These are the lies

Chapter 5: Arrows and Tables

Alia POV

"Oh God Alia. Im so sorry. I should never have let you leave."

"Grayson, what's happening to me? I'm scared, I dont know whats going on."

"Alia its fine. nothings wrong, you fine."

"Grayson..." I look into his eyes, pleadingly.

"It's too dangerous."

A single tear falls, leaving a trail as it slips down my cheek. I close my eyes as Grayson caresses my face, removing the tear. I lean into his hand, feeling the warmth seeping into my skin.

"Then at least tell me how you knew about your eyes."

He sighs, leaning away from me, but never drops eye contact.

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Alia's Dad had been leaning on the doorframe, watching the scene unravel. He could see Grayson trying to resist the urge to tell Alia everything, but his resolve was crumbling.

He sees Alia try to stand up and his fatherly instincts take over. "Easy there, tiger."

Alia smiled at him and Grayson let out a relieved sigh, muttering to himself.

"Alia, you have to understand that it has always been my job to protect you. But there's a world out there that you dont even know about. There is the good and then there is the bad. You've only seen the surface, not what lies underneath. As much as it pains me to say, the world isn't changing, you are."

"Dad. Dad what are you talking about? Stop messing around." she laughs, but not with her usual conviction.

He reaches out and takes her hand. "All the ghouls that kept you up at night. All the monsters that gave you nightmares. All the things you thought couldnt possibly exist. They're very real. Theyre hunting us, they're hunting you."

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Alia's POV

I lie on my bed, staring at the ceiling of my room, just thinking. Since that night I've distanced myself from everyone, unsure of who i can trust anymore. I just feel like my life has been broken open, and i have been left without any protection in a world i have no control over.

Images of Grayson in the snow flash before my eyes everytime I  close them. it was cristmas and yet I didn't feel the excited buzz that I usually do. Cole had tried reasoning with me, saying that they had to lie to me in order to keep me safe, but I didnt want to even think about that. I felt betrayed.

Grayson visited my room everyday, making sure I'm okay, but didnt pester me like the others had. For that I was grateful. We would sit in silence, but his presence there made me feel more relaxed, I guess. He understood. Before he left, he would place a hand on mine, to show me he was there for me.

As I stare at the ceiling, I realise something. Sure, my world is different.  I have these  'powers' that I can't control, there are creatures out there that I have only dreamed about, and my purpose is still the same. Maybe my powers are a gift, not a curse.

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Grayson POV

Thomas was giving us a run down of the mission in the kitchen, being as  dramatic as always.

"We have to infiltrate the base with precision, and leave no traces. This mole could mean the end of all we have built here, and I'm not in the mood to lose any more people." You could hear the bitterness in his voice, even after all these years.

"I think this mole is distracting us from our main objective. We need to focus on retaliating, instead of searching for someone that might take months to find." Cole says, leaning forward in his seat. "We need to show them that we are still strong and still a threat."

"For once, I agree with Cole. we cant let them think they have the upper hand." I say.

Marcel interupts me. "Guys! We have to start thinking more rationally. We know enough information about the mole to be able track them down and stop them. You need to stop thinking about the immediate effect and see the bigger picture."

"No! We need to hit them hard." Cole says, hitting the table with his fist.

"Cole. enough." Thomas snaps.

"No!"

"Yes."

"NO!"

An arrow strikes the table inches from Cole's fist, and he squeels, pulling his hand to his chest. My eyes snap to the door, where Alia stands with a self- satified smirk on her face. I can't help but feel proud as a smile settles on my face.

Cole mutters curses under his breath, and Alia focuses her attention on him. "Quit whinning you knucklehead, and take your freaking tampon out. Just use that brain of yours. I may be knew to this but even I know that Dad has a point." She looks to me then, still smirking.

"Are we going to do this thing or what?"