Unbound: Desire Awakened

3 | A Step Forward

A few days had passed since the accident. Within that time Eros and Aries took turns helping me, but things between Eros and I were still strained, so his visits were less frequent.

I wasn't sure if he was intentionally distancing himself. Maybe he felt guilty for what had happened? Maybe there was another reason?

Or maybe I was just exaggerating, because I found myself missing him more and more.

Regardless, he was here less, and as result, I found myself spending more time with Aries. Despite his occasional insufferable nature, I had to admit, I enjoyed his company.

While I was stuck with nothing to do but watch TV and rest, Aries had a big, ancient-looking book in his hands. Reading it thoroughly.

Its weathered pages and worn cover sparked the usual amount of curiosity within me.

"What are you always reading in that thing?" I looked away from the TV, fixing my gaze on the aged book in Aries's hands.

Aries glanced up, a flicker of intrigue dancing in his ashen eyes. "This old thing?" He replied, gently placing a finger on the book's worn cover. "It's a collection of ancient texts, myths, and legends from various cultures."

I leaned a little closer. "Why are you reading that?"

"Well," Aries began, a slight hint of irritation creeping into his voice, which I chose to overlook, "Since you won't let us hunt down that lead, we have to find another way."

"And you think that book will help you?"

Aries simply nodded, his gaze fixed on the pages before him.

Now thoroughly intrigued, I couldn't help but ask, "Can I take a look?" I wanted to see some of that ancient knowledge for myself.

A playful grin tugged at the corners of Aries's lips as he jibed, "Can you read any of the Semitic languages?"

He knew very well that I couldn't, and I felt a twinge of annoyance at his response.

"So no?" I replied, the annoyance evident in my tone.

"Well, can you?"

I sighed, giving up. "No."

"Then I guess not," Aries said, his attention returned to the book in front of him, leaving me to wonder what the hell was in that book.  

"How the hell do you even know how to read those languages?"

"Because I'm smarter than you." He said arrogantly without looking away from his book.

Gods, I groaned, settling back into the pillows. My eyes drifted back to the TV, but my mind was elsewhere. The topic of ancient texts and myths lingered in the air.

When the hell had this become a norm in my life?

"Hey Aries, you and Eros mentioned that I have some sort of gift." I hesitated for a moment, uncertain of how to approach the topic.

I had been initially reluctant to bring it up for fear of sounding crazy. However, with all these recent revelations, I felt a little less crazy and more inclined to discuss things openly.

Aries's eyes left the pages of the book once more, his gaze lingered on me, as he listened intently.

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before continuing.

"I didn't want to seem crazy, but considering everything that has happened, it feels pointless not bringing it up." I admitted with a sigh. "I've always had this ability to read people easily, to connect with them on a deeper level."