Page 15 of Saviour
“Where’s King?” I question and watch his mouth close. “And Puck? And, what really happened to Bonnie?”
Carlo sits there, opening and closing his mouth like a fish, and I think for the first time ever, I’ve stunned him. I’m not sure why I decided to ask now, when five months have already passed, but enough is enough. And I need to get the heat off of Rori.
Carlo sighs and wipes his hand down his face.
“Look, son, I don't know—”
“Bullshit.” I stand and ball my hands into fists. But my reaction wasn’t the right one and I see his eyes narrow with fury.
“Jealousy isn’t a good look on you, Dax. They left you behind and there’s nothing you can do about it.” He smirks.
Left me behind? I juggle his words in my head and for a split second I believe them. But then I remember who I’m talking to and I know there’s no way they’d just disappear. Not without me.
“I’m going to find them, Carlo,” I spit and turn my back on him, walking out the door and back through the way I came, down the marble steps and back into the Cadillac.
They haven't left me behind. Not King, not Puck, and not Rori. I’m going to find them all. And I will find out what really happened to Bonnie.
* * *
I leavethe car on the dirt track and keep the headlights on so it illuminates the path ahead. I walk, my feet carrying me towards the lake that I was only at yesterday. The trees open up and with the clear sky, the moonlight reflects off the water perfectly, glowing just enough on the lake to see.
My eye catches on the swan, still floating on the water, its head buried in its long neck as it sleeps. I watch it, peace flowing through my veins, calming my thoughts and reminding me of my own little Birdie.
The water ripples and the calm is interrupted by the other beautiful swan that occupies these waters. Rori’s head appears from the depths, taking in a deep breath. Her skin is sparkling, the water droplets glistening in the moonlight. Her hands wipe down her face and over her hair that I notice is still in the French plaits I did for her last night.
It feels like so long ago now.
Standing on the water's edge, hands in my pockets, admiring her beauty, she gasps and sloshes backwards in the water before realising it’s me.
“You flew away,” I say softly, cocking my head.
The swan's head untucks from its long neck and stretches tall at the disturbance, and I almost feel guilty for ruining the peace.
“A swan doesn’t stay in the nest forever. Why do you think she’s alone?” she says back, nudging her head towards the swan, its back now facing us and the head tucked back in.
“You left the nest a long time ago, no? I thought you found a new one?” I question, my eyes tracing over her face.
She scoffs at that.
“A bed for the night doesn’t make it a home, Dax.”
“It could,” I reply instantly. I know I’m coming across strong, but I want this girl more than I want air. “Why did you fly?” I ask, walking along the edge of the lake as she moves gracefully to the water's edge.
“Because you were trying to clip my wings,” she says, looking up at me with her innocent silvery blue eyes.
“I would never do that, Birdie. I told you, you were free to go. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Well, I am,” she spits back quickly and pulls her eyes from mine. “Sorry,” she whispers almost instantly and a small smile escapes my lips.
“Look, just let me take you back. You can have something to eat, have a decent night's sleep, and then tomorrow, you can fly away. I promise. I won’t chase you.”
She seems to think it over and after a minute, she nods and a wave of relief washes over me. I don’t want her to go. Hopefully, I can convince her to stay.
“Do you need a hand?” I offer, giving her my hand as she readies to lift herself from the water.
“No, I’m okay. Thank you,” she replies politely and she looks at me, considering something before finally using all of her strength to push herself out of the water and onto the bank.
Coming onto her knees, she then pushes to a stand and faces me, a few yards away, her arms crossed over her front shyly.
