Unlikely Love

4

Xavier's POV:

I had lingered in the tundra base for a little while longer. I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe it was because it was warm and it was cold outside, or maybe it was because someone was actually willing enough to follow me all the way out here. Whatever the reason was for me staying out here, I was unsure. Maybe I didn't want to walk anymore; maybe it was just too damn cold out there to continue walking.

Over time, I ended up making my room a very cozy little space. Originally, the base was just plain stone and consisted of three rooms: a bathroom, two bedrooms, and a living room. There were no decorations, just the bare essentials. But as time went by, I added more personal touches. A soft rug to cover the cold stone floor, a few framed pictures to break the monotony of the grey walls, and a couple of plants to bring a bit of life to the underground space.

The living room now had a warm glow from the fairy lights I strung across the ceiling. A small bookshelf sat in one corner, filled with books and knick-knacks I had gathered. The once empty space now felt lived in and welcoming, a stark contrast to the harsh environment outside.

Despite the cozy atmosphere, I could feel a tension in my system. A restlessness that I couldn't quite shake. Maybe it was the solitude, or perhaps the constant reminder of why I had isolated myself here in the first place. The unease lingered, an ever-present undercurrent in the otherwise peaceful surroundings.

I was lost in these thoughts when I heard footsteps above. The sound was faint at first, barely audible over the crackling of the fire in the hearth. But it grew louder, more distinct, as whoever it was drew closer. My heart rate quickened, and I felt a surge of both anticipation and anxiety. Who could it be, venturing out here in the cold?

The footsteps stopped directly above my room, and for a moment, there was only silence. I held my breath, straining to hear any further movement. The tension in my body coiled tighter, ready to spring into action if necessary. This place had become my sanctuary, and the thought of it being disrupted filled me with unease.

I could hear people talking and at least three sets of footsteps. It sounded like they were searching for the entrance to this place that I had expertly hidden. Their voices were muffled, but the occasional word or phrase slipped through, hinting at their determination.

The tension in my body coiled tighter, and my mind raced with possibilities. Who were they? Why were they here? And how had they even found this remote base in the first place? I had taken great care to conceal the entrance, ensuring it blended seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

The footsteps above grew more deliberate, and I could hear the faint scrape of boots against the stone, indicating their proximity. My heart pounded in my chest. It wasn't long until they discovered the entrance to my little hideaway, and three people ended up descending a ladder. I kept myself hidden as best as I could and watched as they entered my living room.

It was my brother, Xisuma, flanked by two King's guards. One was dressed in oddly familiar dark and gold armor, which glinted in the soft light of the fairy lights I had strung up. The sight of that armor stirred something in my memory, a vague sense of recognition and unease. The other guard, however, was a complete stranger to me. His armor was more standard, lacking the distinctiveness of his companion's, but he carried himself with the same air of authority and readiness.

Xisuma's eyes scanned the room, taking in the cozy details I had added over time. For a moment, his gaze softened, perhaps a reflection of his own memories of the time we'd spent together. But the tension in the room was palpable, an unspoken undercurrent of urgency and concern.

I held my breath, remaining as still as possible behind the small bookshelf in the corner. My mind raced with questions. Why had Xisuma come all this way? What was so important that he had brought two King's guards with him? And most pressing of all, what did they want with me?