Chapter 777: A Promise Made
Fyren stood, looking the three of us over. After a moment, he nodded.
"If we are to meet the Curse Apostle’s deadline, we can waste no more time here. I must confer with Incinderus and Zephyriss, and prepare the horde to depart." He strode to the tent entrance, and hesitated halfway through the flap, looking back. "I know you have many questions, but remember that nothing has changed. You were smiling before we spoke, and I wish that you would again after. I am your ally, and want what you want."
"But I don’t know what I want," I whispered, gripping my skirt in my lap.
"Yes, you do. You want mortals to be free to choose their fate. No matter the nature of her plan, that is what Fate is working toward, and I am here to ensure that it happens. Nothing I have done or will do will ever be contrary to that truth."
I stood, smoothing my hand down my tail, pulling it off the cot. The tip moved slightly, but it stilled as I crossed the tent. Elise and R’lissea followed me with worried eyes, but I didn’t look away from Fyren.
"You promise?" I asked softly, biting my lip.
His face softened. "I give you my word. With the primordial mark, you hold out lives in your hands. We, the Devoted, the fate demons, stand united behind you."
"Then...I’ll trust you. But don’t lie to me again. It’s...scary."
He bowed slightly, pressing his hand to his breast in a crude mimicry of the salute the Last Light Company used. "As you wish, my lady."
I wrinkled my nose, tail twitching. "D-don’t be like that. Even with the Primordial Mark, I’m not your master or anything."
His smile glimmered, and he reached out, ruffling my hair. "Very well, Xiviyah." His eyes flicked to R’lissea. "Or do you prefer ’Xiv,’ now?"