The Warrior- Laila Nomon

15. Sense

They all stood in silence in the dark till the footsteps passed. Fedrick fumbled around and flicked on the light. 'Is it safe to go now?'

'I don't know, but I know for sure we shouldn't go back there.' Laila said.

'Why? Bombs awaiting us? Or is it explosive pups?' Helena asked.

'Stop, Helena. She's still new, it'll take a while for her to trust anybody.' Nick empathized. 'What happened, Laila?'

'I just have a bad feeling about it.' Laila said, all color drained from her face. 'Felt like bears' minds.' She scoffed. 'No way. That's insane, right?'

Fedrick turned towards Nick. 'Did you sense the Dahtchezs?

'That's cheeses- what?' Laila asked, unsure.

'Dahtchezs, those are hybrids of venomous bear-sakes. Yep, Zadok's inventions,' Nick said, scratching the back of his head. 'One bite can paralyze half your body. Just make sure not to get bitten twice, there's no remedy for that. And, thank gods, I didn't sense any.'

'Are you trying to say that getting bitten once is all righ-' Helena started but got cut off.

'His point is, he didn't sense them. So, it's probably Warriors who passed by.' Fedrick explained.

'He can sense the cheeses?' Laila raised both eyebrows at Nick.

'Dahtchezs, yes. I can sense most things radiating dark energy. One of my powers. Found out the hard way when I was young.' Nick said as he winced.

Laila wondered what he meant by "the hard way" meant but decided not to ask. 'Then can you sense the Dark One?'

'He knows how to hide his energy, so probably, no. His powers would be too advanced for me anyway. Maybe even Zadok I can sense, but I'm not sure, I've never been- never met him.' Nick added quickly.

'Then let's go back to our rooms?' Helena looked around for approval. They all agreed and tuned around and walked back.

As they turned a corner which led to the stairs, Fedrick slowed down to match Laila's pace, who was at the back. He cleared his throat, 'Hey, Laila, I just wanted to let you know that Helena doesn't have a roommate and, you know, you don't have one either, so maybe, you know, you could share a room, and maybe get along better.' He scrambled, scratching the back of his neck as they both stopped walking.

'Thanks, Fedrick. But I much prefer my own company than being with other people so far here.' Laila said as they started to ascend the stairs.

Fedrick was hurt by those words a bit, but continued, 'Wouldn't it be nice, though? I'm sure you're missing your friends back home.' Fedrick asked, insistent on Laila and Helena being roommates so they'd warm up to each other better.

'No, Fedrick. You see, I've never had any real friends, always been an outcast without even establishing my powers, been the 'weird topper' and not to mention I'm socially awkward. So, I've learnt to be on my own and just not try. I'm sorry, but like you saw before, it takes me time to trust someone. I mean, Rosalie was supportive, almost like the friend I never had in the form of my m- my uh...' Laila took a deep breath as struggled to find an alternative so she could get around the word "mom;" when she couldn't, she just let the sentence be.

'Your mortal sister? It's okay. I know the feeling. I had a mortal brother too. You could always meet her later in life, probably. Though I suggest letting go would be better, y'know.' Fedrick said as he looked at her, alarmed, as if he thought she might cry.

Laila wanted to contradict him, but thought it'd be better if she didn't. She had already rambled on too much. Why did she tell him all that? She wished she could take it back. But somewhere in the corner of her heart, it felt good, too, letting all that out. 'Exactly what I don't want. I don't know what I'll do when I see her- them again. I miss Zoppy too. A lot.'

Fedrick panicked. He could sense her getting even closer to the point of crying and he didn't know what to do. Luckily, right then, they reached the third landing; he quickly changed the subject. He sighed. 'I'm speaking a lot, right? I'll see you at dinner, then. Okay? Laila?'

Laila jerked out of her thoughts; she hadn't been listening. The mention of her name had caught her attention. 'Sorry, what?'

Fedrick shrugged, 'Meh, nothing. I'll see you at dinner, bye.'

Laila nodded as she turned to go to her room, seeing that the other two had already gone and were nowhere to be seen when there came a voice behind her who she recognized as Erika's. 'Lyra! I... need your help. Please.' 

A/N: Your veeery inactive author's back! DO continue showing your support for this book!
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