Fate

41: Hostile Creatures

Alistair's POV

They watch.

I do not see their eyes, though there are thousands upon thousands of minuscule, practically invisible pupils flickering about, jumping to my every move.

At times, the owners of the eyes differs between my Kings and the army that we are beginning to call the Strays. Strays are creatures of insanity, those who have lost their fated and turned to the freedom and wilderness of losing one's mind. Though maybe it isn't the loss of a love, maybe their minds are riddled with so much darkness, the only way to rid themselves of the chains was to allow the body and soul to be plagued by madness. 

Nobody knows the sheer size of their army, nor if all of them are lunatics. But we do know that they are holding Astraea captive. And right now, in my Kings' minds, that is the most insane act one could perform.

The deep brown skin of the fallen leaves crunch beneath my feet as I step. Being the only sound throughout the forest, the crumbling of the small but intricate structures is deafening. At this moment in time, I take in my surroundings. I breathe in the heavenly assortment of nature, the fluffy green moss, the beautiful array of brown and red leaves, some falling from the branches. Others clinging on for their lives.

Sometimes, death is simply beautiful.

My Kings told me that there is a point within these woods where you become blind and only regain your sight once you step out of the field. King Xanouth thinks they have a shadow-lord. Some of the others disagree, there is a possibility that there is a spell set here. Koda thinks only the most powerful of witches or warlocks could prepare it, however.

Not even King Xanouth nor King Floren can see past the blindness, even through their sight.

So, when the blank nothingness that seems as though it will riddle me for all of eternity hits me, I am not too surprised.

I stop still, hands by my sides. Right now, I can feel the eyes on me double, triple. I do not bother to move, though I think I could manage, with or without my beast. Instead of continuing, I halt. I wait, patiently for them to call my name. 

Because they will. 

"Ah," And so he does, "We have a betrayal on our hands."

                                                         ✯¸.•'*¨'*•✿ ✿•*'¨*'•.¸✯

Sight comes back to me in a flurry of chaos. I do not stumble, but my mind trips on the image of light. Instead, as my eyes flicker, I harden my features and stare numbly into the dark, stone-cold eyes of the enemy.

"A rat, are you?" He begins to walk towards me, circling closer and closer like a snake squeezing the very life from its' prey, "A traitor." 

"I cannot be a traitor if I was never on their side to begin with." I play my role to perfection. He laughs, bitterly.

"Really?" He squeals with the excitement, I am the shiny, new toy, "Really."

"I only stand by them in my father's memory. Now, I look within myself and see my true destiny. Beside you. Sir." Internally, I smile. Within myself I grin, fangs peaking over the rim of my lips. It seems I find true joy in simple lies.

First, it begins as a beam gracing his face. Then it bursts into gasps of crazed laughter. He claps his hand, maliciously, before his chuckles die down like embers of a fire.

"Oh wow, Mr Black." He gasps, pausing, before beginning again, "I have none but one question for you." 

I nod, bowing my head a little to disguise the minuscule smirk touching my face.