Читать книгу Scars of Iron - Ivy G. Shadrick - Страница 13

Scientists of the previous era would describe our world as one of perfection. Our society, in comparison to the Mortalis Era, would be considered one of quintessence. But a world of perfection is not necessarily better for humankind.

I can no longer look at humanity with a smile on my face, for I am unable to love who they have become. Empty and completely without hope or meaning, they are mere shells of what they could have been in the past eras.

Humanity is not hopeless, simply lacking the presence of raw hope. And the most horrid part is that they do not even know that they are without it. They only know that they have perfect lives. That they are completely provided for and comfortable.

-A.A public entry

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I walked through the gardens and to the large, sprawling yard to meet Elaric and Aegiah. The cool night air biting at my cheeks, I turned my eyes to the moon and the stars.

Inhale.

Exhale.

“I can do this,” I breathed to myself, and I continued to stride toward Aegiah and Elaric.

When I reached the pair, Aegiah hugged me tight, holding me close. Then she whispered softly in my ear, “Do what you have to, my friend.”

As she pulled away I saw a tear streak down the side of her face. She turned away from me, a delicate hand reaching to her cheek to wipe the tears.

“I will miss you both so much,” I rasped. “Thank you for all you have done,” I said to them, but I looked Aegiah directly in the eyes.

My stomach was churning. And my body seemed to be burning up.

“You're ready for this, don't doubt yourself. Don’t hesitate,” Elaric said. “You're capable of completing this mission. But don’t show your fear or weakness to anyone. Because even feigned–”

“Courage is a lifeline,” I finished for him. “Trust me, Elaric, I know.”

“Well, at least you learned something from your time here.” He blew out an exasperated breath.

“That I did,” I said, once again fighting to hold back my tears. I clenched my jaw and fixed my eyes on Aegiah's, unable to look at Elaric anymore.

Aegiah seized my hand, then took Elaric’s as she smiled at me. “We may part today, but our paths will cross when this is all over, for better or for worse.”

My shoulders tensed at that.

I looked at Elaric, trying to read his emotions but, as usual, I found nothing there.

“I am a completely different person from who I was when I first came here, though I may not know who I truly am now. But I do know that you have both helped me in ways I couldn't have even dreamed.” My voice shattered as I continued, “And I thank you both for that, for the gift of meaning in life. For showing me that I was not really living and that I hadn't been, not for a very long time.”

“We should get going,” Elaric spun around, dropping Aegiah’s hand and striding away. “If you want to be on time for the palace guards, we need to leave now.”

I followed him out of the gate that surrounded the massive manor. And before I climbed into the black transport I hugged Aegiah one last time. I whispered the words that I didn't want to be my last to her, “Just trust me.”

As I pulled away from her, I saw the emotions run through her. I saw fear, and anger, and sadness all flash through her mind and her eyes all in a single moment. But in the end, I saw love. I saw that she did trust me, and I hated that she did. And I despised myself for what I may do in that palace.

Then Elaric closed the door and we left.

The entire ride in the carrier was spent in silence. Elaric said nothing to me, and I did not speak to him. His face was no longer a hard steel mask, and I could see the sadness, rage, and anger swirling in his pale grey eyes.

He sat against the window opposite of me and his gaze did not leave the road.

I distracted myself with thoughts of an easy life, a life that I had left. A life that I could make for myself when this was all over. It was all I could do to keep myself from spiraling into my constantly looming fear and doubt, all I could do was hope.

Then the transport stopped and I looked out the small window to see my house. It sat unchanged and perfect. The clean grey walls stood tall, blending in with every other house on the street. And the small lawn was trimmed to perfection, not one piece of grass out of place.

“The guards will be here any minute,” Elaric said, still not looking at me as he unlocked the doors of the transport.

“Okay,” I breathed, as I stood and jumped out of the vehicle. I grabbed my small, light bag and slung it over my shoulder.

“Lithiah, you can do this,” was all he said as a carrier with royal flags arrived in front of me.

Three guards stepped out, each dressed in black uniforms lined with lavender.

Elaric placed a firm hand on my arm and leaned close to my ear. “Remember, to never turn your back, not even to those you trust most.”

“Damira Oleander?” the guard closest to me asked.

“Yes,” I bowed my head, “I’m ready.”

“Get in,” another ordered. And so I did, and I left Elaric without so much as a goodbye.

The transport doors closed with a bang. Warm light filled my sight, illuminating the cushioned lavender seats. I heaved a sigh and tried to relax.

But I was headed into the den of lions.

Inhale.

Exhale.