Chapter 27

Oleander's POV

Theodore's sharp eyes narrowed at Claire's words

"People from Darkland can't use their powers here?" He said with silent fury lacing his words. I don't even know what it is that's making him so angry. But I do know one thin, that is I need to cool his anger.

"It's alright Theodore, we will figure something out" I said, trying to reassure him

"We'll figure something out? Oleander if what she's saying is true, then I won't be able to protect you properly. Not with these two good-for-nothings here who can't solve their own asses and are now dragging you into their mess!" He hugged after finishing, his brows knit tight with concern. I know he didn't mean the things he said about Winslar and Claire but they had no way to know that.

"Oh yeah? Did we ask for your help? We could have escaped in our own just fine even without your help. And it's nit like you are that powerful considering the fact that you failed to save Oleander once. And who knows maybe you will fail again." Claire said the last part through gritted teeth. Her anger taking over her rational side and making her say things she doesn't really mean. God why are these angry in the first place?

"What. Did. You. Say?" Theodore's ruby red eyes started turning into pitch black. As if his light is being swallowed by his anger, by his darkness.

"Truth stings, doesn't it? You failed once so there's a high chance that you would again. But I swear to every god out there, if you ever let her in harms way after all the talk you said a while ago, I would kill you with my own two hands. I know we are in this mess because of me but it doesn't mean that it's completely my fault! I already regret getting Winslar roped up into this and now you guys too. I am sorry. So shut the fuck up now!" Claire said while tears streamed down her cheeks.

I have to stop them! Theodore has gone too far this time!

"Theodore….. don't say things you don't mean, and apologize to Claire! I know she said some hurtful words too but you have gone too far! Besides we shouldn't be even fighting amongst ourselves." I said trying to mediate the situation. Yes, I was angry at the beginning but I controlled myself at the end. And while I was trying my best to mediate things, Winslar sat frozen in his place, dumbfounded.

A sigh escaped my lips. Everything started to feel too much. Is it really that big of a deal? Big enough of a deal for Theodore to act this way? I turned to towards Theodore to see him sulking in a corner. Really? Is he really sulking, right now? Just as I was about to approach him, the door creaked open with a silhouette standing. The light made it hard for us to see him, but when I finally saw him my blood ran cold. The robed man from my childhood. The one who was saying absurd things in the name of god.

"Ah! What a wonderful gift goddess Crystia has given us! A familiar face!" his eyes gleamed with madness as he said.

"Say" He said in my ears. How did he come near me in such a short time. He has a superhuman speed. "Did you remember everything?" I heard his devilish grin through his voice. His voice felt as if something nasty was crawling all over my body. He didn't look old, he was rather in the beautiful side of people. But something about him didn't fit right.

"I should've killed you at that time. It would have been so easy with your parents wilfully agreeing to let us kill you. But those loser bastards were too scared. So pretty lady, will you let me kill you now? I just want to see your face twist in agony and blood" he said with an inhumanely large grin. He was not a human.

With a metallic clang, Theodore's sword met the robed man's bare hands. In a split second, they were locked in combat, steel against flesh except, Crader didn't even flinch. I stumbled back, my breath caught in my throat. How was he holding Theodore's sword like it was nothing?"

They broke their fight for a minute to catch breath.

"You should have just died, like everyone around you wanted and still wants. Why are making everyone go through this ordeal? Just die! I'll make it as much as enjoyable as possible, for me that it" he said while laughing loudly as if it is something funny. "Oh wait! Did I tell you my name? Silly me! Let me introduce myself. Hi I am Crader and my job is to kill you!" with saying this he lunged forward towards me.

"Why we're you born? Why don't you die? Why are you still alive? Can't you just kill yourself? You monster! Die! Why are you making us the bad parents? Don't worry goddess Crystia will purge this child of evil you just need to give her life to us… Take he! Kill her! If that can save us and our dear Isabelle then kill us!"

"The memory hit me like a dagger to the chest my mother's tear-streaked face, my father's trembling hands, their voices shaking as they pleaded… for my death. 'Take her! Kill her!' My breath hitched. Why? Why did they want me gone so badly?" And this guy in front of me tried to kill me as well…

Why does everyone want me to die? Am I not allowed to live? A burning tear rolled down my cheeks. And all the restraints I felt I had melted into thin air. I felt far more free and powerful than I felt in that fight with Winslar.

A surge of power ignited in my chest, burning through my veins like molten fire. Shadows coiled around me, rising, shifting until they solidified into wings. Dark gold and red, unfurling like flames against the night. Crader lunged, but the moment his attack neared, my wings moved on their own shielding me in an impenetrable embrace…