Xylia

Nine

The trek back to Everest's cave was painfully silent. Tension crackled in the air between the four of us, yet no one was brave enough to confront the elephant in the room. Looking at Drea, I corrected, elephants in the room.

Between Volkan's indecipherable glances at me, Everest's constant fidgeting, and Drea's disregard for anyone's emotional stability, we remained at the same detached distance from one another.

Not being able to keep up the fake facade, I fell back to the grouchy midget.

"So about what happened earlier..." I drawled out.

"Just get to the point."

Drea's bluntness is one of the numerous qualities that I haven't adjusted to. The others being her heartlessness, inconsideration, and being a first class bitch. Yet I still wanted to cultivate some sort of friendship, considering we will be spending a generous amount of time with one another.

"Why do you want to get rid of me so much?" I inquired, suppressing the dull ache at the thought of being insignificant and expendable. The disregard for my existence was salt to an old, festered wound.

"I mean, I haven't done anything to you, and-" she stopped me with the rising of her hand. Musing fingers through the cropped, wheat colored locks.

"You know that feeling when see a person, and even if they didn't do anything to you, you're like 'I don't like your existence'." Drea leaned forward, drawing out her next set of words.

"Well, hate to break it to you Xylia, but..." she trailed off. The implications of her words sucker punched me in the gut. Drea shrugged her shoulder nonchalantly as if to say 'what could you do.' A hot coal sizzled in my stomach.

"You were going to let me die because of some petty dislike?!" I screeched. Sighing again, she explained slowly, as if speaking to a child.

"Like I said before, I gave you a sword," patting my arm mockingly she continued, "and lookie here, you managed to survive and even snagged yourself a boyfriend."

"He's not-" I stopped, realizing it would be pointless to argue with her. Drea smirked victoriously. She strode forward leaving me in her dust. I let the bitter feeling of dissatisfaction curdle in my gut.

Bitch.

Hopefully Volkan and Everest are having a better time bonding.

___

The air shifted as we approached the mouth of the cave. A sharp electric current tainted the atmosphere, contrasting against its usual humidity.

We all shared the same apprehensive look. Drea and Volkan unsheathed their weapons. I had been smart enough to leave my sword in the cave, so I picked up the nearest stick and prayed for the best. Armed and ready, we sauntered forward.

A dim glow emanated from within the cave, splashing a red glow on the edges of the wall. Following the scarlet haze, the low hum in the air increased to a violent buzz, shaking the molecules with vigor. Rounding the corner, a familiar voice greeted my ears.

"It's about time you arrived," the man from the spirit realm tsked out, "us spirits have better things to do."

Four mouths and one stick dropped in shock. Regaining my composure I shoved the small shred of hope that blossomed to the recesses of my mind.

"Are you here to renegotiate?"

The spirit scowled at my terms, his schooled mask of indifference pinching into a frown.

"As a matter of fact, I am," he spoke in a disgusted voice, as if the thought of communicating with the earthborn was too nominal of a task for his highness.

Despite his reluctance, a rush of excitement flooded me; I cleared my throat in hopes to mask my enthusiasm. Apparently, it did not go unnoticed by the spirit who interjected, "but don't think I'm happy about this."

Suppressing a smile, I nodded tersely. Mentally fist pumping at my fortune.

Things are finally looking up.

Over 100 reads?!? You guys have blown my mind!!! Super huge thank you for those who have taken the time to read my story!!

Much love,
-H