Kael's POV
I knew my words hurt her when Aria physically flinched. My tone was purposefully biting and accusatory.
Her grandfather was the cause of this whole mess. Deep down I knew it wasn't her fault but the irrational part of me didn't care. She was scared of dying? My whole family lost their lives because of her grandfather's
actions, she doesn't have the right to be scared of death.
"I understand that you're angry, Kael, and you have every right to be. But I'm not my grandfather, and I'm not going to let you blame me for his mistakes or vent your anger and hurt on me. I understand that you hate me and everything I represent but it change the fact that you need my help," She paused, her eyes never leaving mine.
"And I'll help. But I need you to stop treating me like a prisoner confined to my room, only allowed to visit the gardens." She finished.
My eyes narrowed at her demands. "And if I refuse?" I said raising an eyebrow.
Her face fell. She clearly hadn't thought her demands through. "I'll still help." she muttered quietly, her reply had surprised me. I had expected her to withdraw her offer to help.
I decided to let her have her way just this once.
"Fine, but you're not allowed to leave the castle grounds without me or Ryker accompanying you." I reluctantly agreed.
"But…"
"But nothing princess," I interrupted. "some people here still hold grudges for your grandfather's sin and are of the mind that you should be rotting in the dungeons until you are needed, while others though
few, want you dead." I said cutting her off.
"So either Ryker or I, will escort you outside the castle and Elara will accompany you around the castle. She's trained in combat and will be able to protect you if need be". I stated firmly leaving no room for argument.
Aria nodded, looking tired. It was a lot to take in. I had dumped loads of information on her. I almost felt bad, but she had asked and I
had given her the chance to stay oblivious and she had refused.
I walked towards her, feeling a tenderness I hadn't felt in years. She looked so lost and defeated even my demon went silent. I had
expected it to revel in her despair but it was surprisingly quiet.
I looked at Aria softening my tone. "Come princess, let's get you to bed" I said offering her my arm.
I led her out of the library and through the winding
corridors of the castle, she was quiet throughout, probably lost in her thoughts.
As we reached her room, I opened the door and gestured for
her to enter. "I'll call Elara to be with you shortly," I said.
Aria nodded, looking up at me with a small smile. "Thank you, Kael," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
I was unsure of how to reply so I simply said "Get some rest, Aria,"
"We'll talk more in the morning."
With that, I turned and left her room, closing the door behind me.
....
The small smile I hadn't realized I was wearing fell as I slipped into Lyra's chambers, the door closing softly behind me.
Lyra was sitting on her bed, her eyes fixed on me as I entered. I could see the guilt written all over her face, and my anger flared.
"Lyra, we need to talk," I said, my voice low and even.
Lyra looked up at me, a hint of wariness in her eyes.
"What's going on, Kael?" she asked.
I didn't bother to sit down. Instead, I stood over her, my eyes boring into hers. "Don't play dumb, Lyra. I know it was you who told Aria."
Lyra's eyes widened a bit before she schooled her expression.
"How do you know it's not Elara or Ryker who told her?" Lyra asked, a hint of defiance in her voice.
I let out a loud, exasperated yell. "Elara isn't foolish enough to slip up like that, and Ryker doesn't say more than two words in a
day! It's not like he's going to suddenly start spouting out secrets. Whatever
you're trying to do, stop it, Lyra. The only reason you're breathing is because
I care for you. One more stunt like this and I won't be so merciful."
Lyra's eyes widened, and she took a step back, looking like she had been slapped. The pain in her eyes as clear as day.
"You left me no choice. She has been here for over a month while our soldiers died at the battle front. The barriers are getting weaker by the day, it's just a matter of time before it collapses and we are left to those
monsters' mercy." Lyra yelled.
"I haven't located all the crystals yet. She's of no use without them." I reminded her.
"It doesn't matter, you should have still told her. You know she has to be willing. If you force her, it won't work." She said, her tone losing its bite.
"I know what I'm doing, Lyra," I replied, my voice firm. "Don't interfere."
Lyra scoffed. "This is our last chance, Kael. If this doesn't work, we all die. You might not die, but everyone else will."
I felt a surge of anger at her words, but I tried to keep my cool. "I know what I'm doing, Lyra," I repeated.
But it seemed Lyra wasn't having it. "No, you don't," she said, her voice filled with desperation. "You're so blinded by your ego that you're not even thinking about what's best for everyone else. You're just thinking about what you want, and you're willing to risk everything to get it."
I felt a surge of anger at her words, but I tried to keep my temper in check. "I'm doing what's best for everyone," I said, trying to sound calm. "And if you don't agree with my methods, then so be it."
Lyra's face twisted in disgust. "You want to manipulate her without even giving her a chance to make her own decision," she
said, her voice filled with anger. "That's not right, Kael. The Kael I knew won't
do something like that. That thing in you is influencing your decisions Kael, it's
clouding your judgement."
I took a step closer to Lyra, I could feel my eyes turning red I was losing control. "I'm doing what's necessary," I said, my voice low and menacing.
"You always assume the worst of me Lyra. I have my faults but I won't send her to her death. I know what's at stake here, they're also my people, my subjects. I would not risk their lives." With that, I left the room. I feared I would lose control and kill her if I stayed a moment longer.