My Mate, The Dragon

Chapter Forty-Six

November 23, 2019

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Xion

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    We have been on the move for two days now. Maybe it was the constant moving, but Sheila hasn't been the same. In the generals' tent, where we normally stayed until we go out to our duties, she just sits looking into the fire with these glazed eyes. I watch her clench and unclench her hands, her eyes in constant pain.

    She was in her own world, I don't think she even realized that I was watching her, and that was odd. Whenever I entered the room, no, whenever anyone entered the room, she would stand and greet us with respect.

    Even Cebrus, who hid in the shadows of the tent looked at her with furrowed brows. The straight-faced icebox was worried, I didn't think I would ever see the day. Little did she know, Cebrus had a similar upbringing to herself. His parents, naturally, like all the crows, abandon their children in the woods when they are six, to test their strength. Many die, though some come back soldiers, ready for the military.

    There is not a single person in the Mythical Realm that hasn't heard of Sheila's upbringing, which leaves many of us naturally be concerned about her. Abandoned to live on her own at six, just like Cebrus.

    I saw him move, he was as swift as the night. He walked, shoulders back, over to Sheila, who is yet to notice. He rested a hand on her shoulder, this sent my eyebrows sky-high. What is he doing?!

    I took a step forward out of reflex, though I saw her turn her head to look up at Cebrus. She smiled, it sent chills down my spine. The smile was so mindless, so cold, so forced. What was going on with her? "Yes, Cebrus?" Her voice was calm, though her eyes were like waves on the rough sea.

    His eyes widen at the look he received, there was nothing vicious in her eyes, yet it was dangerous. Like a sharpened blade in its sheath, ready to be unleashed. "Sheila, what's wrong?" I took another step forward, my hands splayed out, I could hear the horror shaking my own words.

    I move my hand and tucked a strand of blonde hair behind my ear, then dropping it to my hip, right above where my sword was. Her eyes flickered at my words as all the darkness that was just there, scattered. "Huh? Nothing." She shook her head standing up. She looked to the tent flap, "oh my gods, its already that dark out? How long have I been sitting here, I have to go on my shift!" She grabbed the sword that was resting beside the chair. The same one that had stabbed not only her but Kolgrim aswell.

    She was about to move towards the opening in the tent, when Cebrus grabbed her forearm, lightly. She jerked awkwardly, her eyes then widening. "I-Im sorry, yes Cebrus?" She restated her words before, though I could see the concern for herself in her dark facial expression.

    "I'll go with," his deep voice echoed in the silent tent, then he nodded down at her. Did Cebrus just speak a full sentance? I have been his friend since he was a child, and I haven't gotten more then a yes, no, or if I'm really blessed, a grunt.

    "No, no, there's no need, I'm sure there is someplace else you are needed, more important places." Her arm still in Cebrus' hold, he didn't look like he was letting go until she complied.

    "No." Ah, that's the Cebrus I know. "I will go." I take all that I had said back.

    She sighed and plastered a fake smile back on her face once more. "Then let us go, or we will be even later than we already are," she chuckled, her smile not reaching her eyes. It pains me to see a friend like this.

    Was it because of her first battle? Or was it Kolgrims dead body falling against her own, very alive, self? Maybe it was having that collar around her neck? The more I think about it, the more I realize that her life now hasn't been much easier than the life she had lived for the last eighteen years.