Page 44 of Slayer

“I thought you were dead or taken by them! I didn’t have another choice.” He stares down at his wrapped hands, shame flickering across his face. Regret for the decision he’s made because of me.

“When have I ever not come back?” I snap. “When have I ever just left you?” Heat flares in my chest. “For fuck’s sake, Zorren, being here with you has been my priority since you were little. I would never let anyone take that from me.” My voice comes out louder than I mean it to, echoing off the old wooden walls. I don’t typically yell at him, but my blood is boiling at this. It’s not him I’m angry at, but the king and Silas for reaching their power-hungry hands into my life.

“I just wanted to help,” he says, his eyes everywhere but on me. “You always help me. And if you needed help, I wanted to be the one to do it.” He closes his eyes for longer than a blink, fighting back tears. He understands I don’t do well with emotions, although for him, my heart is always open to hearing his cries. Something inside me shatters at his words. He’s the only one in this world that I feel a deep bond with. Like fate put him in my path for a reason and me in his.

His eyes are wide and his hands are shaking, and for the first time in a long time I see the terrified child from the orphanage. I stare at him, gathering my thoughts.

Once upon a time, he lost everything. He’d do anything to stop it from happening again. And so would I.

“I appreciate that you wanted to help me,” I say, swallowing the guilt threatening to overwhelm me, “but you never have to come save me, understand?” I step closer to him, and his golden-brown eyes met mine. Hurt and regret flash across his face and he turns his cheek to avoid my gaze.

My chest aches. “I am more than capable of getting myself out of any situation.” I reach up and hold his chin in my hand, forcing his heartbroken eyes back on mine. “And if I die, then you make every decision to save yourself. You hear me? You survive. You don’t follow me into the grave.” I lower my hand. “If you go work for the royals, they will use you as human bait to get me. You won’t ever see me again if you go to that cursed castle.”

“Fine,” he concedes solemnly, dipping his chin to adjust the wraps on his hands. He tightens them until his knuckles blanch.

“Fine?” My tone sharpens at his dismissal of the conversation. “What’s your plan, Zorren? Because a massive royal ship just docked on my port. Do I tell them to turn their gilded asses around, or are you planning on leaving with them?” Part of me doesn’t want the answer, but time is not on our side, and I refuse to let royal scum infect my island. More than they already have, anyway.

“I won’t go.” His voice cracks. “I… I’m sorry. I really thought—”

“I know. But I am nobody’s burden but my own.” I sigh, my shoulders slumping. “You however, are my world,” I tell him softly. “I’ll do anything for you, love, but I need you to think things through. Don’t ever blindly walk into a trap.” He casts his eyes to the floor, his cheeks reddening.

I clear my throat. “Well, luckily I have a better life venture lined up for you. If you choose to accept.” He perks up and I flash him an enticing smile. It’ll be difficult for him to join the Slayers Academy this late in his life, but it’ll be good for him. He wanted to join before, and now with Silas gone it’s finally an option. And with the way the tides are turning in this world, he’ll need to be prepared for whatever is to come.

“What’s that?” he asks. I move across the room, looking for a piece of paper. I have some words to say to our dear old king.

“I’ll tell you later,” I say, rifling through the cluttered desk where bets are usually placed. “I’ll come find you when I’m done handling the royals.”

I finally find a blank piece of parchment. Reaching for the quill on the edge of the desk, I dip it in the inkwell and twirl it once between my fingers before lowering the tip to the page.

Your Majesty,

Let me make this simple, so you’ll understand.

Keep your men off my island.

All correspondence goes through me.

I own the Academy now—your job requests also go through me.

Test me, and I’ll end your reign before this ink dries.

Yes, that’s a threat.

Doubt me?

Try me.

— N

“There’s one more thing I should tell you,” Zorren says behind me. I turn with the note in hand.

“What’s that?” My brow lifts, already annoyed by the hesitance in his voice. I don’t know how much patience I have left for bad news.

“The royals come today to get me.” His eyes scan the large room. “They’ll be here any moment now.” This I already know. I turn back to the note.

“I was wondering how I’d send this letter,” I say, “but I’ll guess the royals will be able to pick it up themselves.” I look up, a sharp smile tugging at my mouth. Zorren looks at me quizzically, as if he’s confused why I haven’t leapt into action. “Well… you’ve always wanted to fight by my side. Now is your chance.”

I pause at the sound of muffled chatter growing outside. Boots, metal, and arrogance. They’re close.