Curse of the Fallen Deity (Zarsothian Tales #1 | Volume 1 & 2)

Chapter 30: The Photograph

I let out an exasperated sigh and sat down on my bed. Kakatapos lamang ng training namin ng grupo ko at hindi naman ako masyadong nahirapan sa kanila. They're already well aware of their capabilities. The only thing that they lack is practice and mastery.

Ingangat ko ang tingin sa orasan na nakasabit sa pader. It's almost time. Time when the two moons meet.

Napapikit na lamang ako sa inis. I kind of regret that I accepted too much responsibilities in this school. Kung tutuusin, walang wala ito sa plano ko.

I opened my eyes when there was a sudden knock. Probably Shaye.

Kahit hinihila na ako ng higaan ko, pinilit ko na lang tumayo at binuksan ang pintuan. My eyebrows raised when it wasn't Shaye's face who greeted me.

"Why are you here?" masungit kong tanong kay Carwell.

"Everyone's still asleep. It's almost dinner time," tipid niyang sagot.

Kinunutan ko siya ng noo. "And?"

Binuka niya ang bibig niya at nagsalita pero hindi ko narinig. How can I hear him though? Eh halos pwet niya lang ang nakarinig ng bulong na 'yun.

"Hello?" kuha ko sa atensyon niya.

His face suddenly changed and gave me his usual dark gaze. "Edi 'wag kung ayaw mo." Then he turned his back like a kid.

Napaismid ako. Problema ba ng lalaking 'to?

"Hoy. Ano bang trip mo? Hindi kita narinig kanina." Hinila ko ang braso niya at sinamaan ng tingin.

"Hindi ba halata?" Hindi siya nagpatalo at sinamaan niya rin ako ng tingin.

"What?"

"I'm inviting you for dinner," masungit niyang wika. "Narinig mo na? Happy?"

Saglit akong napatitig sa kaniya. Kinagat ko ang labi ko para pigilang matawa, pero kalaunan ay hinayaan ko na ang sarili ko. I burst in laughter while staring at him. Siya naman ay nakatingin lang sa 'kin at kulang na lang ay ngumuso.

I took a deep breath to calm myself down. Isinara ko ang pintuan ng kwarto bago siya muling tinignan. "You could've said that with your normal voice. Hindi 'yung bumubulong ka riyan at mag-e-expect na maririnig ko. Mukha kang timang."

"Whatever," aniya pa at dumiretso na sa hapag kainan.

Sumunod na ako sa kaniya. Nakahanda na pala ang mga pagkain. Sakto para sa aming lahat kaso tulog mantika ang iba. Umupo ako katapat ni Carwell. Then we started munching the food.

"Marunong ka palang magluto," sambit ko. I wasn't expecting he had the skills. Like, seriously, akala ko kayabangan lang ang alam nito.

He nodded slightly. "Mom taught me."

Saglit akong napatigil. I know it's a sensitive topic pero hindi ko talaga mapigilang mapaisip. What happened to his mother? Alam kong pinalayas siya sa Ambergail. But how did she die?

I mentally shook my head. How insensitive of you, Ara.

"Can I ask something?" wika ko para malihis ang usapan.

He hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"Your uncle seems nice to the public. Ganiyan rin ba siya sa iyo?" I know I sounded suspicious but who cares? Aware naman siya na matabil lang talaga ang dila ko.

"We're not that close. We don't have the normal father and son relationship," sagot niya nang hindi man lang lumilingon sa 'kin. "But he's the only family I have."

A hint of amusement flashed through my face. Carwell might be arrogant and rude but he appreciates what's there for him.

"You have Shaye." Tipid akong ngumiti. "You have no idea how happy she was when you defended her the last time. Kahit ako ay nagulat din."