Chapter 58: Half-Blood Prince
Rafael made his way to Orion’s camp according to the directions given. It should have been exhausting, but his men had prepared supplies for him, allowing him much-needed replenishment.
More importantly, his curiosity kept his feet moving forward. Just like Soleia, he had expected the enchantment on Orion to be broken when Soleia threw her amethyst pendant away. Instead, Soleia was the one left bruised and bleeding on the ground, while Elowyn was coddled and spirited away.
It simply made no sense, especially when Rafael knew Orion was already suspicious of Elowyn’s intentions.
Did Elowyn have more amethysts stowed away? Or... Rafael’s face clouded as a sobering thought entered his mind. Or was she so powerful, that using an amethyst was simply a matter of convenience?
But that was impossible. Or at least, it would’ve been impossible for a human. If she was something else, then it would be a different story altogether.
His men had detected nothing out of the ordinary when they were tracking their party, but that simply meant that she was better at concealing her actions. He had to check on Orion, and possibly shove his stupid head into the snow until his mind straightened itself out.
Making him and Soleia walk the entire way to the palace in the middle of winter was insanity, no matter what he claimed earlier!
Of course, a deeper part of him wanted to get a better gauge of Elowyn’s powers. She was a threat. If not handled well, she would be detrimental to his interests.
He hastened his footsteps. Soon, he saw the dying embers of a campfire and smelt the last lingering scent of grilled meat. He crouched down and waited for the guards to change shifts.