Chapter 64: True Love, False Love

Chapter 64: True Love, False Love

Avery and Rhys ventured outside of the Free City and into the surrounding wilderness until they reached a clearing.

You dont know much about Ira, isnt that right? Avery asked as she removed her hood. Yet, you seem to care for him quite a lot.

Since Rhys was wearing her mask it was impossible to see her expression, only her eyes seemed to give hints at her mood.

What was it that earned your interest in him? Did he save you? Did he smile at you for a little too long? Do you have some sort of fantasy where he falls for you? Im honestly curious. Avery said in a cynical tone as she took off the grey cloak and placed it on a log.

Rhys took out her notepad and began to write, [I dont know what it is, but its none of those things.]

Avery looked unfazed at Rhys words Oh? Let me ask you this then, what type of person are you?

[Im not sure what you mean by that?]

I mean, can you stomach killing people? Avery asked.

[Ive killed people before if thats what youre asking.] Rhys wrote in response.

Yes, but whats your limit? You probably have some preconceived idea of good and evil, right? That idea, like most conventional practices, doesnt apply to Ira. Avery said.

Rhys hesitated before eventually responding, [What are you saying?]

Would you kill someone who spoke ill of you? Avery asked.

[No.] Rhys responded. There were many people who spread rumors or taunted her over the course of her life. She could see no reason for killing them, especially over a few words.

If thats true you arent meant to be anywhere near Ira. You dont understand anything about him and if you thought you did then you are completely stupid...The concept of morality is completely lost on Ira. He doesnt care if someone surrenders or is unarmed and defenseless. That isnt to say hell go around murdering innocent people for no reason, but if they were to die because of him he wouldnt think twice about it. Avery said.

Rhys had a complicated look flash through her eyes and couldn't seem to write a reply.

You heard of the altercation that caused him to be detained, correct? Truthfully, there was no altercation. That Parvian man seemed to misunderstand something and attempted to inquire about buying me. That led to Ira ripping his jaw off, along with his legs. Avery said with complete indifference. It was quite the gory sight. She added.

Rhys seemed to struggle with a proper response as she clenched her fist repeatedly.

Nothing to say? If you were to tell me you that none of that means anything to you and you still want to pursue Ira, I would allow it. I would even tell him that youre the only one Ill accept as his second wife. So say it. Prove me wrong. Let me know that whatever you feel isnt superficial and that you actually care about him. Avery spoke coldly.

Sparks of electricity began to appear around Rhys as she tried to find a way to show that Avery was incorrect. Nothing came to her mind and Rhys began to have doubts about whether or not her attraction to Ira was real.

Dont mistake my words as jealousy. I only wanted to know if you were being honest and its clear that you werent. You should go on about your day, leave Ira alone, and burn whatever storybook that caused you to manifest that false sentiment toward him. Avery said with a detached expression.

You barely know him. You dont even know how he feels about you. What happens if he rejects you? Wouldnt all this be for nothing? Avery asked.

How did Rhys feel about Ira? She herself wasnt entirely sure, but she enjoyed those moments around Ira the most. She couldnt say if she loved him or not, but she definitely had genuine feelings for him.

You seem to be quite determined. Avery waved her hand and sent a flame arrow toward Rhys, knocking the rapier from her hand and causing her to fall.

Rhys grimaced as she inhaled and pushed herself up. She rose to her feet while letting her arms hang limply and staggered toward Avery.

Avery said nothing as she waved her hand and sent a flame arrow directly through Rhys leg.

Rhys clutched her leg and cried as she opened her mouth and gave a muted scream. Her chest rose up and down before she rolled over. Her hands dug into the dirt as she began to crawl toward Avery.

Does he mean that much to you? Avery asked as she sent an arrow into one of Rhys hands. The flame arrow easily pierced through her hand.

Rhys clutched her wounded hand tightly and looked at Avery hatefully as tears poured from her eyes. Rhys used her uninjured hand and leg to drag herself forward, her speed seemed to increase as she stared at Avery with eyes full of anger.

You shouldnt look so angry, I only want to see if youre being honest with me. Avery said dispassionately.

As Rhys inched closer, two more flame arrows were shot at her, boring through her limbs. The tears continued to fall as Rhys laid on her stomach. She sucked in air as she felt the horrible scorching sensation and smelled her own burnt flesh. She began breathing heavily before using her elbows to crawl forward.

Avery would send flame projectiles at Rhys, destroying parts of her body and Rhys would find some way to crawl forward. After a few minutes of that same scene repeating, Rhys found that she couldnt move at all. There was no feeling in her body except for the sensation of pain. It was nearly impossible to maintain consciousness, let alone move continue moving. She couldnt even look up to see if she made it to Avery.

It seems like there was a bit of truth to your words. Averys voice sounded a lot like the voice of an angel when Rhys realized what she said.

Avery used her foot to flip Rhys onto her back before she knelt down to look at Rhys. So this is what you were hiding underneath that mask? I can heal your scars if you want, but I cant do anything about your voice. A bright orange flame covered Rhys and began to repair her body, her scars were left alone since Rhys didn't ask for them to be healed.

Youre too weak, but that can be changed through some training. Avery said.

Avery didn't have any feelings of friendship toward Rhys. She wasnt allowing her to pursue Ira because she could understand how Rhys felt. Avery was thinking ahead of the current situation. When the three Valkyries said they were apart of a group of higher races it was clear that Ira would need more help than just the Valkyries of the Thynne family. Especially when only Lauren could just about match one of the older Valkyries, if she were to fight all three it was no doubt she would lose. If the three Valkyries were already that powerful, just how strong would the rest of the higher races be? Especially after the Red Moon and Golden Aurora.

Rhys felt vitality returning to her body as she weakly stood up.

Ill come to find you whenever Im free to train you. Avery said with no room for rejection, not that Rhys planned on rejecting her.

Rhys was largely self-trained which meant she was unskilled in a lot of areas. She would rely on her reflexes and abilities to get her through most problems. The rapier was also easy for her to use as she could send electricity through it, eliminating the need to wield it skillfully. At least that was what she thought before she fought Avery.

[Whatever.] Rhys scribbled on her notepad before picking up her masking and putting it back on. Though her attitude was prickly, she didn't voice any disagreement. Rhys knew she was lacking ability wise and wanted to close the gap as soon as possible.

The two headed back to the city, leaving the ruined portion of the forest behind them.