Listening to Stand in the Rain by Superchick. This song sort of relates to Colette in this chapter. Glad Freaky recommended it. I love it. Anyway, partying tonight with my friends, so decided to make sure I updated this early on Friday. Turning 19 on Saturday. I'm starting to feel old. Anyway, thanks everyone for reading and reviewing. I know everyone was eager for this next chapter. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: Namco owns Tales of Symphonia.
Chapter 13:
"What is the meaning of this?"
Colette lowered her eyes as the Mayor of Iselia shouted. People were gathered near the carnage. The bodies of the angels littered the ground, severed wings and limbs stained in blood at her feet. Presea walked up beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, but Colette just felt numb.
"This is an outrage! These-these were angelic beings! And you killed them!" The Mayor continued. "You have brought the wrath of the Goddess upon our village!" There was fear in his voice, but he was trying to mask it. Colette could understand his feelings. To the villagers, they had murdered holy beings, not enemies.
"You don't understand!" Genis pushed his way between Colette and the gray-haired man. "They were trying to kill Colette!"
Murmurs and whispered ran through the crowd and Colette could hear most of them.
"The Chosen failed...perhaps this is her punishment."
"Ran away from her duties, no doubt."
"We don't know for sure..."
Colette tried to tune them out and gently brushed off Presea's hand and moved Genis aside. She faced the Mayor. "I'm sorry—"
"Don't waste your apologies here, girl! What good will that do?" The man stepped toward her, pointing at finger. "This is all your fault! I knew we should never have welcomed you back into the village! You failed to regenerate this world and everywhere you go you bring misfortune with you!"
Her eyes squeezed shut, the screams from Triet echoing in her head. It was true, she did bring misfortune. Cruxis was after her and all she ever did was get others involved.
"You listen to me you pompous idiot!" Genis shoved the Mayor back. "Don't go saying stuff about Colette! You don't know what's really—"
"Close your mouth you half-elf!" the Mayor cut him off, turning on Genis. "You are fortunate we even revoked your banishment! It was only because Lloyd never came back and because of Raine's insistence that we did let you back in. We can always rectify that mistake!"
Genis faltered at the mention of Lloyd, his earlier shock returning. He started to stammer, but Colette pulled him back. "Genis, please, this is my fault. I don't want to drag you into this as well."
The Mayor turned back to her in disgust. "You are no longer welcomed here, Chosen, or whatever you are. Do not try to come back."
"You're banishing her! She did nothing wrong!" Genis started to move forward, fists clenched, but Presea grabbed his arm, holding him back. "You humans are despicable! Shoving the blame all on one person again!" He was struggling to hold back tears as the crowd slowly started to disperse. Most of them shook their heads, others muttering prayers anxiously as they cast backward glances at the angel corpses. Colette watched them all leave until there was only one left.
Frank stood alone on the road, staring at his daughter sadly and Colette bit her lip, her jaw quivering. His face was pale and, to Colette, he looked even more tired and frail than before. He started to walk towards her, then stopped, his eyes drifting to the bodies. Colette lowered her head in shame. "I'm so sorry, Father. I'm sorry."
Frank hesitated, then walked forward and pulled his daughter into a hug. Colette wrapped her arms around him tightly until he let go and gave her a kiss on the forehead, whispering. "Be careful." He tried to smile, but he was near tears and he lowered his head as well. "Write to me when you find somewhere safe..."
Colette nodded. She knew she wouldn't be able to write him that letter anytime soon and she believed he knew that as well. She wanted him to stay, but she knew that it would only hurt more. Colette swallowed down her pain as she watched her father slowly walked to their house.
Her chest constricted and she felt loose tears slide down her face, before dashing them away quickly. She turned around slowly, expecting to say farewell to Genis and Presea as well when she found Genis' cheeks stained with angry tears. He was shaking all over and it seemed only Presea's hand on his shoulder made him stay where he was. His expression frightened Colette and her eyes widened as he took a step toward her, staring her straight in the eyes. "G-Genis—"
"Tell me that bastard wasn't him. Tell me it wasn't, damn it!"
Colette opened her mouth to speak, but found she couldn't find the words. Rather it was Presea who stepped forward. As usual, she spoke calmly. "Come, we will talk at the house outside the village." Her eyes fastened on Colette and it was evident she was not allowing arguments.
Genis shrugged Presea's hand off and picked up his fallen spear, gripping it tightly. "Fine." He snapped and strode off towards the village entrance. Colette watched him leave and then noticed Presea watching her, waiting. Colette stared at her and then slowly followed Genis. Her feet felt like lead, every step seeming to drag at her. She was aware of the eyes that watched from the windows. Accusing, horrified, angered...She felt betrayed, misunderstood. She knew it was her fault, yet all these people she had grown up with, lived with since she was a child. All their hopes and dreams on her now vanished as they stared at her like a creature to be feared and despised—
Colette flinched suddenly. Was this how Lloyd felt when he was banished from Iselia all those years ago? This feeling of emptiness and pain? She reached up, her hand finding the necklace. Did he still feel it?
The walk back was long and silent. Genis refused to look at her, walking quite a few feet ahead of her, while Presea trailed behind. They were angry with her as well, Genis mostly. Colette understood the confusion Genis had to be feeling at the moment, having seen Lloyd. And the betrayal...
Colette frowned, annoyed and frustrated suddenly. Why had Lloyd acted so cold towards Genis? Why hadn't he even tried to explain or answer him? Why did he run off like that?
But even as Colette thought about it, she knew the answer and felt guilty for her anger. If Cruxis had sent angel soldiers to Iselia, it meant they knew Colette was there. But how was that possible? Lloyd had said they had until the end of the month before they would search this area and Cruxis sent angels only if they were certain that she was nearby. Lloyd left to figure out what was going on...he'd be back to explain things...
The pit of her stomach still churned uneasily from the fresh and painful memory of her banishment as well. The shock was wearing off and the only reason she didn't break down completely was because Genis and Presea were with her at the moment. She wished Lloyd was with her to help her through this, but the thought was selfish. Where was she when it happened to him? Just because he was alive, didn't mean she could just burden him with all her problems. Still, she thought desperately, it was just comforting to have him near.
They reached the clearing by mid-evening, the sun still peeking over the canopy, but casting long shadows from the trees. Noishe rose to greet them excitedly, rushing over, but Genis ignored him and threw down his spear, whirling to face Colette. "I can't take this anymore. Tell us what's going on? What the hell is wrong with Lloyd, if that is even him?"
Colette felt herself grow cold, her fingers numb and her chest heavy. She knew if she tried to defend Lloyd, Genis would not listen. However, she didn't know how much to tell them and how much to let Lloyd explain. She knew how Lloyd felt about revealing his experiences in Cruxis, how much it terrified Colette to hear them...
"Damn it, Colette! Don't you dare ignore me like he did!" Genis stepped toward her, face flushed. His voice cracked once and Colette slowly looked at him.
"I'm not ignoring you, Genis and neither did Lloyd. He didn't have time to—"
"Oh yeah, I forgot!" Genis spat, causing Colette to flinch. "He didn't have time to deal with me! He didn't have time for his friends! It's been seven years and that's the first thing he says!"
"Genis, please, just listen to me!" Colette begged.
"How long have you known?" he shouted at her. "How long have you known he's alive?"
Presea walked over to him, frowning. "Genis, calm down. You are not—"
"You've been lying to us all this time? Why didn't he come see us? Damn it! Why didn't he come see me?" Genis shoved Presea's hand away and moved forward, grabbing Colette's shoulders. "What's wrong with him?"
Colette could only stare at Genis, horrified. She had never seen him so angry, at least never towards Lloyd. It frightened her to see Genis lose control like this, but hadn't she reacted in confusion and frustration when she first saw Lloyd, rushing after him in the woods?
She lifted her own hands to attempt to comfort him, but Genis ripped away from her, red-faced and accusing. "Answer me!"
"I've known for little over a month." Colette finally answered, watching him sadly.
Genis' anger gave way to shock, eyes widening. "A-A month?"
"He was afraid to go find you!" Colette added quickly. "He-he didn't want to cause you problems."
"Pr-Problems!" Genis snapped, but Presea touched his shoulder.
"What problems, Colette?" She asked quietly, but Colette knew Presea had probably figured it out.
Yet, Colette still hesitated. She didn't like how it would come out, but she couldn't think of another way of wording it. "Cruxis," she said quietly.
The silence lasted too long to her liking and her friends' eyes bore into her. She wanted to speak up and tell them it wasn't how it sounded, that he wasn't there because he chose it, but even in her mind, it sounded like excuses. She was hoping they would understand the truth on their own.
Unfortunately, they didn't.
"He's-he's one of them!" The accusation slithered out as a hiss and the contempt and anger radiated off Genis. "He-The wings-He's an angel of Cruxis now?"
Presea frowned, troubled. "I never thought he'd turn his back on everything so easily when he always urged us to continue fighting, perhaps there is an explanation..." She was more ashamed and disappointed rather than upset.
Still Colette couldn't let them think that about Lloyd! Not until they heard the full story from him! "Please, don't accuse him yet! Just hear him out! There is a reason why he's doing this!"
"Hear him out?" Genis stared at her. "Colette, you just said he's a Cruxian! If he had a choice to stay here, why the hell would he go back to Derris Kharlan unless he wanted to? Why didn't he explain things when we saw him in Iselia? He betrayed us!"
"Genis, don't say that! Lloyd will explain things when he gets back—" Colette tried to reason with him.
"That was not, Lloyd, Colette!" Genis shouted at her, voice cracking. He pointed behind him as if Lloyd was standing there. "How could you say that was Lloyd? How could you say that was my best friend?"
"Because he is!" Colette raised her voice, hardening with her resolve, desperate to get through to Genis. "Just because he brushed you off, doesn't mean he isn't still Lloyd! How can you give up on him so quick—"
"We waited seven years, Colette! I waited for-for something to tell me what happened to him! And you're telling me that our friend is that cold-hearted bastard! Did you see what he did to those angels? The way he talked to you and completely ignored me? You are telling me that was Lloyd?" Genis finally choked and turned away, brushing his hand over his eyes angrily to clear unwant tears. Presea moved closer to him, placing her hand comfortingly on his shoulder as she talked to him quietly.
Colette could only stare at him. She didn't know what to say. She tried to reason with herself that Genis was just upset, that the anger and pain would pass and yet, the cold continue to spread through her. She felt helpless. The banishment, the angels' attack, Lloyd's behaviour, Genis' reaction and the unsettling feeling in the pit of her stomach of something not yet confirmed, but suspected nevertheless, was suffocating her.
Colette collapsed to her knees and wept into her hands.
Lord and subordinate stared at one another across the room, neither breaking contact nor the silence. Lloyd held his ground, not about to turn away, yet all the while his mind frantically analyzing his next step, scanning for loopholes, weighing the consequences and the risks of the ones that he knew existed. Proof? Lloyd could only offer his word on the situation. Possible witnesses? Unlikely Yggdrasill would consider the effort to check. If he did check? Convince him to send Kratos and confess to his father.
He refrained from grimacing at the last solution. To confess to his father was relying on Kratos being involved. It was unlikely that Kratos would inform Yggdrasill, but Lloyd was uncertain on how his father would think of the situation. It was best to keep that decision as a last resort...
"Explain again how an entire command of angels was slaughtered in retrieving one girl." Yggdrasill demanded darkly, his voice loud in the quiet.
Lloyd stiffened, hand gripping his sword sheath as he once again sorted through the information, meticulously choosing the proper wording. "On your orders, I returned to Iselia to report on the angels' absence. When I arrived at the village, the angels were deceased and the Chosen missing." He paused for a moment, but Yggdrasill's eyes narrowed dangerously so Lloyd continued. "I overheard that two of the Chosen's companions were present in the village that day, which I assume is the reason for the angels' death. There is also word among the villagers of the Chosen falling."
Yggdrasill stared at him, his features darkening. "What are you saying?"
Lloyd exhaled heavily, preparing himself for the reaction that was undeniably going to appear. "The humans were mourning the Chosen, my Lord. The Chosen is dead."
Russet eyes stared blankly at the empty, white-washed wall. He stood rigid before the wall, his fingers curled around the sheathe of his sword. He appeared as a statue, save for the slight tremor that shook his shoulders as Lloyd attempted to control his anger.
He should be glad; content with how easily it was to convince Yggdrasill that Colette was deceased and that worried him greatly. It was too easy. Much too easy. However, in addition to that, something that Lloyd never anticipated, Yggdrasill decided to reassigned Lloyd to another task immediately.
Lloyd thought back to the conversation. Yggdrasill's rage had been terrifying in itself, but it was mainly directed at the dead angels. Lloyd had carefully explained how the angels fatally injured the Chosen and she died shortly after. Yggdrasill had been enraged and nearly struck Lloyd down, before seeming to control himself. He questioned Lloyd briefly over the details of what happened, forcing Lloyd to conjure a series of conversations he'd overheard among the villagers. Lloyd emphasized greatly on how the villagers desperately prayed the new Chosen would reach her goal. This seemed to remind Yggdrasill that the young relative of Colette would now begin her training as the new Chosen. Yggdrasill absently passed Colette's death as an annoying setback and seemed to let it be. However, Lloyd knew Yggdrasill's curiosity would return to the subject at a later date. Lloyd would have to be careful. Even now Lloyd wondered if Yggdrasill really did believe his tale, or if he was just removing Lloyd from the assignment. Did Yggdrasill suspect Lloyd was lying?
In the end, Yggdrasill, though still extremely irritated by the series of events, excused Lloyd with his word that he would be reassigned. Yggdrasill admitted he was relatively pleased with Lloyd's skills and wanted him put to use elsewhere. Lloyd, though still suspicious, thanked Yggdrasill and left. It had been too easy.
Lloyd gritted his teeth, fist clenching still facing the wall. Being reassigned increased his suspicions. Was he being removed and given a new assignment to distract him? He didn't have time for this nonsense, rather he should be going back to Iselia to explain things to Colette. If she was seen by a Desian scout, then the entire ploy would fail. She'd want an explanation for the attack...not to mention, she had to deal with the other two...
His brow knotted as he thought about the situation he had left Colette. The village would be in an uproar no doubt and more than likely place the blame on Colette. Not to mention Genis' rather ill timed appearance. Colette would be asked questions she wouldn't be able to answer, which would more than likely only fuel Genis' rage.
Sighing heavily, Lloyd turned and strode over to his chair, sliding it back as he sat down exasperated. Genis' surprise and joy at seeing him had not eluded Lloyd. He had clearly seen and heard the half-elven boy's questions and excitement and it felt like a stab to the gut. And, Lloyd had also seen and heard the anger and confusion when he refused to speak to Genis. It had stung too.
He rubbed his face, mentally exhausted by the day's events. No doubt, he could have handled the situation better; however, Lloyd had been more concerned about saving their lives than exchanging pleasantries. Lloyd knew Genis would be furious with him and Lloyd found himself reluctant to face his old friend. Even if Colette managed to calm Genis, and explained the situation, he doubted Genis would accept it. He had seen Lloyd's wings, he had undeniably seen the change in Lloyd's personality and in the end, Lloyd was uncertain if he could even handle seeing his friend upset. In truth, Lloyd was afraid to face Genis at all.
Lloyd released another sigh just as the door to his room slid open. His gaze instantly snapped up and scowl creased his features. "I don't recall inviting you into my quarters."
"Considering I am your superior, I don't recall needing an invitation," Yuan replied, striding in, casting a surreptitious eye around the room.
Irritated, Lloyd glowered. "What do you want, Yuan?"
Yuan glanced at him, then walked over to the desk, using a finger to leaf through the small stacks of papers on Lloyd's desk. Yuan was baiting him, Lloyd knew, and as much as it annoyed him, Lloyd kept his mouth shut, waiting for Yuan's curiosity to reveal itself. Lloyd's silence tended to annoy Yuan more than arguing did anyway.
Finally the older man spoke. "I heard you failed your mission."
"I did not fail so much as it was interfered with," Lloyd rebuked under his breath, sliding his papers away from Yuan. "Yggdrasill sent those angels, not I."
"The Chosen died and as a result you could not retrieve her. I think that would classify under failure, wouldn't it?" Yuan turned his attention to Lloyd, smirking.
"I think you enjoy aggravating me," Lloyd stated.
"Yes, I do."
"It wasn't a question," Lloyd organized his files and placed them in a drawer out of Yuan's reach.
Yuan chuckled and half sat on the edge of the desk. "You are being reassigned to a new mission in a few days."
"So I've heard." Lloyd eyed him, biting back his desire to push the infuriating man off the desk.
"Do you know where?"
"I take it you do," Lloyd responded indifferently, though his curiosity rose. "It doesn't surprise me that you would discover this information before myself. Why else you would be here taunting me with it?" He leaned back in his seat, folding his arms. "It's pitiful when your life is reduced to petty guessing games with your underlings." Lloyd smirked as Yuan's eyebrows knotted, knowing the insult struck a nerve with the older man.
"You spend too much time with your father," Yuan scoffed, his humour vanishing as quickly as it came.
Lloyd chuckled. "More like I spend too much time with you."
"Well, then, unfortunately for both of us, I might be putting up with you much more than I'd like. You are being assigned to help on the Tethe'alla world," Yuan replied off-handily.
Lloyd stiffened, his eyes flashing angrily and he shoved his chair back, rising to his feet. "Tethe'alla? Why?"
"In my opinion, Yggdrasill wants to keep you out of trouble." In a flash, Yuan's amusement returned at Lloyd's irate reaction to the news. "However, perhaps it is something to do with all your escapades throughout Sylvarant."
"My mission was to locate and retrieve the Chosen," Lloyd growled. He knew he was feeding Yuan's enjoyment, but Lloyd was beyond caring at his point.
"Which you failed, I might remind you. Perhaps your late night enjoyments distracted you." Yuan was suddenly interested with an invisible dust spot on cape, but the conniving smirk was clear.
Lloyd blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change of topics. Late night enjoyments—Yuan still honestly believed Lloyd had been fooling around with women? Lloyd frowned. "Did you not you talk to my father about that matter? We both agreed that it seems your exaggeration is running away with you. I'm afraid to disappoint you, but you are mistaken."
Yuan studied him for a time before moving away from the desk. "I'm not as blind as your father, Lloyd. I know you are hiding something. Something to do with Sylvarant. Perhaps it was the Chosen, perhaps it was your little band of friends, or perhaps just women in general." His eyes narrowed. "But don't assume I haven't realized it. I wouldn't be surprised if Yggdrasill realized it too. Probably why he sent those angels."
Lloyd kept his nervousness in check and glared back at the half-elf. "I don't appreciate being accused, Yuan. I'm not the double agent in this organization, you are. Don't place me on your level."
Yuan raised an eyebrow at him and then turned heading for the door. "I don't. Not yet, anyway," he called over his shoulder before the door slid shut.
Staring at the closed door, Lloyd scowled and clenched his fists before using one hand to rub his face again. He glanced around his room absently before he quickly left. He needed to go back to Sylvarant. He located a female angel messenger and ordered her to inform Yggdrasill that Lloyd Aurion was performing a follow-up on the Chosen's death. The angel nodded and glided off. Lloyd hoped his honesty would keep Yggdrasill content and not question his depature later.
Lloyd turned to leave, but not before he noticed Kratos standing near one of the bridges, watching him. Lloyd hesitated, giving his father an invitation to move towards him. Holding back his impatience, Lloyd turned to face him. "You were eavesdropping."
"If you wish your conversations private, do not have them in public areas. I was just passing through." Kratos stopped in front of him.
Lloyd gave him a withering look. "Is Yggdrasill having you keep an eye on me?"
"Is there a reason he should?"
Huffing, Lloyd crossed his arms. "Hardly." He paused, then looked to the side. "I apologize; Yuan left me in an irritable mood. I wish he would mind his own business."
"So is that the reason you are returning to Sylvarant?" Kratos watched him expectantly and Lloyd glanced at him. "I hardly believe your excuse given to Yggdrasill. Something is upsetting you. Is it about Colette's death?"
"The Chosen." He reminded him. "And it's nothing I can't handle," Lloyd replied curtly, hoping to put the conversation to rest. "I just need to let off some steam. The air on Sylvarant clears my mind."
Kratos' frowned and Lloyd could tell he wasn't buying it. Setting his jaw Lloyd started to excuse himself and turned only to have Kratos catch his arm.
"Lloyd, you can talk to me. You know that right?" Kratos asked, concern flickering in his eyes.
Swallowing, Lloyd gently tugged his arm free. "I know. However, I have nothing to talk to you about at the moment." He turned away. "I'll return relatively soon."
"Then we will talk," Kratos pressed and Lloyd could tell by his tone there wasn't room for argument.
"Yeah," Lloyd said as he walked towards the transport. "We'll talk." He could feel his father's gaze burning into his back as he stepped on the warp and even as he reappeared on Sylvarant, Lloyd could still feel his eyes watching him.
Something splashed on his eyelash and he glanced upwards and realized it was raining. Suddenly he was aware of the dampness seeping through his clothes and hair. His hair drooped, starting to plaster his face and he shook his hair from his eyes and hurried under the canopy. Mist swirled through the trunks, blurring his surroundings. He walked deftly through the undergrowth, his pants sodden from the knees done by the time he was nearing the clearing. Above him, the sky darkened and he heard the beginnings of thunder rumbling.
The house was lit, the flickering of candles shining through the windows and he could see figures moving within. The thunder rumbled loudly as Lloyd stood motionless at the tree line, watching the building. Water ran off the roof in long streams, splashing in a muddy puddle on the ground. Lloyd mentally made note to construct eaves troughs when he had time.
His eyes dropped back to the window and he strained to listen to the conversation, but found amid the hammering of the rain on the roof and the rumbling of thunder he couldn't. He studied the shadowed figures through the window, making out Colette and one other he assumed was Presea. Genis was not there? He frowned at that thought, but found himself slightly relieved. It wasn't the right time to confront him. Then again, would there ever be the right time...?
Lloyd shook his head, shoving the thought away and stepped out of the cover of the trees. He noted Noishe curled up in the pen, huddled under a large blanket. The rain would hopefully mask most of Lloyd's scent and sound. He approached at an angle he wouldn't be seen from the window and moved up against the building. He could make out the muffled voices from there. Rain dripped down his face, saturating his hair as he listened.
"You believe me don't you, Presea?" Colette asked quietly.
"I think you are confused. Genis is right to say it's too dangerous for you to see him alone. You should have told us sooner." Presea answered.
"He's not dangerous! If he was don't you think he would have done something already?" Colette argued.
"I don't know. What I do know is what you have told me and what I've seen. He is in Cruxis, which makes him our enemy and I saw him kill the angels."
"Exactly. If he wasn't our friend, why would he kill the angels?"
Presea seemed to hesitate and Lloyd blinked his eyes clear of the rain settling on his lashes. When she finally answered, Lloyd almost couldn't hear her.
"They need you alive, Colette. Lloyd attacked only when the angels threatened your life. It could be argued he was protecting you only to—"
"Don't!" Colette exclaimed and then silence followed and Lloyd heard her breath heavily. "Let's not talk about this anymore..."
"Alright." Presea agreed.
Lloyd leaned his head back against the house, staring at the sheet of rain falling before him. Colette was trying to defend him. It was not her responsibility to do that, it was his. He frowned and glanced back at the window and then up towards the balcony, but dismissed the idea. He needed to talk to her. He hadn't wanted to involve Presea; however, by the sound of it, there wasn't a chance he'd catch Colette alone anytime soon.
A flash of lightning lit up the sky, followed by a crack of thunder that made him wince and reach for his ear in irritation. He glanced back at the window, his frown deepening and then sighed and moved around to the front of the house and stood before the door. He stared at it for the longest moment, his hand raised to knock, but he still hesitated. If he knocked, Presea was more likely to answer rather than Colette, he didn't want that girl between them. Inhaling slowly he called Colette's name softly, but loud enough she would undoubtedly hear. "Colette. I'm at the door."
He waited, then heard a clamour as a chair clattered to the floor and Presea calling to ask what was wrong. Then the door swung open, the light blinding Lloyd for a moment. He blinked and then felt Colette collide against him, causing him to stumble back into the rain. "Lloyd! I knew you were coming back! What happened? Did you get in trouble for killing—?"
Lloyd lifted his glove and covered her mouth, frowning. "You're getting wet."
Colette scowled at him and shoved him back. "That's not important! Tell me what's going on?"
"Get back inside, Colette." Presea appeared at the doorway, her axe in her hands, staring at Lloyd suspiciously. Colette whirled around, her eyes widening as she noticed and she moved back towards her. Lloyd's hands instinctively dropped to his swords,
"No, Presea. Listen he's not dangerous. Just let him talk—"
"Get in the house, Colette." Presea repeated, lifting the axe defensively and moving past Colette, her eyes drifting from Lloyd's swords to his face.
"I don't wish to fight. I only want to talk with Colette." Lloyd pushed back his irritation and impulse to just approach and disarm her. He had to remind himself that Presea believed she was protecting Colette.
Presea didn't move. "You talk to me first."
Lloyd's eyes narrowed and his hand tightened around his sword.
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