Chapter 111: Emergence
Tauriel maintained a composed expression, masking the rising turmoil within her chest. Her voice was cool, almost too calm. "Do you remember the future?"
Ebon’s head tilted slightly, an amused glint shimmering behind his dark gaze. "Remember?" he repeated, as if tasting the word on his tongue. "Isn’t that a strange choice for something that hasn’t happened yet?"
His eyes narrowed in mock contemplation. "How exactly does one remember something that’s never occurred?"
Tauriel rolled her eyes with an exasperated sigh. "Don’t play games with me, Ebon. You know damn well what I mean."
His lips curled into a wider smile, not playful, but enigmatic. "Yes," he admitted, voice like velvet laced with thorns. "I know what you mean. And no, I don’t remember the future."
Her expression tightened. The illusion of composure cracked slightly as veins flared on her forehead. "Don’t you dare lie to me, Ebon!"
The smirk on his face faded like mist at dawn. His voice dropped, low and serious. "And if I did... then what, Tauriel?"
Her retort died in her throat. The fury faltered as something older, heavier gripped her. Guilt? Fear? Grief? She opened her mouth but no words came out.
Ebon raised a hand, halting her silence with his own. "Let me speak."
Reluctantly, she swallowed her fury and gave a small nod.
A trace of that wicked smile returned. "Good girl."