The Hunting

Chapter 14

Zariya's POV

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There was a knock at the door and I figured it was Roman trying to cheer me up. "Roman, I'm glad you care but go away, I don't want to talk about it."

"It's not Roman." I was surprised to hear Brayla at the door.

I slowly opened the door and looked around the hall to make sure Roman wasn't around. "Oh sorry, I thought it was Roman." Brayla smiled but it didn't reach her eyes.

"It's okay, but you don't look too good. Did something happen during training?" Brayla ask. I nodded. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Yes, it's just, you can't tell Roman." I pleaded with my eyes and Brayla softly smiled.

"I won't tell Roman. I promise." No matter how conflicted she looked I believed her.

"Come in before Roman comes." I said looking back down the hall. Quickly we walked in and shut the door. We walked over to the bed and sat down.

"What's wrong? You can cry if you want." Brayla said lightly patting my leg. I frowned. I couldn't cry, I promised myself I wouldn't. Crying showed weakness.

"I'm fine Brayla, really." I sat there not knowing how much I should tell her. "It's just Travis, he's a jerk! He told me that Roman is only helping me because he feels the need to since I was Taylor's friend. Like I'm some charity case or something!"

Brayla shook her head. "Travis is an idiot, don't listen to a word he says."

"He said Roman doesn't want me around at all, like I'm some burden. I mean, I know no one wants to babysit a grown adult but I figured it's not that big of a deal." I huffed. Am I really that bad to take care of? Apparently I am because that's exactly what my foster parents thought and now that's what Roman thinks.

"Hey, don't let Travis get to you, he doesn't know anything and I can guarantee you that Roman doesn't feel that way." Brayla said pulling me out of my thoughts. She smiled warmly.

"I don't know Brayla, maybe it's best if I just leave. Maybe if I left, returned to my dimension, everything would work out for everyone." Brayla sighed.

"Zariya please! You have to believe me. Roman, he...he cares for you! Cambren and I care for you. I don't know how you do it but in the day that we've known you, Cambren and I have already became attached to you. If you were to leave right now multiple things would happen. Your life would be put at risk, Cambren and I would lose a friend, and Roman would go back to Arybella living an empty life." She shut her mouth quickly like she said something she wasn't suppose to.

"What do you mean?" I asked. "What do you mean about Roman living an empty life?"

"It's not my place to tell." She frowned. I wanted to push her into telling me what she meant but it's not any of my business so I left it alone.

"Brayla, can I tell you something but promise to keep it a secret?" I asked scooting closer.

"Of course, I won't tell a soul." Brayla promised.

"I think I like Roman." I whispered. Brayla squealed and bounced on the bed.

"Wait, you think?" She asked, now sitting still.

"Well I like being around him. He makes me feel safe and cozy. I like the feeling of his hand holding mine or his legs entangled with mine, I even enjoy him smothering me at night. He can do the simplest things and it irritates me to the core and makes me what to punch his pretty little face but then kiss him right after. It makes no sense!" I laughed out of irritation. Brayla smiled.