The Forsaken Hero

I had witnessed enough at this point. Verity could sense when I was watching, confirming the strange reaction my soul had felt earlier. But though my initial purpose in seeking Verity out within a vision was fulfilled, Soltair’s words made me hesitate to leave. He’d admitted he was wrong about something. How could he, the revered hero of the world, be wrong? And what kind of person was Verity to make him see that?

Verity’s eyes lit up at his confession, and a radiant smile bloomed on her face. ”Really? Thank you, that means a lot. And you’re right; I was pretty nervous about visiting Sylvarus. The elves were much more intimidating than I thought they’d be.”

He sighed and caressed her cheek gently. ”This world isn’t as kind as I wish it to be. That’s part of our calling as heroes, to make it a better place. But the elves... I don’t know if they have a place here much longer. The demons and beastkin had a kingdom of their own, but they betrayed the gods and were wiped out. With how difficult the elves were during the negotiations over the airship, it seems they might be walking a similar path.”

Verity shivered, a shadow passing over her features. ”I hope not. There were good people there, too. Just not the leaders, and especially not their archmage.”

”Yeah, Selena’s something else. She was a teacher at the Divine Throne before she betrayed the world and stole a Divine Artifact.”

Her eyes went wide. ”Is that why the church wants the elves to hand her over?”

”Something like that,” Soltair agreed, his voice grim. ”Though I doubt they’ll face the same fate. Still, it’s another sign they’re ripe for rebellion. But let’s not dwell on that,” he said, a smile softening his features. His arm slid around her shoulders, drawing her close. ”Are you feeling awake yet?”

She giggled and nodded, eagerly pressing her lips against his. He lifted her onto his lap, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, their kiss deepening.

After a few moments, Verity broke away, breathless. ”Are you sure we should do this again? In the daylight? What if Trithe walks in? I’m supposed to sleep over there so this kind of thing doesn’t happen.”

She gestured towards the servant’s chamber, but Soltair just shrugged. ”Even if our relationship started for political reasons, who’s to say it has to stay that way? Besides, it’s your turn this week.” He squeezed her hips, and she squirmed, her cheeks reddening further. ”Trithe has me all to herself next week. Let her say whatever she wants. That won’t stop me from enjoying you.”

I fled the vision before they got any farther, sure that if I stayed, my face might very well burn up.

The peace and darkness of Haven were a welcome balm compared to the fires burning within the Divine Throne. I took several deep breaths, waiting for my blush to subside and my tail to still, before turning and walking towards the gate. I could have simply asked the spirit to dismiss me, but something about using the gate as a formal exit felt appropriate.

The price had been steep, much steeper than I’d anticipated, but it had been worth it. What was a little embarrassment compared to the knowledge I had gained? Now I knew for certain that Verity’s eyes of fate functioned similarly to the Oracle, a crucial piece of information for developing a way to block or detect her surveillance. I could now work against my own ability and safely assume the same principles applied to Verity.

But even as the gate’s swirling energy enveloped me, I couldn’t shake the image from the Divine Throne. Was that truly how Soltair perceived me? Just a lost, helpless girl exploited by her infernal bloodline? His self-righteousness was infuriating, and once again, it showcased his unwavering commitment to his heroic facade. He hadn’t admitted he was wrong, as I’d hoped. Instead, he framed it from a perspective that absolved him of any responsibility. Did he really believe he’d done everything he could?

Everything? Like inflicting me with the sunpurge? Or allowing me to be raped by Alex? Or selling me to the Circle?

”Everything?” I must have whispered the word aloud just as I stepped back into Enusia because the Star Guard, waiting for my return, looked at me curiously.

”Is everything alright? You’re a little later than you said you would be,” Luxxa inquired, her brow furrowed with concern.

I nodded and brushed a strand of hair out of my eyes, as much to hide the blush that had crept onto my cheeks once more. I’d lingered to gather information, but if they knew how I’d done that and what I had seen–no, it was too much to think about. I’d never admit something like that, or I might very well die of embarrassment.

”There was, um, something I had to check,” I mumbled.

Jenna raised an eyebrow, and from the twitch at the corner of her lips, I suspected she might have guessed at something. But no, that was impossible. I was just projecting my own insecurities. But then again, if it was Jenna...

”I should probably go see Bethiv now,” I said with a short breath, quickly turning away, hoping they wouldn’t notice the agitated twitch of my tail.

It was Gith who answered, raising a hand to stop me. ”It’s alright. Bethiv sent word and implored that you rest. I guess he’s worried about you pushing yourself too hard and not being ready for the battle tomorrow.”

”Imagine that,” Jenna said with a chuckle, ”Xiviyah pushing herself.”

”Hey!” I protested, my tail much too agitated to hide now.

”Never mind that now,” Luxxa said, smiling faintly. ”Let’s get you to your tent.”

They formed around me, creating a tight perimeter, though they kept their eyes on me as much as our surroundings. Were they afraid I’d try to run off? I wasn’t like that, right? Not with Korra gone, at least...

But as we started to move, I glanced around, my eyebrows furrowing. ”Where’s Fable?” I asked. I could feel him nearby, but why hadn’t he been there to greet me? ”Is he at my tent?”

Luxxa shrugged. ”Last I heard, he was sparring with Kahlen. I have no idea how a demon gets an animal to fight him, but they left right after you entered Haven.”

”Are you worried about sleeping without him?” Jenna teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes. ”Don’t worry, I’m sure he’ll be back in time to cuddle.”

I shifted and looked away, controlling the rising heat in my face. ”Kahlen? Why would a sword want... oh, that’s right, he evolved. I hope Fable doesn’t hurt him too much.” Then, with a shake of my head, I muttered, ”Battle maniacs.”

That night, I slept peacefully—no dreams, visions, or nightmares disturbed my rest. Perhaps I was simply exhausted after the duel or even drained after the events in my soul space, but a part of me believed it was something more, something connected to Haven.

But it seemed that mystery would have to wait. All too soon, Fable was nudging me awake, his furry paw gently prodding my side. He was careful to avoid the sunpurge but persistent through all my attempts to ignore him and burrow deeper into his silver fur.

”Alright, I get it,” I grumbled, reluctantly sitting up and stretching.

Just as Jenna had predicted, Fable found me just as I drifted off to sleep, waking me just long enough to wriggle beneath me and wrap his tail protectively around my body. But now, as the gray morning light filtered through the white canvas ceiling, he was anything but cuddly.

I jumped, startled, as the tent flap rustled and someone pushed through. Wearing only a sheer nightdress, I squeaked and grasped the fallen sheets, scrambling to cover myself. Only when I recognized Korra’s piercing green eyes and felt the familiar warmth of her soul did I finally relax, pressing a hand to my chest until my racing heart calmed.

”Don’t do that to me,” I mumbled, voice still shaky. ”I almost had a heart attack.”

”Sorry, should’ve knocked,” Korra said with a shrug.

Before I could protest, she swept forward and positioned me on the edge of the bed, my back to her. With a practiced flourish, she summoned a comb from her spatial ring and went to work. It was a daily routine for us by now, but she seemed particularly brisk this morning, causing me to wince as a sharp tug caught on a tangle.

”Alright, that’s enough of that! Stop squirming,” she chided. ”It’d be bad if we let our precious Oracle appear before the troops all disheveled.”

Her voice lacked the usual playfulness whenever she scolded me, coming out sharp and direct. Feeling slightly uneasy, I held still even as she caught another knot and let her have her way with my hair. It did need to be brushed, and badly, too. Perhaps that was one of the downsides of sleeping so well.

But it was more than that, too. There was something different about Korra, something off. She hadn’t smiled once this morning, and the sparkle in her eyes was subdued. It couldn’t be a lack of sleep–people of her level barely even noticed physical needs like that.

”Korra,” I ventured after a minute or two. ”Is...is everything alright?”