Beyond the Rift ✔ (Completed)

Chapter 13: Under Siege

Alexis

Elvira has an amusing look on her face, as if she is secretly enjoying the view. Ethan on the other hand is brimming with hostility. His eyes blazes with anger at the sight of Nick and me. His jaw locks and I could see a muscle twitch. I could feel the heat radiating from him, as I get out of the water and grab my clothes.

"We really had no intention of interrupting your class. Trust me." Elvira looks at Nick and then at me. I turn crimson instantly. There is no way this is going to end well. I glance at Ethan whose eyes darts furiously at me. My stomach churns. What did we do so wrong? It's not like I'm underage or something.

"But, we have a situation; one of our lookouts have sent us a distress signal, we think you should come and have a look. It might be a false alarm, considering the bears in the area, but better be safe than sorry." Elvira finishes.

"When did you receive the signal?" Nick is now completely decent and so am I.

"Around six, although I wasn't going to come here. I knew Alexis would be training with you, but Ethan insisted. So, I had no choice."

"Well, that's fine. We're good. But if the Tridents are here, she needs to get to a safe place." Nick says.

"We'll take care of that. You find the men." Ethan's tone is hoarse. His gaze doesn't leave me.

I gulp nervously.

"Alright." That's all Nick says before leaving. What the heck?

...

"What if the Tridents are here?" I ask Elvira as soon as we reach the bunker. The bunker is quiet and empty. All the people have already evacuated the camp. Marty and Nick are at the lookout. They will send us a message, based on it, we will plan our next move.

"Then we'll have to relocate."

"But I thought they were after the Red crystal." I ask, confused.

"Maybe they think it's here, but they can't find us. Especially with the warding and all."

"Can't we reason with them?" I almost twist my face at the sound of the question.

"That's suicide alright!" Elvira glares at me as if I were imprudent.

"But, we haven't tried!" I insist.

"What are you suggesting?" Elvira blurts out. She has never been crossed by me ever.

"We should talk to them. Get to know their mission clearly. Why are they so keen to open that door? Maybe we can make a deal?" Maybe.

Elvira stares at me wordlessly. A few seconds pass.

"I want to have a word with Alex." Ethan mutters into the silence. "Alone." What? Please Don't leave me with him. I don't want to get my arm fractured. Nevertheless, Elvira obeys and leaves through the entrance.

There is a stretched silence for few minutes, where I stride to the lining bookshelf and pretend to find something interesting. All the while, I could sense Ethan's eyes boring into the nape of my neck.

I hear him walk up behind me. I fretfully turn around to face him to show him that I don't scare that easy.

We are an arms-length apart when he speaks.

"You suggest making a deal with the tridents?" he raises his left brow.

"Or we can talk to them." I reply nonchalantly.

"And say what? Spare the universe?" I detect the sarcasm in his tone.

"We might have something that we can offer them, in return for a diplomatic co-existence." I try to sound reasonable. Nonetheless, he doesn't waver.