The Forsaken Truth (Marvel's Avengers)

Water Of Sight

"Hello, little human." Zharis grinned, showing glinting, sharp teeth. "It seems we meet again."

Trying to school my features back into a normal one, I stared at him blankly. 

"Why the hell are you here?"

His smile did not drop as he took a step forward. "Did you not call for me?"

"Ew." I blurted out before I could think, crinkling my nose. "I asked for Lady Sereia, not you, pretty boy."

To my surprise, I spotted a light pick hue speckling his pale cheeks. 

"You find me pretty?" He asked as if that was the most unexpected, unusual thing he'd ever heard.

I blinked, confused. Was he for real?

Did this guy not know that he was jaw-droppingly gorgeous or was he just acting?

Deciding for myself that it was an act, I scowled at him. 

"Like you need me to validate your beauty when you're literally built like the male version of Aphrodite."

He didn't seem to understand the reference so I sighed. 

"Why are you here?" I asked again, crossing my arms. 

"Lady Sereia sent me." He smiled blindingly, making me jealous.

I wish I had such a pretty smile.

"Whatever you need assistance with, I shall offer my help in earnest." Zharis bowed lightly and my eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"Really?" 

I couldn't help but be skeptical. After all, he had tried to murder me.

He glanced up from his bow, a mischievous glint in his eye and smirked.

"Of course," he straightened, "if you win at a duel."

I immediately took a few steps back, raising my hands karate-like, narrowing my eyes at the wily siren.

Surprising me again, he let out a low chuckle, the sound almost musical to my ears as he ran a hand through his locks.

"Relax human, I was merely jesting."

His grin did not put me at ease.

I lowered my arms, still making sure to keep a nice distance between us. 

"My name is Aylin." I told him. 

"I know."

My eye twitched. "Then call me that, not 'human'."

He blinked as if taken by surprise but I didn't dwell on that for long.

"Will you seriously help me?"

"Lady Sereia wishes for it." He replied.

"And you won't hurt me?"

At his increasing smile, I put my hands up again.

"I will not hurt you."

His tone turned serious then. "But what you are about to do might."

My hands went down as I blinked, tilting my head. "You know what I want to do?"

He nodded. "Lady Sereia was peculiarly concerned about this task and entrusted it to me so I would carry it out well and assist you. It is important, as much as it is dangerous."

I sighed, not worried about how they knew about it. I took a step forward.

"Tell me what to do."