Savanna

Chapter 22

Shane is a savannian. I knew it. If he knows about souls leaving their bodies, he has to be one. At the current moment, though, that was the least of my concerns. Ideas of what might happen next bolted through my head faster than I could comprehend. What was he going to do to me? Does he know it's me? Will I survive? Can he read my mind? Oh no... no, no, no... Please don't kill me, please don't kill me...

To say I was consumed with panic wouldn've been an understatement. The only thing I could do was to shrink as small as possible. Still, that probably wasn't going to be much help. Shane studied me closely, with curiosity in his eyes. I had no other way but to stare back. As I did, I began to wonder; what was it that he and Kealan were discussing near the diner? Killing someone? Am I in the hands of a murderer? Shane didn't look threatening; neither his look or stance did. Honestly, he simply looked amused. But in ways that sounded even scarier. A murderer without feelings. I'm dead.

"Well, let us see who you are," Shane enunciated his thoughts. Before I could even react, he suddenly squeezed his palms tighter together, leaving me no room to move, and shoved his fingers into my little being. If I could've made any sounds right then, I probably would've screamed. I wiggled like a fish on dry land, trying to get free, but obviously I had no power against him. His touch didn't hurt, but it definitely was one of the worst things I've ever felt. Then, too late, alas, I realized: he was reading my mind.

In spite of the great discomfort I tried to keep my mind blank. It wasn't easy, as I could feel a heavy pressure inside my incorporeal being. Otherwise I would tell it was a headache. I knew I couldn't fight back. Whatever there was to come, I told myself I'll make it through it. Even if I wasn't ready.

It didn't take long until a look of surprise crossed Shane's face. "Selina?" he asked a bit hesitantly, removing his fingers from me and giving me a little free space, but not letting me go completely. This invasion alone, though, was enough to leave me dizzy and my mind spiralling in a confusing turmoil. It took a few seconds to get back to my senses, and when I did, I hurtled those few centimetres I had been given to the far corner in between his palms, to get away from Shane, if it was even possible in my case.

Then a thought hit me - what if Shane was a hyena? What if he had simply played being a nice guy? Acted as if he cared and wanted to help. I could not figure out why he would do it this instant - I had no time to ponder over it - but I couldn't leave this possibility aside.

"I'm curious as to why you're here," he said. Then his expression turned serious. "Were you sent by someone? Answer truthfully. Use colors, black means no."

I hesitated, fearing what might happen if I tried to lie or if he didn't believe me. Trying to compose myself, I went to get myself darker, hoping dearly I won't mess it up.

"It was your own idea then?"

I cautiously turned lighter. He eyed me a little skeptically, perhaps, but did not seem to come to a conclusion just yet. He said, "Really? I assume you have an eligible reason for spying nevertheless?"

This time I hesitated a bit too long and feared he might take it as a lie when I turned towards darker colors. It was the truth, though, I realized myself. I'd been stupid to come here. What was I trying to achieve?

But Shane did not show whether he believed me or not. He ran his tongue over his lips, thinking. Then he turned his eyes back at me, and asked, "Is it the first time you're spying on someone?"

I turned lighter.

"In this case, whether this stays your last or not, take my advice: stay away from those you know nothing about. You were lucky this time."