FOREVER KNIGHTS: #13 Salvaging Souls
I Saved the Watchers

He admired her versatile spirit. Bending easily toward kindness but an unrelenting force when met with obstacles. Nothing like what I’d thought she’d be.

She’s no pampered, meek creature.

“While in my service to Radix he’s unwittingly spoke of many of his plans.” Chavias’ feet slid to the floor. The chair creaked under him when he leaned forward to confide. “Years ago, he hunted a particular creature. Something changing the balance of Ardae’s energy.” Chavias planted the knife in the surface of the wood table. Nimble fingers working an orange wedge free of the rest.

“Anything worth its salt in magic, sensed the change.” He blew a breath before taking a bite of his snack.

“Radix sent his beasts to hunt down the children.”

“Sisters?”

“In a sense. I helped scatter them in the wind. Radix wanted their power for himself. He’s been looking for them ever since.”

Sabine’s expression was baffled.

“The girls were unique. Magical. Each of them a puzzle piece in the larger picture.” He studied his hand on the table. Eventually returning his gaze to the orange in his other hand. “The girls were placed near the Forever Knights, so they’d be protected. The Knights would be drawn to do so.”

They couldn’t help it.

“How were they scattered?” She asked breathlessly.

“I led one of them.” He paused. “Taking them out of Radix’s reach.”

“You’ve been helping them all along, haven’t you?” Sabine asked astutely.

“Anytime I can.”

Foiling Radix at every turn is what’s kept me going.

“Are they grateful?”

“They don’t know.” He inspected another orange wedge. “They’re finding their way into the arms of their protectors. It’s nice to see my brothers so happy.”

“My kind have been falling into the hands of women.” She quoted his words from so long ago.

“Yes.” He chuckled.

“Do you envy them?”

Of course, I do.

“Is there any way I wouldn’t?”

“I suppose not…But how is all this significant to me?”

“Had you not guessed?” He assessed her face.

You’re one of them. The girl that made the snow the day your sister left you in Mane Country.

She eyed him, askance.

“You’re one of them.” He said coolly.

She doesn’t understand or doesn’t believe.

The silence grew. “One of the sisters?”

He replied with a decisive nod. Yes.

Sabine’s eyes moved frantically as she considered the possibility. “Are you trying to deceive me?”

Why would I do that?

“What would I stand to gain?” He bit into a fruit wedge. Sucking juice from his lip.

“I don’t know…”

Because there’s nothing.

Her face was blank which made him curious.

“Where’d you learn to hide your feelings, so your face reveals nothing?”

“What?” She blinked in surprise.

“When he was intoxicated, he’d mock my hurt if he saw it.”

So, she learned to hide it.

She should’ve never had to learn to do that.

“Thank you.”

“For what?” She blinked.

“For being vulnerable with me. For your honesty.”

“You’ve given me no reason to. You have not lied to me, have you?”

“No, My Lady.”

I wouldn’t. Not to her.

“Why’d you bring me to Night Manor?”

To keep you safe.

“I told you. Someone wishes to cause you harm.”

Radix.

“I remember.” She said. “You were speaking of Radix.”

He nodded. Jaw tight.

“You arranged the card game.” There was a hard glint in her eye.

This is dangerous ground. He knew she’d not appreciate how he’d manipulated her father to win her as his ward in the game.

But I won’t lie to her. He reminded himself of what he’d just been thinking.

“I knew I could beat Lord Delacroix.” He evaded her gaze. “I admit it.”

“Who’d you do it for?”

“Everyone. For Ardae. For you.”

To keep him from using you.

“I wanted to protect you from the torment he’d rain on you.” He met her gaze unblinkingly.

“Why protect someone you hardly know?”

Because you were a Snow Angel. Too good for him.

Too free to be possessed.

“When I was one of the Forever Knights, we believed in protecting innocence in this dark world. That’s what I see in you.” He was unwilling to say anything further.

She stared at the floor confused.

“What are you thinking?”

“I’m wondering if you’re sincere.”

“I am.” He leaned forward. Tempted to touch her but refraining.

I’ve never desired a woman so much.

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