Chapter 7

Faye's friends decide to take the situation in their own hands. Meanwhile, Shadow becomes very confused after he saves Faye's life again

"Why is the sky blue? Is it true that the moon is made of cheese? Why can't we see the air?" 

"I've already had enough! Noah, are you listening to me? One more idiot question and I swear I'll shot you." Blake said annoyed.

"after what you've done, you deserve a punishment."

"I already said I'm sorry."

"This doesn't solve our problems. It's been almost three weeks since we're in this forest. "

"Actually, it's been eighteen days."

"Thank you for information. Hey, are you going to eat those blueberries? I'm starving."

"I'm so sick to live like an animal. Soon, there will be no food around and we'll need to go deeper in the forest to find it. Who knows where those assassins could be?"

"Find Faye faster then. You chased her away, you should bring her back."

"She's probably dead. You know corpses disgust me. Why bother?"

Asher listened patiently the conversation between Noah and Blake. Edra told him to leave her alone some time, so he didn't have anything to do. For the last days, he had been taking care of her, but she didn't want to be seen so helpless and sometimes refused his help. After he heard Blake's words, he became very angry. He would never let someone insult the people he cares about. The red-haired male wielded the water from the air and created long, sharp icicles, then directed them to Blake. 

"Enough!"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait a second, buddy! Are you seriously planing to kill me?"

"You're complaining too much and I thought this will help you."

"Dude, think again!"

"I swear I will make you one with the earth when we find Faye and return to Filaria." Edra said, glaring daggers at the grey-haired male. "We can't keep wasting time. We must find our way back to the kingdom without my powers. Get up, everyone! We're moving."

"And what if we encounter those idiot assassins? Blake asked.

"We'll stay united. One for all and all for one. That's how a team should be. Now let's get going."

"May God be with us and Faye." Rishima said hopeful, making the sign of the holy cross.

"One more day passed... I guess I don't have much time to live."

Faye was staring at the metal door of the cell, waiting for one of the assassins to come and end her. Since she found out the story of the white gown, she had been thinking about her life. Everything seemed to be perfect. She was sixteen years old and had many dreams. Along with her friends, she was fighting against those who dared to destroy Filaria's peace. Children, women, men, elders... they were all relying on them. Faye couldn't imagine everything to be destroyed. Her purpose was to help people be safe. The girl knew that every person had her own story, her own goals, her own struggles. She wouldn't allow anyone to destroy destinies. 

As she was meditating, she unconciously touched her left shoulder. When Shadow carried her back to the dungeon, she silently cried. It wasn't like she was afraif he would've killed her, but she could feel his hidden pain. They were enemies, but Faye couldn't help but think about the terror he had been subjected to. Being forced to see how his own sister was humilated in the most atrocious way and nearly killed... Faye's heart ached again. She clenched her fists and exhaled sharply.

"I wonder what's in his mind." the weather wielder asked herself out loud. 

"So cute. Always thinking about others, but never about herself." a familiar voice interrupted her.

Seth entered in the cell with a maniac grin on his face and a whip in his hand. Faye stood up slowly, her blood running cold in her veins.

"I can see the fear in your eyes. It's a promising start." the man said satisfied. "Do you know what I'm holding?"

"It's a... cat o'nine tails whip." Faye said hesitantly. 

"What a smart girl! Do you know its use?"

The weather wielder didn't answer and gulped.

"Your reaction says everything. Now, I will ask you: where are your friends? If you tell me, I'll leave you alone. If you don't, there will be severe consequences. Simple, right?"

"I'll say it just once: I'll never betray my friends."

"Do you realise I can kill you this instant?"

"I don't care. The only thing that matters is my teammates' safety."

In a flash, Faye received a lash over her left cheek. She groaned and wiped away the blood.

"So, how does it feel, filarian?"

"I won't tell you anything about my team!"

"You..."

The sounds of lashed echoed in the dungeon along with Faye's screams of pain. Meanwhile, in his room, Shadow fell on his knees, gritting his teeth. He felt like his body was burning, as if he was hit with a whip. He did his best not to shout. What the heck is going on, he thought. He remembered what happened with his necklace when Fate was praying. It was possible that somehow they were connected by their pendants. It had to be that way, otherwise there was no explanation for the sudden pain. It was too strange. The curiosity prevailed and he went straight to the dungeon. As he was getting closer, The pain became worse and worse. The young assassins felt like his flesh was torn away. He could bearly walk. Shadow's eyes went wide when he heard Faye screaming in agony. He gathered his power and sprinted down the hall. When he got to the cell, he shot Seth in the neck, killing him instantly. The man's body fell limp on the cold floor.

"You... you... came..." Faye said in a weakened voice. 

Shadow gasped  at the horrible sight: the girl was lying helpless in her own blood, covered in wounds. The young assassin took her in his arms, examining her face. She looked terrible, but he saw happiness in her eyes. His hand caressed her right cheek, making her take a deep breath. It was something unusual given the fact he was her enemy, but Faye felt like Shadow's touch chased away the pain a bit. It was soothing and for a moment, she wished that he would continue doing this for a little while. The weather wielder relaxed in his arms, and unconciously, a kitten like mewl left her lips. 

"You're so gentle..."

Faye looked at Shadow, sketching a faint smile. She caressed his mask, wishing she could see his face. Just once, and it would be enough. As she tried to voice her thoughts, she passed out in his arms, taking off his mask.