Eryn called out to Zhilakoa, his voice filled with longing. She turned to face him, her expression guarded. He approached her, his eyes locked onto hers, and took her hands in his. But Zhilakoa slowly withdrew her hands. "What do you want, Eryn?"
He glanced at Fiona, who discreetly excused herself, leaving the two alone on the rooftop. Eryn took a deep breath, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Zhilakoa, why are you upset at me?"
"I am not upset, just a little bit shaken that you didn't tell me you were betrothed", Zhilakoa said as she tried to stay calm.
"Betrothed? What are you talking about Zee?"
Zhilakoa stormed off "I am talking about the mysterious lady that so graciously held your arm like you were her knight in shining armour"
"I know what you saw earlier...Caliope...it's not what it seems. The Order forced our families together, it's a political arrangement, nothing more." Zhilakoa was skeptical but Eryn persisted, his apology pouring out like a river. "I'm so sorry, Zhilakoa. I know I hurt you, and I don't blame you for doubting me. But please, hear me out." "Let me make it up to you." She raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "And how do you plan to make it up to me?"
Eryn's face lit up like a candle. "I'll sing and dance for you, anything to make you smile again!"
Zhilakoa's laughter was music to his ears, and she embraced him, her anger melting away. Zhilakoa snuggled deeper into Eryn's embrace, the starry sky twinkling like diamonds above. This was the first time he'd let his guard down, and she was determined to savor every moment. "Spill the tea, Eryn," she whispered. "What's the scoop on Caliope?"
Eryn's face contorted "She's been obsessed with me since I joined the Order. Thinks she can seduce me with her charm and good looks." He rolled his eyes. "Please, I'm not that easily swayed."
Eryn's expression turned sour "Yeah Zhilakoa, I know it's a mess. But I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. The Order wants to forge an alliance.
"She's tried on several occasions to have sex with me, but I rejected her every time. I didn't want to lead her on, but she wouldn't take no for an answer."
Zhilakoa's eyes widened in surprise, "She tried to...with you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Eryn nodded, his face twisted in distaste. "Yes, there was one time, she put a sedative in my drink and when I fell asleep she took me to her chambers and tried to seduce me.
Zhilakoa giggled, "That's so pathetic" "So, what's the deal with Caliope? Why is she so obsessed with you?"
Eryn shrugged. "I have no idea. I think it's this knock out handsome face.
Zhilakoa raised an eyebrow. "Well, you're definitely a catch. But I'm sure she's not the only one who's noticed that."
Eryn's face turned bright red, and he looked away, mumbling something under his breath.
Zhilakoa's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Eryn, are you shy? You're so adorable when you're embarrassed." Eryn's face was still red, but he looked back at Zhilakoa with a smile. "Shut up, Zhilakoa. You think it's hilarious, don't you?"
Zhilakoa grinned mischievously. "Maybe a little. But hey, someone's got to keep you on your toes."
Zhilakoa's grin faded, and her eyes clouded over as images from her vision flashed in her mind. Her gaze drifted away from Eryn's, and her voice dropped to a whisper. "Eryn...I saw something. In my vision...Lyra...she was covered in blood...and she looked so different, twisted and evil.
Eryn's expression turned serious, and he stepped closer to Zhilakoa. "What do you mean? What did you see?"
Zhilakoa's eyes snapped back to Eryn's, and she grasped his arm, her grip tight. "I saw Lyra...or something that looked like her. She was in a forest, so much blood."
Eryn's face was grim, and he pulled Zhilakoa into a hug. "I'll keep you safe, Zhilakoa. I promise. We'll figure out what's going on and make sure Lyra is okay."
Zhilakoa's voice was muffled against his chest. "I don't know what's happening, Eryn. I don't understand these visions...or what they mean."
Eryn pulled back and looked at Zhilakoa and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. "We'll talk to Kaleeki or Caliste. They might know something about your visions...or Lyra's disappearance."
Zhilakoa nodded, her eyes still haunted by the images in her mind. "Yeah...yeah, that's a good idea. Let's go talk to them."
The sun had set over Zhilakoa's town, casting a golden glow over the crowded town square. The air was thick with concern and fear as the townsfolk gathered for an emergency meeting. Zhilakoa's friend, Kaida, stood on a makeshift stage, her voice ringing out across the square.
"Friends, neighbors, we gather here today because our town is facing a crisis. In the past month, we've had five murders. Eighteen lives lost, five families torn apart. And we demand answers!"
The crowd murmured in agreement, their faces etched with worry.
Kaida continued, "We've had no leads, no suspects, no motive. It's as if these murders are random, senseless. But we know that can't be true. Someone out there knows something, and we need to find out who!"
A hand shot up from the crowd, and Kaida nodded for the person to speak. It was Jax, the town's huntsman.
"I've been tracking the killings, and I think I've found a pattern. All the victims had one thing in common: they were all found with the wings of a bat tattooed on their left wrist.