Insignitis destiny, p.24
Insignitis: Destiny, page 24
Everyone looked when they heard Saphira scoff sarcastically. Only Reilly would understand the reason why.
“The one who attacked Reilly, I know very well. He and his pack were in the orphanage I was living in. It were they who bullied me. I had no idea of what they were, either.”
“But Mirrin was there,” Serrae said, frowning in confusion.
“We think they must have masked their true selves. Petra uses them like puppets, and I have no idea how. Barghests aren’t exactly easy to control or even bribe,” Reilly said.
“If Petra has them under her control, I don’t think there’s much anyone can do,” Serrae said.
“We suspected as much,” Saphira said.
“Mother, I promised Alice and William I wouldn’t keep Saphira here too late. I want to take her back to the botanical garden, then take her for something to eat.”
“May I suggest taking her to Maisha and Sudryl’s? It’s the best inn in Cerna,” Vesryn said.
“That is where I plan on taking her.”
“But I’m not exactly dressed to go anywhere like that, Reilly.”
“Saphira, what you are wearing is fine.”
“But I’ve seen how women dress here, and my clothes aren’t exactly suited.”
“Saphira, what my son said is true. No-one will mind,” Serrae said. “Reilly, tell Maisha your father and I plan on dining there later tonight.”
“Of course. Come, Saphira, we only have a few hours left of daylight. The inn serves dinner around six o’clock.”
“Sure.”
“Well then, we hope to see you soon, Saphira,” Vesryn said.
“You, too.”
Chapter 29
Lilith
Dusk was approaching when Reilly and Saphira finished their dinner at the inn. It was true the inn had good food and the atmosphere was warm, calm and no-one seemed bothered by her style of clothing. For once, she felt comfortable being surrounded by others even if they were Elven. Even the conversation with Reilly wasn’t as uncomfortable but her shyness did tend to creep in.
The moment they left, she felt the warm breeze caress her face causing her hair to obscure her sight for a moment. However, it was Reilly who moved it back behind her ear. She knew the action was spontaneous but her cheeks still filled with colour as she looked at the ground. She knew he had swiftly pulled his hand away when he saw her glue her eyes to the ground.
“I’m sorry, Reilly. It must look like I’m giving you mixed signals.”
“To others, maybe so, but I know the reasons for it, though.”
“But it’s making our relationship, or whatever it is, messy even before it has begun.”
“Saphira, life is messy, it’s why it’s never perfect, we just have to take the bad and learn from it.”
“But Petra is hunting me like a damn rabbit, and every moment I spend creating another mess, gives her time to conjure up another vindictive plan. I know I was burned by her son even though I couldn’t see him.”
“I don’t understand.”
“The day she took me to the cave, when I passed the gate to the house, something grabbed me. I saw a hand-print on my arm, and it had black blisters that burst and black serum dripped down my arm.”
“And it healed?”
“It did after a few minutes. Why do you look surprised?”
“Her son is similar to a phantom, Saphira. Their touch causes that burn before their venom enters the bloodstream. It usually causes the person’s personality to change for the worst, but it’s difficult to spot because it’s very gradual. But the venom must have come out when the blisters burst. Maybe something stopped it from entering your bloodstream.”
“Have many been infected?”
“Luckily, not many, and not for a very long time. Saphira, it’s getting dark and I don’t think Alice and William will like it if I keep you any longer.”
“Can you stay for a while, at least?”
“Sure. Come on, let’s get you home.”
But I am home.
Once again, he heard her thoughts and agreed with this one. Still, he had to tell her the truth before she learned it from someone else, and it didn’t need to be Petra, either.
Another day passed and Saphira was in the back garden awaiting Reilly’s arrival. She knew time in Síscéal was the same in the Human world, but she felt as if it was dragging itself through mud. She looked toward the greenhouse and noticed Alice was replanting seedlings into bigger pots. She looked engrossed as she upturned plant pots and patted the plant out, only to place it into a larger pot where she added more compost to once she loosened the roots. Gardening seemed to take her mind off from everything that had happened. As for William, he was in his craft room finishing a cat bed that would be donated to a cat sanctuary.
Saphira jumped when she heard a swooshing sound and only to feel someone stroke her cheek. She watched Reilly gradually appear. A smile was on his face as he took his hand away from her (now blushing) cheek. His eyes never left hers for he knew why she was blushing.
He had spent the night again, where they became intimate, only this time, Reilly’s tunic had opened, revealing every curve and muscle that she had caressed. However, her nightgown followed suit soon after. Reilly didn’t see much, but she knew he had seen the top of her bra and the straps.
After struggling with the simplest things involving affection, she hadn’t shied away. However, they did notice the marks he caused on her neck and collar bones healed very slowly. Reilly couldn’t explain why when she asked.
“How are you?”
“A little nervous to be honest.”
“Saphira, we spoke about this last night. You’ll be fine.”
“Talking about last night, I think Alice knows.”
“How? We were quiet,” Reilly whispered.
“She has suspicions, Reilly. Plus, she isn’t blind. She’s seen how I have changed regardless of how small.”
“I still don’t understand, Saphira,” Reilly said. “Do you regret what we did?”
“Of course not.”
“Then why do you look so embarrassed?”
“Maybe it’s a delayed reaction to what happened.”
“You mean our clothing?” Reilly whispered, gently.
“Yes. I never thought we would do that this soon.”
“Should I had stopped to let you sort your nightclothes?”
“No. I liked it,” Saphira said, blushing scarlet.
“As did I. But Saphira, I can’t spend every night here. My parents would end up worrying that I might be seen by someone.”
“I know, I just seem to sleep better with you there. I don’t know why.”
“I do.”
“Why, then?”
“It’s part of my duty. A lot of it is a natural ability in my race. We can absorb and relieve any discomfort their bonded suffers, regardless of how much. You naturally take what you need.”
“Sounds strange.”
“I know. Still, if you truly need comforting, I’ll feel it, and come to you.”
“Okay.”
“Hello, Reilly. I see you are well,” Alice said.
“Quite well, thank you.”
“I assume you are here to take Saphira to meet Lilith?”
“Yes, I am. Also, I plan on showing Saphira more of Cerna.”
“Well, please don’t stay too late.”
“Of course, Alice.”
“Before you go, should I save you a plate for you when you come home?”
“No, Reilly and I will dine somewhere in Cerna.”
“Well, I’ll see you when you come home, Saphira.”
“Sure. Tell William I said goodbye.”
Saphira watched his eyes twinkle with mischief and a cheeky smirk appear on his face. Soon, his lips were on hers, but it didn’t last long. However, he slowly ran his fingers through her hair, which seemed to be becoming a habit.
“You’re blushing, my love.”
“I know.”
“Should I leave such things until we’re alone?”
“No, I need to get used to such things. Plus, you can hear my thoughts, so I doubt I would have to ask you to stop.”
“Saphira, I don’t want to rush you. It would be unfair.”
“You’re not. I’m just adjusting to everything, but I’m glad you told me.”
“I don’t want secrets between us, Saphira. I always promised myself that if I ever bonded, that I wouldn’t keep secrets.”
“Thank you. We better go.”
“Okay.”
Saphira embraced him, and buried her head into his chest. Slowly, she felt her nerves fade, and relaxed as she listened to his heartbeat. She felt him wrap his arms around her as a sphere of light surrounded them.
Cerna was as busy as it was the first time Saphira saw it, but more Elven tended to peer at her. She knew it was her clothing for it was so out-of-place in Síscéal and add the fact Reilly had chosen her only made them stare more. But she knew she would never get used to the curtsying and bowing every time they noticed her at Reilly’s side, hand in hand or not.
They followed the same route as the first time Reilly brought her here, but turned left before the market. A street of wooden cabins, along with the odd conical one, appeared - all had gardens varying in size. They stopped at one of the conical houses and it looked larger than the others nearby. There was a wooden sign gently swaying in the breeze attached to the left-hand side of the (handle and keyhole-less) door. It was made of birch and had a painting of a pestle and mortar surrounded by red flames. The name below read “Lilith’s Alchemy Store”.
Saphira stared at the sign before noticing the range of plants and flowers in the garden where a birdbath sat in the centre. However, in the scorching sun, the birdbath was dry so the birds were likely at the fountain, lough and waterfall. But there was sounds of life in the trees and there was a woodpecker nearby looking for bugs or seeds.
Saphira looked closer and noticed another conical building was attached to the main one at the back. Was this building where the spell casting room was to be found? If so, would she see it in the next few moments?
Saphira watched Reilly’s parents approach taking her by surprise. Apprehension took hold of her ability to even speak as they stood beside her as Reilly began to put his hand onto the rune in the centre of the door. However, the door opened before Reilly could complete the enchantment.
Saphira watched an elf appear and she looked very like Taeral but her eyes were lapis lazuli-blue, and her hair was onyx-black. Confusion set in - where did Taeral get his chocolate-brown eyes and hair? He never mentioned a father, and considering what she was told, Lilith didn’t appear to be bonded.
“Ah, there you are, Saphira. Reilly, you should know better not to keep her to yourself, it’s incredibly selfish of you.”
Saphira nearly failed at stopping her jaw from dropping as she heard the playful tone of her voice. Saphira heard the implication of Reilly’s affection within her words even if she didn’t say it outright. She felt her cheeks warm - did everyone know of Reilly’s affection for her?
Serrae and Vesryn smirked behind her and Reilly’s back, clearly hearing the implications themselves. Clearly Lilith knew of the rumours going around, but everyone denied their existence.
“Forgive my selfish behaviour, Lilith, I meant no insult to your wishes to meet Saphira.”
Great, now everyone knows about Reilly’s love for me. Love I am struggling to even comprehend, never-mind understand.
Reilly heard Saphira’s thoughts, and was frowning inwardly - did everyone know, or was Saphira just assuming? However, something occurred to him - others must have smelled their scents, and considering that elf who invaded their privacy, was that the reason? Were others curious to know if they had went too far? Considering what the elf saw, maybe it gave the elf that impression. It must have looked as lustful as it felt.
“Well, come in.”
They entered one by one and heard the door close, but only now did Saphira hear some form of lock being turned. She didn’t have the chance to look back toward the door for they entered a large circular room.
The furniture was wooden and hand-crafted to follow the shape of the room. Every piece of it was covered in runes. The chairs and sofa were curved and covered in aqua-blue cushions likely filled with bird feathers, flock or wool. Strangely, the sofa, chairs and cushions were the only things not covered in runes.
There was a granite stone fireplace with an iron firebox filled with fresh oak logs. There was a set of iron tools near the fire consisting of tongs, poker, brush, shovel and bellows. All looked well used - maybe the winters in Síscéal were fierce.
There were multiple bookshelves filled with books varying in thickness and colour. But all had spines depicting runes - Saphira assumed they were titles. But there were three she recognised for they all had the Elven Star and two other runes she saw in the books she took from Petra.
“Well, you can sit down whilst I deal with Serrae and Vesryn’s order.”
Reilly guided her toward the sofa as his parents followed Lilith through the door where he knew her alchemy room was. However, he also knew where the spell casting room was, and knew when Saphira saw it she would be taken-aback. He was starting to become apprehensive, for once Saphira stepped inside that room, her gift would present itself without her consent. This was another thing he didn’t reveal, but it was not by choice but by law. Only teachers could provide such information to students.
“Reilly, why do you look guilty?”
“There is something I haven’t told you about the spell casting room, but it’s due to Elven law. But Lilith will reveal it once my parents leave and after you answer her questions. Saphira, you must answer her questions honestly. Now, I can either leave or stay with you when Lilith commences your induction.”
“You may as well stay, Reilly. You already know how my life was at the orphanage.”
“Pardon my bluntness, but if I didn’t know, would you still want me here?”
“Honestly? No. I struggle to reveal anything about my life to anyone.”
“That I understand.”
“Reilly, we are going to dine at Maisha and Sudryl’s, son. We’ll not be home until the evening, so if we don’t see you when we return home, we bid you farewell,” Serrae said. “It was nice seeing you again, Saphira.”
“Likewise.”
“Well then, let’s begin your induction, Saphira. First, do you wish for Reilly to remain or not?”
“I would like him to stay, Lilith.”
“Well then, you know what to do, Reilly.”
Saphira looked at Reilly in confusion as he entered the room where his parents just left. She watched Reilly return with a tray with a container of salt and seven large white candles. However, there was also an evergreen cloth neatly folded on the tray.
Reilly knelt in the centre of the floor and proceeded to lay the cloth on the floor and arrange the candles at seven points which he encased inside a circle of salt. Reilly had created an Elven Star wide enough for someone to sit in the centre.
“Saphira, please sit in the centre of the rune,” Lilith said.
Saphira took a deep breath as she stood. They watched worry spread across her face, which slightly paled. She made her feet move even though they felt frozen to the floor. She knew she shouldn’t disturb the ring of salt so she stepped over it. Once in the centre, she sat down and crossed her legs ensuring she didn’t knock over the candles.
As she sat there, the candles ignited, one by one, but the flames weren’t red, orange and yellow. The flames were the colour of Reilly’s eyes. Saphira grimaced as she felt her hands smart - she looked and watched the Elven Star appear.
“Saphira, you are fine,” Reilly said, gently.
“My hands are burning again.”
“It’ll pass, I promise.”
As Reilly spoke, what he said gradually became true, but the mark remained.
“Saphira, the rune you are in will prevent your magic from presenting itself. It is why the pain in your hands is no longer there,” Lilith began. “Now, I am going to ask a few questions and you must be honest, otherwise my teaching will be affected.”
“Okay.” Reilly watched her cheeks fill with colour as she slightly recoiled.
“What can you tell me about your hands burning?”
“I was told they burn due to my fear and denial of what I am. But I don’t even know what I am because no-one is telling me.”
“Okay. Can you tell me what your childhood was like?”
“It was one big nightmare. Every possible adoption never happened. I was always rejected, and the bullying was severe. Three boys took particular interest in hurting me. Recently, we discovered they are Barghests.”
“What did this bullying cause?”
“I always ended up doing something I didn’t want to. My magic just went haywire as I got older and more terrified. Before I left the orphanage, I froze the rose bush I had grown since I was ten because they ambushed me.”
“What happened after your magic went haywire?”
“My hands always burned and the only way I knew how to soothe it was by putting them into cold water. It was agony and the water eventually got hotter because steam emitted from it.”
“Have your hands ever bled?”
“No. But my arm bled the day Petra captured me. It was a black hand-print. I think Faoth caused it. The blisters were black, and when they burst the serum was black. But the other day, she was outside, near the house.”
“Do you know why?”
“I took something from her when I accidentally transported myself back to the cave where she resides. I saw two books covered in runes, and something in my head told me to take them.”
“Can you read those books you speak of?”
“No, but I can open them.”
“Was Petra trying to obtain them?”
“I think she was but she couldn’t.”
“Okay, Saphira, you can relax. I now know how to teach you. As for those books, keep them safe for they have chosen you. As you learn, you will learn how to read those books regardless of what language you use. Reilly, you may extinguish the flames.”
