Stolen Enchantment

Cruel Whispers

"How much longer will this walk be?! With you, by my side, it feels 10x slower."

Kaveh complained, his head thrown back keeping his mouth agape to show how much he hated holding onto Alhaitham. He figured that if he had to suffer with the weight he might as well deal with his complaining, a fair win. Alhaitham on the other hand found his constant bickering rather annoying, his sharp pained eyes glared in Kaveh's direction as he limped.

"If you continue to mutter on we'll never get out of here then you'll have an even bigger problem."

At that moment Alhaitham misplaced his injured leg and nearly fell, his grip tightened over Kaveh's shoulder throwing his attention off their path and towards him. He groaned from the burning pain sitting over his thigh, it constantly felt like it was tearing itself apart due to the medicine he was given. Alhaitham wanted to stop, but he wanted to escape especially. He took a second before tapping Kaveh's shoulder to help him continue. Kaveh hesitated to do so, but when Alhaitham appeared as though he was going to throw a backlash he moved forward again. The two actually had no specific direction to move in, it was just consistent walking anywhere they could. But the oddest part was how they hadn't run into a single block way. Alhaitham's movements were becoming slow, even more so than before. His breathing was volatile,

"Alhaitham we should stop, you aren't looking well."

Alhaitham shook his head and pressed his hand over Kaveh's shoulder again.

"We keep moving."

He demanded sharply, even though he was in a state of complete weakness his gaze was utterly terrifying. As if he'd kill a person unprovoked at any moment. Before Kaveh could oppose his command Alhaitham's eyes fluttered before pulling down. The bit of weight he was keeping himself up on faltered, and his arm holding over Kaveh's shoulder began to slip down. Kaveh saw this and gripped Alhaitham's other arm, keeping him up.

"Alhaitham! Look at me, come on you can't fall asleep. You have to stay awake!"

His eyes opened sluggishly, his hand put some strength into its grip as he held onto Kaveh's arm as well. He groaned as if he were feeling nauseous. He appeared mildly annoyed at Kaveh's warnings but managed to mutter bitter words.

"I...won't. Just keep walking Kaveh."

Kaveh knew they couldn't stop, not now, anything could happen. Most of all Alhaitham needed real medical attention and rest, Kaveh sighed and let the pack slip off his shoulders. He continued to hold onto Alhaitham, gently tapping his face to help him stay awake as he idly pulled out a bottle of water. He popped open the bottle and poured some over Alhaitham's face, then allowed him to drink a portion.

"Alhaitham this might hurt, but only for a second. For now, stand still."

He knew Alhaitham was stronger, if only their positions were switched maybe then the process would be easier. Kaveh got down nearly to the floor and gestured for Alhaitham to get onto his back so he could piggyback ride him out of there. In his state he had no other choice, carefully he climbed on minding his wound. Kaveh stood up slowly, his hands reaching back and holding Alhaitham's legs to his sides.

Making him unable to topple off, Alhaitham wrapped his arms around Kaveh's neck and rested his head down on his nape. Kaveh felt a bit startled, as he could feel Alhaitham's breath gently brushing his neck. It gave him chills, causing his ears to turn a little pink. He was flustered by the soft tickle. But at least this way he could know that he was breathing properly. Kaveh turned his head to the pack and gave a last look before treading off into the mist.

"Kaveh."

His head perked up, his eyes glazed around, still, he was unable to see a single thing. Alhaitham was just barely awake, but he didn't appear to hear it. Either that or he simply didn't have the strength to acknowledge it. The voice sounded sharp, almost sounding like a petite sweet woman. But the ill tone and intention behind the voice were cruel, if he hadn't had shivers from Alhaitham's breath he most definitely did now. Yet he continued to walk, it would go away, wouldn't it?

"I hate it."

Again, but that of an older male. Kaveh's heart rate beat so fast it felt as though it were pumping out from his chest. His steps got quicker, his body didn't care how long he had been carrying Alhaitham on his back. He just wanted to leave, what was that? He sensed no movement throughout the mist around them. With only a moment's notice these voices started gathering into groups of ten, dozens more joining. Until there were hundreds of voices speaking at once. Entangling like a group of weeds destroying a rose garden. Kaveh could only make out bits and pieces of what they were saying.

"Disgusting."

"How could you do such a thing?"

"Disgusting!"

"You aren't fit to be called a student."

"Failure of a scholar."

Kaveh wanted to cover his ears, but he couldn't let go of Alhaitham's legs. He felt like he was going insane, each voice becoming so overbearing that his hands shook. His grip becoming tighter over Alhaitham which he seemed to notice,

"Kaveh..."

His humble, low voice fluttered in Kaveh's ear. His head lowered so far that Kaveh could feel his lips subtly brush up against the skin of his neck. Silence all the voices that were crying out to him. His mind finally settled down and he felt calmer than he had before. His grip gradually loosened. He whispered, as though he'd get in trouble if he hadn't.

"My bad."

His tone was apologetic, and he smiled shortly. Alhaitham ignored it and simply closed his eyes again to rest.