The Witching Hour

Chapter 9 - Gale

This night proves to be more intense and interesting than I expected it to be. Her worry amuses me. I will tell her about the Orb being dormant, but first I want to play a little.
'Dangerous?' I chuckle, the term foreign yet intriguing, a word no one has ever called me before. Not even Tav after telling her my story. I lean closer to her again. 'Is that how you perceive me?' I ask, my tone a blend of genuine curiosity and light teasing.

Her face is more confused than ever. Confused at me and my lack of care about the apparent urgency of the matter.

'Look,' here she starts. 'I may not know much about Netherese magic, but I know we're all in danger. You may explode at any time, and wipe off the whole continent as we know it. Are you not aware?'

She's cute when she's worried. Noted.

'You're quite perceptive, though I assure you,' I say with a casual shrug, and see the expression on her face change. 'the Orb is dormant. I neutralized the threat a month ago. Rest assured,' I wait as her gaze shifts towards mine. 'I'm safe to be around.'

I see the tension in her shoulders drop, and her face calm down.

'I think it's a heartfelt sentiment that you worried for me' I say, my words carrying a blend of charm and sincerity. As I speak, I notice a smirk on her face and a hint of annoyance, a reaction I find both amusing and endearing.

I chuckle softly at her muttered comment, 'Stupid wizard.' she says, rolling her eyes. Her irritation is clear, yet I find her candor refreshing.

And there goes that heartfelt sentiment.

She turns towards the door one more time, this time without me stopping her. She goes inside and...

There is that void again.

If I didn't know better I'd say the orb in my chest is reawakening, but as I know that has been dealt with, it means just one thing. I want her in my life.

So with almost stumbling on my feet I re-enter the inn after her, the door slams behind me and I see her jump a little before starting to climb the stairs to her room.

'Heading to bed already?' I ask, attempting a casual tone that betrays my inner turmoil.

She stops in place for a moment, and I can spot the slightest smile on her lips.

As she whispers, 'Good night, Gale' and continues up the stairs, I feel a pang of regret and longing.

My mind keeps racing.

For reasons I can't quite comprehend, she occupies my every thought. The woman I met mere hours ago, who pressed a dagger to my throat, leaving a lingering sting. The same woman to whom I revealed the most guarded secret of my existence. Her eyes, with their striking golden flecks, captivate and trouble me in equal measure. As her door slams shut, a stark reminder of her departure, I recognize it's time to return to my own quarters, though my thoughts remain stubbornly ensnared by her presence.

She will be trouble.