CHAVIAS
Chavias ducked back behind the tree, jaw working fervently. There isnât much time left. I have to get it over with.
But sheâs always at Achariusâ side. Theyâre never far apart.
Acharius had been gone a long while this time. Leaving the artifacts for a surprisingly length of time before Rhyers arrived to stand guard over them.
Uncharacteristic of him. It likely meant Bast was certainly in the area somewhere. Acharius would never leave them unattended for long.
Unless Rhyers was here longer than I realized. Chavias recognized the possibility. Aware that the tracker could be startlingly quiet. His presence nearly invisible when he wills it so.
Chavias was aware how purposefully heâd turned his thoughts from Sebastian. The thought of facing Bast again made Chavias nervous. He couldnât put words to the shame he felt when facing his closest comrade. The man who once knew me best.
A man who always had my back.
Heâd never forgive me for the things Iâve done now.
Where he seeks to protect our Brethren, Iâve been his greatest bane. Hunting them. Picking them off. Thatâs all he could know of what Iâve been doing. He canât know the restâ¦How Iâve tried to undermine Radix.
Chavias was sure that when the time came to die it would be at Bastâs hands. How many times have I thought about pressing him?
If Sebastian had to decide on the spot between killing me or losing more of his brethrenâ¦Heâd slide the blade over my throat. Chavias knew it with complete certainty. Knowing the beat of Sebastianâs heart more assuredly then most. Heâs a protector to the core.
Before the thought had always been nearly blissful. Something Chavias longed forâ¦Save the pain itâd cause Sebastian.
But nowâ¦Sabine. His jaw ticked. I know longer want to die. I want to go see her again. Another glance around the tree revealed them leaving the tunnel entrance.
As soon as Acharius returned, here they are. Together again. Chavias couldnât help but envy them. What Iâd give to have that.
Achariusâ back was disappearing into the dark cave.
Chaviasâ grip tightened on the handle of the sword strapped across his back. He gripped it comfortingly.
Itâs what I must do. He reassured himself. Drawing a steadying breath.