Xylia

Twenty Two

"Xylia, I swear to all the spirits above if you don't ask your damn question, I will beat it out of you."

"Woah," I breathed out. "How'd you know I had to ask a question? Is it like, part of your powers or something?"

I barely dodged her metal leg as it was chucked my way. Okay, that was pretty tactless.

For the past two days, things have been... weird.

Drea and I talked less than normal, which was nonexistent to begin with. We only spoke when stale loaves of bread dropped from the ceiling and that was only once a day. Ever since she told me about her being a seer, she had shut herself off from me.

I wish I could say the same about other people.

Umm rude. You know I can hear everything you think, right?

Even though Drea refuses to talk to me, the spirit, excuse me, Bellum, decided it was his place to fill the silence. One could say he went above and beyond.

Is that sass I hear? Bellum sounded annoyed per usual.

I meet Drea's awaiting stare.

"So how do your powers work?" The question had been gnawing at me for ages, but Drea seemed so reserved on the topic, I'd decided not to ask at all. I thought I'd hidden my curiosity quiet well up until a few moments ago.

"I get visions." She said, her voice low from the lack of use.

"Sometimes they come at night as dreams, other times during as mirages during the day. Usually it's nothing too big. Just like a weather forecast or people sifting through town but lately they've become more... profound."

I lean forward, chewing thoughtfully on the stale bread. "Like what?"

"Well for starters, you were in my vision. " I nearly choked on my bread slice. Was that a compliment?

"It started before the exile ceremony. But his vision, it was more intense than usual." She ended vaguely, not meeting my eyes.

"Well what did you see?!"

Silver eyes meet my own. "You dying."

Serves you right.

"Don't worry though it wasn't a concrete vision, it was abstract, meaning it could be altered. I changed its course which is why you're here today."

I scoff. "Yeah pshh no biggie, it's not like I was gonna die or anything. And what do you mean change my fate?"

"There are two visions I can get." She raises a finger. "The first one being an abstract, or changeable vision. These are warning signs sent alter a course of action ."

She twists the ends of her hair, before finishing.

"In this case it was sending you on wild goose chase while the beast attacked."

My bread drops to the ground in shock. "Woah. Woah. So you like, saved my life." I dust the loaf off before shoving it in my mouth.

She frowns. "Don't read too much into it."

"Wait, is that why you don't like me so much?" She doesn't meet my eyes.

"Because you didn't have to save my life ya know?" Drea shot me a disbelieving look, and decided to back track.

"I mean I'm glad you did," I corrected, "but I think hating someone because you decided to save their life is a little harsh." I lean forward sliding her metal leg over to her like a peace offering.