CHAPTER 4

Sweeping fires and shattering ice particles lit up the Coven's underground courtyard, falling from the hundred-foot-high roof. The powerful fighting Magika echoed almost deafeningly through the vast belly of the Coven's cavernous space. Lightening streaked and crackled through gales of winds and thunder, and I sent fiery explosions into the black stone walls. I executed every form of possible destruction I could summon as I let go of my fury at myself through every cell of Magika in my being.

The courtyard, usually dimly lit by Magika fire lamps on the cavern's walls, was ablaze with fire, lightening, and the shimmering blue hues of ice. I pushed myself harder and harder in the practice ring, throwing out larger and larger fireballs, walls of ice, and explosive energy forces. My hands and arms hurt, my shoulders ached, my legs were weak. I spun and danced, twisting and spinning, aiming for imaginary foes, retracing the steps of my last fight, willing the memories of what went wrong away from my mind as I did so. I was still angry and upset with myself for what had happened. For what had gone so horribly wrong.

I had been caught out by faltering Magika. That night I didn't have what it took to win. I had failed. My Magika had failed me – I needed to strengthen it. I needed to get back my Mana strength, and I needed to raise it. I had been relying too much on sloppy melee attacks and not enough on the Power of Destruction. I hadn't been good enough and it had nearly killed me. I wasn't about to let that happen again.

Sweeping up my arms, I threw them swiftly down, emitting explosions of destruction all around me. Grimacing from exhaustion, I spread my arm out to create a wall of flames, then pirouetted away and spun a curved ice wall around me as I did so, landing in a firm stance and ready to defend myself from a new imaginary attack. I threw down my arms again, emitting an explosion of fire that fell from the sky. It was a large area spell directed towards creating maximum damage over the largest possible area.

As more fire rained from the sky, I shot a zap of lightening at a practice dummy, singeing its head as it flailed on its tall post with the powerful hit. It all took so much of my energy, draining so much from me, but I carried on regardless, pushing myself harder and harder. Willing myself to continue to fight well beyond my physical limits.

As I spun away again, I suddenly noticed a figure appear in the doorway over by the western side of the Coven. I stopped and slowly lowered my arms, turning to where the person stood as the Magika fire and ice evaporated from the air around me. I wondered momentarily if I had imagined it. My head spun. I could barely catch my breath and I was completely drained. I could very well have easily imagined random people walking about in the shadows in that state.

The figure moved away from the cover of the shadows. It walked over towards me, slowly and deliberately taking each step in a manner I knew all too well. My damn chaperone was checking up on me again.

I caught my breath from my tiring efforts, remaining still and entirely focused on him. He strode towards me with slow purposefulness and I could tell – quite clearly – he wasn't happy with me. I doubted anyone would be – but then I hadn't planned on being caught, either. That was why I was in the practice ring in the middle of the night. I wasn't even supposed to be out of bed, since I had only been released from the infirmary that morning, let alone throwing everything I had at some the poor mannequins.

He came towards me with a prowling gate, dark eyes fixated on my face with a deep intensity that was barely masking his immense ire with me. His purposeful stride, feeling like a predator coming for its prey, the startling intensity of that dark expression, and brooding charisma, all sent chills down me; familiar chills that made me as uncomfortable and overwhelmed as they always did. The ethereal beauty was breathtaking, the sight of him dangerously stalking was freezing me to my spot, the strong and lithe body heading straight for me, and I stared, unable to take my eyes off him.

L'eiito Ara'laan was a deadly assassin, a perfect hunter, a powerful Mage, and immense sword-fighter. He was also not someone you wanted coming at you, stalking you like prey, eyeing you with a cool and penetrating gaze that went right through into your very soul. His long and delicate fingers were clenched, his hips moved in way that looked like he was ready to pounce, his expression one of terrifying cold thunder. It was all I could do to stand my ground and not run.

As I waited for L'eiito to cross the enormous courtyard to me, in my drained haze I found myself entirely mesmerised by him. I stood there like an idiot, taking him in silently as he strode towards me, watching as he moved so fluidly and deliberately, his lithe and strong body moving exactly as he intended with every step. His raven-black long hair was down again, brushing against his high and sharp cheekbones as it flowed down to touch his shoulders, moving gently with the cool draught within the cavern. It made me feel very strange inside.

His strong black leather doublet was gone again, instead wearing just the loose shirt he always had beneath it, barely half-tucked hastily into his black leather pants, its laces, usually done up tightly, now open and loose, allowing a touch more than a glimpse to what was going on underneath. He was unarmed – thankfully – and his tough leather long-boots made almost no sound as he headed towards me, long limbs making confident and purposeful strides towards where I stood.

Intense dark eyes bore into me as he made his way over. The glare said I was certainly not going to enjoy the lecture I would inevitably receive once he reached me. The feeling that intense stare gave me was one I never liked... It was one that made me on the one hand blanch with dread at the impending doom that was coming my way, and on the other feel things that I most definitely and absolutely should not.

Unfortunately, it was during these short, momentary times that I forgot that L'eiito was supposed to be just my friend – the one who told me off, looked out for me, lectured me, argued with me, and scowled at me. A lot. My first friend, the one who brought me to the Coven, my fighting partner, my chaperone. My best friend of more than three years. Nearly four.

It was at times like these all of that went out the window.

As he neared, I felt the hairs prick up on the back of my neck and something in my belly tighten. My heart pulled with a pining ache and I felt strangely lightheaded – something that I felt far too often, which I did not want to feel right now. I tried to ignore it, as I always did, given it was completely inappropriate to think of feel any such things about him. But the way he looked at me, with such intensity, the way he took care of me... Divinities, I wished I did not think so much more of him than I should. I imagined he would be horrified if he even suspected such a thing. So, I again tried to shove it to the back of my mind, before I did something we were both going to regret. My momentary lapses in judgment didn't need to be known by him, and I could do without the humiliation to go with it.

L'eiito walked right up to me. My nose was barely inches from his open shirt, and I averted my eyes quickly from the partially bare chest that faced me. Instead, I crossed my arms and looked up at him with a silent demand to know what he was doing disturbing my practice.

"Care to explain why you are no longer in bed?" L'eiito scowled intensely as he growled his demand. "You were expected to be resting. You were not expected to be out in the practice ring electrocuting the mannequins."

"I am not an invalid. I have better things to be doing than lying in bed." I bristled and shot him an irate stare. "I also do not remember you becoming my mother."

"Quite clearly someone needs to take care of you, since you continuously refuse to do so for yourself. I may not be your mother, but I am your protector."

I rolled my eyes and turned away from him. He grasped my arm and spun me back to face him. He was glaring at me, his face lowered very close to mine, his eyes black and hard.

Divinities … I really wished he wouldn't do that. My poor heart had enough to contend with, without him doing things like that to make it worse!

"We nearly lost you, Ana," he growled dangerously. "You must learn to take better care for yourself! It is the middle of the night, and you are meant to be recuperating from nearly being killed."

"What exactly do you think you're doing checking up on me at this time of night anyway?" I countered hotly. I did not appreciate being told what I could and could not do, particularly when the other person just happened to have a very good point.

"I went to your room to see how you were faring. Needless to say, I was displeased to find you were missing."

That was clearly putting it mildly, if his thunderous expression was anything to go by.

"I don't have to stay in bed and wallow in self-pity just to put your mind at rest," I snapped grumpily, wondering why he would specifically disturb his own sleep at this ridiculous time to check on me. I clearly wasn't that ill anymore. "I can get up and practice if I like."

L'eiito raised an eyebrow. "And precisely how pleased do you think Saebastiia'an would be if he knew you were out here, exhausting yourself so soon after he saved your life?"

I pursed my lips and pouted. The point, again, was well-made, negating any rebuke.

Rubbing my head, I found what little was left of my energy quickly evaporating. I started to feel dizzy and my legs were becoming weaker. I had to admit this early-hours secret practice session had been a big mistake – I felt drained and nauseous and was ready to collapse. The feeling of powerless and mindless exhaustion was becoming overwhelming again. The side-effects of the Healing were complex and unpleasant, and I was still suffering greatly from them now.

I stared down at my hand. I stood lost in my own musings, clenching and unclenching it, mesmerised, watching streaks of blue, green and red Magika zap over my fist and outstretched hand like tiny steaks of rainbow lightening. I let them momentarily hypnotise me as I stared.

I didn't even realise I was slipping to the floor until L'eiito grasped me deftly around the waist and only just stopped me from falling.

"Ana..." L'eiito's growl was torn between exasperated and imploring as he lifted me back onto my feet. I grasped onto his strong upper arms as he pulled me against him to steady me. "Please, will you return to your bed now?"

I moved my hands to his shoulders and tipped my head back to looked up at him. He looked back down at me with his usual exasperated concern. I loved looking at him – and I hated that I did at the same time. He was too beautiful and intense for my own good.

"Yes..." I finally relented only because I no longer had much choice. It had nothing to do with how close his face was or the feelings I had inside. Nope… Absolutely nothing… "I probably should go."

Without bothering to reply, L'eiito carefully wrapped his arm tightly around my waist, holding me up to help me leave. I put my arm around his middle and leaned my pounding, spinning head against his chest, wishing I was already in bed, not pressed up against him like this. I liked this far too much…

I looked up from the floor as we started to walk back, having been staring down at my dragging feet to check they were at least trying to work. I wasn't quite sure if I believed what I was seeing when I saw what was there, given that I was mainly looking at it through a haze of exhausted delusion was a blurred rainbow aura surrounding a figure floating towards me in swirling robes and palest-blonde, almost white, hair. I eventually recognised it as being the Coven's Priestess, High Sorceress Ara'abaellaa, who was walking, floating, towards us, her long and flowing beautiful robes swishing hypnotically about her feet.

"Is she really here?" I mumbled to L'eiito. He turned his head and looked back with some mild exasperation.

"Yes, she is. If you are so ill you believe you are hallucinating, you most assuredly should not have left your bed."

The haze of colour floated closer. I blinked and looked up, barely able to focus on her beautiful and ethereal features as she looked at me with concern.

"Ana, my dear, what are you doing here?" The High Sorceress' soft tone was a mellowing comfort blanket to my ears.

"She has spent quite possibly several hours draining all her energy in fighting practice, Your Grace," L'eiito answered grimly for me. "She now suffers the consequences of Mana depletion."

"As well as what she has already endured?" The High Sorceress looked at me with mild sternness within light emerald eyes that seemed to swirl before me. "Ana, you should know better. You cannot do such things when you have not already completely recovered from your Healing."

"I just wanted to get better, Your Grace," I answered meekly, my mind off in its own haze. "I didn't want to die again."

The High Sorceress shook her head at me. "An ironic statement, given it looks like you are already half-dead from exhaustion, after attempting this foolishness. You have always have allowed your stubbornness to do your thinking for you. It seems very fortunate that L'eiito found you when he did – you can barely stand." She sent him a grateful look. "I would not have found you in time, since I undertook my checks of the Coven much later than usual tonight."

"I shall return her to her rooms and ensure she remains there now, Your Grace," L'eiito said solemnly to her. "You need not be concerned there will be a repeat of this incident."

"Keep taking care of her... L'eiito." The High Sorceress bowed her head to him slightly in acknowledgment. "Somebody needs to. She is too stubborn to do anything but push herself too far, and we need to try and keep this girl in one piece."

"Yes, we do..." L'eiito sighed. "I shall continue to take care of her. Goodnight, Your Grace."

I felt his grip tighten on me, and he encouraged me forward. Slowly, we started making our way back to the West Wing and my bedroom. I could barely get my legs to work and eventually L'eiito stopped me by the stairs. I looked at him with some confusion.

"Care to make it to bed before sunrise?" he asked with growling sarcasm. I was about to retort when he leant down and slipped his arm under my knees and swept me up against him. He lifted me easily, like he had done when I was first hurt, carrying me against him to get me up the stairs.

I put my arms around his neck and closed my tired eyes, resting my pounding head against his cheek as he cradled me safely against his chest. I was so very relieved to not have to walk any further, and almost as comforted by being held close by him. I was a very bad friend, with very inappropriate feelings.

"When I put you to bed this time, you will stay there," he grumbled softly at me in my ear in his beautiful low tone. "Otherwise I am locking the door."

"I'm fairly certain I'm not going to be able to do much now," I muttered quietly.

"Honestly, Ana, what were you thinking?"

I flinched at his harsh tone. "I didn't want to let you down again."

I heard an exasperated huff and felt him shaking his head against mine. "Yet you managed to achieve it anyway with this. Your stubborn folly is notorious."

He stopped and opened the door to my room with the hand that had been pressed against my back. He pushed it open with his foot and took me in, kicking it shut behind him after. I was now extremely relieved he was unarmed – I had images of him locking the door right now and taking my head off.

But then he could still push me out of my window. Perhaps I wasn't too safe after all.

"I am not about to kill you… Therefore, you can desist from imagining it."

I remained quiet in my guilt. I didn't want to taunt his irritation with me further. L'eiito knelt and lowered me onto my bed. He deftly undid all the buckles down the calves of both my boots and pulled them off, then shoved me into the blankets otherwise fully clothed.

"Stay there and do not move until I return in the morning," he ordered sternly. "Otherwise I just very well may throw your head out of the window."

I looked up at him from my pillow as he rose to his feet. "Must you go?"

I immediately wished I had remained silent and inwardly groaned. I should never be allowed to speak when I have tired myself senseless. One day such things were going to get my little secret found out.

L'eiito leaned over me and pushed hair away from my face, with an almost imperceptible smile.

"If it means you will stay in that bed, I shall stay with you." He lowered himself onto the edge of my bed, sitting close, resting his arm over the other side of me, his hand pressed against the other side of my hip. "Just as it was on that first night you came. I found myself doing just this to ensure you did not run away."

I smiled at the recollection. "You were all so imposing. You were all expert Mages and I hadn't even had a day's real training. I had no idea what I was doing here."

"Yet you managed to fend for yourself in the forest against the bandits that roam there. Your raw talent was already incredibly impressive, making you rather imposing to us."

I raised my eyebrows with surprise, intensifying my headache further. I winced at the pain like I was a small child who still needed her dolly. Not like a battle-hardened fighting Mage quite used to pain.

"That seems quite unlikely. I cannot see how any of you could possibly find me imposing."

L'eiito have a low, deep laugh of amusement. "You were all of twenty-two, barely skin and bones from going without eating, and without any formal training – yet you could fight those men on your own whilst entirely exhausted. What was there not to be impressed about?"

"But if you hadn't come to my aid and fought with me that day, I would not have managed on my own."

I reached up and put my hand on his arm as I remembered it all. I had been exhausted, overpowered, and outclassed by the mercenaries who I fought alone in the woods. I hadn't eaten properly for days – nothing but a few scraps I had managed to come by. I hadn't slept properly because the forest was dangerous. If L'eiito hadn't stumbled across me fighting them, I may not have survived that one last fight.

Having seen my Magika abilities, he had asked afterwards where I had trained. This was the first time I had realised that Magika could be trained at all and that there were Covens scattered all over Narayya'an that did so. I was wounded, exhausted and weak, so he stubbornly insisted he take me to his own Coven where I could be healed and recuperate. I was taken to Saebastiia'an in the infirmary, then brought to this very room to sleep.

As had always happened since, I reacted badly to the Healing and spent three days in the infirmary before coming around, where the first thing I saw upon opening my eyes was L'eiito. On my first night in this bed, I had been so overwhelmed by everything I had tried to leave, even though I could barely stand. L'eiito had brought me back and stayed with me the whole night. He had barely left my side since. His continued loyalty touched me still.

"It has been more than three years hence," he said softly, musing it with a warm half-smile. He gazed at me warmly with those deep dark eyes, gently brushing hair from my face. "Three years... Yet I must still come to your aid and rescue you when you fight. Thus, it would appear that despite the time gone, nothing has changed."

He teasingly gave a sweet grin. I smiled back and did not contradict him, but deep inside I knew everything had changed.

"I will be right here in your armchair, so you may rest easily and yet still cannot leave here again."

He squeezed my hand and went to sit in the chair over by the window. Then I closed my eyes and allowed exhaustion to take me away.