| "Fallon."
My name sounds angelic, as if spoken from the mouth of a goddess. It is a simple word in truth, but more to me.
It was Ethan Icestone, the one who had spoken so magically.
I take pity on the boy sitting by the statue in Colossus Boulevard, thinking about his friend, who might never return.
He does not know of my presence, as I stand in the path of a house lining the street. Is it better this way?
"Fallon."
His voice is certain this time, and I hear the scuffling of shoes. I press myself to the house to hide myself.
I hear laughter as Ethan peers out.
"I knew you were here. But how?"
"I have to save Azteca tomorrow. For today, I am free."
"Do you think you can do it? It seems like a difficult task."
"I honestly don't know," I sigh. "That's why I came to you."
Snow dots my jet black hair, but only blends into Ethan's blonde hair. He looks down at his shoes, and back up to me.
"I've never been to Azteca," he says. "Professor Ambrose won't allow it."
"That's stupid."
"I don't believe so."
"I want you to come with me," I tell him, taking his hand. "We're a good team." He slips his hand out of mine.
"Can I trust you with a secret?" Ethan asks me, staring sharply into my eyes.
"Of course you can. We're best friends," I reply, a comforting smile adorning my face.
"I used to look up to Morganthe."
The seven words stop my heart.
"She was very bright, and Ambrose adored her. I know you heard such in Ghost Avalon."
"But, but," I stammer, clenching my fist beside me. My knuckles turn white and my skin stretches tightly over my hand.
"If I had known she would become a monster, I would have made an aversion towards her."
"I don't blame - wait. You knew Morganthe, her strengths and weaknesses included."
"Shall we go to my castle?” Ethan suggests, raising his eyebrows in thought.
"We shall."
"Brr," I say, clutching my arms across my body. "Did you have to purchase the Ice House?"
"What else would I choose? I can take you into a thawed cave to make a fire, if you'd like."
"Yesssss pllleasee," I chatter, my lips turning a different hue, like a bruise.
Pepper and Sven follow me inside once I dismount.
Ethan laughs, "I don't see why you insist on having an ice school pet when you practice fire magic."
"Pyromancy."
"Whatever."
"And I don't see why you insist on caring," I retort, sparking a fire atop the wooden logs. A moment of silence occurs before I utter,"What are Morganthe's weaknesses?"
"She is quick to get angry and lets others do work for her. That's why you've never faced her."
"Interesting. I think I've seen her portray those actions."
"She also appears when you least expect her, and vanishes when you think you've trapped her," Ethan reflects. "Here, there, and everywhere."
I think I see a small tear run down his face, but I cannot be sure, as it freezes from a shift in the wind and falls to the barren ground.
I desperately want to change the subject before we both become a mess, and luckily, Ethan speaks thus, "Kane is doing well in Krok."
I had almost forgotten about Kane through my studies in Azteca. He rarely makes appearances, seeming to do his own thing.
"He is loved in Marleybone and Krokotopia now."
"I suppose he deserves it. Does he make frequent visits to Wizard City?"
"Only one," Ethan informs me, laughing. "And that was to learn a new spell!"
"Sometimes he seems a little arrogant," I say with a crooked smile.
"Shall we go inside? Ethan proposes, pulling himself up and wiping away the dirt on him.
"Sure. It seems to be getting late."
Ethan extends his arm onto which I hold as I am pulled to a standing position.
I follow him out of the cave and into the house.
"You can stay the night," Ethan offers. "I know you're nervous about tomorrow."
"It's too cold!" I laugh, shoving my hands into my pockets.
"There is a wooden and stone bedroom that I can heat, if that strikes your fancy."
It is clear he wants me to stay, and it will do me no harm to do so. I suppose I need the comfort of a friend too.
Ethan Icestone.
My light in a world of shadow. | |
