In The Millennial World

22

As we sat there, waiting, resting, and gathering our strength for tomorrow..
The night crept in bringing with it an eerie stillness.
The darkness outside the cave stretched far and wide..
Shrouding the world in a cloak of mystery and quiet danger.
It was beautiful.... though—the night sky.
A canopy of stars glittered like scattered jewels against a velvety black backdrop.
It seemed almost magical, serene... but I knew better.
The darkness held its own perils, and staying out there for too long wasn't an option.

A soft rustling sound pulled me from my thoughts.
Kisara stirred beside me
Her fragile form still recovering from the ordeal.

"Mm... what... where am I...?" Kisara

She murmured, her voice faint and fragile.

"You're with me," Yuza

I said softly...

Her eyes fluttered open..
Searching for the dimly lit cave.

"You're in a cave with me resting.." Yuza

I explained, trying to sound reassuring.

"I brought us here for shelter for the both of us like.. somewhere safer than out there." Yuza

"Wait... why? What happened?" Kisara

She asked, her confusion laced with concern.

"You were attacked," Yuza

I began, keeping my voice steady.

"A group of people in a small village—random angry. I had to get you out of there before they could hurt you." Yuza

I crouched by the fire..
Nudging the wood to keep the flames alive. Its warmth and light flickered over the walls..
Giving us a small sense of security amidst the night's dangers.

"They... attacked me?" Kisara

Her voice wavered.

"Why were they so mad?" Kisara

"I don't know" Yuza

I admitted, my brow furrowing.

"Maybe they wanted something from you, or maybe it was just their fear of what they didn't understand." Yuza

I bent down again..
Adjusting the wood in the fire.
The soft crackle filled the silence.

"We had to get away from them," Yuza

I continued, glancing at her..

"Or...they would've done something terrible to us." Yuza

Kisara sat quietly for a moment.,
Her eyes shadowed by worry.

"What do you mean? Do they want to... do something to us?" Kisara

I sighed, shaking my head.

"I don't know exactly, but whatever it was, we weren't going to stick around." Yuza

The fire popped softly filling up the brief pause between us.

"We'll leave at dawn," Yuza

I said finally with my voice firm.

"We'll make our way to the Pharaoh's palace. It'll be safer there... safer than anywhere else right now." Yuza

"I have no idea where you're taking me," Kisara

She murmured
Her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Just... where are we going from here?
Are we able to get out of here?" Kisara

"We'll leave this cave early in the morning," Yuza

I reassured her.

"We're heading to the Pharaoh's palace. That's where everything is... and it'll be safer there." Yuza

Kisara looked at me,
Her brows knitting together.

"And how are you so familiar with all of this? And...?" Kisara

"It's a long story," Yuza

I replied, avoiding the weight of her gaze.
She nodded slowly
Her eyes shifting between me and the fire.

"Alright. I trust you," Kisara

She said quietly

"It's ok.. you can trust me," Yuza

I added softly.
I offered her a faint smile...
Hoping to ease her nerves.

"Don't worry..." Yuza

I continued.

"I'm not a bad guy... I'm just a simple someone who just helps people in need."Yuza

She curled her arms around her legs..
Staring into the flickering flames.

"Well... thanks for saving me back there. I wish there was some way I could repay you." Kisara

Her voice was soft, almost hesitant.

"You don't have to do anything for me," Yuza

I said, shaking my head.

"Just focus on staying safe. Your safety is what matters most." Yuza

"It's the least I could do... after you saved my life," Kisara

She murmured, glancing at me.
A brief pause hung in the air before she continued.

"Honestly..." Kisara

She hesitated..
Her tone laced with uncertainty.

"What is it?" Yuza

I asked gently...
My curiosity was piqued.

"It might sound strange, but... even though this situation feels so awkward and overwhelming... with you here, I feel... better. I feel like I can breathe again," Kisara

She said softly...
Her voice was trembling with vulnerability.

I smiled warmly, touched by her words.

"I'm glad. That's all I could ever hope for" Yuza

I replied, my tone gentle but reassuring.

Kisara hesitated for a moment, her pale eyes searching mine.

"Yuza... thank you for saving me. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't..." Kisara

I placed a hand on her shoulder..
Offering a small, comforting squeeze.

"No problem... just rest now. You're safe," Yuza

I said, my voice firm with quiet resolve.

The wind whispered through the trees around us..
The distant murmur of the villagers fading into the background.
Kisara's shoulders relaxed slightly, and for the first time since I found her..
She looked at peace.
As she leaned back to rest
I couldn't help but wonder what had driven her to such danger and what it meant for us both moving forward

Kisara returned a small grateful smile
Her eyes reflecting the firelight.
As I watched her...
I couldn't help but think how her voice carried a unique calmness... gentle and selfless.,
Like.. a soothing melody.
Like.. a song.. like a little prey

It felt as though her kindness was reaching straight into my heart
Melting away the tensions in me