he stands from his chair, smiling while he nods his head in my direction, picking up on Vaeril’s actions.
“Thank you, Ardeth.” I’m thanking him for more than just the information he gave me today, and I know he could become a close friend if I stay here. If.
“Let’s go.” Vaeril gestures for me to walk ahead of him, back the way we came, before throwing a look at the twins over his shoulder. I hear their low voices, but I can’t tell what they’re saying, too quiet for my human hearing to pick up.
As we exit the library, Vaeril takes up his position at my side, but he doesn’t touch me, staying a couple of steps apart from me and giving me the space I need. Glancing over my shoulder, I see the twins are following behind us, but far enough away to give the illusion of privacy. My heart pangs in my chest as we step out of the calming quiet of the library and into the main halls of the palace, sad I didn’t have time to explore.
If what Vaeril says is true, then you will have plenty of time to explore, my mind reasons, and I make a mental note to come back and speak with Ardeth.
I don’t pay attention to my surroundings as we walk, my thoughts on the revelations of the day. Vaeril and the twins are silent, giving me the chance to think through everything.
We reach the gardens, and they are beautiful, but I just can’t muster up the energy to enjoy them, especially not with our silent companions following behind us. I can feel Eldrin’s heavy gaze on my back as we stroll. I’m not sure how I know it’s him, but it makes it difficult to enjoy the quiet serenity of the gardens. This garden is in a courtyard with each side walled in, so I’m only just able to hear the waves on the other side of the palace.
“Can you take me back to my rooms?” I request eventually, staring off into the distance. Vaeril’s eyes scan my face, but I keep looking around the garden, not wanting to see his expression.
“Of course,” he responds quietly, gesturing for me to follow him.
In silence, we leave the gardens, and he guides me back to the residential floor, stopping when we reach my door. Leaning against the frame, he glances over my shoulder, frowning slightly.
“We will be okay from here.”
At first, I think he’s speaking to me, but as I look up from the wooden door, I see he’s talking to the twins. Naril nods and turns to start walking away, pausing with a frown when Eldrin stays where he is. He leans against the wall, scowling.
“Is being part elf so bad?” he queries, anger lacing his words.
“Eldrin!” Vaeril barks, looking around the currently empty hall, aware that anyone could be listening.
A laugh bubbles up from my throat, and I turn to stare at Eldrin. “Is that why you think I’m upset? Because I don’t want to be part elf?” My voice is reproachful as I narrow my eyes at him. How could he think that of me?
He doesn’t know you, what you’ve been through. He is thinking only with his hurt ego.
“Eldrin,” Naril calls with frustration, a note of warning in his tone as he watches the two of us warily.
With a huff, the scarred elf pushes away from the wall and stalks towards me, his eyes flashing dangerously. He’s picking a fight, purposely prodding at my exposed wounds. “Why else would you be acting like this? You’re like a spoiled child not getting their own way.”
“How dare you,” I hiss, pushing away from Vaeril and marching up to Eldrin’s smug face. He knows he’s gotten under my skin, and that just makes me madder. “Because I’ve just learned that everything I thought I was, was a lie. My whole world has been pulled out from under my feet. I left my friends behind to rescue my enemy, only to find out he’s not my enemy!” I’m right in front of him now, but he’s so tall I have to crane my neck to glare at him. Many people would be intimidated, and I know that’s what he wants, but he doesn’t scare me. “I didn’t belong with the humans, and now I find out I’m part elf, but I’ll never be fully accepted here. You said so yourself,” I seethe, and I see something flicker in his eyes, but I’m so