Desire, page 11
A couple kissed passionately and disappeared around a corner. Maybe he could stay? He could be happy here. He pushed away the thoughts. Eero would never let him get away that easily. Kylan would have to go home when he completed his mission.
As he left behind the tall buildings and the labyrinth of alleys, his body relaxed. The air smelled different. It was fresher, cleaner, and with a hint of nature. These houses were smaller and had gardens. The streets were wider, the shadows less threatening.
Kylan let out a long, relieved sigh. The lack of nature and magic had made him tense. He felt pathetic and paranoid. He slowed his pace to look at the map Egon had given him. According to the lines and names on the paper, he should arrive in a few minutes. He memorized the route and slid the map back into his bag.
A few minutes later, Kylan stopped in front of an enormous iron gate, positioned between a tall white fence that ran as far as he could see. At the top of the stone wall, iron spikes gleamed in the sun. Were they keeping people out or in? The garden of the Institute looked like the rest of the gardens in the neighborhood; carefully trimmed grass, tidy flowerbeds, and a road made of white stones lined with large, old trees. An ancient three-story marble building with large windows and a black roof sat at the heart of the campus.
Kylan inhaled deeply, pressed the bell and waited. After a few seconds, soft female voice came from the intercom.
“What can I help you with?”
“My name is Kylan Whitestone and I would like to talk with the headmistress of the Institute.”
After a long pause, Kylan heard the voice again, this time there was a nervousness to it. “Come in.”
The gate opened with a quiet buzz. The young woman was already in the doorway when he reached the entrance. Fear glittered in her eyes. His muscles tensed again. Her reaction reminded him of who he was and why he was here.
“Mr. Whitestone,” her voice trembled, “please leave your horse outside. We’ll take care of her.”
Kylan nodded, took his bags, and patted Nightsky’s neck before he followed the young woman into the lobby.
“Please wait here,” she said.
He nodded again. The girl hurried up on the stairs, leaving him alone.
Corridors, filled with light and plants, ran down both sides of the hall. Pictures hung between the doors and windows, but from this far, he couldn’t make out what was on them. Left from the stairs, a two winged glass doors opened to the backyard. The place had a warm atmosphere, the kind he’d only felt at Egon’s.
Kylan put his belongings next to the wall and stepped outside. Smaller buildings stood on each side of the main structure, connected by the same white, stony roads. A huge fountain lay at the junction of the passages.
“Please follow me,” the woman’s voice said from the door.
He followed the girl into one of the side buildings, wondering if he was being led to a torture chamber or some other type of interrogation room.
“Wait here. The interviewer will be here soon.”
Kylan frowned. “I thought the headmistress would lead the interrogations.” He pulled his cigarettes from his pocket.
“Interrogation?” She chuckled. “Usually, yes, but she isn’t here at the moment.” She glanced at the cigarette. “Smoking isn’t allowed indoors.”
He shot her a threatening look and lit his cigarette. She left the room and returned a few seconds later.
“At least use this.” Her hand shook as she put an ashtray in front of Kylan. She nervously wet her lips, glanced at Kylan, and hurried out.
Tables and chairs stood next to each other in strict lines. A blackboard hung from the wall and a desk with a chair stood in front of it. This was a classroom, not the best place to interrogate someone. He sat on the chair and waited. Who questioned him didn’t matter. He knew everything about avoiding telepaths, and protecting his thoughts. He glanced at his chest and loosened the Rune, just enough for the names to disappear.
After twenty minutes, he lost his patience, he was about to look around the buildings when a familiar scent filled his nostrils. Flowers, like the early spring air after the rain, mixed with a hint of vanilla. For a moment, his stomach clenched and his heart skipped. It had been a decade since this scent had graced his senses and he was sure he just imagined it. This whole idea of a peaceful life, and Egon’s speech, was messing with him. He sat back and lit a cigarette when the door opened. Again, he thought his mind was playing tricks on him.
It couldn’t be. He stared into the dark brown eyes, the color of dark chocolate with a few dots of almond in it. It was impossible. And there was that smile, pure, honest, and kind. She was older, but he could recognize those eyes anywhere. Alana had the most gorgeous eyes he’d ever seen.
She sat, crossing her legs and resting her hands in her lap. They stared at each other in silence. Kylan crossed his arms but refused to speak first.
“Hello, Kylan.”
He didn’t answer, he couldn’t. He just kept staring at her. If he closed his eyes, even just for a second, she’d disappear.
“I’m sure you have a lot of questions.”
He narrowed his eyes, anger replacing confusion. “You’re supposed to be dead.” Egon’s voice echoed in his head. He knew. He knew and hadn’t told him.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you,” she said. “Who told you I was dead?”
Kylan pulled on his right sleeve, making sure his bracelet was hidden. “It’s not important. What are you doing here?”
“I live here.” When he didn’t answer, she brushed back her hair and continued. “I always did.”
“You lied,” he snapped. “I trusted you and you lied to me.”
“I had to and you know that.”
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, organizing his thoughts. This wasn’t the right time to deal with personal issues.
“Where is the headmistress?”
“Out on a mission. I’m here to question you.”
He frowned. “You aren’t second in charge. Where is Dorian Ward?”
Alana raised an eyebrow. “No, I’m not. Mr. Ward is…” She cleared her throat. “He isn’t feeling well.”
Kylan furrowed his brows even more. Was it possible? Did Eero use the poison already?
“I thought only a telepath was allowed to do the interrogation.”
She nodded.
He threw his hands in the air. “You have to be kidding me.”
“I’m sorry. Egon forbade me from telling you.”
“He knew?” His fire boiled inside him, threatening to burst out.
“He knew everything.”
Rage broke through the Rune. “Why?” he hissed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You weren’t ready to know —”
“It wasn’t your decision to make!”
“You were so afraid of your father, you would’ve given me to him.”
He looked away. Alana was wrong. He had fought his father for her. He had protected her. Fuck, he’d almost died for her. Kylan closed his eyes and pushed his feelings deeper inside. He couldn’t allow his judgment to be clouded. He was here to spy, not to make friends. And Alana being here made things harder for him.
“I’m sorry. I know how you feel. I wanted to show you. I almost did.”
Her voice was honest and gentle. He looked into her eyes, searching for answers. A memory from the library surfaced in his mind. It had happened not long after their first kiss. Alana had been reading about the Rune. She had wanted to help him get through the pain. He remembered how nervous she was about it, how her eyes glittered with excitement and fear when she had said that she could help him. But before she could say more, before he could understand, Egon had announced his father was coming.
Kylan nodded. “I remember.”
“Why are you here?” she asked.
For the first time, Kylan felt her presence in his mind. It was like a thought which didn’t belong, an alien feeling inside his brain. He buried his thoughts about his mission under strong, personal memories.
“I want to join.”
“Why?”
“To learn your ways.” Another, stronger, more dominant presence searched his mind.
“But you will go home.”
“I’m not sure yet.” This was less of a lie than he had originally planned. Alana’s presence changed everything.
“I’ll show you your room.” She smiled.
Kylan’s breath stuck at her smile. She was still beautiful.
“Does this mean I can stay?” He tilted his head. This was it? A few questions? Nothing more?
“For now.” She walked to the door and looked back. “You have to feel.”
She gestured at his chest, the names were visible through his white shirt. He hadn’t even noticed he’d gone deeper into the Rune.
“Oh, sorry. I’m working on it.”
He loosened the Rune and followed her. This was way too easy.
Alana led him back to the main building and up the stairs to the second floor. The few people they passed greeted him with surprised expressions and friendly smiles.
“This is it,” Alana opened a door.
Kylan stepped in. Late afternoon sun filled the room with warm light. There was a huge bed to the right with two nightstands next to it. A door opened next to the bed, probably into a bathroom. He put his bag on the sofa next to the balcony door and stepped outside. Alana followed him. The Institute’s territory was grandiose. He couldn’t even make out the lines of the stone fence running around it.
“The building to the right is where the students live. The gym is on the first floor. The other building is for classes and the witches’ workshop is on the second floor. This building is where the teachers live. There are offices and a library on the first floor.”
“Nice.”
Alana let out a little laugh. “I’m sure it’s nothing like what you’re used to.”
He snorted. “I spent almost a year in the Northern-mountains. I barely spend any time in Ugresh.”
“Why were you in the mountains?”
“Do you really want to know?” When she nodded, he continued with a sigh. “My father sent me to look for demon venom.”
“What kind of venom? Did you have help?”
“I led a unit of witches and mages. We were looking for a rare snow fox-demon. The witches are still running some tests, but in theory, its venom can block any telepath’s ability.”
“I’ve heard about it. It attacks the brain cells, slowing down neurotransmissions.” Her smile vanished. “Eero still tortures everyone.”
“Pretty much, yes.”
“And you are helping him.”
“I don’t really have a choice if I want to stay alive.” He turned away and stopped himself to fiddle with his bracelet. Was this still part of the questioning?
“But you came here. You left. Why didn’t you come sooner?”
“It’s complicated.”
“You can tell me.”
He looked back at her. “Maybe later.”
He didn’t want to talk about his life. About the darkness inside him, or the evil acts he had committed and sometimes enjoyed. He was too corrupted for this. He didn’t deserve it.
“Come, I’ll show you everything.”
For a moment, concern flashed in her eyes, but she quickly replaced it with a smile. A smile he’d almost forgotten, a smile that made his heart beat faster and his blood boil. Pleasant memories from ten years ago bit into his heart, making it hard to breathe. He resisted the urge to kiss her again, to feel again, and followed Alana in silence.
Chapter 15
Alana
Alana showed Kylan the entire Institute; all the buildings, the outside field, the stables, and the playground. He mostly just hummed and nodded. If she asked, he answered, but otherwise he didn’t share much.
“So, that’s it. I’ll tell you the rules later.” She smiled at him and pulled him onto a bench. “You’re quiet.”
Kylan shrugged and pulled down his right sleeve for the tenth time.
What was he hiding?
“I don’t have much to say. This place,” he gestured around, “is nothing like I know.”
Alana nodded. She couldn’t believe he was here. Kylan looked exactly like in her vision. Danger lingered in his amber eyes, power radiated from his moves, and the scar on his neck told about his fights. But his smile. That one small smile reflected the kindness she remembered.
“He can’t stay,” Dorian said in her head.
“Yes, he can.” Alana looked away from Kylan. It didn’t feel right to chat with Dorian and look at him at the same time.
“He is dangerous.”
His presence in her head was much weaker than what she was used to. She closed her eyes. “We’ll talk about it.”
Kylan tilted his head. “What’s wrong?”
Alana smiled at him. “Why do you think something is wrong?”
He lifted his hand and ran his finger down between her eyebrows. “These tiny wrinkles. You used to do that at Egon’s too. Usually when something bothered you.” He tilted his head. “So? What’s wrong?”
Heat ran to her cheeks. “Well, it’s… nothing.”
She lifted her hand and chewed on the skin. Kylan reached up and pulled it down, but didn’t let go. A warm shiver ran up her arm and settled in her heart.
“You’re an awful liar. You always have been.” He caressed her hand.
Alana turned her gaze down. Her mouth opened, and she blinked several times as she spotted his bracelet.
“Is this?” She pulled Kylan’s right hand closer to look at the leaf, running a finger over it. She ran her free hand over her ear where its pair was. “This is beautiful.” Alana looked into his eyes.
Kylan snatched his hand back and pulled down his sleeve again. “I found it in the garden after you left.” He shrugged. “It reminded me of you, so I kept it. Then I just kinda got used to wearing it.”
Her heart melted from the words Kylan didn’t say. From the light pink shade of his cheeks, and the way he was trying to hide it since she had stepped into that room, it was obvious it meant more to him than he would admit.
“Alana. My office. Now.” Dorian’s voice echoed in her mind.
She frowned. “Why?”
“Now!”
She jolted, then shot an apologetic look at Kylan. “I have to go. See you later.”
Kylan nodded, but didn’t move. Alana smiled again and hurried back to the building. By the time she reached the stairs, she was running. Dorian sounded terrified, too commanding.
She burst into his office. Angry green lines spread from his shoulder up on his neck, and they sneaked down on his arm too. She knew that under his shirt, most of his torso was covered with the thin green lines. He was pale, weak, and his coughing indicated the poison had reached his lungs.
“What happened?” she asked.
“Your father sent this.” Dorian gave her a letter. “It just came through the mailing system.” He pointed at the small pots on the wall. The one with Nesael’s name on it still gleamed with magic.
Alana stepped to his desk. Dorian’s eyes were filled with great sorrow. She tried to peek inside his head, but she hit a wall and Dorian looked at her with narrowed eyes. She shrugged. Something was terribly wrong.
With shaking hands, she unfolded the paper and read it.
Alana collapsed on a chair. Someone had betrayed them, lured them into a trap. The paper shook in her hands as she fought for air. Lilian was dead. Tom was permanently injured. Demons had attacked them in the woods. Her dad didn’t say how they had survived, but it had to be a miracle.
Alana took a shaky breath. “She’s dead? Lili is dead?” She stared at her father’s handwriting. “But it came through the magical mailing system. Why just now?”
Dorian cleared his throat. “I think because of Tom. They’ll come back as soon as he is able to travel.”
From what her dad wrote, it was obvious Tom had done something foolish and her father hadn’t been sure of the outcome at first.
Alana gave back the paper. “What are you going to do now?”
“She named me as her heir. If the faction leaders accept, then I’ll be the new headmaster.” He coughed again and lifted a handkerchief in front of his mouth. Pain flashed on his face, and he couldn’t get words out when he opened his mouth. Either from the cough or grief. Alana couldn’t decide, but it didn’t matter.
Their gaze locked, and they both knew that he needed to stay alive for that, which, at this point, was highly unlikely. Tish was doing everything she could, but she was running out of ideas.
Alana stood and gave him a glass of water. She caught a glimpse of red on the white cloth as Dorian hid it under the table.
“You’re getting worse,” she whispered. “You shouldn’t be out of bed.”
Dorian took the glass. “I’m fine.” He took a small sip that ended in another round of coughing. “Kylan can’t stay.”
Alana sat back in the chair. “Yes, he can.”
Dorian took another small sip. “He’s behind all this, Alana. You saw it too. He’s the mastermind behind weakening us. To take Lorance without a war, and he’s here to spy on us.”
Alana shook her head. “He didn’t have a choice, Dorian. You saw the good in him. He can change. I know it.”
“He is here to give you to his father. He is here to force Tom to open the portals.” His voice was deep, filled with anger. “We both know Tom would rather die than to do magic like that. Do you want to risk it?”
“Please, Dorian. You saw the good in him.” She licked her lips, trying to sound more confident that she was. “It’s buried deep, but it’s there.”
Dorian slammed the glass onto the table. “He is dangerous!”
“He’s suffering!”
“He is the reason I got poisoned!”
Alana turned her head away and lifted her hand to her mouth. Dorian was right, but she couldn’t turn her back on Kylan. How could she when she knew he could be gentle and loving? If she hadn’t seen the glimpse of good in him, the desire to change, to live in peace, she wouldn’t insist, but it was all there.
She only stopped chewing when the salty taste of blood reached her tongue. She put her hand back in her lap, and by the time she wiped off the small drop of blood, the wound was healed.
