The Lost Chthonian

Chapter 3

True to her words, Athry arrived in Sanctuary five minutes later. Dev, one of the quads escorted her in. 

"Azzy!" She called seeing the brat sitting in the bar like a patron.

Azail jumped from the stool as soon as she heard her name being called. She turned and saw her sister walking towards her. She ran to towards her with her arms open ready for an embrace only to be disappointed when she met a karate chop dead on the center of her forehead. Grimacing, she immediately covered her swollen forehead with her palm.

"Oooow."

"You deserve that." Athry retorted giving her a second blow. Clearly the first one wasn't sufficient for her. "I was worried sick! This is the reason why I insisted to pick you up at the airport but you wanted to go gallivanting and refused."

Nick stared at the older sister towering above the kid. She was a tall woman at about 6'3" in height with long hair that curled at the ends. She had the same perfect tan and almond shaped eyes like her younger sibling.

Athry dropped down her knees and suddenly hugged Azail which surprised all of the people who witnessed her tirade. "Please don't ever do that again," she said, holding her sister close.

It was the first time in all of their years together that she didn't know where her sister was. It was the longest 3 hours of her life.

"I won't do it again. I promise." Az said quietly.

"You better or I'll tan your hide." She said smiling. She looked up at the man who was sitting next to her sister in the bar. Azail followed her gaze and introduced them.

"This is Nick, he was the one who helped me when I got lost."

"I'm Athry. Thank you for taking care of Az," she said offering a hand.

"Don't mention it," he replied, taking her hand.

The moment their palms meet, Nick felt some sort of surge from the woman. It was faint but he knew he felt it but he couldn't be sure if what he felt was right as it was gone as soon as he had noticed.

He stared at the older woman curiously. The woman stared back at him with the same intensity. He knew he was studying his face and he expected her to cringe with she saw the mark of Artemis on his check. He wasn't disappointed. His mark did gather a reaction from her but it was of panic and not of disgust. She turned his gaze from him and quickly grabbed Azail.

"We'll be going now. Thanks again." Athry said as she practically dragged Azail to the door.

The kid started waiving goodbyes frantically and grinning at everyone.

"Thanks again. I'll come back to eat here again. I love your food."

"No she won't." Athry protested silently.

"You're welcome anytime kiddo." Aimee waived back.

The ride back to the condo was mostly silent except for the momentary beeping noises from Azail's handheld game. Athry surveyed her sister from the rear view mirror of her Subaru XV Crosstrek. She did not seem to be harmed in any way but she was certain Az was in some sort of trouble just earlier.

"So how did you meet Nick?"

"Oh he saved me from this bunch of blond guys." Az answered without looking up.

Athry raised a brow.

"Were they hitting on you?" She chuckled. That couldn't be true since her sister most likely resembles a boy and a ragamuffin one the less.