Criminals

I look back to Dade and his men without any sympathy. These were the same men who tried to kill innocent people. The same people who unleashed the Artifact on this world and its people. If I hadn't been here to stop it, I can't imagine the number of people it would have killed.

What it would have done to this world if left unchecked but then again... It wouldn't have happened at all if I hadn't been here. I sigh and say, "Sorry, but it looks like you all have an extended stay here with yours truly."

I lift my hand, using my magic to call forth the dark Artifact. The sight of this thing still makes my skin crawl, but I keep a straight face as I say, "Since you all thought it was a good idea to use this thing, why don't you all try it out for yourselves."

Dade and his men look on in horror as Dade yells, "You bitch! I asked for Yulance! You can't do this to me!" I slowly walk over to him, holding the dark Artifact in my hand. Their eyes, full of fear, flicker back and forth between me and the Artifact. When I come to a stop in front of him, I slowly squat down, looking him in the eyes as I say, "I'm only returning the favor, Dade."

I unleash my magic, watching as the group of white-haired men get sucked into the Artifact with screams of horror. As soon as they disappear, I use my magic to seal the Artifact again and hide it away.

Vanir nods his head in approval as the rest of the council looks on with unease. I turn to look at them as I say, "That reminds me, Dade brought this Dark Artifact here and activated it. That means one of you helped him, does it not?"

I turn so my full attention is on them as I watch them with cold eyes. Vanir's face freezes before shifting between white and red. He turns, staring at the others with eyes full of betrayal. No one gives anything away.

If anything, they all were acting surprised by the sudden news. I won't lie, a small part of me even suspects Vanir but my heart tells me it isn't him. Whoever it was, they were a good actor or actress. They were clearly in the wrong line of business.

Alistar steps forward again and asks, "What kind of Dark Artifact is it?" I tilt my head, thinking. I shrug while saying, "To be honest, I have no idea. I'm not well-versed in Dark Artifacts but thanks to this world, it became sentient."

They all suck in, horrified by the idea before they all start arguing amongst themselves. My eyes slide over to Vanir to see him lost in his own thoughts. As soon as he looks up at me, our eyes lock. A few unspoken words pass between us, he slightly nods his head in understanding before raising his voice and saying, "We will look into matters on our end. We will also try to open the portal on our end as well. Please keep trying as well."

I nod my head in agreement as the portal closes. I stare at the empty spot for several silent moments before asking, "What did you do to them?" When I turn, I find Bolin watching me silently. He gives me a small smile and says, "I just showed them their worst fears before taking their magic. It's what they deserve for trying to hurt you."

My heart skips a beat but not in a romantic way. He took their magic? How was that even possible? My eyes stay locked on his as his smile grows. He steps closer, lifting his hand and lightly touching my cheek before softly asking, "Are you upset that I did that to them?"

I can sense a tinge of anger emitting from him and his dark eyes, but I keep my eyes locked on his as I say, "No, I'm just thinking." He slightly tilts his head, causing his long black hair to slide off his broad shoulder.

His fingers are feather light as they slip to my lips. He softly asks, "What are you thinking about?" I knew he was dangerous but to think that he could take my magic... It was a terrifying thought. I blink before asking, "Have you ever thought of taking my magic?"

He blinks in surprise before looking offended and saying, "I would never take your magic. No matter what, I won't ever touch it. It's a part of you, just like your heart." His other hand reaches out and wraps around my waist, pulling me against him.

He leans down and places a kiss on my forehead and then on my nose before lightly kissing my lips. He leans back and says, "No one's allowed to hurt you, not even me." My heart still beats quickly as I look up into his dark eyes.

He didn't say no...

He sighs and says, "I think you and I should talk when I get back. I have to take care of something tonight but as soon as I get back... I will tell you everything, okay?" I blink in surprise, looking at him with suspicion. He was going to tell me everything? Really?

I slightly nod my head in agreement, causing him to break out into a large grin. His smile makes my heart flutter but before I have a chance to truly admire it, he leans down and kisses me. His large hand slips to the back of my head, pulling me in closer as he deepens the kiss.

As soon as I feel myself heating up, he breaks the kiss and places his forehead against mine as he says, "I will make it quick." He kisses my forehead once again and steps back before saying, "I'm leaving Haun here to keep an eye on the Deity. Tell him if something happens or if you need to go somewhere."

I nod with a sigh and say, "I got it. I learned the hard way." He gives me a naughty smile before turning around and walking away. My own smile slips away as I watch him disappear.

He never said no...

I shake the thoughts and turn back to where the portal was. Why wasn't it working? There was clearly enough magic fueling it from both sides, but it still wasn't working, why? Suddenly, a thought comes to mind.

I narrow my eyes as I turn and look back in the direction Bolin had just left.

No... he couldn't, right?

If he can take someone's magic... could he block the portal? That would take an immense amount of power or magic in order to do that. I remain staring in the direction he left in with a thousand questions circling within my head.

No, I don't think it's him.

I turn back, staring at where the portal was with a solemn look on my face.

What if I created a new bridge? Since this one was no longer working, why not? A rueful smile pulls at my lips as I lift my hand, opening another portal. I pour my magic into it with a single thought going through my mind.

I want to go back, back to where I'm from.