As brutal as training is, it is also a welcomed reprieve from the man lying unconscious on the bed in that barrack. Mason has gone to see if he has woken up from his slumber, even though twenty-four hours have yet to pass.
We are fighting on two different fronts. He has his issues to contend with and I have mine. I'm unsure if I should be grateful that he is offering a helping hand, or if I should step up, and take the proverbial bull by the horns. Fix my problems, even though I haven't had a hand in creating them.
A hands-on approach would offer me first-hand information and perhaps relieve Mason of my burden.
Shay is very useful in moving back and forth between districts. It would be even better without the added side effects. At least for now, Mason and I stand united for the first time in a very long time. It feels good. So good.
Once Shay drags me back to Meza, I plop myself on the floor to give some well-deserved cuddles, lots of love and some food. It also helps with the queasyness of doing two trips in such a short time. One I can handle, two is my limit. Apparently.
Slightly more content that I've gotten my daily dose of Shay lovin', I make my way down the lofty staircase and onto the shady side of Meza. One that I didn't think existed up until the other day.
You live and learn.
The chatter permeating through the barrack's thin walls has me slowing down my footfall. I'm never privy to Graham and Mason's conversations. Just for the record, I'm well aware that eavesdropping is not very ladylike, but I'm too far gone to care at this point.
I have trust issues. It all seems too good to be true. And a flare for the dramatic, as you may have noticed.
" How is Lily coping with everything?" Mason hasn't been here for very long then, and I'm surprised that Mason hasn't caught a whiff of my presence as soon as I appeared in Meza. It could be because I don't have a speck of accumulated power inside. Or he knows I'm here and chooses to let me have this. I don't know if Anam Cara and my powers are interdependent, but the link between Mason and I is undeniable. That leaves room for an entire plethora of possibilities. Possibilities, that I have yet to consider.
" She is taking it better than I expected it," His reply comes rushed as if he doesn't want to have this conversation.
" I think you have done all you could for now, you shouldn't spend the night tending to a dying man that you don't even know. Go home to Shay. I'll stay for a few hours, and head back to Morston. Once he is stable, I'll take him off your hands. Louis will take over for the rest of the night," Mason offers while inching closer to the door, trying to find a better spot.
" You're playing a dangerous game-" Graham's words are cut off by the crunch of a twig breaking under the weight of my foot. I resort to holding my breath in the hope that the sounds haven't travelled through the thin walls of the barrack. But, at the same time, I know I've been caught red-handed. On heavy footfalls, Mason opens the door with a loud thud and looks around, while I slink around the corner and keep holding my breath until I turn blue and pass out. Hopefully, it won't come to that.
I jump and scream when a hand slides over my shoulder, finding myself nose to nose-with Mason. Oh, boy.
" Sneaking around are we?" He smirks and pecks my lips, before dragging me with him in the barrack, where the man is lying on the bed, still very much passed out.
" Hey, sweet cheeks. I knew you couldn't stay away," Graham gives me a toothy grin and proceeds to tie the poor man's hands and feet to the bed.
" Sure, that's what this is," I say casually and take a moment to examine the man on the bed.
" Lily was just eavesdropping on our conversation," Graham tuts shaking his head at me. The man groans on his bed dragging my eyes to him.
He is quite lanky, but that could be a very bad case of malnutrition and endless hours of torture. Considering the extensive wounds on his body.
" Huh," I reply absently to something that Graham said, but truth be told I wasn't listening.
Why is he here?
" Good question. One that would like to find out the answer to, just as much as you do. But until he doesn't wake up, we won't know," Mason answers, while Graham, drapes a few blankets over the man, checking his wounds one last time, before heading out.
With a kiss on my cheek and a pat on the back to Mason, Graham slips out of the barrack. Mason finds a sturdier chair and pushes it at the end of the bed for me to take, taking the wobbly one for himself.
He seems young. About my age, maybe a little older. I've never met him before. I'd remember. At least I think I would.
" No point worrying about it, Canim." Mason slips his hand in mine and gives it a reassuring squeeze. True.
" I can't help it, " I admit sinking deeper in the chair. We both watch in silence the man on the bed, trying to make sense of what has happened to him. Pointless exercise.
Exhaustion is setting in rather quickly, and I find myself dozing off, my head lolling left and right as it slips off the backrest of the chair. Until Mason drags me in his lap, takes my chair and kicks his feet on it. Making a makeshift bed for us.
" Sleep, Canim. Will go when you wake up," He kisses my temple, and I surrender to exhaustion, and the rhythm of his beating heart. Music to my ears.
Only, if I could leave the unease creeping up on me each time something happens.
Fear is powerful in healthy doses. It is one of the most primitive instruments that ensures your survival. But, oh so difficult to control.
I wake up to soothing strokes down my back, and soft breathing against my forehead. I know Mason hasn't slept a wink, and the little nap, if you can call it that, was at best torturous.
" We should head back. It's almost dinner time, " He glances at his watch and sighs.
" You must be tired," I say warily as I shuffle out of his lap, landing on wobbly feet on a creaky floor.
Rubbing the back of his neck, wincing," I am," He admits on a huff and rolls his shoulders. The chairs aren't the most comfortable place to sleep, but it is all we have.
" You go first, and see if Louis is here," He stands and takes a look at the man lying on the bed. Hopefully, he will live long enough to tell us his story.