"Truly, you're as evil as they come. Just because you put yourself in chains, doesn't change what you've done. The selfishness that sits within you grows with every passing hour." I looked straight at myself in the pitch black. I couldn't even argue. It was true.
"You could release all of our kind in an instant, and you do nothing. You're a coward."
"I know," I said through clenched teeth.
"You could've saved your kin before they were ever taken into captivity. Hell, you could've given Xulred a fair fight when he took Franerra."
I shook my head, "I would have lost."
The chained version of me grinned, "but you didn't even try. You were scared."
I shut my eyes holding back tears. The only reason why Xulred was stronger than me back then was because our god, Hrongl, favored him. It's all my fault. So much regret, but I still won't do anything about it other than hide. No one can know I still live on. No one can know I'm Asikoitae. I'm Asi. They can't. They won't. I won't let the spell be lifted.
"Mmm. But what if Emarenthae wants the spell lifted?"
"Then she can deal. She can't lift it anyway unless I give her the means to do so."
Asi sighed, leaning back using her hands as support. "She could very well just tell Thynorth the truth instead. He'd believe her... And he would tell everyone else."
"No. He wouldn't take her side. And if Em ever does plan on doing such a thing, she'll suffer."
"Good."
***
I swirled the goblet of wine, offered to me by one of Em's servants. Em insisted on me being served the country's finest meats, but I politely declined and took the wine. Thynorth however, was happy to be served elven delicacies for dinner. He's always enjoyed what would be considered the finer things to elves, humans, and dwarfs. A common trait among Earth Dragons.
"Thank you Emarenthae, for being so hospitable," he said, taking a piece of blue Ora fruit from his plate with a golden fork. Em nodded, "Of course! It's the least I can do with what has occurred."
I raised my glass to her in respect as the elders of her kind, lords and ladies, began to have their own personal conversations with their queen. We had invited Franerra to join us, but as expected, she said no.
The dinner felt like it dragged on for far to long. Elves eat as slow as the pompous humans. I had to excuse myself, tired of being among them.
"Are you alright, Amanice? Would you like me to join you," Thynorth asked. "No," I said back through our connected souls. "Enjoy your time with them. I know how much you enjoy it. But, I'm alright, don't worry."
"Okay darling."
I left to Franerra's room wishing to check on her, but when I entered the room, I saw her dead asleep. A part of me wanted to go to her and tell her sweet dreams. But if I did I'd probably wake her. Xulred has likely trained her well enough for her to stay alert even when asleep. The buried rage began to stir at the thought of him. I shut the bedroom door, quickly walking away, rage is a dangerous thing.
He used to be such an amazing brother... Then Hrongl got to him. I honestly blame myself. If I had stayed as I was, the chaos god wouldn't have any need for Xulred. 55Please respect copyright.PENANAhCvTUO8BLq
55Please respect copyright.PENANADmuaapof9S
Id be a legendary killer and he'd get to live a normal life. If I wasn't so selfish, he'd probably have a family by now. He'd be a normal dragon and Franerra would have at least been raised by Thynorth. Id be alone, while my family lived happily. My other half was right...
I'm as evil as they come.
***
I laid in a cave near the city, deep in thought. I've grown so soft.
"Yes you have." I jolted turning towards the voice. Hrongl. He carries himself with great pride. Anyone would be intimidated by him if they crossed paths. He was a large man, bulk in muscle. King like, his hair blonde and neatly brushed back.
"What the hell do you want?!"
He grinned, "now, now Asi. That's no way to speak to your god, is it?" I growled, feeling my inner chains rattle. Even if the chains were ash, I'd still despise him. I always have no matter who I was. "I've been enjoying this game of cat and mouse, but it's time you cut the crap. I have a deal to strike with you." Shit. I allowed my inner chains to slack ever so slightly. "Make it quick."
"I want you to leave this place. Vanish from sight. You have to reveal your book to Emarenthae and your mate. You can do whatever you wish afterwards, I don't care. Hell, you can use this to your advantage, just creates more chaos for me in the long run," he laughed.
"And what if I don't do these things?"
The damned grin of his immediately dropped, "I'll tear down those weak wards and kill your daughter."
I grimaced, knowing I can't deny his request. Franerra's everything to me. I can't risk losing her again... Even if it means losing myself.
"Fine."
"Lovely. Be quick, will you? I'm impatient." I huffed, smoke bellowing around me, "I'll do it at my own pace. However, trust it'll be done within the week." He smiled once again, "I expect you to follow through with your word, Asikoitae. I'll be around." Then he vanished, laughter surrounding me and slowly fading.
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