Author's Note: Hi and sorry for the late update. :( Personal life hurts as much as a fed AD Thresh. :D But, hey, I am back and I will try to get back to my schedule again since we are 7 chapters before the end. This particular chapter and the one I'm posting on Monday were THE HARDEST ONES I've written. Staying in character with Thresh, Vayne and Lucian was exceptionally difficult here but I did my best (I hope). Please enjoy!
P.S: I apologise in advance for all these bolds and italics on this chapter. I was trying to find a way to make all the emotional tension on some scenes visible. :D
The familiar dark atmosphere of his room gave him exactly the space he needed to sit down and relax. His mind was constantly circulating around Vayne and her confession the previous game has taken the route he wanted but this turn was something he was not expecting that soon. So, what happens now? He'd dedicate a good amount of his time studying every fiber of her but he'd never admit. She made him wonder. She made him curious. How did she come to the point of being in love with him? What did he do to make her feel this way?
Memories flooded his mind out of the blue, remembering it was not the first time he had found himself in a similar situation.
*Flashback *
The screams and cries from prisoners who were led to the central square for execution were not strange to him. It happened every time the local authorities would visit his prison to take away yet another fake tough criminal. They were all the same, he thought. Tough on the outside but when the time came and they found themselves face to face with death, their cowardice was finally shown. He looked back at his desk and huffed in annoyance glancing at the endless paperwork he had to take care of. He soon started filling the papers trying to kill as much time as he could before lunchtime.
Loud whistles and laughter from the cells immediately caught his ears. This was no common reaction of the prisoners though. They would only behave like this at the sight of a good announcement or a beautiful woman. Since the first option was rather unlikely he figured it was guest time and some girl has visited a prisoner. At least that was until the door of his office knocked. Curious at the sudden visit, he stood up heading to the door. When he opened it his eyebrows raised in question. The woman in front of him offered a warm smile as she brushed past him inside the office, not even minding to ask for permission. He closed the door behind him slowly, walking towards her. He stood in front of the petite woman, his eyes meeting her ice blue ones.
" Good evening, Warden. "
He flashed a bright smile bowing before her.
" Duchess Eleanor, what a pleasant surprise. What do I owe your sudden visit to? " he asked pouring two glasses of liquor and handing one to her. She downed it all at once, her expression totally changing behind closed doors. He looked at her half concerned half amused as she put the glass down to the desk and stared at him.
" Is something wrong, my dear? "
She closed her eyes letting out a frustrated sigh. Her knuckles turned white from the pressure she was putting on her hands and her teeth gritted slightly.
" When will you stop giving me mixed signals? "
He furrowed his brows at her question opening his mouth to speak but she cut him off before he managed to do so.
" Don't even try to answer that. Let me finish. "
He nodded his head in approval remaining silent as she proceeded with her monologue.
" You see, we've spent a lot of time together the last five months. I believe I have made it clear I am interested in you but you seem apathetic to everything. I have limits, you know, and you have just surpassed them. I was dead serious about the 'mixed signals' issue before. I am met with a different side of you everytime I see you. And you want to know what the problem is? I happen to be fond of all of them. But you...you don't even try to respond to any move or any approach I have tried. The only thing you ever do is tease. Last week at the central square you firmly held my hand for no apparent reason when the execution took place. The same night you almost freaking kissed me outside of this very prison. And after all that I lose sight of you and you don't speak to me for the rest of the week. You probably wouldn't have spoken to me since the next execution if I didn't visit you today. So, like I said, stop giving me mixed signals and tell me what you want. What you really want. "
He tried to fight back a small smile at her words. She was almost there; almost. All he had to do was press the right buttons.
" I cannot bring myself to understand what is it you want to hear from me. Declare it and I will answer you. "
Her eyes darkened for a second as she dug her nails on her palm threatening to bleed. Her face betrayed frustration and it was at this time he knew he achieved his goal. She took a long breath before starting to speak. Bingo, he thought. There it is. The ultimate zenith.
" Are you kidding me? Haven't I made clear how you are making me feel already? You have driven me mad. I can't go a minute of the day without thinking about you and the wonderful way you treat me when we are out of this prison and alone. You make me feel special in a way no other man can. You somehow have my whole life spin around you. And the worst part is, I am not complaining. You know why? Because I am madly in love with you in a way I couldn't even imagine was possible. But you don't seem to openly acknowledge that. Thinking about it, this is all just a sick game to you, isn't it? Torturing people like that. I can tell by the look on your face that you get pleasure from it. Crazily enough, I seem to love this side of you even more. Can you see now what you have done? I hope you are satisfied you possess yet another plaything in your hands because this is exactly how I am seeing myself at the moment. "
A small yet content smile appeared on his lips as he shortened the distance between them.
" My dear Eleanor, is that all? I can't believe such a thing would bother you. If only you have said what you wanted from the beginning...I would have answered in a heartbeat. "
She chewed on her bottom lip trying to suppress her still existing irritation which only grew more and more everytime she looked into his eyes and saw the arrogance and the satisfaction he was getting from all this.
" And what would that answer be, Warden? "
He smirked closing the remaining gap between them and bringing his lips to hers. He still cherished her sweet flavour. At the time, she was only his. And she would be for the rest of their time. He has come to the point where he could claim possession of her and she would consent to this. He knew this would be a trophy that would last for the eternity. He was sure as long as he found himself saying those words.
" I hope I have made clear that the interest is mutual, my Duchess. "
*End of flashback *
He found himself reminiscing a lot that night. The resemblance Eleanor's confession bore to Vayne's was rather amusing to him. He certainly had a type, he thought.
His little feet took him running towards the Ionian quarters in full speed, the news he just received too important to keep them for himself. He had to find Shen immediately and update him on everything they'd been missing because of the contribution of a certain mage. Events have literally taken an unexpected turn and the time he thought he had was running out.
Absorbed by his thoughts, he bumped face first to a seemingly hard surface. After regaining his composure he figured the surface he bumped into was in fact a pair of human legs blocking his way. When he looked up he was met with a pair of warm blue eyes staring at him. He noticed her immediately lowering her torso as much as possible to match his height. A small smile appeared on her lips when she petted his head.
" Kennen! Where have you been? I have lost track of you the last weeks. Is everything okay with the Kinkou Order? "
His trained eyes scanned the room while she was speaking, narrowing at the almost invisible company they had.
" Follow me fast. Keep your distance to avoid causing suspicions. I promise I will explain everything once we reach the destination. "
She nodded affirmatively standing up on her full height, letting him run a few meters before following behind him. A few turns and some running later he took her inside the Ionian training grounds which were empty at the time.
" What is going on, Kennen? You can't disappear like this and have me worried that you might have gotten in trouble because of me. "
The ninja smiled at her concern placing his tiny hands on hers.
" Don't worry about me. If I was you, I wouldn't want to be seen with someone like me. They are everywhere and they are watching. "
Vayne froze on the spot as she tried to take in her surroundings. She couldn't sense anything but something was definitely there.
" Who is watching? And why are you running from them? "
The Yordle sighed moving his gaze back to hers.
" Listen, I don't have much time left. Just know that you are being followed by Zed's comrades on a 24 hour basis. From the little information I know, The Order of the Shadows was hired for your protection after Zed came to an agreement with him. He really seems ready to do anything to keep you safe. But warn him; an alliance with Zed and Syndra will not end up on his favour. "
Vayne stared at him in confusion, taking in all the new information she received.
" I don't understand. Who turned to Zed and Syndra in order to keep me safe?"
Silence filled the room afterwards as the Yordle finally got familiar with the absence of her knowledge.
" You don't know? I am sorry you had to find out about this by me. Zed and Syndra's newest addition to the alliance is Lucian. "
All out of a sudden, her senses heightened creating a chaotic mess inside her head.
" Oh my god. He knows doesn't he? That's why he's been avoiding me. Now I can explain why Syndra approached Thresh too. She's trying to get the last piece of hope from me so I submit to her will as well. I can't believe this. "
Kennen gave her an apologetic look sympathising with her situation. This woman have given him all the love he has never had before. She didn't deserve a life like this.
His senses suddenly warned him for upcoming danger and rushed to transform himself into a small ball of lightning.
" They are here. I will go now and I don't know when I will be able to see you again. But please remember this; if you ever need anything, the Order will be here for you. I will be here for you; even if you can't see me. "
With those last words he drifted off towards the hallway as well-camouflaged shadows she hasn't noticed before made their way towards their hiding spots. She sighed making her way outside with a certain room on her mind.
" Thank you for the drink, Lucian. I suppose coffee is not that bad after all. "
He nodded smiling at the dark mage, adding a cube of sugar on her cup.
" You should try this more often, Syndra. It contributes on controlling anger and tense feelings like that. "
She tried to hide a small chuckle when a certain moody ninja appeared in her mind.
"Zed could totally use something like that. I feel like he would need less sugar and way more coffee though."
Lucian moved his head sideways at her attempt to joke, taking a sip of his drink.
" If he was here he'd probably glare at you. "
They shared a small awkward laugh at the thought, occasionally switching subjects as the conversation progressed. The Dark Sovereign probably wasn't the best of people but she made a good company and he had to give her that.
A loud bang at the door interrupted their session. Several moments later the knocking became more intense causing both parties to stand up.
" Excuse me for a second Syndra. I probably need to answer this. "
The mage nodded affirmatively gesturing him to move along. He made his way towards the door opening it with a hint of uncertainty. Once the door was open, the almost fuming figure of the Night Hunter stormed inside the room. Not sparing him a glance, she walked towards the mage.
" I'm going to have to ask you to leave, Syndra. "
The Dark Sovereign crooked an eyebrow placing her hands on her midsection.
" Oh? This is not your property to make calls like this one, dear. "
Vayne's patience was growing thin and it took a lot of willpower to restrain herself from kicking her out by violence.
" Get out right away. I will not say this another time. "
Lucian, who has been silent during the confrontation, stepped determinedly between the two women clearing his throat.
" I apologise for the scene, Syndra. I will make sure to meet you on your own quarters soon. Until then, please give us some alone time. "
The mage nodded sparing a small smile at him before showing herself out of the dorm. Vayne slammed the door shut behind her letting a loud sigh escaping her lips.
" What was that all about? " he asked holding back a glare he has been meaning to give her since she stormed inside the room.
" I need to talk. You have to at least hear me out and try to see everything from my perspective. "
He nodded sitting down on his previous position gesturing her to do the same.
" Then talk. I am eager to see how you'll be able to drag yourself out of the mud. "
Author's Note Vol 2: Confrontation coming on Monday! Wonder just how much more does Vayne has to endure before she breaks down. Chapter 24 is where the true fun begins! Since Monday, the last 7 chapters will be the final "showdown" before the curtain call finally comes down (ahhh I love this phrase!). Anyway, let's read your comments cause I've spotted some interesting ones this time:
crazyLatern: Eleanor will appear a lot on these final chapters. I can spoil that she's the key for something really important that will affect Vayne's life, so I guess you will definitely see ore of her. As for Vayne's reaction towards Thresh, well it was not expected indeed. But as the chapters progress we will see some rather unusual and unfitting for Vayne attitudes. Don't forget that the book has the ability to change the way she thinks and she acts. She is deeply influenced by it, therefore she can be "bipolar" or even insane some times *wink wink*. We'll soon see how this will turn out for her.
DarkStarVarus: Well, Eleanor and Thresh are the two opposite poles of a magnet you could say. But that is exactly what makes them perfect for each other. Eleanor's feelings have remained intact since then. But Thresh, well, he's been through a lot of changes. He's definitely not the same person, nor he will ever be. But that doesn't mean he's completely lost interest in her. On the contrary, maybe he still values her over everyone. Even Vayne. ;)
Glowing Doom: Vayne and Lucian's relationship is something that will be thoroughly analysed and explained on the next chapter. Whether this confrontation wll be enough for them to clear things out, I guess we'll see!
AndHisNameIsCena: Drama is love, drama is life!
NightBoosted3: Why did Thresh agree to give Senna back? Well, that's one interesting question. Wish I had the answer to that but who knows what's inside a madman's mind anyway? I guess he will tell us himself on a few chapters.
Cupcake Girl: He deserved it for being naive as fuck for 22 whole chapters if you ask me. :D
iHookGirls: Like I explained before, Vayne is not 100% fine on her sanity levels. There is currently a mass of information and feelings inside her head and the effect of the book only makes it all worse.
That was all folks. Hope you are happy with how the story has progressed so far! I swear I am the kind of gal who would just rewrite 30 chapters over and over until everybody's content with it. :D See you on Monday xoxoxo
