A Close Shave With Death

Blaire's Pov

I was sitting in my favorite spot in our hangout spot. A swing that was made with a log of wood with two long ropes running out of both sides of it which were tied to one of the tree's sturdy branches. I sat on it, gently swaying it back and forth, my eyes seeing nothing as I wandered in the world of thoughts and worries. I still could not get the horrible condition Indrik was in out of my head.

"There you are!" A voice that sounded like it was coming from somewhere deep within the tree called. I was slow to respond, partly because I was still lost in thought and partly because I did not want to speak to the owner of the voice. "Scoot!" He ordered but I ignored him, treating him like he wasn't present.

"Hey!" He called again, snapping his fingers before my face.

Seeing that there was no way I could send him off with the silent treatment, I stopped the swing and gave him the coldest look I could muster.

"Have you seen Ulo around? I couldn't find him in his room." Jamil questioned.

"Do I by any chance look like a watcher to you?" I snapped. His eyes widened in surprise then softened as he finally realized what was going on.

With a sharp release of air, he stomped over and pushed me to the side so he could plop down beside me. "What's got your hair tied in a knot now?"

If smoke could come out of my head, I am pretty certain enough smoke would have escaped me to earn me a title of a smoke beacon with how indignant his question made me. I refused to answer the question though, instead choosing to scoot away from him. As far as the swing allowed.

He gazed at me incredulously for a moment, then sighed. "This is about Luna, isn't it? I thought we had already gotten past this."

I stared at him like he had grown two heads. I intended to ignore him again but his comment made me so mad, I would explode if I didn't let it out. "Gotten past this, you say? How could you even say something like that? How could I ever get past this when Indrik is suffering behind bars because of her? Gotten past this!" I chuckled harshly, the word tasting bitter on my tongue.

"Blaire! When will you come to terms with reality? The girl is here because Indrik brought her here. Indrik is in jail because he chose to bear responsibility not because she forced him to. You shouldn't blame Luna for any of that. I don't know why he did any of that but I trust him to make good decisions. You should too."

I sniffled knowing he was probably right but I couldn't bring myself to forgive her. Not when the horrible smell of that place still remained in my nose, an ever present reminder that Indrik was not here. "She made him do it. I am sure of it. Maybe she told him she was weak and homeless or something but I am certain that he brought her here to save her." I muttered but even I did not believe it.

"I suppose she also sent him a message from her human village to come and pick her up, right?"

"Maybe!" I muttered stubbornly, letting go of the rope as I doubled over, placing my face on my knees, as I felt the swing rock under me. Luckily, Jamil held it steady.

He chuckled making me raise my head in curiosity. "You are jealous, aren't you?" His voice was full of mirth but I didn't share in his mood as my eyes widened in panic. I grew red as an overripe tomato as I got out of the swing and started to pace uncomfortably.

"What do you mean jealous? Of who? Why? Her? Never! Why would I even be jealous of her?" I stuttered, my panic growing by the second.

"Sure, you are. Your reaction is proving it." His laughter grew louder and I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. I curled my arms over my chest and remained standing with my back to him, my legs too heavy to move. I was going to die from the shame. "I don't see why you have to be jealous of her though because Indrik is not going to abandon you because of her. I mean, come on."

My heart soared with hope as my heart began to slow its mad run little by little and I turned toward him. "What do you mean?" I asked in a small voice.

He must have noticed the panicked look on my face because he composed himself before speaking again. "What I am saying is that although you have good reason to be upset, I don't think you should allow it take you over. You have been Indrik's friend from day one. I'm sure he's not going to suddenly toss you away because of some woman. Although we have no idea why he brought her, I'm pretty sure it's not to replace you so, you really should relax."

I sighed in relief of not being discovered. "I still hate her." I muttered without as much vigor.

He must have noticed this as well because he smiled broadly, "fair enough. Now, have you seen Ulo?"

"He headed to the training grounds immediately after breakfast." I informed and he nodded as he got out of the swing as well.

"You want to come?" He asked with a teasing smile and was rewarded with an "are you kidding me" look. He chuckled again as he raised his arms in surrender. "Of course. I would love to stay and chat but duty calls. Try not to kill each other will you?"

"Can't promise!" I called after him feeling like I had just escaped a close shave with death.