Sun and Stone

VIII.

You are no Sprite or Pixie.

I was startled as the strangers voice broke the silence. The rasp did not mask their awe and I whirled around, disbelieving that this offensive person had given what sounded like their twisted, confusing version of a compliment. I was not given time to search the darkness for the strangers silhouette as Grays hand once again wrapped around me and I ascended. I slapped the giant index finger at my chest and glared back at where Grays face should be. Although I couldnt see Gray, he must have understood because the hand stopped rising.

Sorry El. Its not safe. Let me handle this. I would have protested, but I lost my voice as the ascent resumed when he stood. I hung there, suspended in darkness. I could have called out to Gray, but I was also uncertain of the stranger. Yes, they had brought us to this dark cavern, and it had seemed to be just what Gray needed. They had not harmed me or Gray, but at this point, I didnt trust anyone, let alone a stranger. I was also in no position to challenge the foreign goliath. Instead, I internally braced myself for whatever was to come, hoping that Gray would remember how much his own movements scared me now.

I winced as Grays voice rang out into the darkness, rumbling with the same gravel that I had noticed the previous night. My body trembled with the concussion of the base. For the last time, who are you?

After a pause, I felt Grays hand tense and I was brought closer, so my back rested against his chest. I still couldnt see anything in the darkness, but as Gray moved me closer to his chest I tensed at his fear, his protective instincts kicking in again. I am the Last Shadow. You may call me Malavy. I was sent by our Queen to collect you and your charge and return you to the Grove.

Grays reply came in a whisper. the Grove? There were notes of wonder and hope in his voice. That was his question after the strangers unclear explanation? Not what a Shadow is, or who this queen was? What in Hades were they talking about? Frustration and anger boiled in me, and the area around me brightened. When Grays hand tensed around my body, I paused, shaken from my frustration by the fear of hurting him again. The light around me remained, and it was enough to make out the strangers dark silhouette and Grays face. I looked up to Gray and saw him wince down at me, frowning, but his hand relaxed. This was the limit, then.

Gray moved his gaze back to the stranger, Malavy, and glared. We dont want any trouble. We just want to get home. If you could point us in the direction of the exit, we can be on our way.

Do not jest with me, Gargoyle. Your Queen has called you home.

Gray glanced back down to me, confusion and worry plain on his face. I could only shrug and shake my head, just as lost as he was. Furrowing his brow, he looked back to Malavy, determined. I mean no offense, really. But we are in over our heads, and dont want anything more thrown our way. We are going home. Now. Gray moved to step past Malavys dark figure and I caught the glint of their golden eyes before they were suddenly in motion. Faster than my eyes could track, Malavy had moved forward and barred the passage, swinging their sword out of its sheath at their hip and up, the black blade stopping to rest a hairs breadth from Grays throat.

That is not an option.

Gray stood still as a statue, glancing from the blade, to Malavy, and down to me. Meanwhile, I fought to control my temper, wanting to smack the dark figure across their face. As I glared up, I was now close enough to see their face. Or I should have been. Confused, I looked back from Grays illuminated visage to Malavy, and back again. Despite their elevated faces being the same distance from my hanging form, I could not make out Malavys features. It was as if they were still cast in shadow, a silhouette in the dark. I could see the outline of their sharp nose, the edge of their crisp and wide jaw, but nothing more. Perhaps sensing my inquisitive gaze, those golden eyes shifted down and narrowed. My breath caught in my chest as our eyes met.