Xylia

Four

Narrowed slits roamed the scene. Sharpening as they focused on Volkan who had gone as stiff as a board. I guided us back a few steps, eyeing the creature who held a predatory gleam in its eye.

In hindsight, I should've realized the stitch and ditch strategy I originally planned out was too simple, too convenient, and much too easy. Instead of patching up Volkan and going on my merry way, I'm left as a human shield between said patient and whatever the hell this thing is.

The creature in question took my moment of reflection to charge.

I had always been a leap before you look kind of girl. So in hindsight, when I shoved Volkan back and squared up to the brute, I should not have been surprised. But here I am. However, I'm not the only one who was muddled by my actions, the creature had taken a moment to revel in my stupidity.

What am I doing? I mentally screeched. Then, sauntering forward, it crouched down to my height, as if equally puzzled at my movements. It's proximity rendered me immobile, leaving me gawking at its foreign appearance.

Alabaster skin clung to a lithe frame, clashing against the inky black tattoos that adorned its surface. Angular cheekbones complimented a strong jaw and pointed features. Hot air coasted along my collar bone, tickling my nose. I drew in a sharp breath but remained still.

Another moment passed, yet the creature just...existed. It blew out another breath, irritating my nose once more. I could faintly hear Volkan rummaging around in the background. Ignoring the building itch in my nose, I conjured up my next course of action.

Pummel the creature. In the face. Repeatedly.

So far so good.

Then, get the hell out of he- "ACHOO!" Seconds stretched into eternity as my sneeze echoed among the trees. The sound now a distant ringing in my sensitive ears, but I didn't dare move, every limb and muscle stood stone still as reality washed over me like a tidal wave.

Oh no.

Oh nononono.

Jerking back, I swivel away from the creature, too mortified to glance back. Volkan, who had been lurking in the shadows waiting to pounce, was now openly gawking. I lurched forward, dragging him in tow as we sprinted away.

___

"A-and then, you sneezed!" Volkan bellowed out, clutching his stomach as he spiraled into another fit of laughter. "I-in its face. Oh man, you should have seen its face Xylia," he wheezed.

"So you've said, for the hundredth time in the past hour." Volkan jutted out his lower lip, scowling at my irritation.

"I mean can you blame me?! Heck if I knew all I had to do was sneeze..." he trailed off.

Prodding his shoulder I quipped, "Well at least you got some manly scars."I gestured to his healing wounds, "Now you look like a badass."

Rolling his eyes he continued, "Pshh as if I need scars to prove I'm badass." I blew out an unamused breath.

"Xylia," he guffawed, slapping a hand to his chest, "you wound me."

"Spoken like a true badass."

___

One thing I'd come to learn about Volkan was that he was stubborn. This revelation occurred to me as I was given the silent treatment for the rest of our nighttime stroll. And as much as I reveled in the ability to hear my own thoughts, I kinda missed being able to converse with him. Sneaking a glance at my pouting partner, I attempted to do the impossible: start a conversation.

"Nice weather we're having." Cue Volkan crossing his arms, pretending to be immersed in the wildlife.

Nudging his side, I tried again, " C'mon that wasn't nearly as cringey as: come here often." His schooled expression of indifference wavered slightly as the edge of his lip slanted upward but wilted back down to a pout. Nevertheless, I shot him a lopsided grin, continuing, "You know you want to forgive me."

Changing strategies I pressed on, "You know, I have a friend that you'd love to meet." Still nothing. "His names Volkan and he's a total badass. Too bad he's being a big baby right now, I would've loved to introduce you to him." Volkan grumbled something under his breath.

"Care to repeat that?"

"Is he manly?"

Nodding my head thoughtfully, I remarked, "The manliest. I would tell him so myself, but he's too busy giving me the cold shoulder." Volkan mulled over my compliments, then finally graced me with his trade mark grin, icy facade melting away.

"Well," he contemplated, stroking his chin thoughtfully, "I'd hate to pass up well deserved praise." And just like that, Volkan was back to the lovable, goofy giant. Patting myself on the back, I reveled in my small victory, yet my triumph was short lived as Volkan stiffened up, stalling mid-step.

"Is it golden eyes?" I hissed, eyes darting around.

"No," he mumbled. Limping forward, he plucked a scrap of material that was dangling from a branch.

Peering over his shoulder, I questioned, "What is that?"

Scrutinizing the cloth once more, he muttered, "It's Drea's.

"Who's Drea?"

"I'm Drea," a voice from behind us declared.