Tensions rise

The rest of the day is somehow both awkward and pleasant. There’s a kind of tension between them, not unpleasant, but definitely noticeable. Kael isn’t sure what to do about it, and in fact, he isn’t even sure he wants to do anything about it. Evie seems flustered, but also seems to be finding excuses to be near Kael. Even he can’t help but notice a change in how she’s looking at him.

As for himself, he feels different too. He catches himself sneaking glances at her as she goes about her business, cleaning up the already relatively clean house. Somehow, their dynamic has shifted, and it started with the trip to the tailors. Obviously, Kael changed how he saw her after what he witnessed, and it seems like something similar happened with Evie.

There’s still some reticence, though. It’s only been a day, after all. Kael still hasn’t really been able to engage her in conversation, despite several attempts. Her responses remain businesslike, short and proper. None of the flashes of emotion he saw at the store. Despite her seeming desire to be nearby, she is closed off otherwise.

After a quiet dinner, the two of them go to their bedrooms. Kael presumes that Evie will be spending a bit of time reading the book she’s so interested in. As for Kael, he just wants some rest. It’s sure to be another night of unpleasant dreams, and he wants to get as much rest as he can.

The puzzles with Evie can wait for tomorrow.

Stripping to his underwear, Kael climbs into bed. With a sigh, he relaxes, letting the quiet of the evening wash over him. As sleep creeps in, the world fades out.

It’s not long before the nightmare has him sitting bolt upright, again with a panicked shout. Taking a shuddering breath, Kael wipes the sweat from his face. As he’s gathering himself, he hears Evie’s soft voice.

“Master? Are you ok?”

Kael sighs. “Yes. Just my nightmares.”

He looks over to see her in the doorway. She’s wearing one of the nightshirts they picked, and with the light from her room, he can see the shape of her slim body through the thin material. After standing there for a moment, she steps into the room.

“You have nightmares, master?”

Kael nods, looking away. “Yes. I’m used to it by now, but I expect it’s odd to hear for you.”

Slowly, she walks closer, until she’s beside the bed. In the darkness, her wide red eyes seem to almost glow. “Master, perhaps…perhaps I can help?”

Kael shakes his head. “I appreciate the offer, but I don’t see how.”

She seems to gather her courage. “I have a…talent, master. Magic.”

Kael looks at her in surprise. “I didn’t think they allowed elves to practice magic anymore.”

She shakes her head. “They don’t, master. I was forbidden from using it without permission. But if you allowed it…”

Kael sighs. “Even if I did, I’m a nullifier, Evie. Magic doesn’t work on me.”

Evie wrings her hands nervously. “Master, I don’t know how to explain, but mine is…different. I was tested. My magic isn’t like most magic. May I try? I don’t want you to suffer like you are, master.”

Kael looks into her eyes, seeing once again the crack in her emotional shield. The way she’s looking at him is strange. She seems genuinely worried about him. He considers for a moment, before coming to a decision.