Suzanna and Anfey ran until they were sure there was no one chasing them anymore. Clearly, Suzanna was right. Now that they knew how powerful Michael was, they knew that if Michael and Anthony teamed up, there was no chance of victory.
"Should have listened to those spies," Suzanna whispered, "or let them meet with Anthony. At least they won’t have betrayed us." In the past, she would be angry with herself because she believed that if she was stronger, she could protect herself and Anfey. But now that she was a top level power, she could not do that anymore. She also knew that fighting a mage was not easy, because mages tended to be more in control in a fight.
"Shinon didn’t betray us," Anfey said, "or else Anthony would have noticed much sooner."
"Are we going back?"
"No," Anfey said, shaking his head.
"If we don’t, Anthony will realize who sent Shinon."
"He will realize no matter what," Anfey said with a shrug.
"If Shinon didn’t betray us, how did Michael realize we were there?"
"Maybe some of the mercenaries recognized us," Anfey said.
Suzanna frowned and nodded. "Alright, then. Anthony didn’t do anything. Do you think we can…"
"Possibly," Anfey said. "Michael must be very angry right now."
"Which will only widen the rift between them," Suzanna said with a grin. "If that’s the case, shouldn’t we go and meet with Anthony."
"Don’t worry," Anfey said. "We can’t rush this kind of thing."
Suzanna sighed. "Alright," she said. "We shouldn’t take risks like this anymore in the future. We only got away this time because we were lucky. If Anthony and Michael are working together…" She shuddered and did not finish. She walked over to Anfey and grabbed his hand. "Promise me."
As Suzanna grabbed Anfey’s hand, his body shivered. Suzanna frowned. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah," he said. "I just remembered something."
"What is it?" Suzanna asked, confused. "Why is your hand so warm?"
"Well, we just ran fifty miles, of course my hands are warm," Anfey said. "Nothing important, really. Just something that happened when I was young."
Suzanna frowned and looked at Anfey. She realized that he was staring at her intensely, his eyes filled with love. Even though they were married, Suzanna was still very shy and not used to attention. "Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, blushing.
"Because I like you," Anfey said.
Suzanna sighed. She moved closer to him and said, "Tell me more about your childhood."
Anfey pursed his lips and frowned. "It’s not too… it isn’t anything interesting."
"I don’t care," Suzanna said. "Tell me."
"Well, I spent most of my childhood just fooling around with the neighbor’s kids," Anfey said. "That’s about it. Suzanna, come on, let’s get some rest. Then we need to head different ways. I’m heading back to White Mountain City, you’re going to look for Christian."
"Christian?" Suzanna asked.
"Tell him that there is indeed a rift between Michael and Anthony. After the battle, we need to avoid conflict with Glory mercenary group and its mercenaries. Focus on Michael’s men," Anfey paused. "Let him decide the rest."
"Can’t we go talk to Christian together after he gets there?" Suzanna asked, confused. "What are you going to do at White Mountain City?"
"I need to find a chance to take out Michael," Anfey said. "You see, I need to prepare and create a plan if I want to kill Michael and live. A good plan needs time. I cannot go look for Christian."
"I want to help you," Suzanna said.
"I can conceal myself," Anfey said. "I can approach people without them noticing and still be able to fight. Even if I don’t use magic, I can still do a lot of things. You need your combat power. Plus, you are a top level power. People will notice you. We cannot hide amongst them together."
"But… but I can still help," Suzanna insisted.
"I don’t need help," Anfey said. "Really. Don’t worry about me. I will be fine. Listen to me and go find Christian. I need him to know our intentions."
Suzanna watched Anfey without saying anything. She did not want to leave Anfey, but she knew that he was right. Splitting up was the most effective and reasonable plan.
"Don’t frown," Anfey said. "I have the Shattered Will of God of War, remember? Really, don’t worry. I will be fine. As long as I’m well rested, I can use teleportation. I promise I won’t put myself in harm’s way."
"Even if you can kill Michael, what about his guards?"
"Anthony won’t do anything. I’m not worried about the guards. If I can take out Michael, who are those guards to me?" Anfey paused and smiled at Suzanna. "You need to help Christian organize the attack. You need to attack Michael as hard as possible to give me a chance."
"I see," Suzanna said, nodding. She was a very strong woman, so as soon as she made a decision, she would follow through. She wanted to be Anfey’s helper, not burden.
Anfey glanced at the night sky and sighed. Then he looked at Suzanna and smiled, "With everything lately…I’m sorry. I promised you a peaceful life, not this. After everything’s over, we’ll find Shally and the three of us will get out of here."
Suzanna grinned and nodded. She stepped towards Anfey and wrapped her arms around him.
Anfey wrapped his arms around her as well, trying hard to control his shivering. He knew something was wrong as soon as he left White Mountain City, because every inch of his body was burning with pain.
Everything, including breeze and Suzanna’s embrace, caused the pain to intensify. Thankfully, Anfey could control himself well enough not to show that he was in pain.
He did not know what would happen to him, which was why he needed Suzanna to leave. He didn’t want the woman he loved to suffer because he was in pain. His mind kept replaying the terrifying magic surge he felt from Michael. Clearly, the forbidden spell had worked.
"Hurry," Anfey whispered, letting go. "You have a long way ahead of you. I need rest as well."
Suzanna sighed and nodded. "Be careful," she said.
"You have to be careful as well," Anfey said.
Suzanna nodded. "See you later," she said.
Anfey nodded and smiled.
Suzanna looked at him again, then turned around and dashed away. She stopped, turned and waved at Anfey, then took off.
Anfey’s eyes fell on his dimensional ring. He wanted to give everything to Suzanna, at least he needed to give her the shard of the Shattered Will of God of War, because he didn’t know if he could survive this. But Suzanna wasn’t stupid, and she would realize something must be off if he gave her everything he had. If she realized something was wrong, she would insist on staying with him. Anfey didn’t know how long he could keep up his calm facade, and he didn’t need Suzanna to see his pain.