"What do you mean you're breaking?" Tassian's hands were still in the air. His eyes held a mixed emotion of confusion and fear.

Oriel's mind was racing for an explanation but she came up with nothing. Her head hurt. It felt like a knife was digging into her mind. The cold suddenly left her and her body felt dry once more. She finally relaxed her body and quickly sheathed her swords.

Tassian let out a breath she hadn't known he was holding and dropped his arms. "Oriel?" His voice was firmer this time. "What is going on?"

Oriel quickly shook her head. Her head still hurt and shaking made it worse. She cupped her hands around her head. "Something's wrong, Tassian. I don't know what, but something's wrong with me." She slowly raised her eyes to meet his. "I felt cold and wet. My head hurts. It feels like a knife is going through me."

Tassian started to come towards her and reach his hand out. "Eagle, let's get you to the ground."

Oriel agreed and reached out to grab his hand. Her fingers grazed his when she felt her wings stop supporting her. She yelled for Tassian, but he wasn't quick enough. She fell through the trees and winced as limbs sliced at her skin. She saw Tassian racing towards her before she closed her eyes, bracing herself for the impact. Tassian's arms wrapped around her before she hit the ground.

Oriel shook as Tassian set both their feet firmly on the ground. She buried her head in his chest as she listened to the rampage of questions coming from both Draya and Borus. She heard a deep rumble come from Tassians chest and the two quickly quieted down.

Tassian led her over to a log and sat her down keeping her hands firmly in his. He knelt in front of her and waited for her to look at him. When she finally did, her heart hurt at the worry and fear that was etched into his face. His mouth was slightly turned down and his brows were furrowed.

Draya slowly approached them with her hands in front of her. Her eyes kept shifting back and forth between Oriel and Tassian. She kept a respectful distance away from them until Tassian moved to the side, allowing her to move forward.

Oriel was very thankful for Tassian's protection, but she was still afraid. She almost hurt him. She was unable to control her body as her swords were locked on his neck. She had fought with her limbs to not cut him in any way. Oriel felt like her mind was breaking. The thought that someone was trying to get inside her head quickly raced along with her thoughts. That thought terrorized her and she ripped her hands from Tassians to wrap her arm around her.

Draya knelt next to Tassian. "Oriel, what's going on in your head?" Her voice was gentle. There was a calming sensation to Draya's voice that slowly caused Oriel to slightly relax her body. "I can feel your body fighting. You fighting something when you were in the air." She leaned forward slightly. "Who are you fighting?"

"Who is she fighting?" Tassian reeled back and stood up quickly. His fists opened and closed. "Who is she fighting? What does that mean? It was only me and her up in the air. No one else, besides you two, are around here."

Hearing the fear in Tassians voice wasn't helping Oriel calm down. The relaxation she was starting to feel automatic went away. She looked up at him and yearned for him to calm down with her look. He had to get the hint when he sighed and ran a hand down his face.

Draya was very calm in the way she looked and talked to Tassian. "Yes, I believe she was trying to fight someone. Neither one of us was trying to control her." She looked back at Oriel. "Are you sure that there's no one present around us?"

"I'm certain," Oriel squeaked out. It's been a long time since she's felt this weak. Her mind felt foggy, her limbs were shaking and she wasn't able to stretch out her wings. They wouldn't obey her.

Tassian quickly sat down to her and placed a hand on her knee, giving it a light squeeze.

Oriel swallowed before continuing. "There's no one, but that doesn't mean that no one is following us."

"What do you mean?" Borus asked. She hadn't seen him walk over to them and she jumped slightly. She hated feeling this way. She was scared.

Tassian squeezed her knee once encouraging her to keep going. "A couple of days ago, a man who we used to train with as children had caught up with us. I never felt his presence and he was able to sneak up on us. Tassian was able to fight him off and we put great distance between us and him, but he's still alive."

Borus crossed his arms. "Do you think he would have the balls to still follow both of you?"

Tassian nodded. "Yes, we do." He snuck a quick look over at Oriel before continuing. "He has a fascination with Oriel. He had since we were little. At one point, the three of us were friends. We trained together and were able to memorize each other's moves and abilities. Dyso's ability, on the other hand, changes with what he's wanting. It's difficult to pinpoint his ability and predict what he's going to do."

"Because he wants us, he's able to hide his presence from me," Oriel added.

Draya chewed on her lip as she processed everything that was being told to her. "How obsessed is he with you?"

Oriel leaned against Tassians shoulder. She was starting to feel tired. Her body was wanting to shut down, but she wasn't allowing it. Deep down she was afraid if she allowed herself to sleep and rest, she wouldn't be the same when she woke up.

"He's extremely obsessed," Tassian answered for her. There was a hint of venom dripping from his voice.

Oriel fought with her eyes to keep them open. "He can cover anyone else that is around him with his cloak making them invisible to me." She felt Tassians arm leave her knee and wrap around her waist.

Draya slowly stood up. "You need your rest, Oriel."

"I can't."

Draya leaned down so her face was even with Oriels. "You can. Fight whoever is in your head. Whatever Dyso is trying to do, you are stronger. Use your bond with Tassian to fight him -"

" - or her!" Borus interrupted. Draya turned to give him a sharp look and he shrugged his shoulders. "Whoever is trying to control her could be a woman?"

Draya rolled her eyes and turned back to Oriel. "Whoever it is, use your bond with Tassian to fight them." She looked over at Tassian. "This means no splitting up on patrols. You need to be close to her wherever she is. You two are bonded for a reason; use it." She stood up straight and clasped her hands together tightly. "Don't let this person break you, Oriel. You've been through too much for too long just for someone to break your mind. Remember, my dear, you are a strong woman."

Oriel gave Draya a small, thankful smile. "I'll fight them."

Draya gave a sharp nod. "Good. Now, rest. Borus and I will keep watch until both of you are well-rested." She started to reach out towards Oriel but stopped short. She gave another sharp nod before turning and walking back towards the center of their camp.

Tassian placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before standing up to grab their bags. He pulled out their blankets and maneuvered the bags so they were pillows. He pulled Oriel down next to him and wrapped his arms protectively around her. "I promise you, Eagle, I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

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Author note: Thank you for reading this chapter! I hope you enjoyed it! Please, if you did, leave a comment or vote! Again, thank you!