Chapter 7
Empty
hmm. this one seems to be shorter. oh well. enjoy. i can't really say much - too early. (well, actually, it's nearly luchtime, but i've only just woken up). enjoy.
"Lady Nel, please! It could be a trap! At least stop a moment and think!"
Nel snapped the blades into their sheaths.
"Lady Nel!"
Picking up her pack, she motioned for Hikari to follow. She was about to leave when Arzei's hand touched her shoulder. "You cannot go alone."
"I don't care! I have to go, now! You saw what he wrote!" She turned to face him, her voice softer. "I have to, Arzei. I have to."
The king looked into those fierce green eyes, and suddenly understood why the boy had fallen for her. There was such determination; it was amazing, making her eyes burn with an emerald light. He knew how she felt – Albel was like a son to him – yet he couldn't let her go alone. Hikari stood beside her, every bit as determined, as if nothing would stop them from going.
He released her shoulder. "I will tell the others to look for you. Send back Artemis, she can take them to you. Take care."
She nodded, and was out of the castle doors in a blink. Artemis cried out, her voice piercing the cold air.
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"A…Albel?"
He blinked. That…that was his name…and hers was…
"…Nina…?"
She hugged him tightly, tears falling from her eyes. "Albel! It is you! I knew you'd come!"
He remained motionless in her arms. Memories brought back coldness. Although he didn't push her away, his muscles remained tense. She felt this, and pulled away, confused. Her lavender eyes met his, searching for the answer.
"You abandoned me." His voice was empty, matter-of-fact. "When I needed you most, you left me."
She shook her head, grabbing his human hand. "No! Never! You know that!"
"I trusted you." he was too tired to shout. Just too tired…
"Albel!"
"How could you leave? And so soon after Mother's death."
"No!" She shook her head, pleading. "Just…hear me out."
So Albel did.
It turned out that Vox knew about the whole thing. Who Dark Vengeance were targeting, who would be next. He had paid them to do a job for them, promising that if they did he would pay them for his protection.
The job was to assassinate Lady Kiana Nox. Their mother.
A few days after Glou's death, Vox had asked Kiana for her hand in marriage. Disgusted, she had hit him and run off, wounding Vox's pride. He wanted her. Many times he asked her, and each time she refused. Finally he decided that if he couldn't have her, no man would touch her. Dark Vengeance killed her, and kidnapped Nina, for Vox had promised them her as an early payment. Abuse, rape…they had broken her body, forcing her into submission. When she refused, they would starve her. And through it all she had prayed that her brother would rescue her.
Albel listened through it all, the anger building within. He had always known. Always…
His claw gripped at the ground, a low growl escaping his lips. How dare they…
That night was one of memories. Of hopes, dreams, realisation. It ended all too quickly when the guard reappeared and dragged her out, beating her when she fought back. Albel burned, but he could not move. Exhaustion's icy fingers gripped his heart, holding him back as his sister was stolen away from him once more.
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The hawk retraced her path, slowly so that the humans could catch up. Albel himself had trained her, he had been there at her birth – or so the king said. If Albel had trained her, then she could lead them to him. However, it could all be a trap. Nel didn't care. She wouldn't stop, not now, not while he was so close.
Nel watched Artemis flying, wishing she could do the same. Just be free of it all…never having to worry about a thing…
She sighed, shaking her head. It was no use dreaming of things that could never be. Albel needed her in the 'now', not the 'if only'.
Albel…
I'm coming, Albel. I'll get you out. I promise.
so, there you have it. nina's confession was better when i dreamed it. ah well. review, as always. i mean, i'm happy with the ones i have now, but it would be nice if i had more. (hint hint big grin) please?