Chapter 716 - Book 6, Chapter 108 – Selene Assumes Her Post (1/2)

Book 6, Cloudhawk’s trip to the divine matrix had taken a lot out of him. He returned to Greenland’s fort to try and get some rest.

The journey had been a success. He’d managed to infiltrate the god’s matrix and gather what he was sure was priceless information. It was an important confirmation that such a thing was possible. If they could find a way in, what was stopping them from introducing a real virus into the system? They could battle the gods from the inside.

It was at least worth a try.

“Our findings are fruitful, but more importantly we may have a way to fight the gods in the future.” Cloudhawk was understandably excited about the results and shared them with Selene. “It looks like we have a great way to learn more about the gods.”

Selene was quiet, though, a fact which Cloudhawk noted right away. “What’s wrong?”

She shook her head. Extending a hand she gently placed it on his face and gazed into his silvery eye. It was stil ldull and covered by a film. “Your eye…”

“I can’t see anything out of it yet, but Wolfblade says in time the Eye of Time will recover. When that happens I’ll be able to use it in our fight.” Cloudhawk knew Selene had concerns. He tried to assuage them as gently as he knew how. “I think I can confidently say there aren’t many who can threaten me. That’s especially true now with the eye. Even those that seem invincible will show me their weaknesses, thanks to you.”

Selene dropped her eyes. “You don’t need to comfort me.”

But Cloudhawk shook his head. “I’m not trying to comfort you. I’m being honest.”

“I’ve thought a lot about things and have come to understand.” She wasn’t going to dwell on the issue. “I want to be a part of the Green Alliance and fight with you in the coming war.”

Cloudhawk was delighted by what he heard. “I appreciate your fighting spirit. I have complete faith in you, but right now your condition still isn’t stable. We don’t know what kind of after-effects the Avatar’s power might have on you. I think you still need to rest for a little while.”

“No. I know what I want, and I am confident I can do any job you put before me.” Selene fixed Cloudhawk with a steady gaze. It was firm, but gentle. “I was selfish before. I only thought about what I wanted and never really worked by your side. I want to do that now with you, shoulder to shoulder. From now on your battles are mine, whatever the future brings. No regrets. Cloudhawk, I know you understand.”

She understood the truth. After the events of the past few years, Cloudhawk was all she had left. As the Avatar she had nearly destroyed the Alliance. She’d almost forced this man down a dark road there was no coming back from. She’d lost nearly everything there was to lose. Pity and pain meant nothing, for none of it would come back. Instead of living with the guilt of the past she was determined to do what she could about the future.

She’d come to see that the brightest point of her life was standing right in front of her. He had been that light ever since they clawed their way through death and darkness together in the wastelands. Gods, demons, humans, all the animosity between… she didn’t care. But Cloudhawk did, and she wasn’t going to stand on the sidelines. From now on she was going to stand by his side through it all, his shield and sword.

Cloudhawk didn’t have an insight to her mind, so instead of argue he simply nodded his head. “We haven’t had anyone to fill the old drunk’s position since his death. It’s yours if you want it.”

Vulkan had served as the Green Alliance’s lieutenant-governor, responsible for coordinating with Wolfblade and dealing with the various matters of state. The demon elder was quite busy, so Selene’s assistance would be a great help. There was no doubt about her capabilities, either physically or in other areas.

“I hope you aren’t carrying anything you don’t need to. You aren’t alone, you have me and the entire Alliance with you.” Cloudhawk took her somewhat cold hand. “We’ll face the future side by side to the very end, whatever fate has in store. Together forever, alright?”

Selene pressed herself into his arms. She trembled ever so slightly, as though suppressing a volcano of emotion within. Cloudhawk gently kissed her cheek and whispered into her ear: “Will you stay with me today?”

“As you wish.”

He was so, so tired. It wasn’t just from his trip to the divine matrix, but a bone-deep exhaustion that came from days of endless work. It was time to take a break, at least for a little while. Today would belong to the two of them.

**

The next morning, Cloudhawk stirred from his dreams refreshed. It’d been a long time since he felt so relaxed.