Jade's hands trembled in anger as she looked at Lynnor, not even batting an eye at Aramith and Mozrael.
"How long?" Her voice trembled as she spoke.
Lynnor met her gaze with an unreadable expression. She exhaled lightly, as if exhausted by the conversation. "You're being dramatic," she said, her tone void of concern. "If you want answers, ask the right questions. I don't know what how long means."
"You know what I'm talking about!" She shouted as tears rolled down her cheeks. "How long have you been with those scum?!" Her body trembled as she shook with anger.
Clenching her fists tighter, she continued. "You hate them, don't you? You made me hate them, so why? They killed my family, they destroyed everything. You told me to never trust them… And now? You lied. I don't even know… what I'm supposed to do anymore."
The pain was evident in her eyes, and Aramith could feel how hurt she was. The only thing he couldn't understand was why she hated them so much. He hadn't done anything to deserve such hate. Mozrael hadn't done anything to deserve such hate, and the Vermillion Kingdom was one of the most peaceful and safe places to be.
What's going on?
Lynnor just stared at her without saying a word. Her expression was unreadable, but it was obvious she didn't take whatever was being said seriously.
"And you...." she glared openly at the siblings with such hatred the air between them could boil.
"If you ever come closer to me...." She said with her teeth clenched so much, that her jawline stood out clearly.
"I swear...I'll kill you. I'll make you regret being alive." She said between her teeth.
Aramith looked at her bloodshot eyes and could tell she wasn't bluffing. Those were the eyes of someone who had made up her mind- A predator who had found her prey. But beyond that, there were other emotions mixed within; a little bit of fear, subtle indecision, pain and grief. Maybe he could help her if he spoke to her...
"I don't-"
Swish!
Before he could react, steel flashed before his eyes—the dagger stopping mere inches from his face. The only thing holding it back was Lynnor's firm grip on her wrist.
Up close, her expression was even more terrifying. This wasn't fleeting rage; this was hatred, old and unrelenting. This wasn't the same little girl who'd been with them some time ago.
"You may want revenge, but they're not your enemy," Lynnor broke the silence.
"Just leave me alone!" she screamed at Lynnor and stormed off, clutching the dagger so tightly that her knuckles turned white with pressure.
Lynnor let out a sigh and shrugged. "She's too dramatic. Come on." This was how she behaved, but it seemed she was trying to reduce the tension.
Aramith and Mozrael weren't too comfortable just ignoring what just happened.
"Why did she say that?" he asked.
"Huh?" Lynnor pretended not to hear.
"I said why does she hate us so much?" He repeated, firmer this time.
"Oh come on, I'm tired okay? Just ask her."
Aramith's brows creased. "You're avoiding the question, and you know she won't tell me. She'll even try to kill me. I saw that in her eyes."
"Okay, listen. She used to live in the Vermillion Kingdom. Now she doesn't, and she hates you guys."
"That doesn't answer the question." He was getting frustrated and Mozrael could feel it.
"Aramith, calm down," She tried to help the situation.
"I know, okay? I need to know what's going on, and the only person who can help is being annoying, why shouldn't I be frustrated?"
"I- sorry" Mozrael stepped back.
"Whoa, relax, boy. Don't vent on the poor girl. She just wants what's best for you."
"Then why don't you help?"
"haha! I said she wants what's best for you, not that I want what's best for you. Just so you know, I'm crazy strong, kid. Don't flatter yourself."
" I know that. Just...let me understand what's going on here." he was calmer now.
Aramith waited patiently for an answer, but she didn't say anything- Just stared at him with a smile.
"Come on, we're leaving," he turned to leave. Mozrael hesitated before following quietly.
"And where do you think you're going? Not to poke, but you don't even know where you are, much less talk about how you're going to get home? Are you sure you know what you're doing?"
Aramith paused, and Lynnor smirked. He was bluffing. But she hadn't seen the small smile that had appeared on his face. He expected that reaction.
"Am I sure of this choice? I know it's the right choice to make. That group sent by our father is close by. I'm even sure they're watching us right now. If we leave this place, they'll be sure to get us home safely. So, we won't need your help getting home."
Lynnor said nothing and Aramith could tell his hunch was right. Mozrael on the other hand just stood silently, though she felt a bit of excitement when he used the words "our", and "we", instead of "my" and "I".
"If you want us to trust you," he now faced her. "make us feel like we can trust you. I don't know why you want us to stay for the night, but you have some information I want, not need. If you can't be trusted, we'll just leave."
Lynnor stretched her arms with a lazy sigh. "Fine, fine. If you're so desperate to know, I'll throw you a bone." She turned, already walking ahead without looking back. "But if you want answers, you might as well hear them with a roof over your head. Some food to fill your belly, and if you still feel like running your mouth after that, I might humor you."
She glanced at him, a small smirk playing on her lips. "You think she hates you? Cute. Hate is simple. She doesn't just hate you, Aramith. She hates what you represent."
Aramith was still hesitant, but now it was clear she would share some information. That was enough.