Chapter Thirty-Four

Invier

 

“We can’t run across the Savannah, Invier,” Bel cries from behind me and I stop. “We need the cover of the trees over there or else someone could shoot us from afar.”

 

We’ve cleared the rebel compound and she’s pointing at the Greenspace.

 

The stories I’ve heard about the spooky-looking forest come to mind but I shake them off.

 

“Let’s go,” I say and tail her as we run that way.

 

She’s is light on her feet, zipping between the hedges and trees. Unlike her, I’m forced to slow down several times as I keep tripping over exposed roots and logs.

 

“Come on Invier, we don’t have all day,” she whispers fiercely.

 

“How can you see? The leaves are blocking out the moonlight.” I continue to pay attention to where I should put my feet in the gloomy forest.

 

“My father loves to hunt at night and I’ve been going on hunting trips since I was a child.” She stops and watches me pick my way across the forest floor. “Just move quickly, your body will adjust to any obstructions on the ground like twigs, roots or rocks.”

 

I take her advice, and soon, I’m moving quicker.

 

“I never would have thought you’re an outdoorsy type of girl.”

 

“Hunting and camping are a Mezan-family tradition. Rain or shine, Father would go out there and I would tag along.” Her face falls in the moonlight as sadness registers on her features. “I declined the last two invites this year because stupidly, I was too busy helping Karax and the rebels.” She looks up at the moon peeking through leaves above. “I hope he’ll forgive me.”

 

I also have much to be forgiven for. My family thinks I’m dead. I can only imagine my mom’s reaction when she finally sees me. She’ll probably be happy at first and then she’ll launch a torrent of heated words in my direction for scaring her.

 

“Don’t agonize about it, Bel. Your father will forgive you for everything. It’s what happens when you love someone.” I keep my voice optimistic though I wonder whether I’ll ever find forgiveness for the deaths of over a hundred thousand?

 

She kicks at a rock then straightens and says, “Come on.”

 

I move a little quicker but not as fast as she does. My mind replays the words I just uttered about her father. He’ll forgive her because it’s what happens when you love someone.

 

Will Neith forgive me for working with the rebels?

 

If I can love her and still want to be with her after all she’s put me through, she can do the same, right?

 

“Bel? Will Neith forgive us?”

 

The question gets her to slow down. Her chest heaves a deep sigh and she gives me a fixed stare.

 

“Honestly, I don’t know. I’ve seen her torment people for less than what you or I have done. In your case, you can always argue you didn’t know. Me?” She kicks at a rock. “Let’s just say, it’ll take her a long time to forgive me for all the things I’ve done.”

 

The sound of war rumbling behind us drowns out the pounding in my chest. The fear that things between myself and Neith are irredeemable.

 

“Come on, let’s keep moving,” I say, shaking off the frightening thought and pushing on through.

 

Eventually, the lights from the houses in Sel quarter penetrate the gloom.

 

Good. We’re almost at the parking terminal and Bel’s airship.

 

The trees are thinner here and more moonlight floats in. I can see we’ve left the roots of the Greenspace behind as the ground beneath is mostly grass. My step quickens until I bump into Bel’s back.

“Sorry about that.” I chuckle to cover my embarrassment and step away from her. “I guess I’m moving better with the extra light.”

 

She doesn’t reply. Instead, she’s staring in the direction of the Savannah and I do the same.

 

A lump forms in my throat.

 

Neith stands alongside Landen Sohr, who runs Nome Reffour’s security. Her hair sits in a stern bun which accentuates her cheekbones. Her face seems leaner than normal. Has she not been eating? As happy as I am to see her, she doesn’t look good. She’s been dealing with all her troubles on her own. Plus, I’ve done my part to compound things for her.

 

I’ve tried to forget about her. Tried to hate her for everything she did to me. Yet, a warmth soars in my heart at the sight of her.

 

Her lips move but I’m too far away to hear what she’s saying. I watch as she studies a holosphere and points at something in the three-dimensional image. This isn’t a Neith I have ever known. This is Neith the military commander. She’s terrifying yet beautiful.

 

Landen Sohr takes off, leaving Neith behind to examine the holosphere some more.

 

The Neith I know smiles all the time, makes me laugh and … no, that’s one version of the Neith, I try to remind myself. Another version is the liar, who manipulated me. I shake my head. Now is not the time to dwell on any of this.

 

You still love her.

 

I’m still staring when I notice Bel heading for the Savannah in her sure-footed manner.

 

“Bel!” I whisper. “Come back!”

 

She ignores me.

 

Guess, we’ll be seeing Neith right now.