Spirit of the Ashes: A Nyssara story

Chapter 12

Sara's POV

The days pass slowly without Nyssa here. She has been spending most of her time in the training room or with her father; doing whatever he needs her to do. So far she hasn't gone on any missions; which is a huge relief, but this can't hold out forever.

I look at the clock for the one millionth time today. It reads 7:59, I stare at the door hopefully, she's never late.

Sure enough, at exactly 8:00, the door knob jiggles. I stand up and run over to it, excited to see her.

I wait for her to open the door before a gigantic smile spreads across my face. She looks surprised for a second before matching my expression.

"How was your day?" I ask, my eyes shining.

"Slow. How was yours?" She makes her way over to the bed and throw her sword on it.

"Slow." I reply, following her.

She starts to change out of her armor, I turn around to give her some privacy. Once done, I turn back around to face her. "So... do you think that I'll ever be able to leave your room?"

She looks confused, "You have been to the training room."
"I mean while your out doing your jobs."

"Oh." She thinks for a second. "Perhaps, but it could be dangerous. Speaking of which, you have not been training. I will need to get someone to continue it while I am busy."

"Okay." I sigh, wishing she could train me, I miss spending time with her. She seems to notice and walks over to me. "Do not worry, my life is not always like this. It will calm down soon enough and I will spend more time with you." She gently smiles. Her eyes glitter like stars, I can feel my insides turning to mush. This is purely platonic. Right? I just miss her like a best friend. I don't love her, I love strong men like Olie. I shake my head, trying to clear it.

She goes over to the small library in a corner of her room, "Have you been reading?"

I nod, color rising in my cheeks. "I don't have much to do during the day."

She nods and turns toward the library. She drags her fingers over the books and eventually pulls out a couple. She turns back to me.

"I recommend that you try these, their very good and they should help you on learning Arabic." I nod and she comes back over to me. She puts them beside me and walks over to the bathroom. I hear the water running faintly and assume she's taking a bath.

I look at the books curiously, they seem very old and worn, as though they've been read a lot.

I pick up the first one, It is a dark brown with leather binding and gold lettering.

"Lahab-fin-dababa." I say, trying to pronounce the title. I flip to the first page, a musty scent came off. The pages were yellowed and the writing faint. I start trying to read it. To my relief I can recognize most of the words.

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Nyssa's POV

I step out of the bathroom to be greeted with an amusing sight; Sara hanging off the bed reading. Her head is on the for with her legs laying on the top of the bed. I giggle and she looks up.

"What?" At that moment, she seems to realize her position and laughs. "Oh."

I smile and shake my head as she pulls herself back onto the bed. "I can see you're enjoying the book."

She nods enthusiastically, "It's really interesting, although I only understand about a third of what their saying."

"Well," I sit next to her, "Would you like me to read it to you?"

She nods and gives me the book. I turn to the cover to see which one she choose. I recognize it and smile. "This is my favorite."

She smiles. I turn to the first page and start reading. In the book, the father has arranged a marriage for his daughter that will elevate her family's status in the ruling class. She's on her way to marry the Prince. Her convoy is attacked. She's the only one who survives. She's tired of having men make decisions and fight her battles for her. She cuts her hair, steals his clothes, and leaves to solve the mystery of her attackers.

As I read, Sara snuggles closer to me. She yawns and I realize how late it is. I stop and look over at her. "It is getting late, you should get some rest."

She looks up at me, her sapphire eyes watch me with longing. "Please, just one more chapter?"

I sigh, knowing I can not say no and reopen the book. I resume reading and quickly glance at Sara. She is snuggled up close next to me, a small smile plays on her lips as she listens. I smile in spite on myself and continue.

All to soon the chapter ends. I close the book and go to stand up, but Sara gently grabs my arm, "Not yet." I comply and sit back down. She sits up, "Look at me." I do. Her eyes sparkle with something new. Hope? Confusion? Desire? Before I can make any sense of it, she leans forward and kisses me. It is light and gentle. I lean into her and return it. She breaks away from me for a second before coming back. This time it is harder and full of emotion. Longing, desire, hope. I return the feelings, her lips taste like strawberries. I want more, so much more, but I have to restrain myself. I break away and so does Sara.

She is panting and I am breathless, I did not know that that it was something I wanted.

She looks at me, "I'm sorry."

I stare at her in confusion. "For what?"

"Kissing you."

I smile and shake my head, "That is nothing to be sorry about." She nods for a second before hugging me. "Thank you."

I nod, "Let's get you into me... I mean my bed."

She laughs and climbs under the covers, "I wouldn't mind doing either."

I blush and climb into bed next to her. She laughs and I roll my eyes. In the darkness I can hear her shifting to find a more comfortable position.

I am dozing off when I first smell it; Smoke. I jump out of bed and shake Sara awake. "We have to go. Now!"

Hey Guys! Sorry for leaving it on a cliff hanger.... actually I'm not, but anyways thanks again for reading my story. After 12 chapter there's finally some friction. Yay! Oh the book Nyssa is reading to her is called Flame in the Mist by Renée Ahdieh. It is one of my personal favorites, so check it out if you can!

Until next time, ~Mist~