The Reaper's New Beginning

18. Proving Asher's Innocence (2)

Nikola frowned as she observed her son's condition. His pale skin was flushed red with a fever. Asher's breath was feverish and uneven, causing Nikola much worry. Unfortunately, there wasn't much she could do to help his condition. The only thing Nikola was able to do was to take off his coat and unbutton his dressing shirt to relieve the hotness Asher was feeling. After that, they were taken to a different room where Asher could rest in.

Zacharia couldn't help but sigh and glare towards the corner of the room as he rubbed his temples in frustration. Asher was giving them information- really important information. The name of the group, Rising Faeries, and that they were planning on causing a huge ruckus that will serve as a distraction. But for what? This was the information that he was unable to get. Just when he was about to get the information that might've been able to lengthen his lifespan, Asher had fainted with a high fever.

The young lord's deep obsidian eyes stared into Nikola's with suspicion, uncertainty, and desperation. It would've been a lie to say that he wasn't afraid. He didn't want to die just yet. He has yet to achieve his vengeance, after all.

"Nikola Pierce. How can it be that, when Asher Pierce was about to give important information, he turned into a drunk old fogey?"

Zacharia spoke in a crude manner, expressing his annoyance. The noble air surrounding him broke down and was replaced by a suffocating and provoking atmosphere. He could still feel the younger's warmth as he fell into his arms. It was the type of warmth that he was unused to. The warmth emanating from another human being, another life form such as himself. How disgustingly uncomfortable. The dark-haired teenager scoffed while narrowing his eyes towards Asher's mother.

Nikola sighed as she glanced towards Zacharia before returning her gaze towards Asher. Her gentle eyes burned with anger as she said, "Lord Zacharia, be at ease. You mustn't forget that I am not your enemy. I'm also not here to hide any information regarding the Rising Faeries. I'm here to prove my son's innocence and I will not let your suspicion about what just happened to stand in my way."

Standing up from the plush chair she has been previously sitting on, Nikola slightly turned her head. Her emerald eyes turned into a darker shade of green with anger, causing Zacharia to widen his eyes in disbelief.

It was widely known how Nikola Pierce is an excellent fighter who possesses great control over the element of water. There were many stories detailing how she had to defeat many large magical beasts with what people considered to be a weak magical element. Unlike others whose water power was either weak or gentle, Nikola's was like a storm. Her power was destructive.

Listening to all of those stories, Zacharia felt admiration towards this woman. There was only one thing all of those stories had in common. Despite Nikola having the water elemental power, her eyes could bring forth a burning and passionate fire whenever she fought. Those eyes he had heard so much about where now being shown to him without the need of a battle. Actually, in second thought, this was a battle in itself.

While Zacharia stared into her burning eyes, Nikola couldn't help but silently curse at herself. She didn't know anything about this young boy and she had spoken to him in the heat of the moment. Coupled with the fact that her elite guards weren't able to get much information about him made her deeply worry about what course of action Zacharia would take.

The information she had regarding him was little: Zacharia is a teenager who is basically already an adult. His father is Arthur Ace, a man powerful enough to make Zatheusyl's king pale in fright. There is no information about his mother, his ancestors, nor his tendencies and personality. Talking to a boy such as himself is as if walking on a land mine. Still, she couldn't help but burst out what she was thinking. Nikola has always had a hard time stopping herself from running her mouth and speaking her mind.