Figment of Dreams
Chapter 42: Never

Sebastian and I ran towards the exit but didn’t dare to leave the building in fear of there being more than one fae assailant and that one of them was waiting out back. So we hauled ourselves into a small office space, the science Professors personal office, to hide out in.

Sebastian had texted Oak and Ash immediately though.

A quick reply came instantly from Ash and Oak at the exact same second.

Ash: stay put, don’t move. On our way!

Oak: I’m notifying the R.M now. Be safe, both of you!

A notification went out on the Rivelbook to all students, to stay inside their dorms or recreational buildings on campus and to not move. Fae Alarm.

Chills kept on racking up and down my spine. If Sebastian hadn’t been there…

I saw him watching me intently from the corner of my eyes. He didn’t speak though. That might be a blessing.

A door slammed open in the hallway and I heard footsteps approaching. Both of us crouched down even lower towards the floor, in hopes of it not being a Fae on his way to execute us.

‘Would you stop breathing so loudly. Every Fae in Faerie can hear you.’ He sniped.

’Well excuse me British rasper, you are not helping either by whispering so loudly!’ I snapped back.

The door to the office slammed open, door nearly flying of his hinges. Ash was red faced from running, but I could still see my handprint on his left cheek and a bruised patch between his eyes from his broken nose. I had really done a number on him.

‘All clear!’ he shouted. I saw he was carrying a knife and a gun on his belt.

‘Clear!’ another voice sounded from further back. The voice approached and it was Dean. In the distance I could hear more voices as well.

I sighed in relief, suddenly bone tired. Sebastian rose up slowly. ‘Well, so far for my heroic act. I saved the girl today Briareve.’ He addressed Ash and he just coldly stared back. ‘Thanks Sebastian. Appreciate it.’ With no emotion in his voice.

The latter walked out, hands in his pockets. ‘So it’s safe for me to go out there now?’

‘Stay vigilante, but yeah. We couldn’t replace any Fae.’ Ash crouched down in front of me, since I was still sitting on the floor in complete shock. His eyes darting quickly all over me. Worry lacing his brow.

Dean snorted. ‘Please don’t hesitate to fall into a Fae out there, Sebastian!’

‘I’m reporting you to my father, Sellasun.’ He sounded more British whenever he was angry. Dean just saluted him and turned my way. ‘You alright Lux?’

Ash hadn’t said a word to me yet, but was still scanning me for injuries.

‘Yeah… I have no idea what happened though.’ I sighed and still trembled slightly from all the emotions.

Dean glanced to his left. ‘The R.M. are here and they want a statement Lux.’

Ash continued. ‘If a fae had been on academy grounds it’s reason for concern. It would be a violation of the treaty and the borders. They are not allowed on any school grounds.’

Dean got a call and stepped out. He was talking to Oak.

Ash stood up and he reached out his hand. I took it. I was too tired to fight and was feeling a little bad about hitting him now. The mood heavy in the room. The need to cuddle closer to his side palpable. By the way he was twitching he needed my proximity too.

‘I’ll walk you back to your dorm after you’re done with your statement.’ He added sadly and started walking me towards the captain of the R.M.

I recognised him as one of Kai’s fathers. The more accommodating one of the bunch I might add. That wasn’t saying much though.

‘Lux Elmrose.’ He said, voice sharp.

‘Mr. Welkin.’ Marcus shared the same nose with Kai, but he had a slightly lighter complexion and his hair was almost as white as Ash and Dean’s was.

I tried to clearly explain to Mr. Welkin that I had not seen much. I had barely seen anything at all. And I felt rather stupid to have to explain that I had a feeling somebody had been chasing me. At least Sebastian had given a statement saying he had seen a very tall figure chasing me through the dark and afterwards pounding on the door for dear life. So that did sound very suspicious.

Ash remained eerily quiet the entire time, hovering close to me. His arm slightly brushing mine, fingers twitching. Oak just paced around the room, trying to run tracks into the floor.

When Marcus finally left us and took the entire Razz Moros clan with him. Who looked really intimidating in their all black riot gear I must add, I could finally release the breath I had been holding. With it the last remaining bit of energy drained out of me. I wobbled.

‘Hey, easy there sweet cheeks.’ Ash said and found his excuse to pull me into his side. His hand steadily rubbing my lower back. I shivered but it wasn’t from the cold. He put his black bomber jacket on me anyway and stepped back. I was instantly cold now, even with the jacket.

At least Oak seemed to have softened up a bit towards my account, actually looking worried when he first entered the Science building and saw my face. I probably still had that petrified look plastered all over me.

Oak stepped closer to pat my head like a dog. Clearly not really knowing what to say or do right now. it was almost comical. He waved us goodbye and ran into one of the offices to make a few more calls.

Ash lay a comforting hand on my lower back again and I had to hold myself back from falling into his side for another hug. I really needed one right now. A shiver went through me once more and his hand slowly caressed my lower back to calm me down.

‘Let’s walk back okay?’ he whispered. ‘You sure you are okay?’ He tried to glance into my eyes but I stared at the floor. Not really knowing how to act right now either, guess I had something in common with this twin brother.

I appreciated the fact that he was still here after all the things I had yelled at him earlier or the fact I had hit him. It didn’t seem to matter now and his concern for me really warmed my heart. I still felt a little embarrassed about it though.

I nodded. I saw in his eyes he didn’t believe it for one bit, but he gently guided me toward the door. By the way he walked I could tell he was still vigilant. He kept putting his body before mine, so he could scout the area.

‘A-ash…’ I started with a weak shaky voice but he halted me. stopping in his tracks, his hands on my shoulders. ‘Don’t. I deserved it.’

‘But..’ I sighed.

’But nothing. You did me in the Rainer way, almost.’ He half smiled. The frown still on his forehead, his eyes darting behind my shoulders for a quick second.

‘Oh I think you did me dirtier than I did you, Briareve.’ I snorted.

He chuckled. ‘There she is.’ He pulled me into his side for a sideway hug. I gladly welcomed it and hugged him back. His lips kissed my forehead and we continued walking like that.

‘When I got that text I…-’ he sighed deeply. ‘I just…I was worried, sweet cheeks.’

I nodded against his side that I understood. ‘It was really scary though. Thank you for coming so quickly, Ash. I really appreciate it.’

‘You can always call me, okay. You know that right?’

‘I know.’

‘Yet, you called Barrington?’

‘Ash.’ Now it was my turn to stop us from walking. I turned his way. ‘I had to be really quick and I wasn’t even paying attention to who I was calling, really.’

He glanced at his shoes, kicking an invisible rock away. Trying to act all though and casual but I could clearly see the frustration, sadness and stress still on his handsome features. His hair was even sticking out to all sides, like a mythical white lion.

‘You would be the first I’d call, if I could think clearly.’ I said before turning around, but I still spotted the smile from ear to ear that he gave while he thought I hadn’t seen it.