The Unusual Guardian

Chapter 13: A Proper Introduction

Sorry for the long wait, everybody! Forgive me for any errors, I'll try to review it again soon to fix whatever I may have missed. Please enjoy! :)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Erik worked on my new "home" until Nadir returned a couple of hours later with a minimal amount of wood.

"What is this abomination?" Erik tosses the wood back onto the floor. "It's cheap!"

Nadir sighs. "I only have so many darics, Erik."

Nadir's reasonable comeback greatly displeases Erik, and a squall ensues. My tail flicks with irritation when a hunched Eunuch enters the room. Erik cuts off mid sentence to gaze at the Eunuch with indifference. In a stuttering voice, the Eunuch tells Erik that he has been requested by the Khanum to build a new contraption for her; torturous, of course. It can be a torture devise of almost anything, the only thing she demanded was that it'd be in the guise of a small house. Only Erik and the Queen of Bloodlust could come up with something creative among those means.

Erik was despondent after that, and I could hear non-distinct grumbles radiating from his chest. He was not happy. Nadir could sense it, as well. After a lot of pushing and pulling, Nadir persuades Erik to go to sleep, claiming it would help. Once Erik laid down upon the sheets, my butt wiggles in preparation to jump onto the bed; and, before I could think it through, I was curled tightly into a ball by his vest pocket. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone, so I could see some of his bare chest. His skin is very sallow and sunken in. I could see every outline and jagged edge of his clavicle. I felt (I'm ashamed to say) vomit rise in my throat, but I aggressively forced it down. I will not be like that! Yes, it's a bit unsettling, but it's nothing I can't handle.

Erik said nothing as I snuggled into his cold ribs. I meow lightly, and that soothes the tension in his body. It was like he needed my consent to be side by side. I am out in seconds, but awaken minutes later.

My eyes open and take a moment to adjust to the darkened room. Erik is on his back, lightly snoring. He is still wearing the mask. I grind my teeth, and it reminds me that Erik is missing some. I sigh. Even though I am a cat, he still feels threatened enough to sleep with the mask on. I prop myself on my elbow in order to stare at him more. Despite the mystery that he is, I still find him to be brilliant and beautiful. I wish I can show him this. I recklessly move my hand-

I tsk, waving my hand in front of my face. It's true: I'm human again. The witch was being earnest. I am also nude-again! I sigh and snuggle closer to Erik's body, even though he has no warmth. He mutters incoherently, and I freeze. I forgot he's a light sleeper. The mumbles stop, and he continues to breathe peacefully. Too tired for nightmares, I guess.

That's when I hear soft footsteps outside the bedroom door. My breath hitches in my throat. That can't be Nadir. The timing is too odd. An intruder, then?A thief? Or someone to hurt Erik?!

In my birthday suit, I carefully crawl away from the bed, quickly scanning for a weapon. A dusty, clearly unused fire poker, cries my name. I pick it up, the metal scraping against the surface. I hold it like a bat as I line myself besides Erik's bedroom door. The silence in the room is deafening. I will not go out there! The intruder must come in. That's the only way I'll reveal myself. My breath is released in harsh gasps as the adrenaline pumps through my veins. Sweat builds upon my brow when the footsteps increase in volume.

My grip on the poker tightens. Bring it!

The door slams open, waking Erik.