The Two Sides of a Sword

Chapter Four

"Lore!" Xinn snapped, shoving Aley over to him. When the other male's grip tightened on her, Xinn stepped towards the impending crowd, putting one hand in the air. "Sariun! Sariun, calm yourselves. Our visitor is not a threat. I assure you; everything is under control. I am personally overseeing her. No harm will come to anybody."

Aley shuddered as Lore gently pushed her behind him, keeping his grip on her wrist. Her new wings drew into themselves tensely as her tongue brushed over the sore spot on her lip where she had bitten herself. Rokh took a few steps forward to stand in between Xinn and Lore, his body tense.

One of the females leading the pack shouted back at Xinn. "We sent you to find our savioress, and you return with a valicaran!" Aley eyed her mossy green tunic, admiring the large slit cut in the front to give more freedom and show off more of her baggy green-gray pants. It struck her as very forest-like, almost like what an elf would wear in a fantasy play.

Her attention was diverted, however, when her wings shifted slightly. Xinn's conversation fell to the background as she slowly reached one wing forward to take a closer look at it. The texture was leathery when she reached out to touch it, and tough, though she could see light filtering through the thin brown skin. Her hand was shaking as she drew back. The wings tightened automatically, making her shiver from the strange sensation.

"First glances are rarely correct, madam. I believe the same to be true of first assumptions," Xinn said firmly, drawing Aley's attention. "I assure you, that everything will make sense soon. My companions and myself are going to escort our visitor to the Protection Site. There is nothing more for any of you to do here. Go about your duties." The crowd rustled, glancing at each other questioningly. Xinn bared his teeth. "Go."

A few people shuffled away, leading others to do the same. Xinn stood there, waiting until they all left. When the last one turned away, he looked back at Aley.

"Come," he said. "We need to get you to the Protection Site. This time, no running?" He raised an eyebrow.

Her eyes widened. "I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what's going on! Where did these wings come from? And my teeth? Where are we?" Her breaths started coming heavily as the weight of her questions bore down on her. "What happened to Rocki? Why am I here? Who do you think you are, stealing me away and then not telling me anything? I don't even know why you call me "savioress"!" Frustrated tears pricked the corner of her eyes. Everything was falling apart, and this alien was looking at her like she was a toddler throwing a tantrum.

"There is no need for hysterics, savioress," he said firmly. "You seem confused, so it may be best for you to rest soon. Come now, we'll escort you to your quarters." He turned and began to walk away. Lore and Rokh lingered, probably waiting for her to move.

Aley crossed her arms, widening her stance. "No," she said, waiting until Xinn turned back to continue. "I'm not moving until I understand what's going on."

Xinn took in a long breath, eyes locked on hers. "Please, savioress, we need to get you to the Protection Site."

"I want answers."

"Those can be provided once you are in the safer space."

She did her best to keep her gaze steadily on his creepy black sclerae and blue irises. "If I go with you to wherever, will you start talking? Give me answers to my questions?"

He dipped his head. "Of course, savioress."

Her lips tightened, but she gave him a nod. "Fine." Xinn began to lead the way again, Lore and Rokh falling into a triangle formation behind with Aley in the middle. She assumed it was to keep her safe, but also suspected it was to keep her from running again.