Chapter 77

"Ethan, I know you." His hair was just too long for a man. His full black hair was dripping wet, like he just had a bath. His masculine features were perfect and he's like a few inches taller than I am.

He was quiet like he isn't going to say anything or like he's dumb. He might shocked, that's expected. Shocked that someone, knew his name. This people hide their name a lot. These names, I never remember until I need them. When I have those dreams, I only remember their faces.

" You lived here?" I asked again, hoping he could speak.

After a long while of waiting, he finally spoke.

"Who are you?" He whispered.

"I'm Katrienair...." Just then, we heard footsteps. My fellows must have heard the noise. Ethan stood up alert.

"Who are you huh?!"He yelled. "I see you didn't come alone."He was holding his weapon again.

"Will you listen to me?" I said. "I mean no harm, I swear. You're one of us."

Julian and the others stormed in. They saw that he was pointing an arrow at me so they aimed their weapons also.

"Will you guys just stop all these?!"I screamed. "He's one of us. Drop the damn weapon!" They glared at me and I gave them a reassuring look

"Ethan, my brethren mean no harm."I addressed him, brought out his drawing and showed it to him. "I was sent to bring you back. We should go fight back our freedom."

"Tsk..." He hissed. "Fight back? It's impossible. I'm not interested"

"Oh really."I smirked."What then are you interested in? You'd rather hide in a supposed haunted house for the rest of your life. That's more punishment cause you might never have to die. What charge then do you take, valor or defeat. "

"Leave, don't preach to me. I'll let you go without taking your life. Maybe then I'll be able to watch how your fight go."He chuckled, dropping his arrow by his bed.

I was stunned, he's so confident in whatever he believes in. He's got the powers to keep anyone away.

"We are not going anywhere at least for now." I moved closer to him, he isn't looking scary anymore. He just laughed. "Are you sure you would not come with us?"

"I won't. I'm not scared but it's just gonna be a waste of time." He answered.

"Well, I and my friends would like to stay in your house till tomorrow. Will you allow us?"

He paced around, thinking. He's kept this place his sacred home for years and now all of a sudden some strangers had the guts to breach and even ask to stay.

"You can. So far no one know you were ever here." He said. "There are a lot of rooms in here. Make do with them. I'm not always this nice. Don't try anything stupid. Can I be left alone now?"

"You guys should leave us." I told the rest to leave and they did without arguing. I walked over and sat on hi couch.

"I'd like to speak to you Ethan."

"You're speaking already." He ran his hands through his hair. The fact that some people found him is still a shock to him.

"Can you...look at me?"

His raised his head and stared into me. His green eyes shone in green light. His face showed nothing less than sadness and emptiness. He was handsome indeed but his clenched jaw just wouldn't give way...

" Do you...know me?"

"No."

"I'm Katrienair. " I introduced myself. "Of the white coven."

His expression darkened a bit then became bland again like he shook away some thoughts from his head.

"I saw you...in a trance." I bit my lip. Ouch, this is getting harder. "I hope you understand. You taunted my dreams and I just had to draw and find you myself and save you."

"No no."He shook his head. "You're not saving me. You are taking me out to join in your fight."

"Not just like that. You were chosen Ethan. Do you ever think of purpose?"I swallowed."I have plans. We're not just going out there to jump into the enemies hands."I was determined not to use Alistair's name this time.

"Look, you are at the most sacred place in the white coven. Your protection is assured."He said. "Why risk your life for a people that might not even be ready to support? People that would not listen to you. It isn't worth it."

I had to stop. Gush! It's hard convincing him.

"Well, I won't force you." I stood to leave. "Where does the army head of the white coven live?"

He face flushed with concern. "Are you planning on going there?"

"Of course. I told you I had plans."

"You don't look fit. You should not go to a place like that."

That got me off the hook. What the heck does he mean by 'fit'?!

And why is he concerned?!

"What...what do you mean?"

He raised his eyebrows."mean by what?"

I winced. Is he trying to annoy me. I'd better ignore. "You live here so tell me where the castle is. North or south c'mon"

"You think you'll always be strong huh?"He smirked. "You still want to go. Why don't I try hurt you now and see whether you'll be fine."

Oh my... He's gotten it. That I'm mortal. Is it that visible?!

"Try me? What are you even saying?"

"I'm saying, if you're really what you say you are. You should not go to a place like that." He said, it's glaring that he hates long explanations just like me but he should explain to me. "You know who you are and you know you're not fit. Every single person in that castle has cravings and they won't hesitate to terminate any obstacle. You're new and young and somewhat... Stupid."

What the... He just insulted me and sincerely it didn't sound like one.

"I'm fit and I'm not stupid."

"We should try."He walked over to me and placed the edge of his sword on my throat. He's really going to hurt me.

"Wait!"I gasped. "You will hurt me? Why?"

He laughed. "Oh now you're scared? It should hurt. Just a little cut. It should close up."

I bit my lip. He's jeering at me. I pushed him away. "It's gonna hurt and won't close up. You know that so..."

"You are not fit!"He spat. "I don't know your plans but if love to watch how everything would turn out. The castle is up south."

"Oh thanks." I turned to leave but he stopped me.

"Don't give your name. Don't eat, take wine cause it won't be nice if you reject all. Don't expose too much. Make sure you see the army head -- only the army Head."

Those warnings sounded they were from the most high. But why is he so concerned?