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What am I doing here? The sun in our eyes and the sand that brushes against our skin. A whirlwind of feelings, dancing around me, taunting me, but funnily enough, anger is not one of them. Not anymore. Now I focus on the journey and the adventure, not the person I am meant to despise.
I can see him in the distance, a speck of what he used to be, and to this, I raise my horn to my lips and call to him. It wasn’t long before hearing his response. The blare of his horn returns my call, echoing throughout the land- a loud call symbolising his safety.
I catch up to him, now surrounded by a vast ocean holding countless possibilities. Not a cloud in sight and sunbeams reflecting off the water like a mirror, although I can’t see the person I am meant to be. As we row, we pass creatures unseen. I see his face light up as they come into sight, the smile that will forever be imprinted in my brain. This creature, a combination of wood and soil, but seems so alive, continues on its day, unknowingly being observed. Was I blindsided, or was I seeing the truth? There is no way to tell, at least, not yet. But until then, I shall enjoy this warmth on my skin and the warmth of his voice. Until then, my doubts will continue to, very slowly, disappear. I am starting to think I was wrong about him.
I was right. I was blinded to the sculk growing up his arms and the Earth rotting beneath his feet. I was blinded by the fire caused by his voice that I mistook for warmth. He played with fire and he burnt everyone.
“You’re okay. Just focus,” I tell myself. “One foot in front of the other.”
It’s hard to stay calm when all I can hear are the sounds of strident voices whirling around, ringing in my ears, rippling my vision like a rock being thrown into a lake.
I’m glad I never let my guard down. I saw the fire before it had been lit. I saw the storm before it had even broken over the horizon, and yet, I decided maybe it wasn’t true. And the worst thing is, he fully believes his book can fix this. Ha! I don’t believe that for a second. Is he out of his mind? Does he really think reading some books can fix him? I never thought someone could live in such delusion.
As I speed through the forest, I can feel the emotions radiating off the trees; they are growing darker with every second. Yet, I can’t help but feel something, or someone, observing me from every direction. But with that thought, I push it down. My only focus is protecting my family. I will not let some “Witch” hurt them, and if he does, I will rip that sickness right out of him.
If I have to lose him, he will lose to me.