Chapter 69: Crime of Love

Zayn’s face contorted into a mix of fear, confusion, and anger.

"S-so?!"

"Oh, come on. Do you think I’m dumb enough to say that with people around? I made sure this area was clear. The actual problem is you raising your voice."

Zayn opened his mouth to speak, only to shut it again before anything spilled out.

Jade, who’d been awkwardly watching, shifted her gaze between the two, noticing the obvious tension building between them. She signed:

«What’s wrong? Why are you fighting?»

Zayn didn’t reply. His hardened stare stayed fixed on the witch of a woman before him.

He’d already surmised she was a bit wicked, but this taunting was going a bit too far.

Then again...

He wouldn’t have felt so defensive or upset if what she’d said weren’t true. But it was.

"What’s your game?"

Amaya covered her mouth with one hand and laughed.

"Nothing. I was merely satisfying my curiosity. Don’t worry, my lips are sealed. Though I do have a few more questions I’d love to ask! Sadly, you don’t seem to be in the mood for a chat... I’ll stop by your room later. We can have a private convo there."

Amaya winked and blew him a kiss.

"TTYL, Casanova. Have fun on your date!"

The gesture caused Jade to flinch, cutting short whatever she’d been about to sign.

Zayn looked over at her, about to explain that Amaya was merely being an asshole, but decided that silence on this matter was for the best.

After all...

’I can’t do it. To even dare dream of love in my predicament would be much too selfish.’

With a final wave, Amaya walked past Zayn and into the library.

Zayn had realized after taking Jade’s hand for the second time that he’d developed something of a crush on her. Just as clearly, that budding connection appeared to be mutual.

However, especially after what had happened in the library, he realized that such closeness was not something he would simply be allowed to have.

This world clearly had it out for him — a vendetta whose cause he couldn’t begin to understand. That man in the suit felt like proof that Zayn’s predicament extended far beyond him; That Zayn was destined to stand at the center of the world’s turmoil — likely as its cause.

He’d only be putting whoever he loved in danger as he carried out his deplorable task.

Worse...

If his deeds were ever exposed, the heartbreak he would inflict was more than Zayn could stomach...

No, it was more than that.

Loving someone wouldn’t merely risk ending in heartbreak; it would endanger their very life for the simple crime of loving him.

So...

’I need to nip it in the bud.’

He had to silence any possibility of love, no matter how much his heart yearned for that connection.

Besides...

’I don’t deserve it.’

Zayn had thought himself the ’Star-Crosser’... What fate could await such a man except one of crossed stars?

As if nothing had happened with Amaya, feeding into the brewing misunderstanding, Zayn turned to Jade and signed:

«Do you have anywhere you want to go next?»

Jade picked up her hands slowly. The smile on her face had faded, replaced by quiet despondency. Her delicate fingers swirled for a few moments before she signed:

«I think I’m going to look for Julia. Alone if that’s okay.»

’Ah...’

Zayn immediately felt a pang of pain flood his heart.

’It’s for the best.’

Going against his bleeding heart, Zayn signed:

«Okay. I will explore more. Good luck.»

’It is...’

His heart felt like an empty well full of stagnant shadows, reminding him the water was not there nor would it ever return.

’This... it hurts.’

Jade slowly signed back:

«Thank you for everything.»

Then, she turned and ran off before Zayn had a chance to reply.

Balling up his fist, Zayn’s fingernails dug into his palm.

"Fuck."

Today... today was harsh.

He’d expected it to be brutal, but even this was beyond anything he’d prepared for.

To meet Lucas already, be caught in that dreadful illusion, be pressed by Amaya, and finally realize the connection he unconsciously yearned for could only end in bloodshed.

For all of it to happen in the same day was some cruel, atrocious joke.

A sudden voice called out to him.

"Zayn?!"

Lifting his gaze, Zayn looked at the hooded figure bounding toward him.

"Ruby...?"

’Just why... why can’t I be left alone?’

"I just passed Jade! I’m guessing you were with her, right?"

Forcing a smile, Zayn replied:

"Yeah."

Ruby skipped to the bottom of the library steps, then spun and cheered:

"Teehee! Isn’t this place pretty?"

Zayn looked around at all the guild buildings lined around the area. There was even a huge plaza with quite the spectacular fountain at its center.

As Zayn looked around, he overlaid the view with the panoramic one of the destroyed city he’d seen in the vision.

"It is."

A reminder that today’s sorrows were trumped by tomorrow’s worry. He could neither revel in beauty nor despair lest he let ruin claim all.

He didn’t know what had destroyed Adsagsona, but it was likely his knowledge could help prevent that future.

’I’m overworked and over it all.’

Ruby leaned forward, her shrouded eyes peeking out from under the green hood of the robe. Her head slowly drifted closer as she studied Zayn’s face.

"Hmmmmmmm... HHUUMhhmhmhmhm....! You lied!"

Zayn could tell she was somewhat forcing herself to be cheery after what she’d learned today, but there also seemed to be some genuine interest in the glorious view around them.

Then, she shouted:

"Why are you over here anyways?!"

Zayn asked:

"Why are you here?"

"Don’t answer my question with a question, hmph!" She snarked back while tilting her head away from Zayn and closing her eyes. For ten seconds or so, she stood in that position, then she opened one of her eyes, peeking at Zayn. "I’m waiting..."

Sighing, Zayn pointed at the closed door behind him.

"I was checking out the library. So, why are you here?"

Other than the guild buildings none could afford due to their minimum price of 100 gold, there was no practical use in being over here other than the library. With ten days to prepare for doomsday, Zayn doubted anyone would waste their time sightseeing. Then again... he had quite the aloof girl in front of him.

Raising one of her hands over her eyebrows as if saluting, Ruby leaned to the side and then said:

"Oh! I didn’t know that was here! Haha! But I’m here because I thought no one would be here! Bro won’t find me here?! Argh—!"

Zayn tilted his head.

"Bro?"

"Ack—! He noticed..."