Douce Dépendouce

Chapter 18

"So?" Avalon asked, eager. "What did he say?"

I let out a breath, trying to calm my fast heart rate. "I told him that he was needed and he disappeared. I'm assuming he's on his way."

Avalon gave me a slow nod, unsurnity strong as he looked at the ground, his shoulders tensing. "How do you know he's going to show? He didn't-"

"I don't know," I interrupted. "Before I could say anything else he-"

I stopped short when I felt the atmosphere suddenly change, tension forming. I froze, seeing Avalon look up along with the others, Alex's gaze narrowing as her eyes looked behind me. I held my breath, turning around slightly and seeing Ydris standing there, standing right behind me, his body inches away from mine.

"Who's idea was it to bring a Pandorian in such a sacred place," Avalon spoke, his tone flat and cold.

"Yours," Alex replied, her eyes still focused on Ydris. "You took your time."

I could tell he was grinning. "I wasn't sure if you all truly needed me, after all, based on what I've heard it hasn't been efficient."

Everyone's eyes went on me, making me regret how many layers I had on. I swallowed again, truly hoping he wouldn't continue on the track he was on.

"Do you know why you're here? Yet alone needed?" Avalon asked, concern now in his tone.

"I suppose I had to find out one way or another, infact, I suspected your sudden need of me for a while," Ydris replied.

"How so?" Avalon quickly asked, looking at me.

"How would I know anything if I didn't have the abilities that I have?"

I let out a silent breath, trying to relax my shoulders as I felt his arm brush against my shoulder.

"So you've been spying on us?" Linda asked, her eyes narrow but yet intrigued.

"I wouldn't say it's such more of spying, simply checking in," he responded, each second of this making me regret my choice of being a part of the actions.

Linda rolled her eyes. "You must be daft if you think we'll believe that. After everything that you have done and-"

"I thought you wanted my help, not asking questions and bickering," he interrupted, ease and yet slyness in his tone.

Linda sighed, annoyance in her posture as everyone turned to Avalon, waiting for him to take the lead as he gave us one last look before he continued on to speak. I drowned him out as he went over everything and how long and what we need for it to work. I knew I should have been listening but my mind still raced at the thought of Avalon suspecting anything. I knew Ydris knew this, partly why he was acting the way he was. He knew everything that I wished not to happen between the Druids, and with this encounter, he could easily tease me to the point where I was half expecting him to go above and beyond. I tried to put my mind at ease but having him here and what had been going on, I knew it was impossible. I hoped he was at least tuning in on their conversation as I could feel myself tense and then freeze when I felt him place his hand on my lower back, slowly guiding it upwards. My eyes locked on the fireplace as I felt a mixture of nerves but yet heat form as I kept myself tight, soon feeling him place his hands on my shoulders once he reached the top, his grip firm but yet gentle. I then flicked my eyes up to where the discussion was held, seeing Alex and the others debating Avalons points. I immediately looked away as I suddenly felt his grip slightly tighten, almost very gently pushing down. I tried to relax, but it seemed impossible when he was making such bold actions when the others were so near. I continued to stay how I was before I felt a slight bit of pain forming at my arm, making me drop my shoulders down in a way of trying to get it to fade. Even with my posture now relaxed, he still kept his hands on shoulders before a few gazes turned, his touch moving and leaving my shoulders before anyone could notice, settling at my lower back.

"I suppose we should get started then," Linda said, bringing my attention back. "How do you feel about riding in the dark?"

"What?" I asked, trying to keep my attention on her.

She gave me a look. "For Druid training. It's completely pitch black out there but we could squeeze it in before it gets too cold."

I sighed. "Isn't December until the start of March the coldest time of the year on this island?" I asked, knowing where this was leading.

"One way or another we're going to have to get you to train at one point. Whether it's in the minusus or not," Linda responded. "Plus, the sooner we get-"

"Alright," I said, interrupting. "I'll go get ready."

With that, her face evened. "Good. Alex will meet you by the Druid Paddock in an hour."

I looked towards Alex, her eyes filled with slyness and yet anger as she stood, grabbing her jacket. "I suppose you'll be joining us if you must?" She asked, directing that to Ydris.

"I wasn't planning on to as it's another one of these rational decisions, but as you've put the offer up, so I might as well," he replied.

I watched as Alex rolled her eyes and mumbled something before we were all excused from the meeting, everyone except Avalon leaving. I generally wished to take my time going to the stables and tacking up, but that seemed against me at Alex's urgency as soon as I had the portal. When I stepped in the bus home, I truly hoped that it would start snowing or yet alone, the bus would simply be in no hurry. Deep down, I knew that I couldn't get out of it, no matter how many excuses I pulled, nothing would work.