Evander rolled off of the bed, landing in a heap on the floor. His breath came in harsh pants, his forehead pressed to the wooden floorboards as he struggled to control what was left of his mind. What he had become, what was still inside him, tearing at him from the inside. His blonde hair was no longer neat; instead, it was messy spikes that stuck up all over his head.
Adrestia heard a thump, not far from her room and frowned. She looked at the neighbouring windows and saw shadows shifting in one of them. She leaned out as far as she could before falling to catch a glimpse of whatever it was that made that sound.
Evander took a deep breath, sitting up and rubbing his face with a hand. Hauling himself to his feet, he walked to the balcony, stepping outside and letting the night breeze wash over his face and body. His clothing was rumpled, his hair was messy. His eyes were crimson, though that was difficult to see in the dark.
(bump)
(bump)
Adrestia saw a figure emerge from the doors and ducked down, peeking at it through the gaps in the wall. She studied the figure for a while, eventually falling asleep, leaning against the wall.
Evander let out a broken scream, bracing his arms against the banister. The scream wasn't entirely…human. Something about it didn't sound Human. Something lonely, something broken, something that shouldn't exist. The cry of someone of something who wished only to die.
Smiling in her sleep, Adrestia was fairly happy with what she was dreaming about until she jerked awake, hearing a heartbroken scream from nearby. She fell backwards and scrambled to stand up. Upon being at eye level with the balcony wall, Adrestia looked to see the figure on the next Balcony screaming at the moin
Evander leaned his head against the stone. "I can't do this!" He exclaimed. "I can't do this day after day after day pretending to be sane and pretending to be okay…" His voice died down to a broken whisper. "I just…I can't…" He covered his mouth with a hand. "Everyone's gone and it's my fault…"
Adrestia fought with herself for a couple moments and tentatively called out. "Hello? I'm Adrestia, who might you be?" She asked
Evander's head snapped up, his breaths shaking. Adrestia…the girl… His fogged brain realized slowly. Can't let her see me. Can't let her know what's wrong with me. With the king. Kings don't have weaknesses. Kings don't scream at night. He blinked, hard. "No one…important…" He called back, starting to head back towards the door to his room.
"Would you like to talk? It is a very lonely yet beautiful night." She smiled
He let out a breath. "I…" If I don't tell her who I am, what I've done… "Sure. For…for a bit…" he exhaled, pressing a hand to his forehead as the creature inside clawed and roared at him, trying to break out as it tried every night. As it always tried to. He swallowed, leaning on the balustrade.
"How are you? Where did you come from?" She asked curiously, sitting on a bench placed outside.
"I'm…fine. I'm from here." Evander replied. He wasn't lying. Well, maybe except for the part about being fine. That was definitely a lie.
Adrestia Sighed impatiently. "Are you willing to talk? Or would you rather be left alone because I can simply go down to the garden and take a walk." She asked
"Sorry. I…" I'm not used to people talking anymore…not to me. Not without looking at me with fear, respect, and caution mixed in their eyes… "Where are you from?" he finally asked, wincing as his eyes flashed bright red again.
Adrestia became quiet for a couple minutes. "I'm not sure. I remember growing up near mountains but I have been travelling for so long, I cant remember."
"Ah. I see." He replied, sitting down and leaning his head against a column. "What about…" he shook his head. "I don't know. What's your favorite place, then?"
"I enjoy the forest. It is very soothing walking through the trees with nothing but the sounds of nature leading you." she smiled wistfully. "What about you?" She asked
He let out a soft, strangled cry, shaking his head quickly. "S-sorry." He said. "I uhm…Anywhere is fine." He replied, swallowing hard as phantom pain wracked through him.
Adrestia heard the cry and frowned. "Are you ok?"
"F-fine." He stammered, curling up and putting his head on his knees. Please stop please I need…I need this to stop I need to be okay, please…
"Would you like a glass of water? I can have the maids deliever it to your door." She said softly
(i have to go to bed now. Good night!)
He forced a headshake. "No. Not a good…idea. They'd get hurt." He could barely stay in control now. If someone were to come in…god. he didn't know what would happen.