after unlocked: a sokeefe fanfic

Chapter 73-Fallon

He supposed it was his fault that it all fell to ashes. Fintan had the flames, and Fallon had tossed kindling into the fire.

Long before anyone governed the Lost Cities, there had been rules. Don't do this, don't have that, and above all, do not practice this.

They had grown up together. Back then, it hadn't been strange to manifest late. Typically, the longer it took, the more prestigious your ability was. At last, that was the theory. Fallon manifested early, at seven. Vespera, several years later, at ten.

Fintan didn't manifest until he was seventeen.

Back then, Pyrokinetics was still a forbidden practice. They'd had one too many run-ins and close calls. The few elders agreed.

Fintan Pyren told only two people of his ability. His two best friends: Fallon Vacker and Vespera Folend.

And they would've taken the secret to their graves.

Or rather, more accurately, to infinity.

Besides, being Talentless wasn't a shameful thing then.

Then, years and years and years later, the elders formed the Council.

Fallon Vacker, Vespera Folend, and Fintan Pyren were elected as the first councilors. 

***

As it often happens, the boy falls for the girl. The girl falls for the boy. And either love and trust prevails, or heartbreak and hatred reign.

The latter happened.

It was their thirtieth year in office. Vespera and Fallon were entwined, feelings and thoughts, such a lovely combination. An empath and a telepath. A pair designed to see all lies.

There could only be mutual trust in a relationship like this. The other could easily tell if their partner was lying.

At least, that's what one would assume. 

Then Fallon found Fintan and Vespera in her office.

Together.

***

Three days later, there was a new law.

Councilors would never again marry, bear children, or form any romantic relationships while in office.

Fintan was enraged.

Vespera was herself. Her new self, the one who had hardened herself with reality. She was cold, unfriendly, and not the woman he'd fallen for.

And Fallon was severed from all bonds he'd formed with both of them.

***

His heart ached as Fintan and Vespera faced him with clasped hands, stubbornness engraved in their body language. Fintan's face was flushed, the heated fury written all over his face. Vespera, on the other hand, wore a precise, cold unreadable expression. But waves of hurt and rage drifted in her eyes.

A heartbeat passed. He was vaguely aware of the two auxiliary councilors, the temporary ones they'd appointed in case of something like this, speaking and rationalizing their actions. Fintan and Vespera could get out of it. The rule didn't apply to them, they said. Other punishments could be applicable.

"Exile."

The word cut through the voices like a knife through butter.

The male auxiliary councilor spoke uneasily, "Councilor Vacker, it is highly unprecedented to—"