horror of what you really were? Then he continued, “So I ate it.”

I shook my head and raised my eyebrows. Wren snuggled into my brother’s back and I smirked at Eon. He glared at me, rolling his eyes as our group began the ride.

*

Eon was going to lose his mind before we ever made it to the fork. Wren was relentless and the proximity had Eon at a disadvantage. Clawed hands repeatedly ran over his torso and back and the tips of my brother’s ears had been bright red since we’d set off. I pulled up on my reins, waiting until we rode side by side. As I approached, the clawed fingers had wiggled themselves under Eon’s shirt and the white claws ran over my brother’s lower abdomen. Wren’s cheek was smashed to his back, the discs on his eyes at an odd angle. His face was blissful, and he grinned wide at me.

“What are the things on your face Wren?” My brother breathed a sigh of relief as Wren straightened, released Eon’s waist, and fixed the discs so they covered his eyes again.

“They’re called sunglasses. They were made for me a long time ago. They protect my eyes from the sun. They’re so light that direct sunlight hurts like a bitch.” He answered. I studied the “sunglasses” and decided if he seemed willing to answer questions, I might as well take advantage of the opportunity. Also, I took pity on Eon’s desperate expression.

I tilted my head, “Do you stay in the palace?”

“Under it. I have my own little room and chair.” A shadow fell over his face and his grin faltered.

Eon glanced over his shoulder at the change in Wren’s voice, “That’s it? You don’t have, I don’t know, quarters or something?”

“I’m a people eating monster. I don’t have high expectations for my needs.” Wren was quiet now, forlorn.

Eon scoffed as he looked forward again, “Aren’t you kind of important? You’d think they’d take better care of you.”

Wren’s face brightened and his hands snaked back to the patch of exposed skin he’d been caressing. I looked away as he hiked Eon’s shirt higher, palm running over his abs. Eon went rigid as Wren snickered, “Are you offering to take care of me Eon?” My brother’s face turned bright red as a claw slid over his lower lip.

I cleared my throat before my poor brother had a heart attack or he invited Wren to live with us, “You didn’t bring more than the little knife?”

“Did you bring any weapons?” Wren asked, smiling teasingly at me.

“No, I make my own.” I said and Wren seemed to think for a minute.

“Do you…do you have friends?” I asked softly and his head turned to me again. I saw Amaris’ eyes widen where she rode a small distance away on the other side of Eon.

“No. I don’t think so. I’ve never been good at that. People tend to mistrust you when they think you might make them a meal.” He shrugged, but he’d become sullen again.

“I’ll be your friend. Gods’ know that I’m not great at making them either.” Eon sent me a sharp warning look, but it was too late. Wren stood up on the back of the horse and his feet left it as he lifted into the air. He crossed the distance and was suddenly sitting behind me. He pushed himself up to bury his face in my neck and It was my turn to stiffen. My horse lost control and I tried to calm it down that way Eon had. It took me far longer, but I managed. All of this while we were still moving at a full gallop. I saw my very short life flash before my eyes.

“What does friendship entail young one? Are you offering me a deal?” Still focused on the horse under us, I almost didn’t register his question.

“Did you just fucking fly?” Eon’s eyes were wide as he shoved down his shirt, and I laughed at the shock on his face, knowing I looked the same.

“Yes, I can for a limited amount of time.” Wren answered, voice sweet with fake innocence.

“So, you were showing off? Sounds like a waste of energy to me.” Eon raised a brow, face completely unimpressed now.

“Do you have a better use for my energy Eon?” Wren giggled and I saw my brother’s face flush again as he snapped his gaze forward. This was an interesting development. Eon, who had not one romantic bone in his body, being ruthlessly pursued. The most interesting part was that he seemed to be affected by it.
We had agreed at the start that we would ride as long as possible, stopping when limits were reached. No one would push themselves too hard. We all had to be ready for whatever we found when we came upon the group that had Talon. We’d only been riding for probably three hours. Wren’s arms wrapped loosely around my waist as we rode.

“Indeed. Use it to keep your vulgar mouth shut.” Eon snapped, but it was missing any anger or annoyance.

“Again, if you have something to suggest that would occupy my mouth...” I felt Wren shrug against my back and he continued, “He’s starting to have a hard time.” Wren’s voice was barely a whisper, and I turned my head to look over to Eon. The set of his shoulders had become more tense, and I watched him grimace and rub his temple.

“Let’s stop for a bit. I’m not used to riding this long.” I announced and Tyren and Hanja in front veered off the road when Hanja spotted a small clearing in the trees nearby. I slipped off my horse and watched Eon lower himself gently, wincing. He gripped his saddle, eyes squeezed shut. Wren floated down to the ground, his feet had barely reached the earth, and he was stomping over to where Hanja stood. Hanja was probably half a foot taller than Wren. It made no difference. His arm was yanked forward, and he was bodily dragged across the clearing like a rag doll. Eon had released the saddle when he sensed their approach. He looked between the two and Hanja sighed.

“Fix it.” Wren’s voice was firm, and I watched him stare Hanja down until the other man relented. A frustrated breath left the healer as he stepped closer to Eon. He stripped off his gloves and held up his hands in a silent question. Eon simply nodded.

Hanja titled his head to each side, mumbling to himself, “Head injury. Concussion, probable head trauma, partially healed, ugly scar, sloppy work.”

Eon frowned, “The healer said nothing else could be done. Even Talon’s medicines used to help, but now they seem to have no affect.”

“Neither of those men are me.” Hanja said confidently, running his fingers over the jagged edges of the scar, “It’s going to hurt a lot for about two minutes.” Eon nodded again and the healer’s hands held either side of his head. Hanja’s eyes closed and he hummed softly as his hands were soon surrounded by a red glow. Eon grimaced and went to his knees, Hanja following him down gracefully. Wren looked positively murderous but kept himself under control as he watched. The glow grew bright, Hanja’s humming grew louder, and Eon’s hands gripped his pants, white-knuckling as he squeezed his eyes closed again. To my surprise, Wren kneeled beside my brother and slid a hand over one of his. Eon’s snagged it and I cringed as his grip tightened brutally. Wren didn’t even flinch, staring as Hanja worked.

The red glow faded, and Hanja stood and stepped away, Tyren stepped closer and his hand went to the other males’s lower back, steadying him. Eon slowly opened his eyes. He looked around in wonder, his hand slowly touching where his wound had been. Nothing but smooth skin remained, and my brother looked to the healer in shock.

“How did you…I have no pain. There’s nothing muddling my thinking and the scar…It’s like it never happened.”

“I told you. None of them were me. No one can do what I do. I’m the best there is. It’s literally been documented.” Tyren rolled his eyes and dragged his apparent partner along to work on organizing the food rations that Hanja had procured. Amaris was sitting on the ground, legs to her chest as she looked between my brother and her leader. Our eyes met and I realized she was as confused as I was with this sudden infatuation. She seemed to remember that she hated me and looked away. I smiled to myself. Eon had finally noticed who had been holding his hand and released it like it’d burned him.

“Stop touching me!” My brother groaned.

“You’re welcome you ungrateful, ginger fuck.” I sputtered a laugh and Eon looked at me sharply as Wren stomped away, kicking Amaris over when she giggled at him.

“He was just trying to help.” I reasoned as I helped Eon to his feet. His eyes were clear and bright. They followed the small white-haired man as he continued stomping through the camp, “I don’t know why it never occurred to us to go to Hanja with your injury. That was stupid. Also, if you like him, you should try being nicer.”

“I don’t think Hanja wanted to help me. Without the threat of Wren, he may have turned us away. Also, no. I don’t understand why you would even say something like that? I don’t like anyone. He’s not even a ‘he’ remember? He’s not human.” He had become defensive right away and I grinned up at him. He scowled at me and walked away, joining Tyren and Hanja in the center of the clearing. I raised an eyebrow as Wren climbed a tree and reclined on a branch. Night was far enough away that we could easily travel a few more hours. Food rations were passed out and we naturally broke into groups. Amaris sat at the base of Wren’s tree, Tyren and Hanja sat a few feet from us, and Eon and I sat together.

“Speaking of things that never occurred to us,” Tyren mumbled as he took a bite of bread, “Shall we talk about how Anders offered information so willingly? He practically laid it out for you. Unlike him. He has no reason to trust either of you.”

“Agreed, and whatever he did to me was a threat. A warning.” Eon sighed, resting his chin against his palm.

“What did he do to you?” Wren’s voice was cold, his amusement from earlier absent.

“I don’t know. One second I was fine, well, as fine as I’ve been since we were ambushed. The next minute it felt like my brain was going to leak out of my head.” As if remembering, Eon’s fingers ghosted over the patch of skin on the side of his head.

“I see.” Wren nodded once, his nose wrinkling as he bared his fangs for a moment, “That man needs to be better reacquainted with his tailbone. I’m going to bend him in half.”

“The last time you did that you were pissed it was over too soon. Not enough blood was also a complaint.” Amaris sang as she looked up at her boss who’s face shifted quickly into a grin. They exchanged an unsettling smile.

“Threats aside, Tyren is correct. You came about your information too easily. I have a feeling we’ll suffer for it.” Hanja sighed.

“They don’t know about the bond. They couldn’t have planned on Talon giving me hints.” I argued and Hanja tilted his head to the side as he considered.

“You think it’s a trap?” Eon mumbled, hand rubbing over the scruff on his cheek.

“Of course it is. Does it matter?” Wren snapped, floating down to the ground. The conversation died as we all kept to our thoughts. Eon nudged my shoulder and grinned softly down at me. I tried to return his smile but didn’t have it in me. We ate without any more words exchanged and I stared down at my own piece of jerky and bread. I didn’t have an appetite.

Amaris walked by and kicked loose dirt at me as she passed, “Stop feeling sorry for yourself. If you’re starving, you’re gonna be useless in a fight, twerp. You have few things going for you. Don’t handicap yourself.” I glared at her and brushed dirt from my food and pants. She was a frightful bitch, and yet, I found myself eating.

*

Night had fallen and we made camp for real this time. Eon and Hanja worked together silently, constructing the perfect fire. I rolled my eyes and smiled. They could probably be the best of friends. Neither forced conversation to fill in prolonged silences. Both were also too serious for their own good. I had found out what the strange canvas bundles that the horses had carried were. They were the round, canvas structures that we would sleep under. I marveled at them as Tyren showed me how to set them up. I’d never seen anything like them before. They were like tents, but sturdier. The walls curved to a single flap that could be secured. More canvas stretched over the top and was held up in the middle by a slim pole Tyren crafted from his metals. The walls were held up by boning sewn directly into the fabric that we staked into the ground. We had gathered the bed rolls and were unfolding them for the night. There were two of the dwellings and I sighed when it dawned on me that we would all be getting close tonight.

Fall had been setting in when I’d left home, and it made it’s presence known tonight. The air was chilly and everyone stood around the fire, except for a certain white-haired assassin who sat at the edge of camp, playing with something. He looked glum and I almost went to check on him before I thought better of it. If he wanted to talk he would. I sunk down between Tyren and Eon and more basic food was passed out. I wasn’t excited for more jerky and bread but I bit off a chunk of meat anyway. Amaris sat across from us, again separated from the group and shivering lightly. I didn’t think her or Wren were used to being in larger groups of people. Talon either for that matter. The Verseckt seemed rather solitary.

“Wren, Amaris get closer. It’s getting colder.” I offered. It was getting chillier and I shivered. Tyren was smashed into Hanja’s side. I smiled softly as Hanja gave in and wrapped an arm around my teacher. Amaris took them in as well and I looked away when I saw the longing in her eyes. I had been unfair to her. She hadn’t done anything wrong. She’d had feelings for Talon and I swooped in and took him from her. How could she see it as anything else? I’d seen the way he panicked at the mention of commitment. Had she dealt with the same thing? At the end of the day, whatever had happened, she’d shown up. She’d offered aid when she could have ignored the call for help. Maybe she wasn’t so bad afterall?

“I have no interest in cuddling with the likes of you and yours.” She snapped, standing, and disappearing into one of the little huts. Wren hadn’t answered me, and I looked expectantly at my brother.

“What?” Eon groaned, holding his palms out to the fire, motioning upward to raise the flames.

“Go tell Wren to come sit.” I smacked his shoulder.

“Why is that my responsibility?” I rolled my eyes and used his shoulder to push myself up, stalking over to the dark outline. He sat with his back to us. He alternated between looking down at his lap and looking up at the moon. He didn’t raise his head as I approached. Wren was sitting on a fallen tree trunk, his feet dangling. His hands held his knife in his lap, and he was absentmindedly sharpening it as he looked at the moon. It was full and sat on the horizon, bathing him in an almost ethereal glow. Pale skin lit up by moonlight, I was made even more aware that Wren wasn’t entirely human anymore. What, exactly, was he? His glasses were gone, and his rose-colored eyes were distant as they reflected the pale light around us.

“Do you want to come sit by the fire? It’s cold.” I asked softly, swallowing when his eyes flicked to me. I hadn’t noticed before, but even when his mouth was relaxed, his fangs poked out and rested over his lower lip.

“I don’t get cold and I’m not a fan of fire.”

I almost laughed out loud, “You realize that’s my brother’s Magik right? That’s like saying you don’t like Eon.”

“It’s not my fault that I’m attracted to things that could kill me.” Wren’s voice was monotone as he continued sharpening. The repeated shik, shik, shik of the blade scraping over the stone made me cringe.

“Are you worried about Talon?” I hopped up on the log, leaving a respectful distance between us. He didn’t answer right away. He put his sharpening stone away and tucked the knife back into its sheath almost tenderly.

His hands rested on the tree and he tapped his claws against the rough bark, “I make an effort not to get attached to them. The Verseckt I mean. It’s almost a job requirement to die in an awful way.”

“Yet, you’re here. You volunteered. You came to us.” My voice seemed too loud as we both looked straight ahead. I heard Tyren laugh but it seemed like he was miles away instead of 50 feet. Wren let his head fall back and his white hair fell in almost translucent pieces away from his face. When he grinned at us earlier and when he was on the more feral side of things, his features seemed sharp and wrong. Like this, he looked so young it took my breath away. He looked younger than me and his features were soft and rounded. His eyes were large and almost too big for his face, nose slender and small. His lips, when not pulled tight around fangs were thick and his chin and jawline were soft. He looked like a kid, a teenager, and he was the scariest person in this camp.

“How old were you?”

“When I became like this? Almost 18. My father was…ambitious. He saw my power and wished to expand it. He got greedy.” His voice was hollow, detached, and I almost reached for his hand. He stood up suddenly and laughed, “But that’s all water under the bridge. The man isn’t even dust anymore.”

“How old are you?” I looked up as he stood over me.

“That isn’t a polite question Golden Boy.” He retreated then, joining the others around the fire, a bit of extra distance between him and the flames.

*

Everything hurt. My body rocked gently as whatever I lay on continued forward, but the slight movements still sent bursts of bright pain through my limbs and torso. I hadn’t been able to breathe without struggle for what felt like years at this point, my lungs burning from my inability to properly fill them. I faintly heard voices but when I tried to focus, nausea had me think better of it. I lost the ability to open my eyes the first day. When I’d awoken on the flat, constantly moving surface. I had seen bits of the sky and then they either swelled shut or were sealed shut by what I could only assume was my own blood. I was coated in the thick smell of copper. It should worry me that it was mostly my own. It should, but it didn’t. Sometimes, in my head, I heard the sweetest voice calling to me. It seemed to have exquisite timing. I heard it every time I felt myself slipping into, what? I didn’t know what would happen when I finally gave in. It was a when at this point, not an if, because everything hurt.

I had found out early, also on that first day, that I couldn’t move any of my limbs. Or my head. I had also figured out that I wasn’t bound in any way. There was a filthy blanket stretched across me. I thought. I hadn’t seen it, but I felt it against my skin, and I could smell the musty fabric. Every adjustment, drag of the cloth over my skin, made me grit my teeth and pain would explode behind my eyes. My very skin was against me now. It seemed like this had been my existence for eternity. I didn’t remember anything else other than this reality, other than the pain. I was someone. Of course I was. The problem was I wasn’t able to focus on who. I couldn’t focus on anything but the constant discomfort. My mouth was impossibly dry, lips so chapped that when I took a futile breath, they bled.

What was I supposed to be doing? Surely this wasn’t it. I was so tired, but I wanted to remember. I needed to. I had to…get back to…someone, yes. That was it. Who though? It was important. As I rasped another breath, I saw bits and pieces of something. No, it was the someone. Eyes that were focused on me, the color of lilacs with glittering light trapped in the irises. A face slowly formed in my mind’s eye. Copper hair that curled gently and a bright smile that caught hold of something in my chest and pulled. I gasped hoarsely as the image slipped away. It was them, but who was that?

I sat upright on the bedroll, a strangled noise leaving my throat. My chest heaved as I looked around and tried to remember where I was. My heart pounded in my chest and I gulped air like I’d been deprived of it. I covered my mouth when reality set in. I was in one of Tyren’s canvas shelters. I kicked off the blanket that covered my legs as I fought back the urge to dry heave. I took deep breaths and held them longer than necessary as I fought to calm down. Eon lay next to me on his side, snoring away. I was shaking slightly, and I grabbed the blanket as I left the canvas room, securing the flap behind me.

“You make sleep sound like torture.” Wren lounged by the now dead fire, his eyes gazing upward at the sky.

“W-what?” I stammered as I stumbled over to him, wrapping the blanket around my undershirt, and wishing I had grabbed something to cover my feet. The earth under them was chilled and my toes protested. It was fine, though, it let me know this was real. That I was okay.

“You’ve been making animal noises for the better part of an hour. It sounded unpleasant.” His head tilted forward, and his eyes found mine.

“I think I dreamed, but it wasn’t my dream. I don’t know if I found the last functioning part of Talon’s brain, or what, but it was awful. I think we’re running out of time.”

“Everyone is running out of time, boy. Talon’s clock was forced ahead unfortunately, however. Were you able to get any clues about his location?”

“No, he can’t move any of his limbs and he’s not tied down. He also can’t move his head. Not like that helps any.” I sat next to him, rubbing my face.

“It means that whatever they’re using to transport him will probably have to come with us if the healer isn’t able to address the mobility issues. I’m not carrying that giant. I’m also assuming that they must have some kind of healer. Not a strong one. Otherwise it sounds like he’d already be dead.” Wren grinned at me, but it slowly fell as I stared into the space between us. He shifted to a sitting position next to me and I rubbed my sternum.

“We’ll find him. He’s stubborn. Always has been. He’s not going to let something like this take him out.” Wren’s voice was soft and oddly soothing. I let my head fall onto his shoulder and he froze. I closed my eyes and tried to will my heart to stop trying to slam through my chest. Ever so gently, Wren patted my head, his claws carding through my hair. We sat like that for a long time until my eyes grew heavy, and I fell asleep, head still on his shoulder.

*

“Why did you sleep out here?” It was Eon and I opened my eyes, closing them when the sun seared through my retinas. When I tried again, my head was on Wren’s lap and Eon was looking between the two of us.

“Your brother enjoys my company. He has good taste.” Wren pushed me into a sitting position. I sleepily watched him hook the chains behind his ears and use his pointer finger to push his glasses up his nose.

“Kalian are you okay?” I nodded without speaking and got to my feet. I felt strange. I had thought my feelings shut down earlier, but I think it had happened this time. I ended up by the horses, preparing for the ride today. A day and a half left, and we’d be at the fork in the road. Then I’d have to see if I could feel where Talon was. If I couldn’t, I had no idea what we’d do. The group noticed the shift in my mood and avoided me. Amaris was in the process of splitting her hair in half. She braided each side and went about attaching her arsenal to her body. Tyren and Hanja dismantled the sleeping quarters and Eon still spoke with Wren. I tried to ignore the glances that almost everyone sent my way. Even Amaris looked apprehensive.

As they finished tearing down our small camp, I dissociated. My palm was rubbing gently over my horse’s strong neck without seeing it. What would we do if we couldn’t find him? What would I do? I knew who I would hold responsible, and I had a feeling my morals would cease to exist if it came to that. I would become no better than Wren, a monster calling for blood.

I watched with little interest as they finally made their way to join me at the horses. I swung myself up, the reins feeling strange in my hands. They touched my skin and I gripped them, but it didn’t seem real. It was like I wasn’t here. Like Kalian had gone somewhere else and a husk was all that remained. Maybe he was still wherever Talon was. Trapped with him. I was the last one to guide my horse back onto the road and again, the group was trying to act like they didn’t notice. Thankfully, I was given space and I made all the appropriate actions when necessary. Press heels into the animal’s sides, pull up on reins when needed, nod or shake my head when I could answer in affirmations and negatives.

We didn’t stop midway through like we had yesterday. No one appeared tired even though the pace we set was borderline brutal. We had eaten up a lot of ground and were ahead of schedule when the sun started to set. The others were talking. I slowed my horse, physically placing myself in the discussion even though I couldn’t hear them. There was a great roaring in my ears. I seemed to drift farther away as I stared into space while everyone spoke. I assumed they were talking about making camp as Tyren motioned to a grouping of trees down the road. Hanja pointed to a different spot, but I didn’t bother to look. I stared down at my horse’s mane, running my fingers over the smooth hair.

“Kalian? Hello? What do you think?” Eon’s tone of voice was careful. I took note that his eyes were worried, his lower lip sucked into his mouth.

“About what?” They exchanged glances when they thought I wasn’t looking, and Tyren frowned deeply.

“Where should we stay tonight? Tyren thinks that group of trees, but Hanja thinks that we need to be more hidden. If we go a bit farther, the actual forest starts.” We were coming upon the Humiad forest already. We were making good time.

“Hidden would be best.” I mumbled. I noticed heads turn my way but my eyes stared at the road as we urged the horses to move again. We ended up stopping in a hidden dip in the earth a small distance from the road. We made camp behind a hill that blocked us from direct view, the forest stretched in front of us. The dark emerald of the tall trees turned more sinister as night fell. The branches created shadows that filled me with unease for a moment, but why? I had no cause to be afraid of the shadows and dark anymore. If anything they should comfort me. Again, I helped Tyren with the shelter, yellow eyes flicking to me over and over.

“Kalian…did something happen last night? What did Wren say to you?” His fingers touched my shoulder and in the receding sunlight, some of the warmth was leaving his skin.

“Wren didn’t do anything. I don’t know what I did. It’s happened before, but not this vivid. I was seeing everything from Talon’s perspective. He’s...not okay.” I made my way back to the horses, collecting the bed rolls. I’d finished with the conversation.

“Alright, I’m just gonna say it since everyone else is treating you like you’re glass! What the fuck happened? You’ve been somewhere else all day and it’s freaking us out!” Amaris was in my face. My hands were full so I couldn’t push her away. I sighed as I launched into my explanation of last night’s “dream” for the third time, this time giving more details. I was feeling validated when Eon’s eyes widened and Tyren’s mouth fell open. Even Hanja looked uncomfortable and avoided my eyes. At least that meant that this ever-growing hole in my chest wasn’t an overreaction. I thought.

“So what?” Amaris’ confidence from when she’d first approached me was shaken, but she still glared at me. She knocked the bedding from my hands roughly and yanked me to her by my tunic, “You’re throwing a fit and acting all moody because you got to feel just how bad it is? Guess what cupcake? It’s not going to get better even if we reach him in time. You’re going to have to see him for real. You’ll get to see the extent of his injuries. What are you going to do? Throw a fit and shut down? If that’s the case,” she shoved me roughly away from her and I struggled to stay on my feet, “Stay here and stay out of our way. I don’t care about your feelings. I don’t give a fuck if you’re sad. Talon needs us and if you let yourself fall apart in the middle of the fight, I swear to the gods…” She broke off and I stared at her, my eyes wide. No one had ever spoken to me like this and it…hurt. It hurt because she was right. I felt that familiar, bitter tang of guilt needle into my brain.

She stormed away from me and I took in the faces of the men around me. Eon met my eyes and offered an uneasy smile. Tyren looked away from me, and Hanja was crouched on the ground, staring at a spot of dirt in front of him, also refusing to meet my eyes. Wren met my gaze, tilting his head toward me, eyebrows raised in a silent challenge.

“She’s right. I’m sorry.” Was all I choked out as I set about busying myself with building a fire. Eon stooped next to me to help, sending a small flame into the space created by the logs. Offering support without forcing conversation. Tyren had scooped up the bedrolls to finish what I’d started.

I stared at the orange flicker as it grew and ate through the wood, flames spreading and enlarging. We were close to the fork, not even a full day’s ride. Things were coming to a head and I would be expected to rise up and meet the challenge. The only person who was willing to knock me down a few pegs and correct my behavior was someone I had seen as a threat for most of my knowing her. Amaris could definitely be that, true, but this was the second time she forced me to look at how I was acting. She didn’t make excuses for me. I glanced up and found her smaller form standing next to Wren, apart from everyone else like usual. I stood and Eon opened his mouth and then saw where my eyes were looking. He thought better of it, nurturing the fire instead. She was twisting the long braids into two symmetrical buns on either side of her head. Wren’s glasses hung around his neck and his pink eyes flicked to me as I grew nearer. He grinned lazily and turned fully toward me. Amaris turned as well, and her nose wrinkled when she saw me.

“I’m almost positive your brother is calling me.” Wren giggled and slid smoothly around me, so close I heard his chains jingle and saw his fangs up close. As he went to sexually harass Eon, I stared at the air behind her.

“What, you here to complain at me for telling you the truth?” Her nails were trimmed short and painted blood red. If it’d had the flecks of color they would’ve matched her eyes.

“No. I wanted to thank you.” Her hands froze in the process of securing one of her braids. She was so different than the person I met in Talon’s house those months ago. She’d seemed vapid and childish, but not now. Now I saw the steel resolve. I should have known. She was as much of an assassin as Talon or Wren. She just came in a deceptively cuter package.

“Uh, no problem I guess.” She eyed me nervously and finished her bun. She’d already stripped off her weapons and now wore a red jacket over her leathers. We were standing a few feet apart and neither of us seemed to know what to say next. She broke the awkward silence with a long sigh.

“Do you really love him?” Her voice was tired and raw, her eyes meeting mine with a look of hesitation. Like she had asked the question but didn’t want to hear the answer.

“Yes.” She let out another sigh and looked to the side where the sun was finally dipping below the horizon.

“Listen, there’s a history there, and I’m not totally team Kalian, but…I’ve never seen him smile the way he did that day in the second layer. He was laying it on thick for your benefit, but it was before that. I saw him first and when he laid eyes on you, I knew it was over. You’ve got him wrapped around your finger. I suppose I was pissed because I’ve been trying to get that kind of reaction for a long time. I’m in this until the end. We’re getting him back for you and I think I’m okay with that.” She confessed this all looking directly in my eyes and something in my brain clicked. None of the Verseckt had pleasant back stories. In fact, suffering seemed to be a prerequisite. What was Amaris’ story?

I stepped forward before the shitty part of my brain could convince me to stop. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her to my chest. She stilled and then her hands gripped, and she held me back just as hard. I felt her shuddering breaths and I closed my eyes as I felt tears wet my shoulder. When we separated, I held her hands in mine, cataloging the slim white scars that cross-crossed her dark honeyed skin. Had anyone ever stopped to comfort the woman in front of me? Had she always had to remain strong?

“After all of this, I think we need to sit down and discuss why he thinks he’s so funny and charming. Who told him that?” I laughed out loud and she grinned up at me, eyes still watery.

“Awe! My babies!” Wren cooed, grinning a bit too wide. Eon stood next to him and offered me a lopsided grin. His hair was only a couple of inches long and his scruff was threatening to turn into a full beard. I don’t know why it took me so long to notice. Eon looked so much younger. So much happier. When had my brother learned how to emote?

“Now it’s your turn! Kiss it out boys!” Amaris surged forward and shoved a hissing Wren into my much larger sibling who scowled at her. She wiggled her hips as she escaped back to camp, “If you ever get over yourselves I wanna watch!”
I gagged at the thought and held back another laugh as red snaked from my brother’s ears to his cheeks until his entire face was fully engulfed in a blush. Wren ran a clawed hand over Eon’s pecs and then quickly caught up with Amaris. She shrieked as his small form tackled hers and snarled. I shook my head as I patted my brother on the shoulder and helped Tyren separate the tiny, white-haired leader of the Verseckt from his subordinate.

The small humor was a much needed break as tomorrow was make or break for our little group.

I love Kalian as if he were my own child, but someone needed to verbally smack him
Heads up, chapters from here are going to be a bit darker and there's going to be violence as Operation: Save the Giant Goth gets underway