Shadow Thief

Chapter 6

At the communal bathing centre I stripped to just my underwear and stepped inside the pool. Ayanna had taken Andre to a separate section for men but had said she would return shortly.

I sighed leaning back in the warm water, listening to the bubbles popping. Just me and the water and nothing and no one else around to bother me, finally some peace. Not even a minute had gone by before Ayanna returned, joining me in the pool. Although it was communal, only me and her filled the space.

'What is your planet like?' she asked once we had both settled down.

'Shouldn't I be asking you that?'

'Well I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise.'

'Well my planet, Earth, is like this but everything is so different. It should be impossible that two planets can look so similar yet never find each other until now.' I frowned.

'I understand what you mean, the fact we look relatively the same is improbable.' She mused.

'It isn't fair you get the wings.' I grumbled. 'I would kill to be able to fly.'

'I do love my wings and the scales but they are such a hassle to maintain. Way worse than my hair.' She picks up her arms to gesture to her white scales.

'It has to be worth it.' I mutter slightly annoyed at how she could complain about such a gift.

'You're right. I couldn't live without them.' she admitted.

Honestly she was beautiful with her pastel blue wavy hair that sat just above her shoulders and ethereal white wings. Plus she was built. Like proper muscles.

I looked up at her. 'How much do those wings of yours drag you down when swimming?'

'They can be a bit of a nuisance but I am still skilled. Why?'

'How about a race? First person to the other side of the pool wins.' I proposed randomly.

'Win what?' she asked, but she didn't refute the idea.

'What do you suggest?'

'If I win then you have to teach me about your ways.' Ayanna smiled at me.

'Okay then, however if I win you have to show me around this place. Do we have a deal?' I smirked.

'We have a deal.' The confidence she expelled was borderline arrogant.

We both go into our starting positions, 'When I say go we race, okay?'

'Whatever you want. You are going to lose anyway.' I took in the water. It was perfect conditions, it was a stretch until the other side, but close enough that the start mattered massively. Especially if she was as good as she claimed.

I made sure she was ready. Checking myself one last time before I shouted 'Go!'

My head entered the water in a small splash but nothing made me stop. One arm above the other in a swift front crawl only allowing myself to breathe occasionally. I kept my eyes on the target. I couldn't lose, losing wasn't in my nature. I kicked harder, desperate to get there first, no matter how perfect my form was or how smoothly I moved in the water Ayanna remained at my side using her wings in nimble flicks to propel herself faster.

No. She wouldn't win.

I tucked my head down not caring about the water stinging in my eyes or the fatigue in my legs from no proper sleep. I faded out of everything. Focus on the finish line. I told myself over and over that I could do it. Nothing would stop me finishing first.