Shadow Thief

Chapter 8 - Andre's perspective

Ali drives me insane.

She's a piece of work, honestly. I've never met anyone quite like her. She pretends she doesn't care about anything and acts like she's fine being alone, but truthfully, it's all a facade.

Sometimes I want to know what she is like underneath everything. Some part of me is scared she won't be the person I think she is.

Her mood changes faster than a hormonal teenager's, and don't get me started on her sarcasm.

Even through all that, she's still a friend—or at least when she decides I'm good enough to be allowed into her non-existent circle. I hate how much her approval matters to me.

Currently, we're on our way to our first day of touring the sections, and to our luck, we're back with Tyke.

There's something off about that guy. His lack of emotion is unnerving, but I can't shake the feeling it's more than just a war story (although that would be bad enough in my book).

I've never been one for sports, finding comfort in academics—whatever good that's done me. But still I'd bury my head in a book over kicking around a ball anyday.

Today, I wish not for the first time in my life that I had been gifted with strength, speed, or other physical attributes that would help me survive. Knowledge isn't much use if you're dead by push ups.

Another thing about Ali that rubs me the wrong way is her inability to care about others. Yesterday, when I collapsed on the ground, she did nothing to make sure I was okay. Nothing.

But anyhow, I might need her to get back home. The Orc seems to have taken a liking to her—for some strange reason.

Tyke was waiting for us at the entrance of a different, outdoor arena. His piercing eyes, a stormy grey, stared into my soul. He raised a brow almost asking if I was ready.

'So...' I paused, 'What are we doing today?'

'You follow me.' His voice was as cold as ice.

'And do what?' Ali snapped.

He didn't bother replying.

'Answering is just basic manners.' she retorted.

I elbowed her side gently. She passed a smirk my way.

Inside the arena, the setup was similar to yesterday, but not every space was a fighting cage, some areas were filled with cabinets, while others held desks.

The place was completely deserted, but the fires were still warm with freshly forged swords lying nearby. The old fashioned weaponry seemed out of place in a location almost as developed as Earth.

Catching my eye the latest domes made me eat my words. These domes were filled with high tech devices that I would love to get my hands on.

The girl from yesterday, Elra appeared, an orcan following close behind. His frame shrunk the space with his oncoming presence. Towering over us at an impossibly tall height. His armour, blood red that was marked with white patterns, snaking up the arms, glinting ominously. Drawing closer, I felt the air thicken, my hairs immediately standing on end.

His ebony skin didn't conceal the harsh scar slashed over his eye, nor did it hide the sharp jaw and cheekbones.

Moving with a deliberate predatory stance both of the warriors halted in front of us. The smell of metal and smoke clung to them, suffocating.

I bit my lip, rubbing my hand into my jacket pocket. Taking a deep breath, I sought out Ali in my peripheral vision. She was subtly noting the closest exits, I knew instantly she would leave me here if things went downhill.