Chapter 5

 AMARA pov

What are you doing here? I asked 

I should be asking you that, why are you here when you know how dangerous this place is" Alexander said.

I narrowed my eyes, my grip on the windowsill tightening. "You're one to talk, considering you're the reason I'm here."

Alexander's expression remained neutral, but his emerald eyes sparkled with amusement. "I protected you, Amara. You'd be dead if not for me."

"Protected me?" I scoffed. "You manipulated me, used me for your own gain."

Alexander's smile was a thin line. "Call it what you want, but the outcome remains the same. You're alive."

I shook my head, frustration simmering. "Why are you here now? What do you want?"

Alexander's gaze roamed the darkened landscape before focusing on me. "Eberus stirs. His awakening accelerates, and you're still unprepared."

My heart skipped a beat. "What do you know about Eberus?"

"Enough to understand the danger he poses," Alexander replied, his voice low. "You need my help, Amara."

I laughed, incredulous. "Your help? You're the last person I'd trust."

Alexander's eyes flashed with intensity. "You don't have a choice. Cassius won't protect you. He'll use you for his own purposes."

My thoughts whirled with Lyra's warnings and Alexander's words. Could I trust him?

"What makes you think Cassius would harm me?" I asked, probing.

Alexander's expression turned grim. "I know his plans, Amara. Plans that involve your power and Eberus's return."

A shiver ran down my spine. "What plans?"

Alexander's gaze locked onto mine. "Meet me outside the clan's borders at midnight. I'll tell you everything."

With that, he vanished into the darkness, leaving me reeling.

"Why is he doing this to me? What else does he want from me?" I wondered, my mind racing with questions.

Could Lyra be right? She said I should trust him. Does that mean he's had a change of heart?

The thought sent a flutter through my chest. But how could I trust someone who had manipulated and betrayed me?

Yet, Lyra's words echoed in my mind: "Believe what Alexander said."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as fear crept in. Facing Cassius, Eberus, and the unknown dangers alone was terrifying.

"Maybe Alexander is my only hope," I thought, hesitantly.

But what if it's a trap? What if he's playing me again?

My thoughts swirled in confusion, torn between caution and desperation.

As I stood there, the darkness seemed to close in around me.

Suddenly, Alexander's words came back to me: "Together, we can stop him."

Could it be true? Could we really stop Cassius and Eberus together.

I took a deep breath, weighing my options.

Just then, Emma entered the room, her eyes widening in surprise. "Milady! You're still awake?"

"I couldn't sleep," I replied, forcing a weak smile. "Thank you, Emma."

Emma's expression softened. "Good night, Milady. May tomorrow bring better rest."

With that, she quietly exited the room.

I exhaled slowly, making up my mind.

"Okay, Alexander," I whispered to myself. "I'll trust you. For now."

Determination squared my shoulders. Together, we'd uncover Cassius's plans and stop Eberus.

As I turned to leave the room, Alexander's voice halted me.

"Amara."

I spun around, finding him closer than expected.

"You shouldn't be here," I whispered, heart racing.

Alexander's emerald eyes locked onto mine.

"I had to ensure you're safe," he said, his voice low and husky.

My pulse quickened at the intensity in his gaze.

"Safe from who?" I asked, playing dumb.

Alexander's smile was wry.

"Cassius has eyes and ears everywhere. You're not ready to face him alone." Are you? He asked teasing me.

I bristled at his tone.

"I can handle myself."

Alexander chuckled, the sound sending shivers down my spine.

"We'll see about that."

With that, he vanished into the darkness, leaving me reeling.

What did he mean?

Was he testing me?

Or did he genuinely want to protect me?

Questions swirled in my mind as I returned to my room.

As I settled into bed, my thoughts drifted to Alexander.

Lyra's words echoed in my mind: "Believe what Alexander said."

I tossed and turned, my mind racing with Alexander's enigmatic words.

What did he mean by "We'll see about that"?

Was it a challenge or a promise?

As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't shake the feeling that Alexander was hiding something.

The next day, I went about my routine, but my thoughts lingered on Alexander.

At midnight, I snuck out of the clan's borders, my heart pounding.

Alexander waited in the shadows, his eyes gleaming.

"You came," he said, his voice low.

"I want answers," I replied, my determination clear.

Alexander nodded. "Cassius plans to harness your power to control Eberus."

My blood ran cold. "How?"

Alexander's expression turned grim. "He'll use any means necessary. We must stop him."

Together, we forged a plan to uncover Cassius's schemes.

As we walked, Alexander's proximity made my skin tingle.

I couldn't deny the attraction, but trust remained elusive.

"Alexander," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes?"

"Why should I trust you?"

Alexander's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes burning.

"Because I'm the only one who can keep you alive."

I searched his eyes, seeking truth.

"Alive, but at what cost?" I countered.

Alexander's expression softened.

"I'll protect you, Amara. No harm will come to you."

His words wrapped around me like a promise.

But could I truly trust him?

As we navigated the shadows, Alexander's guidance proved invaluable.

We uncovered hidden passages and cryptic messages.

Each revelation deepened my resolve.

Cassius's plans were more sinister than I imagined.

"Alexander, how do we stop him?" I asked.

His eyes gleamed.

"We need Lyra's help. She knows Cassius's weaknesses."

"She said I should figure that out myself," I replied, "so I don't think she'd help."

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Is she helping you with your power?"

"Yes," I confirmed.

"That's good," Alexander said, nodding. "Once you unlock your power, you'll find a way. She's right. Focus on that for now, and don't get caught."

He turned to leave, then paused.

"Amara, will you come back home?" he asked, his voice soft.

"I need time to think about that," I replied, hesitant.

Alexander nodded, understanding.

"And is Aria still there?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

Alexander's expression darkened, and he growled in anger.

"I don't want to talk about her," he snapped, before vanishing into the night.

I stood there, puzzled by his reaction.

What had Aria done to provoke such anger?