Chapter 19 Bad feeling
Asha
Auren comes back to the car looking distressed. His brows are pinched together, his eyes slightly narrowed.
'Zarven couldn't do this to me. It can't be.'
I arch an eyebrow. Who's Zarven? What couldn't he do now?
I gasp, placing my fingers over my mouth. Oh my goodness, is somebody dead? Did this Zarven kill someone?
He opens the car door and enters inside, "Drive," he tells the driver, "Now. To Zarven's place."
The driver nods, and kick starts the engine.
"What's the matter? You look unhappy all of a sudden," I ask.
He shakes his head, "It's not something you should worry about, princess," he grumbles, looking out the window.
Bad thing, I can read your mind, duh; worse thing, I don't know what's going on.
...
We arrive at a stony mansion. I mean, this baby is literally made of stones, those ancient vibes and all. Or maybe this is a castle?
I alight from the car, my eyes going wide at the ancient yet majestic sight before me.
Auren alights from the car, his face looking glum. He walks briskly towards the front door, leaving me standing rooted to my spot, dazed.
"What is the matter with you? Wait up!" I run after him.
'If Zarven really is guilty, I'm so going to kill him with my bare hands.'
He bursts through the front door, while I follow closely behind him.
"Zarven!" He roars, "Come out now!"
"What the hell, man? That's so rude," I gawk at his worked up ass.
He shoots me a glare, and I immediately shut up. He does not look good.
"Oh boy," I twist my lips, looking the other way.
A man who I assume to be Zarven, saunters down the stairs, hie hands in his pockets. I take a close look at his face. He really looks like Auren, so I'm guessing they're siblings.
"What did you do?" Auren bellows.
"What's the matter, bro? Why are you screaming my name? It's already so late," he sighs, seemingly unbothered.
"Don't you dare tempt me," he sneers.
At that, Zarven's face tenses, and he rushes down the stairs.
"What's the matter? Why are you angry?" He draws his lips out in a pout.
Auren grabs him by the collar, "Someone told me you sold off my comeback to Rheagar. Please tell me that's not true."
For a fraction of a second, I see Zarven's eyes widen with horror, but they immediately go back to normal, "Of course not. You're my elder brother; I would never do something like that."
I narrow my eyes, taking a step closer to them. Just now, he looked horrified. I'm very sure I saw horror flash in his eyes. So I'm going to do what I do best.
Read his damn mind.
I clear my head so I would be able to listen properly to his thoughts.
'Who is this someone?'
A new kind of scrunchy voice pops up in my head. Eugh, why are their thoughts voices different from their actual voices?
"Don't play with me, kid. Tell me the truth, do you understand?" Auren lets him go.
"I'm telling you the truth, bro," his eyes droop, "Do you think I would want to betray you? Don't you trust me?"
Auren scoffs, walking to the dining table, his veins popping all over the place.
'I should, but I don't feel safe for some reason. I've heard stories of family betraying family; this could be the case also.'
My eyes dart between Auren and Zarven, unsure of what to do. Someone's life is at stake here, but—
"Calm your horses," Zarven chuckles, "Let me make you some tea. You must be stressed to the core," he grins, walking briskly to the kitchen.
"Hmm," I rub my chin, feeling my insides going all jittery.
I hurry over to where Auren is sitting, "Hey, I don't think I trust your brother," I lean in, whispering in his ears.
He glances at me, then looks at the kitchen door, "I also have a bad feeling, but I just can't prove it," he balls his fists.
I slump into my chair, feeling sorry for him. There must be a way I can help him, right?
'Whew, that was close. Auren was this close to finding me out.'
My ears stand erect, and my eyes bolt to the kitchen door.
Found him out?
'How did he know I told Rheagar? Those men of his are slipping too bad!'
The scrunchy voice blasts in my head.
My hands fly to my mouth, my eyes blown wide with terror.
It was Zarven who sold Auren out.
'Tch, I've already let his guard down. I'd just kill him painlessly, and if need be, kill that lady too.'
An audible gasp escapes my mouth at his thoughts.
"What's the matter with you? Why are you twitching?" He gives him a suspicious look.
My body quivers with fear, chills after chills running down my spine, and turning into searing heat in my stomach.
"Are you alright? What's the matter with you?" He reaches for me.
You dumbass! Your brother probably wants to poison you!
I swallow hard, trying to calm myself down. I have to do something, and really quick too.
"Auren.. I... I think we should leave," I wipe the cold sweat off my forehead.
He furrows his brows, "What? Why?"
"You can't just let your guard down. I have a bad feel—"
"Bro!" Zarven's voice booms, causing me to jerk off my seat.
He looks in my direction, clearly confused, "What's the matter, miss? Are you unwell?"
My teeth begin to clatter, goosebumps riddling my face and neck.
"Asha? What's wrong with you?" Auren stands up, his eyes narrowing with concern, his brows slightly furrowed.
"I.. don't want to stay here anymore," my voice breaks.
Zarven gives me a dirty look before turning to Auren, "She's probably overreacting. Have some tea first."
"I think it's time we left, she might be sick," Auren wraps his arm around my shoulder, and the other scoops under my thighs.
"But you were fine this morning," he scowls at me, rushing towards the door.
'He's leaving without drinking his tea, fuck it! What should I do?'
Haa! Beat you at your game, bastard.
"Auren!" Zarven calls in panic, "A-are you sure you don't want to have tea first?"
He pauses in his tracks, his eyes ice cold, "I just told you she's sick. Do you want me to tarry while something happens to her?" His voice dangerously lowers.
Zarven fidgets with his fingers, looking away, "No-no, of course not."
"Have a nice day. I'll be watching you," with that he walks towards the door.
I steal one last glance at Zarven before we leave. His eyes are dark, his fists clenched by his sides, his skin going pale.
'Another time will come, and I will wait patiently for that day.'
My heart tightens— my head becomes lighter.
This is too much to handle. I have to tell Auren.