Chapter 16 - THE OFFER

Gabriel sat down thinking, he could not help but ponder on Morbius suggestion to him last night. He was surprised at how things turned out during his reign, how two different worlds who fought for hundreds of years were at peace with themselves. It felt to good to be truth. Not only that, now, suggestions of the alliance of Arish and Oreb is brought to table by Morbius. Surely, if he could end the war between Arish and Oreb, he could get Oreb to align with Arish.

***** WINTER'S POV *****

Mother just doesn't see it but, I will change the world someday. I will free my people and we will dwell with mortals in peaceful coexistence. I will restore balance between the supernatural and humanity and I will fufil destiny wishes for me to shepherd the world. There are more of my kind out there and I must hurry and find them.

*******

" Do not be troubled everything you'll do is for the greater good ". Morbius said interrupting winter's thoughts.

Winter didn't bother looking back, her view fixed on Oreb's beautiful but deadly lands. " And what am I to do, I do know I am the world savior but still yet what will I do to bring peace?".

Morbius stepped closer to Winter leaving just a step space difference between their bodies. " Do not fear Winter, Time will open it up to you...".

Those words echoed in Winter's ears and a strong shiver went down her spine. There was something about his voice that made her heart skip a beat. For some reasons she grew fond of Morbius's company and she could call him a friend for the few times they were together. He was a wise man who did not fear her and neither her abilities but, offered to help her even when they were strangers to each other. Apart from that he had quite an amazing look, and his ascent was just to inviting always with hints of sarcasm.

Winter felt him close to her, so she turned back not knowing what prompted her to and met the face of Morbius few inches from hers. Out of pure nervousness she missed a step only for Morbius to put his hands around her lower back to avoid the fall.

" Be careful not to hurt yourself ". The words came out from his mouth like a newly sharpened sword.

How embarrassing it was for Winter as she knew he felt the awkward tension as well. She realized she was in that position for some few minutes before they spoke. Her cheeks flushed red in an instant. " Am sorry"

" No need to apologize for falling ". He laughed.

*For the first time he laughed* Winter noticed. She thought straight away that he felt belittled by her reaction and had no interest in it. Her mood and facial expression changed instantly so, she broke out of his hands and stumped towards the hallway.

For a second Morbius was confused, a second ago this lady was innocent and suddenly became aggressive. Was it something he said?. Morbius was also confused by the new feelings he began developing for her as well. Although he hid it whenever he was with her, he accepted it without denying the his heart the pleasure of warmth.

Morbius knew that if he let how he felt overwhelm him, he wouldn't perform as effective as he should in helping her grow and harness her abilities. To him winter was like a closed up sunflower awaiting the sun's visit. She was beautiful and bold, she appeared deadly but was like cotton on the inside. She was someone who still sought-after her purpose when, it never dawned on her in the first place she had any.

Winter's eyes was always a trigger for his feelings for her so, he hardly looked at her to hide it and not make it obvious. To him, she was the true definition of beauty. She was a fit goddess and she had no competition.

He loved it when he held her in his hands. Her skin was so soft his fingers could have bitten into it like a razor. He gave a soft life. Never in his life did he think he could ever feel this way. He had his times with lots of harlots for physical pleasure but, not once had he felt obligated to someone. He sighed and stood at the window to get a good view of the Kingdom of Arish.

******

Winter stormed through the hallway angry at herself for making a fool of herself with Morbius. She didn't understand why she was upset at him. Maybe she thought wrong of what Morbius thought of her or maybe he laughed to ease the tension that grew in the room. She touched her head in regret and hated the way she reacted towards Morbius not until...she found herself falling head back to the ground after hitting something hard. A hand prevented her from the fall so she looked up to see who it was she hit only to see the person she hated the most, Renoe.

" You need to pay attention when walking through my hallways my lady".

Winter gave a deep and disgusted frown. " Let go of me you bastard ". She said breaking out of his hands aggressively but missed a step and fell on her bottom which made her feel a hard current hit her chest. Her bottom was in deep pain but all she could do was curse under her breath. She looked up at Renoe with hatred in her eyes. " I see it's your plan to kill me just like you killed some of my people ". Winter said in outmost anger.

" My lady it's not in my best interest that I kill you and I still will apologize can't we just let bygones be bygones, after all you killed my people...". Renoe gave a smirk and extended his hands but Winter only pushed it away.

Winter stood up and and left Renoe still standing behind her. After all it was a truth she would have to live with. She had no right to be angry.

" My lady...". Renoe called out to her.

Winter turned her back to look at him but this time without anger. " What is it Renoe?".

" Your presence is needed in the King's throne room".

All Winter could do was stare. She was being summoned by the king?...