The Forsaken Hero
Chapter 141: Clinging Shadows

Chapter 141: Clinging Shadows

The Grand Library existed as the intellectual heart of the Western University. The institution was divided into four sprawling wings, whose graceful towers soared high into the alpine air and dark basements entrenched within the depths of the mountains. Almost a third of the campus was connected with the library in some way, laced together by an intricate network of tunnels and corridors, lined with gems, precious metals, and luminous runes.

The vast assortment of spells and knowledge surpassed the furthest reach of my imagination, being the sole reason behind the pretentious claims that the city was a holy land for mages. Endless rows of shelves, seamlessly crafted through some long-lost magical technique, displayed student thesis and ancient, elvish grimoires on equal standing, proclaiming the belief that true knowledge was precious, regardless of source. If only this world felt the same about people.

In the highest reaches of the northern towers, far away from prying eyes, I sat in a small booth-like alcove across from Fyren. The harsh light of the noon-day sun filtered through sheer curtains, filling the room with a soft purple glow. There, under his scrutinous gaze, I revealed the truth of my nature and abilities, sharing the many sufferings and fears I’d carried since arriving at the Divine Throne.

When at last I fell silent, he leaned across the oaken table, resting his forearms on the polished bark ring edging the circumference of the table. He said nothing, for a time, and I rubbed my horns nervously.

"I’m sorry for hiding it from you," I said, bowing my head. "I meant to tell you sooner, but...um, you know."

He nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving my face. Sparks of his inner chaos danced throughout his irises, the pale orange glow suffusing the shadows of his face. Normally, I found that fascinating, and could stare into his flickering eyes forever, but they smoldered with something I didn’t recognize, and that made me uneasy.

At long last, he released a long and heavy sigh. My breath caught in my throat as his eyes flashed, his voice low and steady. "Xiviyah, have you forgotten what I told you? I promised I’d follow you wherever you went-into fire, ice, or the jaws of hell itself. I knew, even then, much of what you’ve told me, and could have guessed the rest. Even had I known it all, my answer wouldn’t have changed. Whether it be peace or war, freedom or chains, I won’t abandon you now."

"Fyren..." Tears welled up in my eyes, obscuring my vision. Sniffing, I scrubbed my sleeve across my face, but the soft trickle down my cheeks continued. "I’m sorry," I whispered, embarrassed, and buried my head in my arms on the table. I wasn’t supposed to cry anymore!

I flinched, taking a short breath, as his hand fell softly on my head, stroking the tangled curls of my hair behind my ears. "Why?" I sobbed, unable to so much as peek between my forearms at his face.

"It’s okay to cry," he said gently.

At his urging, I stop trying to fight it. Everything I’d suffered, all the stress, peace, and pain, flowed out in an endless stream of tears. The agony of the solitude and fear of abandonment wrenched at my heart, slowly draining with each tremble of my exhausted body.

"It’s been hard, hasn’t it," Fyren murmured, continuing to stroke me lovingly. "But you don’t have to face it alone."

I’d heard those words many times, but had never been able to believe them. Those I helped and claimed to love me were strangers of towns and cities I’d barely visited. Each time they spoke, I felt the hollow echoes of Soltair’s light in the warehouse, eclipsed by his inability to answer my plea for support the night we left the Divine Throne, when he admitted to seeing me as a demon.

But coming from Fyren, who’d never strayed from my side regardless of circumstance, I wanted to believe. Despite our months of companionship, I knew nothing of him save the shallowest tips of his secrets, but his conviction blazed hotter than any fire.

Yet, despite it all, some small part of myself whispered a warning. Weren’t words simply words? Inevitably, even he too would stray from my side, as had all others. The doubt grew until my soul shook, and I recoiled from his touch.

"I want to trust you," I groaned, clutching my head in my hands. "I want to so badly."

Fyren withdrew his hand, a sad smile etched within his features. "You will, someday. Not too far, I hope. But until then, allow me to prove myself."

I nodded, holding back a bitter sob, before wiping away my tears. My eyes were red and bleary from crying, but my soul felt lighter. The stress and anxiety of my impending judgment had faded to acceptance. I would walk the paths where Fate led.

The next several days passed quietly. Students still thronged me whenever I exposed myself to the public, but, encouraged by the newfound sense of peace within my heart, I took the time to guide and teach those who seemed sincere. I no longer flinched at every shadow, terrified that an inquisitor or Slivera would appear.

Soltair spent his days strategizing with Trithe and the City Lord, hunting down the dragon. I saw them for our daily training, but they had little to do with me beyond that. I often heard cheers in the area and heard gossip from the students claiming he took on anyone who challenged him.

I took a liking to the solitude of the tower alcoves, taking advantage of their quiet, undisturbed atmosphere to study hours each day. Several days following my conversation with Fyren, I found myself deep in a tome, studying the fourth-circle Fate Spell Detect Presence. The sun hung low in the sky, bathing the room in the soft, violet light of the curtains.

A subtle current of mana stirred in my soul, rearing its head and raising within me a sense of awareness. A moment later, the soft tap of footsteps rushed up the stairs ascending the tower, and the door flew open.

A mass of golden curls filled my vision, followed by the brightest smile I’d ever seen. "Xiviyah!"

Before I could react, Elise lunged forward, practically tackling me in a hug. The force of her arms pressed my shoulder into the velvets of the couch, sending an abrasive shudder through the Sunpurge.

A soft whimper escaped my lips, and Elise gasped, pulling back. "Oh! I’m so sorry. I keep forgetting about that."

"It’s alright," I groaned, sitting up and massaging the ache away. "What brings you here?"

Her eyes brightened again and she sat beside me, grasping my hand tightly. "I wanted to thank you, of course! I meant to come sooner, but with the curse gone, my life’s been hectic. My father contacted me and sent someone to verify, which spiraled out of control quickly. I haven’t had a free moment since!"

"That sounds tough," I murmured. I wasn’t even sympathizing. Being surrounded by that many people constantly sounded like a real headache.

She laughed, a clear giggle reminiscent of tinkling bells. "It wasn’t too much. I’ve had to deal with much worse before. I’m a princess, remember?"

"Yeah, I guess. But what’s the story behind your curse, anyway?" I recalled what Slivera revealed, but there had to be more to it. As I knew all too well, the Sun God didn’t curse people lightly.

Elise hesitated, as though deciding how much to reveal. A last, she gave a small shrug and smiled. "I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone the details, but I guess it doesn’t matter anymore. A thousand years ago, give or take a century, one of my ancestors swore an oath to the Sun God. Long story he short, he betrayed the vow and the Sun God cursed him and his heirs, preventing them from using anything but Sun Magic."

"That twisted bastard," I muttered. Just how vain was he? One human forgot him, so he burned his image into their lineage forever?

"Oh no," Elise said, waving her hand furiously. "We don’t blame my ancestor. The details of the oath are long forgotten, but I like to believe he did what he thought was right. The important thing is I’m free now, and the professors all say my children will be free of it as well."

"That’s great news," I said, not bothering to correct her misunderstanding. I had no doubts her ancestor was in the right. As far as I was concerned, the Sun God could do no good.

"It’s just..." Elise curled a strand of golden hair around her finger. "I’m not sure what the gods are going to do. I hope the Sun God isn’t upset with it."

"I’m sure it will be fine," I assured her. "As Soltair would say, their aggro will be elsewhere."

"Aggro?" She repeated doubtfully.

"Their attention," I corrected. "What with the demon war and all that."

"Oh, I guess that’s true."

I didn’t bother adding the real reason. As long as I was involved, the Sun God would see anyone else as a minor player. Rubbing my horn, I inwardly groaned. As if he needed another reason to hate me.

Elise remained for several more hours, chatting with me for long into the night. There wasn’t any specific matter, but I was content to let her ramble on about whatever happened to catch her fancy. How would it feel to have no enemies beyond the lighthearted bullying of another student? Or simply the stress of an upcoming test? Hearing the carefree gossip of school, her House, and her family allowed me, for a moment, to feel that I was experiencing the kind of life I’d dreamed about since coming to this university.

Finally, Elise stood, staring out the window in shock. "It’s so late! Sorry, I didn’t mean to take up all your night!"

"It’s fine," I said, feeling that strange sensation pulling at the corners of my lips again. "I enjoyed your company, after all. Just hearing you talk makes me feel so...carefree."

"I’m glad," She smiled, "I haven’t had many friends before, so it’s nice to talk like this."

"You?" I gasped. "But you’re so...friendly! And beautiful. I would think the guys, at least, would be all over you."

"Thanks," She said, a faint tinge of red creeping over her cheeks. "But the curse pushed everyone away, earning me the title of Golden Princess. But thanks to you, I don’t have to worry about it anymore."

"I hope you make lots of friends," I said wistfully. "After a thousand years of suffering, your family deserves that much, at least."

She giggled, pressing a hand to her bosom. "Me too. But even when you leave, I’ll always remember you. Maybe I’ll name my first girl Xiviyah, too!"

"No." I shook my head sternly. "Please don’t. Let your child be free."

"It was just a joke," She said, taken aback by my sober reply. "You’re you, after all."

"Yeah, I guess."

It wasn’t long before she returned to her cheerful smiles and laughter, and we walked down the library steps together. She embraced me once more, and we parted ways. I couldn’t help turning my head, and looking back, watching her golden curls sway in the gentle night breeze. My soul twisted anxiously, beckoning me toward, her, but I withheld myself, waiting forlornly until she disappeared around the corner.

Elise was safe. Everything at the Western University was fine. But the dragon’s fire blazed before my eyes, making me wonder. For how long?

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