1728

~Tove

I chew on my oatmeal, staring out the window.

Sleep didn't come easily last night. My head is muddled this morning, but my anger has dispersed. Now, I want a cure for Mary more than ever, and if it means putting up with Keo, I'll do it.

He strides into the dining room, falling into a seat at the far end.

I stop chewing. Does he always have to look like that?

"Eat as much as possible. We will be working on your magic today," he says, adjusting his gloves.

I put my spoon down. Breakfast was already waiting for me when I came down this morning, even in Keo's absence. I've been looking around for staff, but I've found nothing.

Keo and I are completely alone up here.

"Already?" I don't even feel my powers humming under my skin anymore.

"You think we should delay?" He raises a brow.

"No..."

That means I'll be here longer than I need to be. This manor is so stunning, especially with the view of the expansive sea that stretches endlessly toward the horizon.

But that isn't enough for me to feel comfortable here.

"The sooner I am away from you, the better," I exclaim, stirring my spoon around the bowl. Now that he is here, in my presence, my appetite has vanished.

He doesn't look like a killer, as he leans back casually in his seat, the bright sun drenching him in warm light. He doesn't look normal though, but close enough to it that I have to be cautious as to not be deceived.

"You have something you need to return to?" He looks out the windows, fingers tapping against the surface of the table.

My eyes narrow. "Yes. My dying friend."

He looks back at me. "The one who betrayed you?"

"She was doing it to save my life," I bite back.

I have my own reasons to be upset at Mary. Keo doesn't get to make her sound worse than she is just because she did what she believed was right.

It's why I'm here, making a similar mistake.

A smile plays at his sensuous lips. "Ah. Because you were in such good hands with those Noble's."

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"Daxen may have presumed I am only capable of wanting women for sex because maybe that is what he desire's from women," he exclaims, fingers brushing against his lips as he gazes off at the sea.

My fist tightens around my spoon. I'm tempted to toss it at his head.

"Your attempt to slander his name isn't going to work on me," I respond tersely. I dislike Dax because of my problems with him, not because of Keo's.

He levels a look. "What makes you think I'm wrong?"

"Because Dax has an excellent reputation. Even I know he isn't capable of harming anyone."

His problem is that he cares too much, and believes he can make a decision for someone's safety on their behalf.

Keo reclines back in his seat, studying me. "Who says wanting sex is harmful?"

"I mean...It doesn't matter," I grit out. "I don't care what Dax wants. Why are you trying to distract me? Is it because you don't want me asking questions about you."

He rubs a hand over his eyes before looking away.

Eventually he stands, jerking his toward the door. "Time for your test."

"Test?"

"Follow me," he demands coolly, brushing past me.

Dumping my spoon in my bowl, I get up, obliging him. He leads me out into the expansive main room, nudging the balcony doors open before motioning for me to stand outside.

"I thought we were practising." I amble outside, shielding my face with my hand as the sun strikes down upon us.

"I need to know what needs work before we can start practising," he explains, leaning against the railing casually.

"I have nothing to prove to you."

"Sit on the edge of this railing and look out toward the sea," he orders, pointing to where he wants me.

I stiffen. He wants me to sit on the frail looking railing when there's a massive drop below that would thrust me into the tumultuous sea if I dare fall. This sounds like a death sentence.

"Why?" I ask warily.

"Do it," he commands. "Then relax and clear your mind."

The pressure in Keo's gaze is enough to have me shuffling toward the railing. I'm assuming this is either a confidence exercise or it's meditation.

So, taking a deep breath, I swing my legs over the railing and settle down upon it, trying not to look down, opting instead to focus my attention on the horizon.

The sea is beautiful today. Distantly, the water is like glass, so still and magnificent. Below, however, the water churns against the rocks, a deep, threatening blue.

"What's the point of this?" I ask him, hoping he doesn't note my trembling voice.

I hear him push off the railing, approaching slowly. My entire body tenses, anticipating his proximity as he comes up behind me.

"Save yourself," he murmurs in my ear.

"Huh?"

"Save yourself," he repeats, before pushing me unceremoniously off the railing.

I fall. And fast.

My stomach drops as I plummet down toward the sea and rocks below. A short, panicked scream passes my lips, my eyes squeezing shut.

I'm going to die. He's killed me.

Drawing in one last breath, I dig into my panic, using it to force myself up, imaging my feet touching solid ground back up above.

It works, as my feet touch the back upon the balcony with enough force to send me stumbling forward, nearly toppling down onto my face.

Falling down to my hands and knees, I draw in desperate breaths, trying to soothe my panic as it threatens to cause me to vomit all over the ground.

Blinking past tears, I force my eyes open, running my hands along the ground. I'm alive. I did it.

When I'm calm enough to turn around, seeing a smiling Keo lingering behind me.

"I could have died!" I growl.

He merely shrugs. "You didn't die."

I gape at him, stunned. I know I can't trust him, that he is irrational and unpredictable, but this isn't like anything I thought he would pull.

"I could have!" I yell.

"Instead, you used your powers and transported yourself to safety." He walks over to me, offering me his hand. "This is more valuable than you think, to use your powers in tense situations."

I don't take it, forcing myself up into standing position. I sway a little, lightheaded.

"Tense? Is that really what you're using to describe that." I gesture stupidly at the railing, at the drop beyond it.

He looks thoughtful. "This is good. You did well."

"You tried to kill me!"

He takes a step at me, but I don't let him get close, backing away toward the inside of the house. I hate him so much, I don't want him anywhere near me.

"I wouldn't have done it, had I believed you were incapable," he assures me calmly.

In other words, had I not been capable of transporting myself to safety, I would be no use to him. And the moment I'm no use to him, I'm dead.

"You really are a monster," I growl.

"Listen, alright, I was ready to transport you myself to safety were you in any danger of in-completing your task." He gives me a bland smile that leaves me reeling.

"You could have told me that!" Do I believe him? I don't know...

"You wouldn't have reacted the same. You needed to believe you were in danger," he insists, following me as I storm inside.

Would he think the same if I pushed him off the ledge? Knowing his deluded mind, he would probably enjoy it.

I bet he even smiled when watching me fall to my death.

"Congratulations, it worked, you maniac."

"I needed to do this early, while you still don't trust me." He studies me, taking note of my flushed cheeks and crazed hair. I'm sure my expression conveys the horror as I still struggle to reconcile with the fact that I nearly died.

"You really think I'll ever trust you?" I almost laugh at the absurdity of that.

Something dark shifts over his eyes. "Maybe."

"You're delusional. And sick, and so messed up in the head it's insane." I'm practically yelling, but he doesn't even flinch.

Maybe he's come to his senses and realised he pushed it too far.

"You'll understand my perspective when you first use a large chunk of your power," he assures me, without actually comforting me.

"I hate you," I snap.

He smiles. "Oh, I know."

Mercifully, I don't see him for the rest of the day.

He's given me the entire manor to myself as he deals with his own business out there. Even though I don't trust him, I'm comforted by the fact that I could transport myself away whenever I please.

Dax intended on trapping me. Keo has allowed me freedom, a choice.

By nightfall, I'm in my room, the narrow balcony doors wide open, the gauzy curtains billowing in the sea scented breeze.

For a while I just sit on the edge of the bed, letting the cool night air wash over me. I'm over my fear from earlier. Now, I unexplainably feel almost euphoric...

Something nestled deep within is singing to me. It's both comforting and terrifying.

Yawning, I get to my feet, glancing at the bed, only to notice something sitting upon the side table.

Frowning, I circle the bed, realising it's a book with a note lying atop it.

Picking it up, I twist the book over, reading the title. This is easily the most beautiful book I've ever seen. The spine has a golden pattern printed over it, leeching onto the front, twisting around the letters of the title.

I release a long, slow breath.

It's no secret who has gifted me this. It's so stunning it hurts to look at.

Setting it down, I flip the note open, reading the fine handwriting.

Tove -

I don't apologise for pushing you today.

You did well. You should be proud.

Keo.

❤️••❤️

~Midika 💜🐼