Sacred Flame

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Scarlet

I awoke slowly, reveling in the warm sensation that was present at my back. My eyes fluttered open, as my vision became clear, I took in the unfamiliar sight that was surrounding me. Though I was accustomed to waking in places I had not spent much time in, this was different. I thought back to the night before. The basement, the strange man attacking us, Nathaniel... It was then that I realized that the only person that would be holding me in such a way would have to be Nathaniel. It seemed strange that I would assume this, so soon after meeting him, but it simply felt right.

I turned my head around to look behind me. I was correct in the assumption I had made. Nathaniel was sleeping soundly behind me, his arms wrapped tightly around my waist. It was still light out – though it wouldn't be for much longer – so I had a perfect view of his face, or as good as it could be with the angle I was at. His features were as I remembered them, the black hair, the long lashed, but his face was more chiseled than I had first realized. His jaw was hard and defined, his cheek bones prominent. The man was a wonder to behold. Never had I seen someone like this before. It still amazed me that I had only met him one day prior to now.

I looked around the small hut we were currently occupying. It was simple, and quant, but there was an emptiness to it that left my heart aching. I had always chosen where I stayed with care, for I could sense certain emotions that were prominent in the air. Considering the events of the night before, there was no way that I could have chosen this place. Though empty, almost hollow, there was a feeling of safety, but I knew it was not from the space around me, but the man behind me.

I felt that presence in the back of my mind again, assuring me that what I was feeling was no mistake. I found this presence strange, foreign, and yet I did not want to dispel it. I closed my eyes again, concentrating on the presence. The presence did not resist me, it seemed to accept my intrudens easily. With my eyes closed, I could easily make out a shape standing in the shadows of my mind. What are you? I've never seen you before... I felt the presence shift, then answer. Do not worry as to what I am, that will be explained to you in do time my love. Now turn your attention back to the outer world, you can not stay in this state for long.

Before I could ask it another question, I was pulled from the back of my mind to awaken to Nathaniel hovering over me, seeming worried. Nathaniel.... I felt as if the presence in my mind was connected to the man that was looking at me with such worry in his eyes that one would think we had known each other years instead of hours. "Scarlet, are you alright? You seemed dead to the world." I nodded.

"Yes, I am fine. A deep dream I suppose..." Though I knew better, I did not want him to worry as to what I had been talking to. I pushed at his shoulders slightly, so I could sit up in the bed we were in. He moved out of the way, but still seemed to be hovering close. "Are you alright? You seem to be worrying about something, but I can not fathom what that something is..."

"Do not worry about me." He looked out the window then. I followed his gaze, seeing the darkening sky Nathaniel stood and turned to look down at me. "Come, this is the best time for the two of us to leave." I stood to get my jacket after putting by boots back on, then as we walked out the house I was attempting to fix my hair.

"Nathaniel, do not forget that you promised to tell me about what happened yesterday."

"I did not forget, do not worry." I nodded in response. As I followed him down a road out of the town we were currently in, I once again pondered why I was trusting a man I had only met hours before hand.