Which Side Are You On? *Part 53*

“So, what is it, Ahx?” Sariin asked.

“You brought her?” Ahx questioned in disapproval.

“I’ll be alright,” Sovira said. She was standing behind Sariin.

“Yes, she ought to hear this too,” Hermione spoke.

“Okay…” Ahx paused and looked at Markus’ body. “Markus is still breathing. Barely, but he’s still alive.”

He looked very bewildered. Sovira’s heart stopped beating at his words. Was he really alive? She wondered. How was that possible? That fall was too high. He should have broke something vital.

“No, that’s just it. None of his bones are broken. He suffered no injuries from the fall.”

None? Sovira thought.

“He’s got about a three cracked ribs from Syth, but that’s it,” Hermione explained.

“Wait a minute,” Ahx snapped at Syth’s name. “Sariin, did you leave Syth alone?”

“Uh…yeah.” Sariin smiled innocently.

“I’ll go,” Hermione volunteered.

Once she was gone, Sariin walked Sovira back inside so Ahx could carry Markus up to his room. He was still alive, so she didn’t completely hate Syth. Then again, how could she ever hate him? She felt that all of this was her fault. From now on, she would drop her feelings for Syth. She’d forget that she ever loved him. This was for Markus’ sake.

“Are you going to be alright?” Sariin asked.

“Yeah. Markus is still alive. I’m just worried about Syth. None of this would have happened if it weren’t for me.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“Yes, it is. If I would have just pretended that I didn’t care about Syth, then everything would be okay.”

“But you can’t help it. Syth is charming. He just has a way with people. And you’re not the first to fall for him. This kind of thing happens all the time. It’s not your fault.”

“All the time?” Sovira asked. Was she just trying to comfort her?

“It’s like Syth is a magnet. You know, I fell for him once.”

“You did?”

She giggled. “Yeah, but that was all it was. He doesn’t see me that way. My friends fall for him too. That is until he uses his dirty tricks on them and sees them when they’re most vulnerable.” She giggled again. Sovira knew exactly what she meant.

She sighed. “How did I fall for that?”

“Don’t worry. Everyone that falls for him usually gets over him sooner or later. I have.”

“So, I will eventually?”

“If it’s just a crush, then yes.”

“But you just said everyone gets over him sooner or later.”

“Well, there have been cases where they both fell for each other.”

“Oh, and what happened?”

“Let’s just say it didn’t work out.”

“Why not?”

“It just didn’t. So see, you will be fine.”

Sovira knew she was hiding something.

“Sariin, what happened? Please tell me.”

“When Syth has strong feelings toward something he…How do I put it?”

“I think I understand.”

It was like what happened when she kissed him the first time, or the second. So that was why that happened? Because he had strong feelings for her? It made sense.

But did he really kill the ones he loved, or did they get scared and leave him? No, they’re demons. Demons aren’t afraid of other demons, are they?

“Sariin?”

“Yes?”

“Did it not work out because they were afraid and left, or because he…killed them?”

“He killed them,” she said bluntly.

“Oh…oh,” Sovira said. What if that was me? She wondered.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have told you that.”

“No. It’s for the best. Maybe I’ll see things clearly now.”

They both turned their head when they heard a door shut. Ahx was back down still covered in Markus’ blood.

“Markus will be okay. I laid him in his bed. As long as he rests, he should be as good as new in a few days. He’s just got a few cracked ribs. Nothing major to worry about,” Ahx said. He looked bothered. “Syth is in his room. He’s calmed down a lot. He’s just a bit…angry with himself.”

It’s not his fault, Sovira thought. Oh, he must feel horrible. I should go see him.

“I think you should leave him alone for now. Just give him some space, okay? He’s still a little edgy.”

Sariin smiled at her like she was telling her something. That Ahx was right. And that brought her back to Sariin’s story. He was right.

Sovira shivered thinking about it. It was for the best, she told herself. And it was. She couldn’t even imagine herself with Syth. This was it. This is what she needed. Now she could be loyal to Markus - no problem.

Ahx glared disapprovingly at Sariin. “What scary stories have you been telling her?” His tone was partially raised.

“Don’t be mad at her, Ahx. It was for the best. Really,” she stressed the last word when he looked at her in disbelief.

He sighed, letting it go. “Just go see Markus. I don’t know where he stands mentally. I’m worried about him.”

Worried? She thought. “Is he awake?”

“He wasn’t when I carried him up there, but he may be now. If not, it would be best for you to be there when he does.”

“Why? What’s wrong?”

If he wasn’t awake when he brought him up there, then did he read his mind? What was going on in it? Oh, he’s probably in a worse condition than Syth. That answers why he seemed bothered.

“That appears to be the case.”

“I’ve got a question, Ahx. I don’t understand how he’s even still alive? He’s human. It doesn’t make sense,” Sariin said bewildered.

“I’m amazed too.” Ahx shook his head.