Chapter 427: Fulfilling a Vow
Gayron snorted at my question, though he managed, with visible effort, to keep the disdain from his voice. "What kind of question is that? You have all this power and come out with an ’excuse me?’ I’d heard heroes were pathetic, but you...?"
"I-I’m sorry," I said, quickly ducking my head and gripping my skirt tightly.
The horror of what I had almost done to the Apostle of Fire still weighed heavily upon me, leaving me feeling raw and vulnerable. I knew I should have more confidence, but the truth was, I just wanted to hide behind someone. I glanced at Fable, hopeful, but he was conveniently staring in another direction. Looks like I had to face this provocative demonkin alone.
Well, maybe not alone. Korra leveled a glare at Gayron. "You’re right about that, actually, but not in the way you think. Anyone too blind to see Xiviyah for who she is and judge for who they think she should be is pathetic. That makes you just like them. By your own words: pathetic."
Gayron’s eyes smoldered, and his entire body tensed, but to my surprise, he didn’t immediately retaliate. Korra grinned smugly, folding her arms and shaking her head. "You demons are so transparent sometimes," she muttered. "Also, call her Xiviyah, not Oracle."
They were? I glanced at her in disbelief but held my tongue. I’d already embarrassed myself enough, and the last thing I wanted was to provoke another outburst.
Gayron groaned, rubbing his horn in frustration. "Fine, Xiviyah," he said, emphasizing my name with a hint of annoyance. "Because you asked so politely. You haven’t healed my soul yet. I’m not leaving before you make good on your promise. Or do you intend to renege on your word?"
My eyes widened slightly. He’d seemed so stubborn and angry, so resistant to reason. Could he have actually been listening to me in the gate?
"Is that all?" I asked. "Then you’ll leave?"
"So eager to get rid of me?" he retorted, his tone sharp. "Trust me, I hate this more than you do."
Korra rolled her eyes. "Oh, shut up. You haven’t exactly been sulking around this past week, you know. You’d better be careful, or one might start to think you enjoy spending time in a normal, mortal army."