Chapter 2:

Sonea woke up abruptly. Her head throbbed and she felt sore all over. Bright light streamed through the blinds and she realised it was late morning. I'm missing classes! She shouted at herself worried. Scrambling out of bed, she stood wobbly on her tender legs. Quickly healing away some pain, she grabbed her robes and dressed hurriedly, searching for her box. The last time I had it I gave it to the High Lord! She cursed silently and raced downstairs. Entering the guestroom, she found Akkarin sat facing her. "Sonea." He said. "You should be resting."

"I'm late for my classes!" She panted.

"Do not worry about them. I have informed your teachers that you will be absent today."

"Oh." She said catching her breath. She regarded him silently, noticing the way he was looking at her. "Are you feeling better?" He asked softly, eyes averted.

"Mostly," she replied hesitantly. "Though I feel like I have been trampled by gorin." She chuckled and watched Akkarin smile, eyes back on her. His look made her fluster slightly as she remembered what she had felt from him. He actually cares for me. He actually wants to know if I am alright, and not just asking for formality. She smiled at the thought, though not fully sure why. Akkarin's voice brought her back to the scene as he asked "Would you like something to eat?"

"Yes please, I'm quite hungry."

"Go and wait in the dining room, I will get Takan to bring up something."

"Thank you, High Lord." She replied bowing, and then left for the dining room. As she climbed the stairs she wondered if she was to dine alone. Surely he would have said to go back to my room if I was going to eat by myself. She laughed at herself, realising that she actually wanted to spend time with Akkarin. It seems last night has befuddled my brain. Reaching the dining room, she entered and sat in her usual chair. She freely admired the décor of the room, and was so engrossed she almost jumped out of her skin when the door opened. Her heart skipped when Akkarin entered brusquely and sat opposite her. "I thought you could use some company." He said with a half smile curling at his lips. "Thank you." Sonea replied slightly embarrassed. An awkward silence fell and Sonea went back to looking at the room. In the corner of her eye she could see Akkarin watching her intently and she felt her face slightly redden. She heard him intake a breath slightly as if to talk, but was interrupted by Takan entering with a tray burdened with plates. He carefully placed the food on the table, then gave them both an empty plate. Sonea selected portions of the food and soon found she was ravenous, and ate vigorously. She sat back happily, glad to have a wonderful meal, but soon realised that Akkarin had been watching her the whole time. Conscientiously she sipped at her water, wondering why his eyes hadn't left her. As she placed her glass back down, she looked up at Akkarin, his intense stare softening becoming gentle. Sonea looked away blushing. I am reading too much into this. I only know that he cares about me, there is nothing more! A lingering thought of the fond look he had given her arose in her mind and she knew there was something more. You want it to be something more. Her mind accused. You want him to show you something you would have never believed. He actually cares about you.. Who knows if it could be something more. He might actually want you. Quickly shooing the thoughts from her mind, she turned back to face Akkarin who looked deep in thought. "Sonea." He started. "About the other night." Sonea's stomach twisted as she realised he was going to elaborate. He might even explain about his feelings. Her mind teased. "Thank you for coming with me." He said sincerely. He looked away and carried on gently "I don't think I could have killed her without you.". Sonea's heart skipped as he thanked her. He really did just thank me for saving his life! She cried happily in her head. Not knowing how to respond, she smiled tenderly at him, his eyes widening slightly at the warmth of her smile. Takan entered once more and started to clear away the used plates. "You should get some more rest Sonea." He said standing and exited the room. Sonea sighed thankfully, with him gone she could clear her mind of silly thoughts. It was going to be a long day.


Akkarin paced in the library. She was supposed to squash it. He growled at himself. But she smiled so warmly back to his thanks which arose feelings he didn't want. I'm not suppose to feel for her. She is my novice and I should only care for her as a guardian. Nothing more. He ran his hands through his hair and sat down heavily in his chair. He was going to mention about what she saw, hoping that it'd make her distance from him, but Takan had inconveniently entered. He mentally made a note to scold Takan for that, he knew he had done it on purpose. He was suppose to act cold around her, but every time he glimpsed her he could not hide behind the mask, he could only be himself. Standing, he decided to take his mind off the matter by finding Takan. Knowing he would be in the kitchen, he headed towards it. As he entered Takan turned to face him, and looked smug. "Takan." Akkarin inquired. "Why did you choose that moment, of all the moments you could have chosen to enter?"

"Because I fear that you are disillusioned, master"

"And how would that be?"

"You think only of the negatives. The feeling may be mutual." He replied with a smile.

"You don't even know how I feel Takan, how can you be so sure of anything?"

"I can see it in your expression. You are falling in love with her." Akkarin gave him an incredulous look. "I am not." He replied coolly. Takan just smiled knowingly and returned to his duties. As Akkarin turned around, he heard footsteps running away and the front door shut suddenly. "Takan." Akkarin said again. "Were you aware of an eavesdropper?"

"Of course master. And now she knows the truth." Akkarin stared at him wide eyed. Now what am I going to do?