Page 35 of Ashes of Aether
I flash him a triumphant grin. “See? You prefer my cooking.”
“Though I can’t deny the fact you’re a superior cook, that doesn’t mean I’m incapable of cooking.”
I shake my head. And he calls me stubborn.
“Come on then,” I say, pulling him through the archway. “Tell me what’s left in your pantry, and I’ll think of something nice to cook us both.”
As we continue along the cobblestone road and turn left down Lenwick Street, Arluin tries to remember what he has left in his pantry. His memory is excellent with useless facts such as what years various kings died, but it’s awful at holding essential information such as what food he has.
But our conversation is soon cut short.
Halfway back to Arluin’s manor, I once again feel the same suffocating presence I felt two nights ago.
I stop, my breaths ragged. I squeeze Arluin’s hand tightly, my knuckles whitening with the strain.
“What is it?” he asks as I whirl around, frantically seeking the source of this terrifying presence.
Finally, I find it.
A hooded silhouette stands amid the shadows of a darkened alleyway.
“There!” I hiss, pointing at it. Maybe I should act more cautiously, but this time I’m determined for Arluin to see the figure. To prove it isn’t a figment of my imagination.
The shadowy being lingers long enough for Arluin to glimpse it. His shoulders stiffen.
Then the silhouette is gone.
We both stare into the shadows where it disappeared. Neither of us says anything, our minds too wrapped up in our own thoughts.
“Who would be stalking us like this?” I mutter after a long pause. “It can’t be Kaely, can it? From what she said earlier this afternoon, it sounded like she’s been following us around.”
Despite my words, I’m not convinced it’s Kaely. She looked petrified of Arluin’s threats, and this presence feels like that of dark magic.
I shiver.
Arluin releases my hand and scratches his chin as he thinks. “You could be right. Maybe she seeks retribution for how I threatened her.” But I hear the note of doubt in his voice.
“Maybe she’s following us around in the hope she’ll find something to wield against us?” I say.
I pray that it is Kaely. Because if it isn’t her, I dread to think whom it may be.
Arluin’s fists tighten.
I know what he might be thinking. And I hope with all my heart he’s wrong.
“To determine whether it’s Kaely or not,” he continues, “we will need to investigate further.”
I suck in a sharp breath, staring into the darkened alleyway once more. “You want to follow them?”
Arluin doesn’t answer. He clenches his jaw and strides into the shadows. Leaving me alone.
Though he’s only a few steps away, the air grows much colder. I pull my cerulean robes tighter around myself and hurry after him.
I know it’s foolish to chase phantoms, but I doubt it’s wise to remain here by myself. Staying by his side is far safer. He is, after all, one of the most talented adepts in the Arcanium.
His footsteps ring out across the cobblestones. I wince at the sound. If his intentions are to ambush the mysterious figure, he isn’t going about it the right way.
The streets grow narrower and darker. We race deeper into the tangle of alleys which sprawls through the Upper City. Too focused on trying to keep up with Arluin’s furious pace, I almost fall over a stack of discarded crates. With how weather-worn the wood is, it seems they’ve been left out for some time. I don’t stop to inspect them, though. Arluin is already turning the corner ahead. I sprint faster so he doesn’t disappear from my sight.