SWNOVELS Chapter Eddie XI
Ever since he taught Octavia how to use the morningstar, she’d been at it nonstop.
And no one bothered her. So, she didn’t know that Aria was back. He had to admit that he was relieved about that. If she’d died by Seraphina’s hand, he didn’t know what he’d have done.
Probably avenged her, he owed her that. Though, according to Octavia, Aria would’ve risen from the dead and kicked his butt because she didn’t take to other people doing things for her.
He thought that was funny since she was due to be a Queen. Which was weird to think about. He could see Octavia becoming a Queen. She had a delicate beauty, a beauty he only saw in people that were special. Whereas Aria had a fierce look, Aria could win all of the battles, be they of the heart or on the battlefield.
Octavia didn’t notice him, she was too focused on the swings of the chain. But he didn’t mind waiting for her to finish, after all, they were about to fight a war. But when she did, she cast him a big grin.
“Hey, Ed,” she beamed. He returned her smile, despite the inner turmoil that ate away at him.
“Hi,” he spoke, clearing his throat. “Aria’s back.”
He watched as Octavia inhaled deeply, pure happiness entering her features. “Oh, that’s fantastic! That’s incredible! Do you know when she got back?”
“Not too long ago,” Eddie replied.
“Oh, that’s just amazing! Where is she? Do you know where she is?” Octavia asked. He thought her excitement was fascinating. Aria was a girl she knew so little about, but she couldn’t have been more elated by her return.
He didn’t think he’d ever gotten that excited about anyone, ever.
“Uh, yeah, Alex said that he took her to the infirmary for a couple of things,” the boy told her. “She should be fine though.”
She bolted past him. But Eddie didn’t run as fast as she did. He held back, thinking of various ways that he could apologize to Aria, who had been tortured because of his stupidity. And the guilt he felt over that was immense, and near crippling. He couldn’t believe that he’d been the one to get her stuck in such a horrid situation.
It almost made him hate himself.
“What are you doing, Ed? Aren’t you coming?” Octavia questioned. He nodded, he didn’t want to burden his new friend with his problems.
Especially since these problems could have gotten her killed.
“Yeah, I’m coming,” he assured her. Her smile fell and she approached him, putting a hand on his shoulder. She had a kind look in her eyes, as usual. But this one was particularly comforting.
“You don’t have to worry,” she told him. “Aria will understand. It really won’t matter much to her, I promise.”
He shot her a smile as she took her hand off his shoulder. “Has anyone ever said that you’re too nice?”
She laughed and nodded. “Yes, Alex says it all the time. He keeps saying that one day, someone is going to take advantage of my kindness. But I keep telling him that he’s crazy.” she paused and turned away, ready to go find Aria. “Come on, you should be really excited. Aria is the best.”
He shook his head at her antics and excitement before chasing after her.