Page 44 of Elegy of Twilight
Squinting, I took in our surroundings. Green meadows and rolling hills stretched as far as my eyescould see. Little dots in the distance were sheep or goats or other roaming herds.
“Where are we?” I added.
“You’re such a brooding mop, do you know that?” Sylvester said, enthusiasm marring the unkindness of his words. “I had to take a bet that you’d fall for the silver-runed priestess, that you might not slay her, and that she would, in fact, break the curse. And it worked! Not only that, but you also brought down the mountain, either trapping or killing the vampires. I care not. It was a magnificent sight to behold.”
“You devious devil,” I spit. Although I shouldn’t be angry at him, despite his duplicitous nature, his mysterious plan had worked. “So you wrote those letters too, demanding a sacrifice? Did you also rip out that priestess’ throat? They were upset about that. I thought they’d break every bone after they captured me.”
Sylvester sat up, crossing his ankles and propping his elbows on his knees. “That bit couldn’t be helped. Without your lute keeping them at bay, the vampires got free and went on a killing spree. Even my god-like demands would not make them retreat. You arrived in the nick of time, and then that light show. . . you really did gain the trust of that priestess.Why do you look like a lost puppy? Let me guess, you’re in love with her, and you want to return.”
“Am I such an open book that you guess everything about me?”
Sylvester bounded to his feet. “Word to the wise, Titus. Don’t wear your heart on your sleeves. Your weakness is obvious and makes it easy to take advantage of you. Thankfully, I had your best interests at heart. And my own, of course. You can go back to that cursed village if you wish. I will not stop you. In fact, it would be best if we parted ways for some years. I have no wish to be part of your dealings, your curses, your darkness anymore.”
Crossing my arms, I looked at my older brother, actually looked at him in the light. The curse had wreaked havoc on his appearance. He’d always been tall and thin, but in the light, he looked especially sallow and malnourished.
“Thank you,” I said.
A blush of red crept into Sylvester’s face, and he waved his hand, shrugging off my gratitude. “No need, brother. It was as much for myself as it was for you. Now, we’re further down the mountain. If you find the road, head north, and you’ll find yourself back at the village again. As for me, I’m going south.I’ve heard much about the city of Solynn, but please don’t visit me there. If you find yourself in trouble, don’t write. Just be clever, clever as I am, and use the magic of your lute to escape your woes.”
Despite the weight of his words, I grinned at him and stuck out my hand. “It’s a deal, Vester.”
Sylvester gave me a firm handshake. “Goodbye, Titus.”
“Bye then, Vester.”
We parted ways. He in one direction while I walked in the other direction, thinking of the light, of Lucia, how she’d broken my curse, healed my soul, set me and my brother free, and vanquished the vampires. I’d said that I’d leave her in peace, but my heart had no desire to leave her. Even though I was exhausted from the transfusion of magic that had drained from me in the caverns, my steps felt light as I thought about seeing her again.
But I did not hurry my journey. Instead, I lifted my face to the sunlight, breathing in the scent of fresh grass, flowers, and herbs, wishing she was by my side.
24
LUCIA
Aweek passed in relative calmness. Edith moved to the village, and I joined her some evenings, but the shadows had not made a reappearance. A cautious hope hung over the village, and slowly, the doors that were previously shut and locked at twilight were open, guarded, but open. The farm animals were allowed to roam after nightfall, and even though it was early, I hoped there would be no more cries of sorrow at night, wails in the morning, or others packing up to leave.
However, in my home, a sort of tension had sprung up between the abbey and the garrison. Captain Elroy had resigned, and a group of knights decided to leave and seek another place to live and work. The brokenness left me restless, for those I’dgrown up with had tried to protect me by keeping secrets, and while I forgave them, I’d also learned that I possessed magic, and it made me curious.
Titus and I fit together with our magic. We made each other stronger, better. I wasn’t sure what happened to him, but the time without him, the not knowing, helped me make up my mind. If I had to choose between the abbey, my home and the only life I’d ever known, and him, I’d choose him. I didn’t know what that meant for my future and whether it meant a life of adventure or staying in one place. But if I had the opportunity. I’d choose him.
These were the thoughts I had as I kneeled in the garden, pulling weeds, the hot sun beating down on my back. I’d forgotten a hat, and soon it would be time to take a break and go inside for a cool berry drink. As if to assuage her guilt in the matter, High Priestess Merci had taken to cooking more, running the kitchens, and making extra treats for the sisters. Recently, she’d taken wild blueberries and created a sweet drink out of them that was refreshing and cool after being outdoors.
I sat back on my heels as the outside door to the garden opened and closed.
Tucking a stray wisp of hair behind my ear, Iturned in that direction, expecting to see one of the sisters.
Instead, there was Titus.
His blue eyes met mine, and he leaned against the gate, his gait relaxed, easy. Crossing his arms, he winked at me, then glanced around the garden to ensure we were alone. His shirt was torn and open. He’d lost his shoes, and his feet were bare, pants rolled up to his knees.
My heart lurched. With a small cry, I was up and running. He caught me in his arms, and I was laughing and crying all at once as I pelted his face with kisses.
“I was afraid I’d lost you,” I admitted once I caught my breath, studying his face as if he might disappear again.
“Never, my heart is yours,” he murmured, pressing another kiss on my lips. “I was concerned, though, about whether you had escaped the mountain caving in, but here you are, free and as beautiful as the day I met you. No, I take that back. Even more so. You are radiant in the light.”
I giggled. “You flatter me.”
“No, I honor you for what you’ve done. I came back because I couldn’t stay away. I know I told youthat I’d honor your wishes and leave you be, but my heart wants nothing more than to be by your side.”
