Chosen Champion by Elise Kova

Author:Elise Kova [Kova, Elise]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781949694062
Publisher: Silver Wing Press
Published: 2019-04-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

“Narro hath hoolo.” Vi uttered the incantation the moment the door closed behind her that evening. Usually, when she did, Taavin would first look at his new surroundings. But this time, he looked only at her.

So many things had been left unspoken between them—what were they, really? What could they be? Vi didn’t have the answers, so she didn’t concern herself too much with the questions. Right now, she wanted to savor the appearance of him and the way he seemed to freeze her in place and set every nerve on fire all at the same time.

“You’ve made it to the Crossroads, then?” His eyes finally left her, though only briefly.

“Yes.”

“You’re ready to leave?” His attention landed on the bag at her feet.

“I think so… I’ve packed everything I can think to bring. I took some food back from dinner, so I have some initial rations. I have some coin for the road. Clothes, of course. A journal with notes I took on the seas after my father went missing, and a map.” Vi looked back to him. “Can you think of anything I’m missing?”

“No, but seeing as I’ve never exactly gone on a trip before, I may not be the best person to ask.” Finally his eyes pulled from the bag to her. Taavin took a step forward. “Vi, I find you incredibly brave.”

“I haven’t done anything brave yet.”

“I disagree.” Another step closer. “And I think what you are about to do—leaving it all behind for the sake of our world—is the bravest thing you could do.”

“Or the most selfish. I have a very vested stake in that world, after all.” It felt oddly uncomfortable to let the compliment from him stick. Especially when part of her still felt like leaving her Empire was the most selfish possible maneuver. Ultimately, the outcome of her gamble would determine how history remembered her: brave or selfish. Loved or hated.

“Are you sure you want to do this? It’s not too late for you to turn back.”

“And leave my father out there? Leave a cure unfound?” Vi swallowed. Taavin had continued his approach and they now stood toe to toe. Her voice was quieter when she spoke again. “Never meet you in person? Touch you in person?”

Taavin lifted her hand gently, spreading his fingers against hers, palm to palm.

“This feels real enough to me.”

Vi opened her mouth, but words failed her. How many layers were there to that sentiment? More than she could pick apart.

Before she could try, there was a knock on her door.

“It’s my brother,” Vi whispered. “I want some time with him… alone.”

“I understand.” With that, Taavin disappeared.

“Romulin,” she said as she opened the door. He stood in simple nightclothes—loose fitting pants, a belted robe over a shirt—all in shades of Solaris blue and Imperial white. Vi was dressed all in black, ready for the road. “You came.”

“I did.” He looked her up and down, much as she did him. “You’re really leaving.”

“I am.” It wasn’t a question, so Vi didn’t attempt to dodge an honest answer.

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