Still, Artoria's firm grasp, we stood outside Ickni's throne room. She didn't move to open the door, standing still, deep in thought. By the indifferent expression, I couldn't exactly tell what was on her mind, as she didn't let a single one of her emotions slip when we were flying to the palace.
Despite my many attempts to strike up a conversation of some sort, seeking more information on her past nothing came. I wanted her direct explanation of what had happened in the past. I didn't want to rely on Seraphina's information about her, but I doubted that she would slip her secrets any time soon, especially when she's still under Ickni's thumb.
Artoria suddenly released her grip on me, dropping to the floor, causing me to smack my head against the marble floors. My weakened state was apparent as a small sliver of blood oozed from my temple. But luckily it closed up quickly, although it took longer than before.
Artoria's violet eyes locked onto mine for a moment. I was stunned by the beauty of the angel. I had never seen such a sight on Earth; no one matched her starless beauty. She gripped the sacred band around her neck, muttering something under her breath; her words were followed by the same dark matter from earlier wrapping around the band.
The sacred band's light was completely shut out, painting it black.
"I've blocked Ickni's eyes. Listen to me carefully. I don't know what the source of your power is or what inhabited your body, but I know that it would only cause tragedy if you told Ickni the truth. You mustn't, no matter what she says."
Artoria placed a finger on her lips, the dark matter reseeded back into the darkness, revealing the shining band. Its light was considerably brighter than earlier, causing me to avert my eyes.
She said nothing more to me, not even glancing my way once, thrusting open the doors, she briskly walked into the throne room, stopping just short of the azure throne, bending the knee to the small figure atop.
I trailed behind her warily. I didn't want to meet with Ickni again after the first time. I was frankly scared of her; the wicked grin that was plastered on her face already didn't invite anything positive into my heart.
"I've brought him, Custodian. His name is Evernight."
The familiar small figure of Ickni jumped off her throne, clapping her hands; the room's torches all suddenly burned brighter, illuminating the room, giving me a better look at the Ickni.
"Evernight is it? I wondered about the name of the sole person to be rejected by sacred bands. Perhaps I should've let it explode your mind, I didn't think you would attempt to annihilate my glorious city," exclaimed Ickni, her childish voice deepening into a low growl with each word.
I couldn't move in the face of Ickni while a smile was plastered on her face. She wasn't happy at all, instead seething with unbridled anger. A small fire was growing within her eyes, replacing her emerald eyes with a deep crimson as she sank further in the depths of rage.
"Do you have nothing to say for yourself? Do you believe you're unblemished? Is that it?"
Ickni's six wings pointed towards my throat, although she was a couple of paces away. I knew her threat wasn't empty. Her gaze sharpened with each hollow second that passed. I just couldn't bring myself to speak under her ire; it was overwhelming.
"Custodian, he has just fought a fierce battle —"
"Silence! I didn't ask for your opinion; the boy will speak his mind."
Artoria's face twisted with pain, the sacred band around her neck casting out the looming shadows, producing a hideous smell of burning flesh. Despite the pain, she didn't voice a single word of discomfort, keeping her eyes pointed to the floor, not daring to move another muscle.
"It was self-defense. I merely acted in the interest of conserving my life."
"Do you know the laws in this Dominion?"
"No."
"You are nothing but a wingless mutt. When someone declares that they wish for your death, you present the nape of your neck. Fighting against the inevitable isn't something that is tolerated in this Dominion. My word is law and order. If I wish for your death, then you will be resting in a shallow grave by the end of day."
"So will you kill me then? Will you rob me of my life twice in the day, or will you make a spectacle of my death to further the roots of control in this Dominion?" I spat. I was beginning to become tired of this world's cruelty and blatant aversion to me, even though I hadn't done anything but defend myself.