As much as I hate him, I do see the importance of taking the relic from Karinn. If things are as bad as they sound, based on Jeremiah and Briall’s information, I shouldn’t take any chances.
“Fine,” I say, trying to remain still in Jeremiah’s grasp, despite the disgust I feel. “Now let go of me.”
“Don’t leave me here,” Vaellen quietly repeats, as though he can read my mind. Deep down, even he knows it’s too dangerous for him to come with us.
That leaves only two options, and I don’t like either of them.
Leave him here, or put him out of his misery.
Guilt is eating away at me, and I can’t seem to break away from Vaellen’s stare. I’m not usually so indecisive, but I can’t make myself draw my blade to do what I know I have to.
“We’re not murderers,” I say, watching Vaellen carefully. I’m still not sure what to make of him.
He doesn’t seem possessed.
Vaellen frowns slightly, knuckles going white as he grips the bars of his cell. “Please, don’t-”
“We’re not leaving you here,” Sylas quickly says, knowing my intentions. I would never leave this man caged here.
“I have a better idea,” I say, signaling Sylas and Caleb as I take a casual step forward, hiding the motion of my hand from Karinn’s view.
She tilts her head, studying me with narrowed eyes. “There’s a third choice here?”
“Yes,” I say, mimicking her fake smile. “We could just force you to take us to Jeremiah.”
“Fine,” I say, and Karinn’s answering smile makes my skin crawl.
“You can’t be serious?!” Sylas grabs my arm, but I shake him off, unable to look at him. The ends justify the means. We’re too close to finding Jeremiah. I have to see this through, even if that means siding with Karinn.
“Sounds good to me,” Caleb says, shrugging. “I don’t see the problem.”
“I’m sorry for your losses,” I say, shaking my head. “But I want no part of this.”
“Ilara, we can’t just turn a blind eye,” Sylas says, predictably taking Briall’s side.
“We didn’t come here for this,” I insist, crossing my arms. It stings to know I’m disappointing him, but it can’t be helped. “Getting mixed up with a magister can only make things worse.” I look to Briall again. “Thank you, but we’ll find him on our own.”
“Why?” Caleb grumbles beside me, picking the lock to the back door of Karinn’s estate. “Why do I follow you into these situations?”
“For the money, usually,” Sylas says, sighing. “It couldn’t possibly be about doing the right thing.”
“Your disapproval hurts,” Caleb mutters, glancing up at him. “Truly, how can I go on when it’s your good opinion I live for? Excuse me while I throw myself on your sword.”
Shaking my head, I turn away, only to have Sylas grab my arm immediately.
“Ilara, you can’t seriously-”
“Watch me,” I snap, scowling at him. Sighing at the disappointed look on his face, I soften my tone and place my hand over his. “I’m tired, and this is none of our concern. Just more political maneuvering that I want nothing to do with.”
It takes me about five seconds to decide on taking out my considerable frustration on the ass threatening Briall. I don’t know either of them, and this really isn’t my business, but the situation only serves to remind me of where I am, why I’m here, and just how horribly I’m failing to right the injustices in my own life.
Which pisses me off.
Which then makes this my business. I’ve been looking for an excuse to punch someone all day, so this works out nicely.
Hello all, and welcome to my review of Ben-Hur! 😀
I went into this one mostly blind. This is a movie I remember my mom owning, but I never actually watched it before. Lol, now I feel like going back and seeing the original. 🙂
paigeaddams 