Chapter 33 - He would want me dead
1523 Words
From the shadows, five fairies appeared. Tall men, with dark wings. In their hands are long spears. Hannah caught her breath. This is her chance. How to get close to them, though?
“You are intruders. What is your business here? Speak.” One of them spoke in a very harsh tone.
Aside from Hannah, the others furtively looked at the king.
“We wish to see the dark fae prince.”
The answer was direct enough, but the dark fairies thought it absurd. They snorted and chuckled without humor.
“It isn’t easy to meet our prince. That is, unless you wish to lose your head quickly.”
Their expressions darkened at the arrogant reply. Hannah, especially.
She hoped she arranged secret signs with Aaron, but alas… it was too late. Maybe next time. If he can move her close to them and allow her to touch one of their heads. She would prefer the talkative one. He seems like the leader of this group. Five beasts. Are these their masters?
She slowly walked towards them, her weapons remaining on her sides.
They regarded her as she approached. One lifted his spear and she walked a step away from its point.
She can’t exactly tell them what she knows.
“We’ve met at the human world. He probably remembers me. My name’s Hannah.” That’s bound to make him agitated and angry.
He blames her for his curse. The feeling’s mutual. She blames him for her curse.
The fairy hesitated before squinting at her. Their prince hasn’t gone anywhere in recent times.
“You’re lying.”
“Why don’t you ask him?” Hannah could barely feel their emotions, but she still can’t read their thoughts. Should she risk it? She took another step forward, a side-step actually. She evaded the pointed spear. Her heart thudded as bits and pieces of their recent memories floated into her.
Another spear came up to halt her approach.
“You’re confident that he’ll spare your life?”
Hannah couldn’t reply. She was busy sorting out everything that’s coming to her. To them, she looked on blankly. Unseeing.
Aaron was tensed. What is she doing? He’s already focused on those two spears. He could barely see the second one. Her position was hiding it from him. He slowly moved sideways to better see. Thankfully, they didn’t note his movements. Or so he thought.
It didn’t take long for Hannah to get everything from all five of them. There are a number of vital information in there. In a way, she’s glad her ability was quick to work.
She tilted her head, recalling the last question.
“On the contrary, I’m certain he would want me dead.” After speaking the truth, she took a step backward before pulling the spear on her right. Aaron was quick to take care of the other one. Vince and Nate each pulled a fairy. Aaron hurled the other one near the king. Was it a good choice? He can’t be sure. Elise took out the sword she prepared and helped her husband deal with one of them.
Aaron once again tried what he did earlier. He was already sure that his ability works on animals. These are fairies, could be considered people, too. As he suspends one in the air, he plucks the eyes of the one Hannah was dealing with. Afterwards, he worked on the other. Tried to limbs as well. The scream and the smear of blood wasn’t pleasant to hear and see. Aaron hurled the body away, into the dark part of the land.
Hannah was having problems, this guy turned berserk after losing his eyes. You’re supposed to give up and wail, i***t. His actions were haphazard and at some point, Hannah received a few slashes from him. His other senses were honed. He wasn’t completely useless without his sight. It made it hard for Hannah to take him down.
She tried to parry quickly. She’s feeling rusty. She should’ve joined their physical training. His movements have become quicker and she was eventually hit in the head, forcing her to slump on the ground with a groan. Aaron took over from her opponent.
He cursed himself for being slow. He should have helped her much earlier. The prince and princess were doing fine, but he felt duty-bound to help them still. The king is a seasoned warrior. Aaron thought he might take offense if he tried to assist. The king doesn’t need help. It still took him a while to focus on Hannah. At the back of his mind, he was hiding. Why didn’t he help her immediately? Now that he has a little time to think it over, it only makes sense to help her first. But he didn’t, because he was afraid his actions would be misunderstood, misinterpreted…
Just as he was about to rush next to her, more dark fairies came flying in.
In his surprise, he managed to suspend them all in mid-air.
“Aaron, can you move us back to the edge?” The King asked.
“On it.” Would it work, though? But he can’t say no, can he?
Roughly, he pushed the king and queen back.
“Don’t mind me and Nate.” Vince and Nate managed to do it themselves.
Aaron pulled Hannah to him while moving the two royal guards. They were already flying back but there’s still some distance. The moment he shifted his attention towards himself and Hannah, the dark fairies were able to go after them.
Thankfully, Vince and Nate reacted quickly upon reaching the border, holding back the dark fae. Even their twinkling fires have gone out. Everything requires concentration.
When he tried to let Hannah go, she almost slumped to the ground again. He held her by the waist.
“She’s unconscious. Hannah…?” He tried tapping her cheek.
“Elise, go quickly. We’ll return soon, too.”
“Are you sure?” She looked at everyone around her. Vince took over watching the border while Nate seemed to be chanting something.
“Yes. Now, go.” King Edward reached over to press a kiss on her lips.
“Vincent…” She called out.
“I’m fine, mother. Please, go.”
“We’ll see you soon.” King Edward promised.
“After you, princess.” The guards followed her and they watched as they flew away.
“Can’t hold them off much longer.” Vince stated from his position.
“I’m ready.” Nate stood next to the king, watching Vince.
“Aaron, can you take over?” Vince asked, slowly moving backwards.
He was suddenly reminded that they need to focus while chanting that long enchantment.
He carried Hannah over and stood on Nate’s other side. He sat down to properly support the unconscious woman.
“I’m ready.” He called out, his hands in position.
“On three. One. Two. Three.” Vince ran backwards. They all quickly held hands. Nate held Aaron on the shoulder while Vince kneeled down to hold Hannah’s arm.
Aaron’s eyes widened at how close the fairies were at the border now.
“Do you think mother is at a safe distance away?” Vince couldn’t help feeling concerned.
“Yes. On three.” King Edward instructed after replying, his brows furrowed. They should be safe, he thought.
When they returned, Hannah is still passed out.
“What happened to her?” Nate asked after they carefully laid her on the floor.
“I think she was struck on the head.” Aaron winced as he answered. He saw it happen.
Though unconscious, Hannah tightly clutched on her blades.
“What are the chances she’ll cut me up if I remove her blades?”
Aaron didn’t answer but instead held her wrists firmly. “Take them.”
He’s concerned she’ll get hurt in her sleep or something. The way she held them is uncommon as well.
“Here goes.” Nate gently pried her fingers off the daggers and breathed in relief when nothing bad happened.
“So, I might have heard something I shouldn’t have earlier.” Vince was frowning.
“Did she actually say she knows the dark fae prince?” The King wanted to confirm if he heard correctly as well.
“Or she could be bluffing?” Nate offered. She hadn’t shared yet what Hannah told her about the dark prince, but now… could she have known because she knew him personally?
“Let’s ask her when she wakes up.”
Their commotion called the attention of the guards outside the door.
“Your highness…” The one who opened it greeted.
“Call the doctor. Send him to Lady Hannah’s room.” The king instructed. Aaron picked Hannah up and they went to her room. The king left after the doctor came in.
He only had one order for Vince, “Go visit your mother tomorrow. Make sure they made it safely back to the castle.”
“Yes, father. I’ll rest then go back quickly.” He’s worried, too.
They were gone for almost two days, meaning they were there for only two hours. So much happened in that small amount of time.
They silently watched as the doctor examined Hannah.
“She’s got a lot of scratches.” Aaron noted with a concerned expression, standing close to the bed.
“I realize being able to hold them off for a while helps.” Nate noted.
“Yeah, keeping them at a distance, too. No matter how short.”
Aaron turned to look at them. The three of them can do that. Hannah cannot. Fighting someone so close can be rattling. You can’t easily read their movements and their possible attacks.
“I should’ve assisted her better.” He felt somewhat responsible, given how Hannah helped him train.
- Writer
