Erador reached the top of the manor hill and stopped to catch his breath as he stared at the black windows. He was grateful to return but Lucrethia looked different after being gone; it seemed less appealing and the gray clouds didn't help. The wrenching in his stomach indicated that having to return was worse than if he stayed.

  A croak echoed in the square. Ravens gathered by the fountain, drinking the fresh water inside from the rain. Gillian sat on the edge and stroked the water, the ravens undisturbed by her presence. Exhaustion left his body as he stomped toward her and the ravens scattered. Gillian stiffened and shot up.

  “You shouldn't be out here,” he said, deeply. “Get inside.”

  Gillian didn’t move. She looked over his appearance, prompting Erador to look down. He'd gotten used to his ripped, filthy clothing that reeked of sweat and the earth, not something he could easily ignore before he left.

  “What happened to you?”

  Erador ignored her concerning tone, not wanting to give her any more reasons to ask questions. “If Odinaty sees you, we’re done.”

  “Are you scared of the Raven?”

  Gillian dodged his hard stare. He wanted to yell at her for not taking what he said seriously, but he stopped when she appeared curious; the same as Haven when she asked about the Raven as if she too didn’t believe everything she was told.

  “Are you?” Erador said, lowering his voice.

  Gillian paused and gave a nod. Her hesitation didn’t make her answer seem genuine.

  “Well, I’m not,” Erador said. “He’s a man with tales behind his name and nothing more.”

  “What about Judgment?”

  Erador’s chest rattled but he ignored the uncomfortable feeling and Shade didn’t try to pursue it. “My father?” He let out a laugh. “Why would I?”

  “I don’t know…” Gillian rubbed her shoulder. “Hasn’t he done a lot of bad things?”

  “What are you getting at?”

  She shrugged. “I was wondering?”

  “Wondering?” Erador scoffed, looking over her suspiciously. “It sounds to me like you’re trying to find a reason not to help him.”

  “No,” Gillian said, taking a step back. “I… I heard things and…”

  “Heard things from who?” Erador said, stepping closer.

  “No one.”

  “Was it Aminria?”

  Erador stared at her but she didn’t answer. It could’ve been anyone but maybe it was more than that. Gillian had a large responsibility over her head and if she didn’t deliver, everyone would be angry at her. They would want her gone. Maybe finding some way to discredit Judgment and make him appear bad was her way of escaping her duty.

  Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

  “You’re trying to taint my father’s image.”

  “I’m not,” Gillian said.

  Erador moved closer and Gillian backed up falling on the fountain’s edge. The black ink spread across his eyes as he saw nothing but darkness. It went away when a hand grabbed his shoulder.

  “Erador, stop,” Haven said. “Leave her alone.”

  “Leave her alone? You said Gillian doesn’t deserve another chance.”

  “You’re intentionally scaring her. It isn’t helping you.”

  Erador looked back at Gillian. The followers already thought he was in power. Despite everyone hating Gillian, if he so much as touched her, it would confirm that he was in control. Judgment would never hurt her or order it.

  Erador brushed Haven off and stomped toward the stairs as she chased after him.

  “Calm down,” she said.

  “No. She’s searching for a reason to not help my father and taint his image.”

  “How? She has done nothing,” Haven said.

  “You think Miraline isn’t capable of making friends? She could be using her to look for information.”

  “Words, Erador,” Haven said, touching his chest. “That’s all they are. I don’t think Gillian would turn on a man that has done nothing but side with her. It wouldn’t help her. It would make her vulnerable and Gillian isn’t capable of defending herself.”

  Gillian could be desperately searching for another way out. She had no mark, no ties here and only New Akthelia and Odinaty were searching for her. His father wasn’t well and he couldn’t protect her with words forever. Maybe she finally accepted that he wouldn’t have his rebirth. She could turn on them and be exonerated like Emera.

  “She’s still capable of choosing sides to clear her name,” Erador said, leaning closer. “Lucrethia is in a state where anyone could decide to turn on us.” He looked to Gillian who watched them from the fountain. “That especially includes a scared woman who is hated by nearly everyone here. She could have her reasons. Anyone could.”

  Emera had her chance in New Akthelia, but he could only assume what it was. Haven could have her reasons to go on that journey and return to her people.

  “She just wants a place where she belongs,” Haven whispered.

  Erador looked at his moth that was forced on him, to keep him here. Did the other Paradins feel that way? Maybe they had no other choice because of a crime they committed elsewhere, or they were desperate for a better life. Some of them could be rethinking their future.

  “Did you stay here because you wanted to, or was it because you were too afraid of what your people would think of you?” Erador searched Haven’s gaze but she didn’t answer. “You know what? Your people never blamed you for your village burning. They blamed it on that fox spirit. It was your lack of control over your element that gave a reason for Odinaty to attack.” Erador pointed to Gillian. “Just like it gave New Akthelia a reason to come for us, when they wanted us dead all along.

  The Cheeokwa are like us because of their communal ways. That's why they’re vilified. Like my father said, the kingdoms don’t want their culture to spread and for people to come together. The kingdoms want people to disagree and fight, so they can stay in power. I’m glad Lucrethia doesn’t have that.

  “Despite our differences, we help each other because we’re like family. With so few of us left, we should be closer now more than ever. Lucrethia makes you feel welcome, but at the same time,” Erador said, looking at her wooden ram necklace. “Like you, I can’t stand this religion or my father’s methods. My whole life, I never felt I belonged here and was forced to believe I did. But I’m too scared to leave because this is all I know. I bet you that’s how Gillian feels.

  For you… it’s different. I know why you stay, Haven. The only way your people will accept you is if you go on that journey with your brother, and he would end up dying for you to finally be accepted. Here, we don’t care about your tales and bad luck because we already have it.”

  Haven swallowed and raised her chin. “You got me figured out, don’t you?”

  “No… I’m trying to understand you, because you won’t tell me.” He caressed her cheek. “But I’m willing to listen.”

  Haven’s lips trembled as a tear slipped down. “It’s too hard.”

  Erador whispered and bent down. “I know. You did it in the forest and I’m proud of you for that.”

  “It was nothing. I just cried.”

  “No, you have been through so much. I just hope I provided some comfort.”

  Haven touched his hand and returned a slight smile. It was enough for Erador to know that he could help her a little. Like Loma had when she comforted him after he was beaten by his father. Like Shade had been there for him.

  Erador felt guilty, knowing how understanding his shadow had been after his attack. Shade parted from his shadow when the sun finally peeked through the clouds and for once, Erador let his joyful attitude, consume him.

  “You did help,” Haven said. “Thank you.”