I jolted awake as a fit of coughs racked my body and then realized I was drenched in sweat. Leela's tail had flopped onto my neck at some time when I was sleeping. I moved it away and slowly sat up. My body was aching with pain and I groaned. I did not want to go to work today.
I looked outside, and the sun hadn't risen yet. I stretched my arms out and rubbed a kink in my neck. What a day it was yesterday. I got up and cooked a quick breakfast. My stomach was growling with hunger. I laid out some food for Leela and lifted her up into the bed.
I looked at her sadly, pitying her for the stupidass owner she's stuck with.
"I'm sorry I haven't been able to pay much attention to you," I whispered and nuzzled her head.
I spent a couple of minutes running my hands over her scales before I got off the bed and prepared for work. These past few weeks were FILLED with unfortunate events and occurrences. I sighed and rubbed my head.
"Lord, please. I pray that these days pass by without trouble."
I prayed in desperation for better days, something that never seemed to come in my favour. I rolled my shoulders and prepared to get ready for a restless day of work.
...…
As I had expected, mages surrounded the outskirts of the town, the magic shield so obviously thick in the air. People crowded the area in curiosity as they tried to find out what happened. I took a closer peek at what they were looking at a gasp escaped me as my eyes widened in surprise.
I hadn't noticed it before, but the magic circle was so deeply engraved into the sand, that it took a few mages to remove it from the ground. Mages locked off the area, including all the lots and ports, thus no one was allowed to pass. Luckily, they opened up a teleportation area where they would escort travellers going out into the main cities.
I walked towards one of the teleportation kiosks and waited for a mage. I felt a tap on my shoulder and looked behind me, regret immediately twinged in my chest.
"Hey-o," Salmaan waved.
Compared to how he was before, this was a whole 180-degree shift in personality.
"Hi," I said nonchalantly and turned to the kiosk.
Oh, wait.
"Pfft."
"Haha very funny. Now help me teleport."
"Please."
"What?"
"Say please."
"Please, help me teleport."
I wanted to roll my eyes so bad, but instead, I grudgingly smiled up at him.
"Oh, how lovely," he grinned, "Of course, my lady."
What an ass. I shook my head and smirked. With a mocking bow, he held my hand and with a sideways grin at me, he whisked me away to the city.
...…
We entered a deserted alleyway and I had to shut my eyes for a moment. The aftereffect left a dizzying feeling and I had to steady myself by holding onto the wall for support.
"You okay?" Salmaan asked.
I nodded. I looked at him and was surprised for a bit.
"You looked much taller before," I noted.
"I have an intimidating aura," he replied.
Well, that's true. His glares were fierce enough to make someone cower. Otherwise, he wasn't as tall as he looked before. Maybe I had a different perception of him in my head because of how he was acting before.
His brown skin shone with sweat and I handed him a piece of cloth.
"Use it."
"A rag, seriously?"
I glared at him and he quickly wiped his sweat. How childish, I smirked.
"Bye, then," I waved at him and he waved back.
"Wait, your rag!"
It's not a rag you dunderhead. I spun around and the dirty rag flopped into my face.
"Okay, I'll see you later!" he hurriedly left.
Count your days' buddy.
I went to pick up the rag and noticed it was missing. Huh? A shadow hung over me and I looked up only to see a blur pass by.
"Wha-?"
As I looked up, the rag fell on my face. Eeek, not again! I whipped it off and looked to see who it was. A shadowed figure sat perched on the roof and my heart almost beat out of my chest. Ahh, I hate my life.
I dashed.
I ran into the main street and carriage riders shouted at me from all directions. I sprinted through alleys and made it towards the Thelowar mansion trespassing through private property and whatnot. I sighed relieved, there seemed to be nobody behind me. As I turned my head to look forward again, I bumped into a chest.
"Ouch!" I called out.
I looked up and a man with red eyes glared down at me. I shivered. A tattoo on his neck glowed brightly and I turned my head a bit to peer at it and he growled. It was a low and guttural sound. I gulped and a nervous sweat broke on my forehead.
Just pass by...just pass by...just pass by…
"...Sacrifice…" it growled.
Oh, great. The bearded man dropped the crate and a bunch of raw meat poured out. I clenched my nose from the rotten stench. Flies immediately started swarming the place. I took this as a signal to leave and turned.
"...Ababeel has it...Ababeel…" the man behind me whispered.
Ababeel… wasn't it that name from the newspaper?
Right then, I heard a thump and the sound of a body falling to the ground. I spun around and blood sprayed in the air as a familiar figure slashed the man on the ground. An arm flew in the air and I ducked just in time.
I turned to sprint away when I heard a low voice grumble.
"Just try. See what happens."
I didn't respond and instead just fled. It's either fight or flight. I was going to enter the street when I was thrown to the wall. I muffled the whoosh of my breath with my arm and he threw my arm away from my face. The second I lose my cool, he would win the fight. I stared at him coolly as I focused on his hooded eyes.
I stood in a defensive position. I didn't want to engage in a fight with him or get hurt either. I prayed that he wouldn't uncover my face. I might be in big trouble if I get found out.
"I think you heard what I said before."
"..."
"Answer me."
I might give myself away completely if he hears my voice and I have to serve under him later too. My luck is so bad!
He put a hand on his neck out of frustration and I stood still. Better to look weak than strong.
"I don't know what's gotten into you, but I need your help," he said.
What?! Why does he need my help when he has a full family filled with skilled fighters and intellect?
"I saw you mentioning something about Ababeel's before," he continued, "take me to him."
What the fu- Why should I take him?
"..."
"Stop playing jokes with me."
Dude, I didn't even say anything. Suddenly he leaned down and put his face in front of mine.
"Why aren't you talking gorilla?"
I resisted the urge to punch him. I shook my head and turned away. I shoved him away lightly and walked out into the street. He didn't follow me and I felt something suspicious was going on. I kept walking in the shadows, but felt someone's gaze on me and turned around to look.
Nobody was there.
Just then, someone grabbed my cloak and pulled back enough to take a look at my face.
"WAAAH!" I screamed.
I pulled back and the guy in front of me smirked.
"Got ya," he whispered in my ear before zipping away.
I'm screwed.