Avatar Rose: Dawn

Chapter 31: Rose

I slowly open my eyes. As I'm expecting to see the bounty hunters, I only spot Nathan. He's lying on the ground. A soft moan escapes his lips.

I stagger up and scramble to him. A million questions fill my head, but only one answer comes to mind. Somehow, Nathan was able to fight Evan when I couldn't. Anger bubbles up inside of me.

I'm the avatar. How come I couldn't defeat him?

"N- Nathan? Are you okay? Please answer me!" I whisper worriedly, hanging above him with wide eyes.

He gives a dazed smile and half opens his eyes. "It's okay. It'll wear off soon," he murmurs.

I have no idea what he's talking about, but I don't ask. Our enemies may be here soon. I have to get Nathan in his feet, and it seems like he's again in his strength by the minute. He fully comes to when we hear yells on the bottom floor of the abandoned house we took refugee in.

"Rose, come on!" Shouts Nathan. Who does he think I am? I'm trying to find a place to escape as much as he is. We only have a few seconds. Nathan's eyes snap to a window.

Oh no. Not this again. "Nathan don--" I begin but he wraps his arms around me and crashes through the window. I'm left untouched by the glass, but several slices drip blood on his cheek and arms.

He grabs my hand and runs, but I pull away and keep my pace steady with his. I could go faster, but he's hurt. Oh, and I'm not a jerk.

We find ourselves in a park. Couples sit under trees and on benches, gazing into each other's eyes. I roll my eyes. How cheesy.

Running footsteps are nearby. We have nowhere else to escape. I'm about to run for it, but Nathan says otherwise.

"Rose, get close to me," he mutters.

"What? Why?" I reply

"Just do it!" He pulls me in and firmly presses his lips against mine. I don't think I've ever been this red before.

For a moment, I'm shocked and desperately want to pull away. Running seems the only option to get away from the bounty hunters. The feeling ends quickly, and I suddenly forget everything else. I close my eyes and lean in a little almost instinctively.

Evan passes by, scanning the park. His eyes uncomfortably cross over us. So that's why Nathan did that. Disappointment rises in my chest, which I don't understand why.

"Sorry... I didn't know how else to escape," he explains nervously.

I pause. "No... Don't be. I mean uhh... It's fine! Better than my plan, anyway!" I splutter, avoiding eye contact. Is it bad that I enjoyed that kiss so much? Did I do it right?