Trouble in Tithio

by ascendanceseriesveteran

Tracking down the Prozarian Army was hard enough, now Jaron is faced with a far more distressing dilemma. Having stopped in Tithio, Imogen's hometown, Jaron witnessed the reunion of mother and daughter, while adopting the identity of Sage again. He didn't expect Imogen to also reconnect with a man-boy set on winning her heart. Imogen is still angry at Jaron. Will Phillip succeed?

2. Chapter 2

"You have nothing to be insecure about."

"Tobias, I had known you to be dumb in the past, but blindness," I stopped to look at him, "That's a new development."

"Imogen is just torturing you a bit. And, I mean, you deserve it."

"Thanks. That's incredibly reassuring."

Tobias scoffed and reached to open the door. On the other side were voices belonging to Imogen's mother, Lavinia, Fink and Amarinda, Imogen and Philip. His name was like venom.

I stopped Tobias, "Speaking of torture. Why aren't you ignoring me like everyone else?"

For the first time since they found out I had hidden the Devil's Scope from them, someone looked at me with an expression other than scorn, contempt, frustration or disappointment. "You're trying to fix this, Jaron. We all make mistakes. You, well… you make quite a few more than others." I stuck out my jaw. It was a habit, but also a convenient way to hide more painful emotions from showing on my face. "I guess, I just know that the mistakes that you make can only be fixed with support. And because, apparently, you've hurt the others substantially more than me-"

'Because I am happier than ever with Amarinda', he didn't say.

"I'm willing to put up with you."

I smiled at him. Simply because no words could show the extent of my gratitude. But he was right. Sometimes I felt as though my very soul was being ripped apart. In those moments, Imogen was my source of reassurance without even knowing it. But she wasn't here now and it was as if something inside me was dying. So, whatever support Tobias was willing to give, I'd take it.

He opened the door. Fink and Amarinda were immersed in conversation by the window. Imogen's mother, Lavinia, was kneading some bread beside her daughter. Philip stood with his arm around Imogen's waist, smirking at me when I saw. I looked anywhere else. Mainly because she looked so at home. Who was I to deprive Imogen of what, or who, she truly wanted? As much as it pained me.

"I deserve it." I murmured and Tobias frowned.

Not for the first time did I wish I had stayed on that boat and let the pirates sink it.

One more glance at Imogen was enough to gage where her mind was at. She was beaming up at Philip, sharing some joke in their own little sphere. I mumbled an "excuse me" and sauntered out the door.