Chapter 81

*Katrienair's POV**

The next morning, I woke up a bit late with a slight pain on my forehead. I felt different. I could not explain why. I knew the others were awake because I could hear their voices. My room was a mess. I tried to recall what happened the night before. I lost Luna, then I found Ethan and then I went to see a soldier. I drank...

Oh my... I drank a lot and...

How did I get here? I mean home. I remember when I left the castle, it was dark. But...

I shook the thoughts out of my head and got my clothes on. When I was done I walked down the stairs. I could hear voices from the living room but on first instinct I went to Ethan's room. I knew he'd not be with them.

I knocked on the door and he asked me in.

"Morning Ethan, I hope your night was good."I sat on the couch.

"You're just waking up?"

I realised my hair was still a mess. I must have forgotten to pack it up.

"Yeah, I slept in today."I smiled. "I was just too comfortable." I packed my hair stylishly.

He was staring at me in someway, I don't know but it's strange and awkward. I felt the sudden silence caused it so I decided to end it.

"We are leaving today"

"I know"

"You will not join us?"

He smiled. "You know the answer. By the way, how was your meeting with the army head?"

He sounded like he's been meaning to ask.

"It was good. Better than I thought it would be. You scared me though" The thing is I hate giving explanations and if that is what he wants, he isn't gonna get it.

"I never meant to. I only said the truth." He said. "Besides, it's my job to scare beings away from here. I hope no one followed you here yesternight?"

I shook my head. "No one. I'm sure no one did."

He stood up, his gaze still fixed on me.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"I was forced to ask.

"Follow me." He opened a curtain at the end of the room. Their was a door there. Like a secret passage to a sacred place. The door led to a room. It was dark, a dim lantern at the far end of the room showed that it was a church. A small, prayer house. There stood a cross on the altar, a burning incense by its side. He walked towards it and I followed him. He stopped few distances away and broke the thick silence between us. I don't know the reason he has brought me here but... it's all good.

"You have a prayer to make?"He asked. " All prayers get answered here."

"Really?!" My heart kept for joy. It's a once in a life time opportunity. If all my prayers could be answered all at once, I'll be the happiest in the world.

"But you have to give only one prayer." He said. "One prayer"He repeated.

One prayer.

Just one prayer that would be answered. I had a lot bubbling through my head and it was hard to decide.

"Are you going to pray or not?"He asked.

I walked up to the altar, still undecided about what I should pray about.

I knelt down in faith. I was quiet for a long time, thinking.

Then I said:

"Dear Lord, Ethan, please let him join us." 

Have I just said that? Out of all the more important requests that I had. I've asked for...

He needs to join us. He's the reason I embarked on this dangerous journey.

"Amen."I ended my supplication and stood up. Ethan walked over and stopped the fire. He then led me out of the church.

"What did you pray about?"His question caught me off guard.

Why the heck is he asking?

"My prayers should be private." By the way, he's been acting suspicious since morning.

"No, you did them in my secret prayer room."

I got infuriated. And so what?! I wanted to scream.

"You!..."I paused to catch my breathe only to realize I had nothing to say.

"Why do I feel you're hiding things from me?" His curiosity led on. He has noticed a difference in her aura but he just could not place his hands on it and he desperately wanted to.

"What changed all of a sudden?"He asked as if speaking to himself. 

I was confused. Like what is he saying. I found myself asking:

"What changed all of a sudden?"

I said that aloud.

Ethan sighed as he slumped onto his couch. I did same, not ready to leave until I get him to change his mind, to join us.

"What's wrong Ethan?"I tried to sound more comfortable than I felt. "You are acting really wierd."

"Why not tell me what happened yesterday?"He said.

But what happened yesterday?...

What peculiar thing?

And why is he so concerned?

"You know that already right?"I faked a smile.

"No."He shook his head.

"Well, he agreed to my demands. The army head I mean and I had wine just like you asked. I can remember I drank a lot."

A lot...

"Did you find what you lost?"

That question means a lot.

"I haven't found Luna. No, I didn't find her."

He nodded his head and his gaze traveled to the door. I felt he was asking me to leave.

"Why are you asking so much questions?"

And why are you answering all of them? My subconscious queried me. The truth is I want to win his trust so he'll join us.

"I'm just a bit curious this morning."He grinned. "By the way, your people will be waiting for their master. Don't you think you're wasting useful time?"

My people...huh?

Weird way to ask me to get out.

"Hei"I stood up, ready to leave. "You should join us."

"I should..."He muttered, like he was convincing himself deep inside. " Because of what? Huh?"

"It's your purpose Ethan."

"Dammit!"

"You can't ignore..."

"What's your name again?"

"Katrienair"

He thought for a while, staring into my eyes like he could see through.

 "On one condition..."He said, while I nodded. "What did you pray about?"

I wanted to laugh but I had to hold it. "I prayed about... you. I mean... Ethan, for his purpose."

He laughed. I was flustered. What is he thinking?!

He stopped and opened his door, wide enough for me to leave.

"I'll join you guys...in a moment."

Oh my...

So prayers really do get answered. It worked!