Beyond the Veil

Chapter 13

Sera almost wished she stayed in the forest last night. While her bed sounds much more comfortable, she really never wanted last night to end.

Of course, all good things come to an end, and while Saul wasn't exactly welcoming when she was there, she very much doubted she would even get the chance to talk to him if she went back now.

He was on her mind as she walked to school. Things were so tense in the forest last night, Nishay really creeped her out. She wasn't sure what Nishay's intentions were, and she really wasn't sure what would have happened if Saul hadn't shown up.

He protected her again.

How could it be possible he was there just in time, right as Nishay found her, and right as she didn't want to be alone with her. Was he following Nishay?

She was still happy that he agreed to answer a few of her questions, even if it isn't even remotely close to everything she wanted to know. It was a start.

She wondered if he knew what Nishay was, and if he felt the energy she had as well. There is something very wrong about her, she wished she didn't have to resort to putting herself in danger to find out what.

There is no way Nishay could actually hurt her, right? They were about the same height and stature, maybe Nishay was a little bit taller, but it really wasn't anything substantial. If it came down to it, would Sera be able to protect herself? Or was she somehow relying on Saul's unrealistic deus ex machina, saving her right as she needed help. That was unrealistic, a lucky coincidence happening twice is unlikely. Even if his house is in the forest, there is no way he knows everything that happens in the forest all the time. It isn't possible.

She arrived at school and ventured towards the library to get a coffee in the morning.

She was waiting in line, when Nishay came up behind her.

"Hey I'm sorry about last night!" Nishay said with a smile, her voice did not sound apologetic.

"That's fine. I have to go to class." Sera said abruptly, exiting the line, foregoing her coffee. The lack of caffeine made this conversation even more impossible.

"You can't make time for me?" Nishay smiled and followed her out of line. "Give me another chance, let's meet up again. Let's go somewhere after school, away from here."

"Do you even go to school here?" Sera asked skeptically.

Nishay completely ignored it, "so what do you say?" A smile was plastered on her face.

A voice appeared from behind her, "Sera, there you are. I'm here to walk you to class." Saul appeared behind her, his calm demeanor was a stark contrast to the animalistic fear that was etched in the corners of Nishay's face. Her smile wavered and fell.

Sera was wrong. This is his second 'deus ex machina', even within 24 hours. How does he keep finding her, nevermind appearing at the exact perfect time. None of it makes sense. Also, why does he feel entitled to involve himself in her affairs?

She didn't want to be disrespectful, especially since he's helped her in the past, but if he wouldn't involve her in his life, then he wasn't welcome to be a part of hers. Simple reciprocity.

"You can walk me to class, but Nishay and I weren't finished talking."

Saul's face darkened.

Nishay looked nervously at Saul and didn't say anything, keeping her eyes on him. It was so offsetting that she didn't blink.

Sera continued, "Nishay, let's meet after school, we can go back to the woods, and with any luck, we won't have any unwelcome intruders." She looked at Saul meaningfully.