Ethereal Madness

Chapter 49- Mission Start

My eyes were slowly closing and I rested my head against Ainia's back, though she didn't appear to mind. She never did.

Just as my eyes went dormant and sleep began to set in, my entire body shook, which had to mean Baihu came to a halt.

Ugh, didn't even last five minutes.

I slid off the side, barely catching myself as my feet crunched the soft grass below.

"Here we are," Ainia bursted off Baihu with energy I couldn't help but be envious of.

I yawned. "Good, I'm going to bed."

She laughed. "Min and Rin sure worked you out today."

"Did I say something bad? I feel like Rin was extra strict today." I attempted to stretch my back but all I felt was soreness.

"That's how she shows care."

"Care? Rin? Are we talking about the same person?" I asked.

She walked over and slapped me on my shoulder harder than I'd like. "Rin isn't bad person."

"Uhh, is she a good person?"

No answer.

"Don't worry Arthur. You're getting stronger. Even Baihu says so," she gestured towards the muscular, one-eyed liger.

"Is that true, Baihu? Am I getting stronger?"

He let out a low growl that I somehow was able to decipher as "Nothing special."

I patted the fur on his head.

Love you too Baihu.

"Are you staying the night, Ainia?" I asked.

She shook her head. "Gonna help Issa some more."

"What exactly is it you help her with?" I asked.

"I hunt animals. She says it's useful in making clothes."

"Is that right?"

"Mhm." She started counting on her fingers. "Still need boar, snake, and rabbit."

...What exactly is she making with boar?

"I see. Have fun."

"Get rest Arthur."

I yawned. "That's the plan."

I watched Baihu run off and sleepily trudged inside the house through the back door. I walked through the hallway, and arrived at the foyer. As I was about to walk to the stairs, I froze.

It wasn't until now that I realized how silent it was. Even the smallest of moments made sound and I could hear my own quiet breaths.

A weird, uncomfortable feeling welled up in my stomach. I reached and grabbed the hilt of Sophia's knife, but I didn't reveal it, not that it would've mattered with how dark it was.

Although pointless, I scoured the area but even with the moonlight that came from the windows by the front door, it was impossible for me to see majority of anything in the room.

I hurried up the stairs as silently as possible, my heart beating faster with each step. Only when I reached the top step and confirmed that there was nothing behind me did I breathe.

I'm not going crazy, am I?

I continued towards my room.

No, there was no mistaking it. I was not alone down there. Without a doubt, someone was watching me.

I pressed my hand against my chest and took a deep breath. Stay calm. Maybe someone was doing a midnight snack run. Yeah. That's completely plausible.

I thought of the feeling if just felt. I can't say for certain that it malicious, and if they were threatening my life, I'm sure my mom's voice would warn me. However, that doesn't mean they were friendly.