Chapter 228: Not Enough

Chapter 228: Not Enough

The air was thick with snowfall, Rhian could only see a few paces ahead. The sun wouldnt rise for another few hours. The lanterns lined down the streets did little to light the way. Still, Rhian marched through the snow with clear certainty, she had gone down this street many times.

Feli shivered from atop the saddle.

Rhian glanced back at her, Are you alright?

Ill manage, she smiled weakly.

Were almost there, Rhian turned back and quickened her pace. Do you think hes okay?

...Not really, no. But if we dont do anything hes just going to keep getting worse.

How long has he been sneaking out? Rhian asked hesitantly.

A few months now, Feli admitted. He barely sleeps.

Why didnt you say anything sooner?

Stryg didnt want to make a big deal out of it, Feli whispered. I dont think he wants us to know But hes hurting. His nightmares have only gotten worse.

Were here Rhian stood in front of the private courtyards gate.

Feli clambered down the centaurs saddle and trudged over to the gate. She pulled out the key her husband had given her and unlocked the gate. The runes engraved on the gateway flared to life briefly. The locks hinges gave way and the gate swung open.

Stryg and Lysaila stood a dozen paces away at the center of the courtyard, where the snow had been cleared out in a small ring. He ducked under Lysailas sword and swung Nameless at her. The lamia pulled back and evaded the attack with ease. Strygs ear twitched, he stumbled to a halt and turned to the gateway.

Feli? Rhiannon? Stryg furrowed his brow. What are you two doing here?

Looking for you, Lysaila sheathed her sword.

Stryg did a double-take, Wait. You knew they were coming?

I could hear Rhians heartbeat over the blizzard, Lysaila shrugged.

And you didnt say anything? Stryg asked, annoyed.

Why would a prisoner help her jailer? Lysaila smirked.

Stryg, we need to talk, Feli said.

Can this wait until morning? Im a bit busy with sword practice, Stryg said.

No, I dont think it can, Feli said firmly.

He sighed and threw Nameless on the snow a few paces away. Im listening.

I was hoping we could talk more privately, Feli stared pointedly at the lamia.

Lysaila has better hearing than even me, Stryg said. Shell hear whatever you have to say, even if she wants to or not.

Ooo! Can I stay then too? Rhian asked excitedly.

Feli sighed and looked Stryg in the eyes, Youve been distant.

Ive been busy, he said curtly.

Youve been avoiding me us, Feli stepped closer.

Ive been training.

Stryg thats called running from your problems.

He sighed loudly, Like most people I have many problems, but unlike them, mine can all be solved with a single solution. Thats why Im training. To get strong enough to get rid of all of our problems.New novel chapters are published on

Is it really? Feli asked softly.

...I see, Feli bit her lip. So were still not enough for you huh?

Stryg frowned, Thats not what I meant.

It doesnt change how you feel, Freya took a step back and sniffed.

Whats wrong with you, Stryg!? Rhian yelled angrily. Ive always backed you up, but this time youre wrong! Youre hurting Feli!

Its fine, Rhian, Feli smiled bitterly. He doesnt mean to. He just has different priorities than us.

What are you talking about? Stryg said.

Families put each other first, Feli said. We open up to each other.

What does that even mean? I am putting us first! Stryg yelled.

You just dont get it, you idiot! Rhian slapped his shoulder.

The moment her fingers brushed his arm, her hand seized up and she collapsed on the floor. She scratched at her throat, unable to breathe.

Rhian! Stryg ran over to her.

The Prime Edict Lysaila muttered darkly.

No! I didnt do this! Stryg shook his head, panicked.

Feli sat down and pulled Rhians upper body over her legs. Breathe, sweetie. Just breathe. Its okay, youre okay.

Rhians grey eyes darted around, she wheezed feebly.

Stryg brushed Rhians black hair aside, Please, be okay. Please, I need you.

Rhians lips parted wide open, she gasped.

Shes breathing! Shes okay! Feli cried out in relief.

Rhian looked at Stryg, bewilderment in her eyes. ...W-what did you do?

I-I I swear I didnt mean to, Stryg mumbled.

Your powers are growing, Mortem Child, its only reasonable that your control over the beast-kin has grown too, Lysaila hissed. I told you, Rhinanon. Hes controlling you, he always has, even if he doesnt realize it.

No, Stryg backed away. No, this has never happened before. I dont know what I just did, but well figure this out, Rhian. We always do.

Rhian nodded hesitantly, I believe you, Stryg I just Im tired. I think Im going back to the stables and get some sleep.

Ill go with you, Feli said.

Count me in, Lysaila nodded.

Ill come with, Stryg said.

No. Weve already taken enough time from your training, Stryg, Feli said sternly. When you want to focus on this family more than your magic, lets talk.

Wait, Feli, thats not what I meant! Rhian, Im sorry! Stryg yelled weakly.

Feli didnt bother to respond. Rhian, Lysaila, and her walked out and closed the gate behind them. Stryg stood alone in the empty courtyard.

Fucking shit, dammit! he screamed in frustration and flung a fireball into the wall.

The orange spell exploded in a blast of sparks and flames. He threw another and then another. Numerous colors of mana surged through his veins, answering his cries of anger. He hurled shards of stone at the dummy targets. A small whirlwind blew around him, throwing the snow high up into the air.

He casted spell after spell, throwing all his emotions into the magic. His breath quickened and his heart rate sped up. A small part of his mind warned him that his body was overheating from excessive casting, but he didnt care. He kept casting until his arms ached and his lungs burned. He felt dizzy, his legs gave underneath him. Stryg collapsed on the slate-tiled floor, the snow did little to soften the fall.

The snowflakes tumbled down the sky in a slow, almost nonchalant manner. He wished things were so simple, that he could move through the world without a worry.

Strygs eyes burned, his vision blurred. He opened his eyes and stared up at the dark sky and the snowflakes falling down. Somehow, this seemed familiar. The faintest of whispers scratched at a forgotten memory