Órva’ar’s feet touched the ground with ease and grace. He tucked in his wings. With narrowed glowing amber eyes, head low, fangs bared, he stalked towards Delilah. He stopped with his snout inches away from her. Delilah’s breath hitched and she stopped drawing in air altogether.
The dragon peered into her eyes, stripping her down to her very soul. He saw her struggles and her demons, her fears and her hopes. Her innocence. Once he stepped back, his gaze shifted to the amulet hanging around her neck, and he tilted his head to the side in intrigued perusal.
Órva’ar sat back on his haunches, knowing he had to listen now, as the purity of her soul pacified his rage.
“Speak,” he barked the order, still feeling the leftover fury electrifying his nerves.
“I am Delilah, Lilith’s daughter - but only by blood. She is not my mother. I am not to be held at fault for her mistakes and wrongdoings. Cassiel saved me from her and the future she had planned for me, which included that prince… Magnus. She is with him, making plans about what to do to Kaden and Olivia… Now probably to me as well. I know a lot of their plans. I want to help fight against them.” Delilah spoke in a breath, quickly, to hold the dragon’s attention and appease his anger.
“Who gave you the amulet?”
“The amulet came to me in a dream.” Delilah grasped it in her hand and it pulsed with magic.
A few moments of silence ensued as Órva’ar thought it over. He really had no excuse not to give her a chance.
“Alright,” he conceded.
“Alright? You believe me?” Delilah squeaked with surprise.
“Let us presume I do. What do you want from me?” Órva'ar asked.
“Nothing. I mean… I just don’t want you to kill me, and that you leave Kaden be?” Delilah asked and shrugged her shoulders. She didn’t want to be demanding, asking for much, seeing as how the power corrupted her mother and –
“You are not like your mother,” Órva’ar interrupted her thoughts.
“Yes, but –”
“You will never be like the witch… Worry not, little one.” The dragon assured her.
Delilah gazed at the ground and plucked a stalk of grass, worrying it between her fingers. She sighed and glanced up at the dragon from the curtain of her dark golden hair. “Are you sure?”
“You wield a different sort of magic, do you not?” Órva'ar said.
Delilah’s head snapped up and her eyes bulged. “How did you know that?”
The dragon pointed with his claw towards her amulet.
“You use primal magic mostly, the magic of nature, and some arcane… Your mother uses arcane magic only. Has she not taught you of this?” He tilted his head to the side, wondering how an adept in magic didn’t know such a thing.
“No. I never told her about it and she taught me only arcane magic, as you say.” She sighed in defeat. “It’s hard. I’m not good at it.”
“Of course you would not be. You already have natural magic flowing through you. I am not saying that all of the witches are bad. That is a lesson for another time. Your mother –”
“Lilith… Don’t call her my mother.” Delilah’s features sharpened and her brightness dimmed, as if haunted by a cloud of gloom. She remembered all the things Lilith had done to her, forced her to do and the plans she had, all without any concern for Delilah’s wishes and wellbeing. Delilah really hoped she would not turn out to be like Lilith.
Órva'ar nodded, then continued. “You do not have to worry about becoming like her. Lilith has been blinded by grief and corrupted by power. Now, she only craves more of that power to fill the hole in her heart. No! Do not blame yourself for the choices she made. Had you stayed with her, once she realized that there was no chance of molding you to her needs, she would have gone out to seek more power. The curse breaking and now you running away only quickened her actions. She will never be able to quench her thirst for more until she lets go of the grief.”
“I understand.”
“You do not. Not yet at least, but you will.” The dragon stood up. “It is time for you to go back, little one. They worry.”
Delilah rose to her feet as well. “Thank you for giving me a chance.” She brushed off the pieces of grass from her dress.
“Anyone can see you are of pure heart. I apologize for my earlier actions. I was blinded by my rage. I should have known better.” The dragon bowed his head.
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. You did the right thing in the end... That’s what counts. Will I see you again?” Delilah asked, her hopeful doe eyes pleading for more answers. She had so much to learn. With Lilith controlling the knowledge passed to her, Delilah wondered what the world of magic really was like.
“Yes, you will. Go now. Your knight is frantic.”
Delilah smiled. “Farewell, Órva'ar.”
Chapter 43
“Delilah, wake up.” Cassiel pleaded, holding Delilah in his arms. He had never felt so out of control and helpless in his life. She was taking shallow breaths, her heartbeat steady, but she wouldn’t wake up.
“Cassiel… She will be alright. Remember what happened to Kaden the first time he met Órva'ar. They will both be unharmed and awake soon enough.” Olivia spoke from the other side of the fence, where she sat on the ground, cradling Kaden’s head in her lap. She brushed the hair from his forehead so she could lay a tender kiss there. “Come back to me, my love,” she whispered against his skin.
“She… she’s right.” Delilah’s quiet voice drew everyone’s attention.
Cassiel didn’t waste a second as he pulled Delilah closer, almost crushing her against his armored chest, burrowing his face in her hair. Propriety be damned!
Delilah giggled and Cassiel cherished the sound. He hadn’t heard her laugh out loud yet, but that precious giggle was close enough. Everyone watched the pair, astonished and amused.
“I’m alright, Cassiel.” Delilah pushed herself away from his chest and looked up into his eyes. “I’m safe now.”
Cassiel almost gasped, stunned by what he saw in her eyes. Her dark brown orbs sparkled with life and joy. She still looked tired and he could see that she still kept her mind closed and guarded from Lilith, but it was all obscured by the relief and happiness. Her newly-carefree smile tugged at his heart and Cassiel responded, grinning back.
Caressing her cheek and forgetting about the people around them, Cassiel leaned in, wanting to steal a kiss from her sweet lips. Delilah’s eyes fluttered closed.
A gasp escaped Charlie at the same time as a groan from Kaden diverted Olivia’s surprise. The sound stopped Cassiel, and he shook his head clear of the inappropriate thoughts. He couldn’t fight the hold Delilah had on him any longer, but he still had control over his actions. He would treat her as the gentleman he was, he would court her properly. And that meant not stealing her first kiss in front of such an audience. He would bide his time.
“Kaden!” Olivia squealed, hugging Kaden’s head tight against her chest.
Kaden chuckled, hugging Olivia back, his arms sliding around her waist. “I cannot wait for some peace.” He sighed and leaned back so he could gaze upon her face. “Too many individuals seem to be invading my mind lately.” Kaden groaned again when his head pounded with even the smallest of movements.
A blushing Delilah squirmed free of Cassiel’s embrace and walked toward the fence. “Umm… Could someone help me over, please?” she asked when she reached the hurdle in her way, not wanting to get her dress caught.
Cassiel helped Delilah up, holding her by her waist, and when Kaden gave his nod of approval, Damien and Theo helped her over.
Delilah crouched by Kaden’s side, his head still on Olivia’s lap. She put her palms on his temples. As she closed her eyes, warm tingling spread from the contact of their skin and over his body.
The headache ceased and the pressure dispersed. He expelled a sigh of relief.
“Thank you,” Kaden said once Delilah removed her hands.
“No,” Delilah shook
her head as she stood back up, “I should be the one thanking you.”
Olivia helped Kaden back to his feet, and as a precaution, she wrapped her arm around his waist. She leaned into his body, providing support. Kaden smiled and kissed the crown of her head before turning to Delilah again.
“After you left, I had a short conversation with Órva'ar. He told me what happened. And I had a talk of my own with him… It was long overdue.” With the last statement, Kaden’s gaze shifted to Olivia and she understood what he meant.
“So… you can heal? Like the shamans?” Olivia asked Delilah.
When all eyes shifted to Delilah, she dropped her gaze and retreated into herself, trying to make herself seem smaller… invisible. Not being used to so much attention, Delilah glanced back over her shoulder and saw Cassiel land on his feet. His armor clanked. Pup and Disa jumped over the fence with ease.
Still feeling their scrutiny, Delilah scurried to Cassiel’s side like a frightened mouse. Once her knight put his arm around her shoulder, she relaxed and gathered enough courage to return the curious gazes.
“I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I was just curious.” Olivia softened her features and Kaden squeezed her waist in comfort.
“Olivia is always asking questions… you’ll get used to her,” Charlie piped in, trying to lighten the mood, giving Delilah her most honest and bright smile.
Delilah grinned back, feeling encouraged by Charlie’s enthusiasm.
Charlie bounced closer to them. “Mind if I welcome Cassiel back?”
Delilah shook her head and stepped aside, brushing her hand on top of Disa’s head. Pup sat on Delilah’s other side. She gave an apologetic smile to Bast and Kaden. She had a natural connection to animals and would need to explain it to them so they wouldn’t look so rejected.
“Hey Cass! It’s nice to have you back!” Charlie hugged Cassiel.
“I have missed you too, Charlotte.” Cassiel returned the hug with a warm smile.
Olivia already stood next in line. Cassiel took her hand and laid a friendly kiss atop it.
“A lot has happened in a fortnight, has it not?” Olivia smiled, glad to have her knight back.
“Yes, my lady. We have much to discuss and Delilah has a lot to share about Magnus and his plans.”
“Let us get the two of you fed and refreshed, before we talk?” Olivia offered.
Once the tense situation settled and everyone introduced themselves to Delilah, the group headed back to the main house. Theo and Damien decided to lead Cassiel’s horse to the stables so that Delilah and Cassiel wouldn’t have to climb the fence again. Charlie and Bast gathered the blanket, leftovers, cutlery and basket, as well as their practice weapons.
When they reached the main house, Olivia informed her people about her father’s safe arrival at the tribe and his impending recovery. She asked for the food left from lunch to be brought to the main dining room, where all of them could fit around the table.
Delilah sat on the queen-sized bed in her temporary room. She ran her fingers over the soft cotton cover, tracing the stitched outline of a dragonfly, caught mid-flight, on the blue fabric. A soft breeze flowed in through the open window, pushing the curtains apart as small particles of dust swirled inside.
If someone were to ask her about the greatest magic, at that moment, Delilah would tell them it could be found in the smallest things, like the air she breathed, filling her lungs, giving her life. Like the sun gilding over the specks of dust, for it provided light, warmth, nurture. So many little things that people took for granted… no… not little… great things belittled by them.
Delilah exhaled slowly, and, with this simple breath, the last vestiges of bone-deep apprehension and despair left her. She understood her freedom then. Since the day she had left her home with Lilith, Delilah had been wary, afraid, and tense as all the negative thoughts and concerns had prevailed in her mind. But not anymore… Delilah smiled. She let the walls around her mind disappear so Lilith could see and feel the happiness and relief surging through her. There was no sign of the witch and Delilah let out another sigh of relief.
Just as she pulled out her amulet with the desire to write down her thoughts, a knock on the door startled her. On instinct, apprehension surged through her and her heart raced. She might be free of oppression but her body still reacted as if she were in danger; a habit that she would have to break.
Delilah turned to face the door. “Come in,” she said.
Olivia’s head peeked in first but soon she stumbled forward when Charlie pushed her. “Charlie!” Olivia scolded.
“She told you to come in,” Charlie responded and strolled in past Olivia with a bunch of fabrics in her hands.
Delilah chuckled at the two and watched Olivia enter as well, carrying a basket.
“How do you like your room? I hope everything is alright. If you need anything, just let me or any of my people know,” Olivia said as she sat on the bed and put the basket next to her.
“Oh!” Delilah blushed. “I didn’t really notice the room, I guess I got lost in my thoughts.” She dutifully looked around her current chamber.
The big bed dominated the room, with a lavish soft cover spread atop. Delilah sat at the foot of it. Her gaze traveled over the intricately carved bedside table, the mirror above it reflecting the light coming from the window across the room. On top of it sat a basin and a flower-painted pitcher. In the corner, a small tiled stove, decorated with an intricate design of tangled branches and blooming cherry flowers, made other decorations superfluous and provided warmth when needed. Across from her, Charlie opened the dark wooden closet and started putting the fabrics, which Delilah now recognized as dresses, onto the hangers
Delilah tilted her head to the side, wondering why Charlie was putting her dresses up in Delilah’s room. She shrugged it off and her attention shifted to the humble seating arrangement, two red-velvet covered armchairs with a small round table between them, set in front of the door leading onto a balcony.
“It’s really lovely,” Delilah said when she turned back to Olivia and saw the expectant look on her face. She was rewarded with a smile.
“Wonderful. I am glad you like it. Now, Charlie and I brought you some things you could use. Mind you, they are all worn, not new, but it will have to do until we buy something else.” Olivia started taking things out of the basket.
“Here are some towels for you to use,” Olivia put those aside on the bed. “A brush, in case you need one.” She placed it next to the towels. “Some scented oils for a bath. You can choose whichever you like… umm… what else… oh! A toothbrush, worry not, this one has not been used. I even found toothpaste. I know those are rare, but my mother insisted on them. That is why I still have all my teeth.” Olivia grinned at Delilah, showing off her pearly whites.
“Here are some ribbons for your hair and Charlie put some dresses into the closet for you to try on so you can choose the ones that fit. There is a coat as well.”
“A coat?” Delilah asked.
“Yes,” Charlie said as she strode over to them. “You could say that it’s similar to a cloak, but it has sleeves and buttons so you can close it against the cold. It’s quite the new fashion.” Charlie plopped herself onto the bed. “I have a few ideas about clothing. Now that I know how to make some, I’m going to change the world of fashion.” She giggled but stopped when she saw Delilah hiding her face in her hands. “What’s wrong?” Charlie crouched in front of Delilah.
“Are you hurt? Did we say something wrong?” Olivia added as she reached out and laid her palm on Delilah’s back.
“No, nothing like that.” Delilah shook her head and wiped away the tears. “No one has ever been this nice to me before. I… I’ve never had any… friends.” She hid behind her hair.
“Oh!” Charlie tucked Delilah’s hair back and lifted her chin up. “You have us now. I’ll be your friend. And Olivia, and Bast, and Theo, and Damien… even Kaden. He might seem grumpy and serious, but he’s q
uite harmless and caring.” Green eyes gazed into warm brown ones. Charlie thought there was something familiar in Delilah’s eyes, but couldn’t determine what. “Alright?”
When Delilah offered a timid smile and nodded, Charlie pulled her in for a hug and Olivia joined them by wrapping her arms around both. Companionship was a wonderful thing.
“Good. Oh! That’s a lovely trinket you have there,” Charlie said when she stood up and her eyes landed on Delilah’s amulet.
At first Delilah was confused, and before she realized that her amulet was out, Charlie reached for it so she could see it more closely. As her fingers touched it, the amulet glowed with a white hue. “Wha –” she dropped it as if burned.
“What did you do?” Delilah’s eyes widened as she jumped to her feet and took a step away from the two, cradling the amulet in the palm of her hand.
“I don’t know. I’m sorry. I just touched it.” Charlie retreated as well, holding her hands up.
“What was that?” Olivia asked.
“I don’t know. It’s never happened before,” Delilah said and narrowed her eyes at the redhead, but her features softened when she recognized the panic and regret in those green orbs. “This amulet is special to me. Do you wield magic?”
“No! I promise I don’t.” Charlie shook her head and Olivia came to her side, taking her friend’s hand in her own.
“Are you sure? Have you ever tried? Has anyone ever shown you? I don’t know how else to explain what happened…” Delilah paced back and forth, worrying her lower lip between her teeth.
“I… I…” Charlie stuttered.
“I think the shamans would have said something if it were true. They would have, I am sure,” Olivia spoke, comforting her distressed friend.
“Shamans?” Delilah stopped and faced them.
“Yes. They are, something like… umm… forest witches?” Olivia shrugged but Delilah laughed. “I do not know how to explain, they live in the forest and they know and use magic. They mostly heal.” Delilah stopped laughing, remembering Órva'ar’s words about primal magic.
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