Daybreak

IX

We sat and talked like that for a good hour, most of it a joking banter back and forth, and though I never really got any answer from him about his other world, I could safely say I felt a bit more relaxed when talking with him. He loved to paint and take long walks through the city and- flying apparently.

It had quickly grown to a different topic but Noah had revealed that the feathers on his elf form definitely alluded that he could transform into a bird.

What kind of bird?

He quickly changed the subject.

But all-in-all I felt much more comfortable talking with him about our interests and likes, it made the walk back to the apartment much more bearable and we chatted straight up until I was standing on the first step, ready to head inside, hair damp from the rain that continued to fall.

"Wait. Uh, can I have your number?"

I looked down at him in surprise and Noah rushed to assure me, "It's not like that or anything, just in case you're in danger, so we can contact each other," he said, wiping his hair back from his face.

I couldn't help laughing at his quick assurance of my reaction and I pulled my phone from my back pocket, unlocking the screen and handing it over to him, "It's fine, here, give me your number, and I'll text you."

Relief fell over his features and he took my phone, tapping in his contact before handing it back to me with a grin, "Thanks."

"No problem, " I mirrored his expression, "It was fun getting coffee with you. We uh- should do it again sometime," I said, putting the phone back in my pocket and taking another step up the stairs.

Green eyes widened in surprise and his smile grew, "Yeah, definitely, maybe some other time I can take you to see my paintings."

Last step. I was at the rickety building door now and I turned back to him with my hand on the handle, "I'd like that."

The last thing I saw of him was standing at the foot of the stairs, hands in his pockets and a soft smile on his face, the door closing behind me.

My cheeks felt warm.

Was I blushing?

I couldn't really tell at this point.

Obviously, I still had my suspicions about him but after today- I guess he's alright.

Definitely graduated from the creepy level at least.

Despite the rain outside, I was in high spirits as I made my way to the apartment, the typical eerie silence of the place doing little to dampen my mood, and I only paused to notice the door was already unlocked as I made my way inside, closing the door behind me and being sure to lock it.

Trish or Amelia must've come home for an early lunch, which wasn't unusual of them to do.

This gave me a chance to talk to at least one of them about our interaction today at least-

"Amelia? Trisha? One of you here?" I said, placing my jacket on the small collection of hooks next to the door.

"Finally. I thought you'd never arrive."

Instead of the familiar voice of Amelia or maybe Trish getting home for a break, the voice that met my ears was dark and smooth, a man's voice, echoing in from the kitchen, and I looked up in surprise to see a black-clad figure standing in the middle of the space. His face was pale, black hair snaked to his shoulders, eyes gleaming a threatening red, teeth bared and looking much sharper and threateningly longer-

In the breath of an instant, I gasped, heart jumping to my throat and stepped back up against the door, hands fumbling for the doorknob as he moved towards me.