6. Truth

Alexielle sighed and leaned back in her seat. “His name is Raziel. He’s my…” She chose her words carefully. Daidh was well aware of how the craft worked. “Instructor. That’s all.”

Daidh served them both wine and sat beside her. “Instructor? What do you need an instructor for?”

“Stuff?”

Daidh stared at her and gulped down his wine. “I don’t believe you.” The door was knocked and he rose to get it. He smiled at the elf behind the door and he wheeled in dinner. Daidh had rented a room for the evening and Alexielle was unaware until he walked her up the stairs. She didn’t protest and trusted him well enough to know that his intentions were friendly. However, she was not aware of what information he wanted.

“Well, that’s all you need to know, Daidh. Rest assured that when we’re done, I’ll be better off and so will the Sanctum.”

“Let me guess: Raziel told you this? Do you know what he’s done? He’s challenged demons and has become almost entirely fel-infused; so much that his power is unstable within him.” He served Alexielle her plate and said, “I would never go that route.”

“You wouldn’t? Daidh, unlimited power and the fear that others would have when you walked down the street?”

“No, Lexi.” He turned to see her. “I don’t need any of that, and neither do you. They already fear us. That foolish warlord was hunting down our brothers and sisters of the art because he was afraid. You don’t need more.”

“Well, then you’re fooling yourself,” Alexielle said, reaching for the meat on her plate. She was eager to leave, but she wasn’t going to seem so obvious to Daidh.

“Lexi, tell me, why did your wardrobe change so suddenly?”

“What do you mean, Sayaadi?”

“You would change into these amazingly sexy dresses that showed your flawless skin peeking from beneath. Now, you have long sleeves that hide your beauty. What has Raziel done to you?”

Alexielle chuckled. “Why would he have done something to me?”

“Because if not, your husband is beating you.”

“He wouldn’t dare!”

“So, Raziel?”

Alexielle sighed and pushed the plate aside. “You mustn’t tell anyone, Sayaadi, or I’ll kill you!” She rose from her seat and began to undo her dress, unlacing her back and releasing just enough of it to slip an arm out. Her back and arm were now exposed and she stood beside Daidh so he could take a look. Daidh rose from his seat and walked toward her, examining the lashes and what looked like burn marks all over her back and arm. 

“What is this, Lexi?”

“My failure,” she whispered. “I was unable to stop the demons he sent toward me and I got hurt. The ones on my back…I was punished for being incompetent.”

Daidh’s fingers gently touched her back. “Your husband has seen these?” Lexi nodded. “And you haven’t told him?” She shook her head. “But you will?”

“He’s highly suspicious now. I’m afraid he’ll rush into the Sanctum and try to kill Raziel.”

“Well, yeah.”

“But I need to finish my training, Daidh. I need to succeed in the eyes of the council.” She sighed and began to slip her arm back in her dress. Daidh helped pull the dress over her shoulder as she winced. 

“To what expense, Lexi?”

“I will be fine. I will earn their respect and my family will be protected.” She sighed as he carefully and slowly laced up her dress. His fingers faintly appeared to touch her skin, but he continued on, looking away briefly before doing so.

“If he hurts you, Lexi, your husband will not be the only one seeking to destroy him.”

“I know, Daidh.” As soon as he was done, she turned around and smiled at him. “I know.” She cupped his face and smiled. He looked at her tenderly and concerned and moved closer to her, closing his eyes. His lips brushed her skin above her eyebrows and he smiled. Lexi blushed softly and giggled.

“How’s Safrona, by the way? I never saw her again.” Daidh moved away to the table and sat back down.

“I don’t know, dear.” She sighed and frowned. “I honestly don’t know how she’s doing.” She joined him at the table and picked at her food once more. 

“That’s a shame. I would love to have spent some more time with her.” He smiled at Alexielle, winking at her and the two continued on with their dinner.