Lost in a chapter

Chapter 2

Tora stood in the remnants of dawn, a fragile figure against the shifting landscape. Sylvain’s soft whisper of ‘Goodnight’ still lingered in her mind, and the relentless pull towards him, made sleeping, an unbearable task. The sticky climate of Lunary clung to her skin, compelling her to swipe at her brow as she allowed her simmering thoughts to settle. A quiet rustling of leaves broke the stillness. Marthos approached, her silhouette sharp against the backdrop of shifting light. Tora raised a hand, instinctively moving toward her companion, her thoughts continuing to plague her. What am I going to offer the Fayb? I have nothing. I, just know that, the deal needs to be broken and my bond severed. I can’t be connected to either of them, they’re murderers, who not only murdered my parents but all Thoradian, and yet, this tug between us, has my mind and heart betraying what is morally right. Tora looked up at Marthos who’s stance radiated urgency.

“We need to move,” Marthos said, her voice low yet insistent. “Every hour we waste, is another gained by Sylvarune.”

Tora acknowledged her friend’s words, Marthos seemed a little restless. “No sleep too?” Tora asked. “None, I’m worried about Solis, I understand you don’t like him, but he’s a good guy.” She said, shifting her wings to let Tora pass. As your friend, I worry for you Solis. Marthos thought as she continued their journey to find the oracle. They walked in silence for a while, thoughts and sounds drifting ever so slightly, until nothing, complete silence. Tora looked at Marthos, surprise upon her face, as she realised, they were near the oracle.

As they pushed through the thick of the forest, its air tightened around them. The clinging heat pressed down on their skin, making every step heavier. The humidity wasn’t making it any easier for them. Marthos attempted to use her powers, but they were non-existent here. Instead, she began hacking through the dense forest with her wings.

“Garrh,” Tora grunted as she ripped at the vines with her bloody hands. The vines, riddled with tiny spikes, tore at her skin with every pull, leaving trails of red in their wake. Thoughts of Solis and Marthos occupied Tora as she tore at the vines in their path. She must really love Solis. Maybe that’s another reason why she wants this magic bond broken, maybe she wants him released from it too, so they can be together.

Tora heaved in a breath, ready to tear away more vines when the path opened, as though the forest had suddenly decided to let them pass. Sound quickly filled their ears again as they took in the sight of the place.

“I’ve never been here before,” Marthos admitted, her usual poise giving way to astonishment. “Heard stories as a child, but not even they do this place justice,” she said in awe.

“He lives in a palace. There’s even a pool?” Tora questioned; her voice confused. Marthos chuckled.

“Did you really think the only being in Aetheris who can tell you almost everything you ask for would live in that filth we trekked through?” Marthos shook her head in amusement.

“Ah yes!” Tora replied, as if it were the obvious solution.

Guards dressed in pristine white stood like statues at the entrance of the glistening pool, their solemn gazes making Tora shift uncomfortably. Marthos looked to Tora, as if reminding her of the information she warned of earlier. Tora glanced her way to silently assure her she understood.

The canopy of intricately woven tree vines, adorned with pastel-coloured flowers, let dappled light filter through, painting the entrance with soft, shifting hues. This spot feels like a dream; I could live just under here and never want for anything else, Tora thought as she looked towards Marthos, who seemed to take a more serious approach to the experience.

As her eyes settled on the figure ahead, Tora felt her breath catch. Geez, Marthos wasn’t joking, he is extremely attractive. Tora wiped at her face to hide the pleasant smile creeping onto her lips.

As they stepped closer to the oasis, the figure of the oracle became clearer. He stood at the edge of the shimmering pool, his broad shoulders catching the light of the sun that filtered through the canopy above. His skin was sun-kissed, glowing as though he carried the warmth of the light within him. His chest was bare, revealing smooth, chiselled muscles that spoke of strength and grace in equal measure. Long, loose pants of flowing fabric rested low on his hips, fluttering slightly in the breeze, their movement echoing the rhythm of the cascading waterfalls around him.

His presence was magnetic, commanding attention without effort. Tora felt her breath hitch as she took in the oracle’s sharp jawline, the cascade of dark hair framing his face, and his piercing grey eyes that seemed to hold the weight of countless secrets.

Marthos, who had been stoic throughout their journey, faltered slightly. Her wings shifted, a subtle movement that betrayed her composure. “He’s… impressive,” she murmured, her voice softer than usual. Tora’s brows furrowed, her gaze snapping to Marthos. Is she seriously doing this? Tora thought, her warning from earlier replaying in her mind. She side-glanced at her companion, her lips pressing into a tight line.

The oracle turned his gaze toward them, and Tora felt the air shift, as though the world itself bent to his will. But it was Marthos he focused on. His eyes, sharp and intent, lingered on her as though he were seeing her for the first time, and couldn’t look away. “Welcome,” he said, his voice smooth and resonant, carrying an unspoken promise of answers. Yet his gaze remained on Marthos, his expression softening with something unspoken.

Marthos stepped forward, her usual confidence returning, though her tone carried an unfamiliar warmth. “We’ve come a long way to find you,” she said, her wings fluttering slightly as she spoke. “I hope you’re as wise as the stories say.”

The oracle’s lips curved into a faint smile, his focus unwavering. “I am,” he replied, his voice laced with quiet amusement. His eyes searched hers for a moment, a flicker of something more passing through his expression, curiosity, admiration, perhaps even longing.

Marthos’s breath hitched, but she quickly straightened, a faint flush betraying her resolve. This is not the time for distractions, she told herself firmly, forcing her wings to still. “Then let’s not waste time,” she said, her tone sharper, but her gaze flicked briefly to his lips before darting away.

The oracle’s smile deepened, sensing her conflict. “Very well,” he said, his voice softer now, as though meant only for her. His amusement hadn’t faded, but there was a gravity beneath it that seemed to anchor his every word. “Ask what you came to ask, Marthos. The answers are yours.”

Tora watched the exchange with a mixture of disbelief and quiet annoyance. She folded her arms, resisting the urge to roll her eyes as Marthos fought to maintain her usual stoic self under the oracle’s penetrating gaze. Unbelievable. She warned me about him, and now she’s the one faltering.