Runespoor: Stronger Together

Chapter 4: Ominis - Wishful Thinking & Unleashed Rage

I nodded and got up. "Stay here and keep an eye on her. I'll be right back," I instructed as I waved my wand around me, changing into appropriate clothes to go out.

"Where are you going?" Alistair hissed, curiously.

"I'm going to double check something," I merely replied.

It's been almost a week since the new year started and since Emelia evidently saw Sebastian in Hogsmeade. I believed Emelia really saw Sebastian, however, whether or not he was actually there was another story entirely. I had searched everywhere in Hogsmeade trying to get a sense for Sebastian anywhere that day, but the only thing I detected or heard that raised any suspicion was a faint heartbeat racing in an alleyway, although it was only a cat.

We hadn't talked about it since. I was keeping her preoccupied with upcoming classes, hoping that she's long forgotten about it, but to give myself peace of mind along with Emelia's, I wanted to go through the quaint little village thoroughly.

"You're really going to leave me here?" Alistair questioned.

"I'll be back before she wakes," I said, putting on my long coat I summoned.

"So, I'll be with the beautiful girl?" Alistair's voice taunted, "Alone...?" he teased again, excitement being heard in his tone.

My teeth clenched hard. "Don't test me," I threatened.

"But – " Alistair exclaimed in protest.

I shushed him, moving my wand towards Emelia's bed, hearing her soft breathing and light snoring, letting me know she was sound asleep.

"Before you go, could you just let me out and let me sleep next to her?" Alistair asked with hope.

"What had I said about testing me?" I warned, gritting my teeth, glowering in his direction.

"You said to keep her safe and protect her," he shot back defensively, "how am I supposed to do that if I'm in a box?" he asked me almost in loud whisper, "just this once!" his voice pleading, "I promise I won't do anything...too friendly. You said to protect her, and I will. You can trust me on that."

The thought of him near Emelia's body, a sting of jealousy somehow invaded my body – over a damn snake.

I swallowed hard, debating on his request.

I don't usually leave Emelia, it was a rarity; it wouldn't hurt to comply to his odd wish, would it?

I trusted Alistair, he and I had gotten quite close since I'd saved him from my psycho of a brother; I told him that he didn't have to pay me back for anything, it's just that I couldn't sit idly by and watch an innocent creature get harmed for minding their own business – their only crime was just being there at the wrong time.

I hoped I didn't regret doing this.

Unlocking his enclosure with a flick of my wand, I made my way to him and feeling the tank's edge, opening the door and putting my hand in, beckoning him to slither on my arm impatiently.

Alistair gasped and eagerly coiled around my forearm.

His body tightened around me as I lifted my arm and quietly made my way to Emelia's bed.

"I swear to all the deities that exist, if you do anything to her while I'm gone, I will rethink my association with the dark arts," I cautioned him seriously; Alistair gulped, and I sensed him complying in terror.

Good.

I sighed silently and placed him gently on her unused pillow; I heard him curl up on the cushion.