"What happened?" Does it happen to be about a certain dreamscreecher?
He sighs. "Well, I've been thinking over our discussion we had earlier about dreamscreechers. It's been sticking with me. What you said."
I give him a half smile. "And what about it?"
He sucks air through his teeth before leaning towards me. "A dreamscreecher saved my life Sunday night."
I widen my eyes as I try my best to act surprised. "Really?"
“Yeah. I was crossing a busy street and a dreamscreecher ran into me just before I got hit by a car. If it wasn't for that push, I would have been dead."
I scoff down another bite of my cor. "I’m surprised you didn't just assume it was a failed attack,” I say mid-chewing, using a hand to cover my mouth.
"No…or maybe?" His nose scrunches. "I don't know. Based on what I know about dreamscreechers, it would make sense if it was accidental. But this situation… it doesn't make sense…" He looks back across the street, biting his lip. "The dreamscreecher had a chance to kill me if it wanted, but it didn't really make a move to."
I slowly nod, a satisfied smirk tugging at my lips. This seems like a step in the right direction.
Amias continues. “It’s like you said… every species has its good and it's evil. And…I can't help but think I just saw the dreamscreecher's good side… which has never happened before."
"It looks like you're the first one to witness it."
"I want to investigate further. I want to see it again; To really see if it's as good as I think it is."
I let out a groan. "You still doubt their morality."
"When all you ever see about dreamscreechers is violence… it's hard not to be skeptical."
I frown. Still thinking that dreamscreechers are evil I see.
"I'm trying my best," he smiles softly. "If it helps, I believe you're right. I just need to be sure of the truth."
I scrunch my nose for a moment, before relaxing myself. I can't really blame him for not wanting to go against what's been taught his entire life. Just the fact that he's considering my ideas is impressive.
Patience with him could mean big change. Perhaps I can convince the prince of Amara that dreamscreechers are good, this could help Somnia and start a movement in this kingdom.Maybe one day, it will be safe here for dreamscreechers.
Maybe there's a reason to stall in my plans for Caelestia after all.
???
"You have a mark?" I gawked at the nape of Kaius' neck. It's marked with black dots in the shape of a bite mark. My breath trembled at the sight.
Kaius’ eyes widened. "It's okay Ignatia. It's just a mark. Vasilisa won't see it."
"You're a knight now, Kaius! You shouldn't have let Clarissa mark you. Vasilisa will kill both of you if she sees it!"
"Vasilisa can't stop us,” Kaius scoffs. “We deserve this, Ignatia. Clarissa and I deserve to have something."
My heart ached thinking about the meaning behind that mark. "Vasilisa doesn't like symbols of love," I scolded, my eyes straining with my gritting teeth. "You two shouldn't have been fucking if it's gotten that serious."
Kaius winced at my glowing eyes, but kept eye contact despite it. "You really expect me to leave Clarissa alone?" he mumbled, his eyes shimmering with tears. "She's the love of my life."
"Well as of now, she can be theendof your life!" I shift my gaze to the ground. "I can't lose both of you." My tears sting my eyes but I bit my tongue to contain my pain.
I couldn't show weakness. Even if I'm with Kaius.
"Hey Ignatia. You're not going to lose us," Kaius sets a hand on my shoulder. "The knight armor will hide the mark. She'll never see it."
"The mark also changes your scent. You won't be able to hide that."
