The Horizon Strangers

A Connection Forged

Zevran POV

Sam stood across from me in the vast expanse of the desert, her silhouette outlined against the bright sun. 

The sand swirled around her feet as the wind picked up, and I couldn't help but admire her determination. Each day, she seemed to draw strength from the very elements surrounding us. Today was different; the air crackled with potential, and I felt an energy radiating from her that was almost palpable.

"You ready?" I called out, masking my anticipation with a casual tone. She nodded, her eyes narrowing as she focused on the distance ahead.

With a quick flick of my wrist, I conjured a small stone from the ground and hurled it toward her. Sam reacted instantly, raising her hands in front of her. The moment the stone made contact with an invisible barrier, it shattered into dust. I felt a surge of pride swell within me.

"Good! You're learning to channel your energy," I encouraged her, my voice laced with approval. "Now let's try something more challenging."

She took a deep breath, her brow furrowing in concentration. I watched closely as she gathered her power, her hands trembling slightly with the effort. As she unleashed a wave of energy, I felt the ground beneath us tremble.....a display of raw strength that sent sand cascading in all directions.

"Again!" I shouted, exhilarated by her progress.

With each attempt, Sam's confidence grew. She was beginning to see the potential that lay within her. But as I observed her, I couldn't shake the concern that lingered in the back of my mind. She was still vulnerable, and the stakes were rising. The Xytherians were relentless, and they were still watching.

"Zevran!" she called, pulling me from my thoughts.

Suddenly, a surge of energy blasted from her like a storm unleashed, ramming through me like a truck before slamming me to the ground. I coughed, the force of her power catching me completely off guard.

Did she just do that? As I regained my composure, I looked up to see her rushing toward me, concern etched across her features. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice laced with worry as her hands cradled my face.

In that moment, I felt a jolt of electricity......something deeper than just her touch. It coursed through me, igniting every nerve ending and making my heart race. I was struck by the intensity of her presence and how it both terrified and exhilarated me.

"I'm fine," I replied, attempting to sound calm, but I couldn't help but notice the way her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. The sight was both stunning and disarming.

"Really?" she pressed, searching my eyes for signs of pain. "I didn't mean to....."

"No, Sam," I interrupted, my voice steady but filled with an uncharacteristic warmth. "You did something incredible. I wasn't expecting that level of power from you."

She stepped back, her hands dropping from my face, and I missed the contact immediately. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I thought I was just trying to focus."

I stood up slowly, brushing the sand off my clothes, but I couldn't shake the sensation of her hands lingering on my skin. "You didn't hurt me. You showed me how far you've come."

"Let's take a break," I suggested, trying to keep my voice steady. I didn't want her to sense the turmoil brewing inside me. I needed to remain her anchor, the one who could guide her through the storm.

We settled on the sand, the heat radiating around us. I watched as she took a few sips of water, her chest rising and falling rapidly from exertion.

"Zevran," she said softly, breaking the silence. "Why do you push me so hard?"