Sneak Peek: Ruben Ch7(2)

Fiery Path

"So is this what it has come to, brother? You can't figure out your own emotions, and so you lash out at me, of all people?" Toz's body trembles as he grabs hold of Ruben's arms, "I made a promise that I intend to keep. So if you wish to fight me, then know that it's a beating because I will raise neither fist nor sword to you." One of his hands moves to rest on the back of Ruben's head, a movement that has your heart skip a beat before calming.

Toz continues on, his voice lowered to a whisper you can barely hear, "I know it's a lot, but you have to rid yourself of it, or it'll consume you. And if you choose the latter, I will not be here to watch it happen." Ruben releases him, staggering back as he attempts to catch his breath but fails. His eyes move from you to Toz, and a child-like panic enters them. It appears so puerile in nature, especially considering the large man that the expression belongs to. It reminds you of a child who has just been caught in a lie and feels cornered by those interrogating them. Ready to bolt as soon as the opportunity presents itself.

Your eyes widen as you foresee his next move. "Ruben!" The shout comes just as he turns and heads away. You start to race after him, refusing to let him walk away like he's done every single time. 

As you go, you hear Toz chuckle, a second wave of confusion coursing through you as you look back at the unnaturally relaxed man, "you wake each other up. Deshir was right." You'll have to question him later. For now, your attention is solely set on the man that begins to shift into a dragon. Your heart pounds as he refuses to listen to your shouts, and not wishing to wake the entire camp up, you silence yourself. His transition finishes just as he reaches the borders of the encampment, and not even a moment after, he starts to beat his wings to take off. The next thought that enters your mind is senseless, impulsive, and dangerous. It is everything the tower has taught you not to be and what you have always sought to avoid. Lessons and punishments drilled into not only your mind but your body as well. And here you are, doing it without a second thought. You're not sure if you should be immensely proud of yourself or if you should take a steady step back and reevaluate things.

Ruben is off the ground, and you grab onto his leg as he rises higher and higher, his wings switching to a glide once height is on his side. You see his neck jerk back, and though not much emotion can show on his face, the light in his eyes and the way he growls lets you know that you are unwanted. But it shifts a moment later once he sees your reaction. Bravery and a lack of sense have fled your bones, leaving you just as frightened as you always have been of flying. You clutch onto his leg, whimpering as the wind beats you for your imbecilic actions.

This is a mistake. Why would you do this? Why would you choose to relive the days when you first met Ruben? The blizzard wind striking you, the fear that coursed through your veins …