"Are you out of your mind? No! I won't let you." Taken aback, Kaius furrowed his brows after hearing Allyria's suggestion.
The next morning, Allyria informed Kaius as soon as she woke up. She thought he would be open about it but the distress on his face says the opposite.
"I don't have a choice."
"There is always a choice."
"But I don't have any!"
"Why don't you just listen?"
"Why won't you hear me out first?"
Kaius puffed a breath and ran a finger through his hair, "You can't be serious."
Irritated, Allyria exhaled a loud, throaty grunt, "I am. Why don't you just listen to me first before reacting?"
"I am listening," he said, "And I'm reacting this way because I don't like what I'm hearing."
"Silas," she turned to him and pointed at Kaius, "Tell him about it. Please help me convince him."
Silas shook his head, snorting like he couldn't believe they still had the time to bicker like a cat and a dog.
"Children," they both gave a silent minute and faced him, "The only thing I can tell you is always listen to what the other has to say. Listen as much as you speak. Give as much as you receive and love as much as you hate. Life is all about balance."
They looked at each other, confusion plastered on each other's face.
"But he won't listen."
"But she won't listen."
They both said in unison.
"You haven't even completely healed yet," Kaius said and observed her from head to foot, "And now you want to go on a quest like some hero in a children's book?"
Her eyes narrowed, "I am not playing hero here. I just want to help!"
"I know and I understand but also think of what might happen to you," this time, his voice was soothing and calm, "Stop throwing away your life like that."
Allyria's features softened. She thought about it last night. She knew this might happen. People would initially think about it as a sick idea, but there wasn't any better choice.
Silas walked away, not wanting to hear more of the backbiting that is leading nowhere. Allyria explained over and over but Kaius was as firm as adamant. It was only understandable though. They only had each other. The world is getting worse and he's here to protect her from that.
"I have already decided," she said with an air of finality.
"Are you really sure about this?"
"Yes!"
Kaius raised his hands as a sign of surrender, "Fine. Have it your way," he took a step forward and bore his eyes into her, "Just promise me you have to get better first."
"Are you serious?"
"What can I do? You're stubborn."
Her heart sang. Unable to contain the joy, she leapt straight into his arms, "Thank you!"
But that was a wrong move.
She yelped and pulled away from him, placing a hand over her abdomen. The discomfort was unbearable, her wounds were still throbbing that she accidentally sank in the sofa.
Kaius tsked, "I warned you about this."
Despite the stinging sensation Allyria was feeling, she shot daggers at him, "I know what I'm doing."
"I'll go with you."
Allyria's eyes widened, "What? No! You need to get back to the castle."
"And let you do this stupid mission alone?" Kaius scoffed, "Only a foolish man would let that happen, Allyria."
Allyria couldn't believe what she was hearing. She never expected Kaius would go with her. That wasn't in one of her plans.
"I am going with you."
And that was it. The tone in his voice that told her no one, not even her, could change his mind.