Back in my room, I stood in my shower letting the water pour down on me. I didn't bother to wash as I stared forward. What the fuck was that thing?
I had been prepared to fight any human, or elf that I found. I was stronger than most, so I should have been fine. Weapons couldn't even cut my skin, or that is what I had assumed. Something primal inside of me screamed that the creature could have torn me apart like wet paper.
"What the fuck!" I growled, running my hand through my hair.
This was not how it was supposed to go. Not only that, this creature knew everything about me, and even what I was doing. I was her toy that she watched.
I wanted to scream. All my haphazard plans had been thrown up into the wind. It stung even worse after so easily taking control of that gang. It was almost like she was watching and waiting for me to do that just to put the fear into me right after like some otherworldly reality check.
Forcing myself to calm down, I realized that fear wouldn't get me anywhere. It was time to reassess. This world was full of mysteries and unknowns, creatures of immense power that defied my understanding of magic and monsters. I had to adapt.
I scrubbed the shit out of my body, rinsed off, but I was still agitated. Turning off the shower, I stepped out and dried myself, clothes be damned. I needed a moment of real peace to think, and as always, the water had given me that, if only briefly. I wrapped the towel around my waist and moved to the small desk in the corner of my room.
Opening the drawer, I pulled out a leather-bound journal — a gift from Marcella for my 'strange' thoughts and hobbies, she had said. I hadn't used it until now, but it seemed a perfect place to start logging everything I needed to remember — encounters like the one with the spider creature, alliances, and the ever-growing list of things I didn't understand.
I began to write, my hand steady as I penned down every detail of the night's activities. Daelen's confessions of his true nature, the deal with the boss, and finally, the meeting with the creature. I needed to keep track of everything, to devise a strategy against entities such as her.
I was still writing when a soft knock at the door jolted me out of my thoughts. I quickly closed the journal and stood up, wrapping the towel tighter.
"Come in," I called out.
The door opened, and to my surprise, it was Marcella. She carried a tray with what I presumed was some kind of late-night snack. Her eyes were downcast, and she hadn't noticed my state of undress.
"Marcella," I warned, "I'm not exactly decent."
She looked up, startled, and her face flushed red in embarrassment. "I-I'm so sorry! I didn't think—"
"It's fine," I interjected with an easy smile as I moved to grab a robe from the wardrobe. "Just give me one moment."
As I slipped on the robe, I thought of how Marcella being here represented a separate aspect of the life I was now living — the daylight contrast to my nightly escapades. I couldn't tell her about the night's encounter, not yet at least. It would worry her, and rightly so. But how to explain my recent behavior?
"Is everything alright, Gideon?" Marcella finally asked, setting the tray down cautiously. "You seem... troubled."
I considered my answer. How much should I let her in? It was a question that required a decision sooner rather than later. After all, I had dragged her into the Grand Market. This wasn't a game, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I couldn't keep doing this alone.
"Yes and no," I said, deciding to edge closer to the truth. "I've hit a few... unexpected snags in my plans. Nothing I can't handle, but it's a lot to ponder."
Marcella watched me, concern evident as she nibbled on her lower lip. "If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know. Your problems are mine as well, aren't they? That's what allies are for."
I looked over at her and frowned. It was not that I didn't like her newfound warmness, but considering how we started, this was at the very least strange. I didn't want to complain, but I felt like there was something that I was missing.
With a sigh, I relinquished some of my worries and allowed myself the vulnerability of honesty. "Marcella, I'll need all the allies I can muster," I confessed, meeting her gaze. "This world... it's far more complex and dangerous than I ever imagined. And tonight, I just had a very stark reminder of that."
Her eyes softened, the concern turning into a steely determination that matched my own. She stepped closer, her posture radiating a strength I hadn't yet fully appreciated. "Then we'll face whatever comes, together," she said. "You're not alone, Gideon. You're part of this kingdom now, part of my family. And if you have enemies in the shadows, then let's bring them to light."
Her words held more weight than she knew. Family has always been a sore topic for me, both in my past life and now. Yet here she was, offering what I'd been denied time and again: a place, a purpose, a kinship. A swell of emotions caught me off guard, and I nodded, deeply grateful.
"Thank you, Marcella," I managed, clearing my throat, but I had to dig deeper. "While I do like the change of heart, it feels... sudden? You have been warming up to me much faster than I would have ever guessed, and it has me curious."
Marcella hesitated for a moment, her fingers tracing the edge of the tray as she seemed to search for the right words.
"I suppose," she began, lifting her eyes to meet mine, "I saw something in you that I didn't expect. Yes, our situation started out less than ideal, with alliances and politics dictating our relationship. But... watching you, seeing how passionate and dedicated you are to this kingdom, to protecting it—it made me realize there's more to you than titles or duties."
She continued, her voice softer but firm, "I'll admit, my change of approach might be sudden, but it's genuine, Gideon. I want to understand you, not as a prince or a pawn in a political game, but as the person you truly are. And if that means standing beside you in the face of unknown dangers, then that's a choice I make willingly."
As Marcella spoke, I could hear the sincerity in her voice, and it resonated within me. I'd always been a guarded person, but here in this world, perhaps it was time to let someone in, to trust in a bond that didn't originate from necessity alone.
"You have a point," I conceded, offering her a wry smile. "Politics makes for strange bedfellows, but in this case, I'm glad it's brought you into my life. I promise you, Marcella, I won't take your trust for granted."
Seeing her smile in return, a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the room's temperature. I really wished that I wasn't a child right now.
Marcella's smile widened, and there was a glint of something that looked like relief in her eyes. "Then it's settled. Allies—and friends," she said, emphasizing the latter with a sincerity that invited no debate.
"Friends," I echoed, letting the word linger for a moment, testing how it felt. It had been a long time since I had true friends, and this world was giving me a chance to redefine relationships on my own terms.
The moment was broken by the practicalities calling us back. Marcella glanced at the tray she brought in. "I thought you might be hungry after... whatever it is you were doing. It's not much, just some cheese and bread, and a bit of wine," she said.
"Food is always welcome, even if it's just simple fare," I replied, moving towards the tray. "Especially after a night like this," I added, though I kept the part about being chased by a nightmare creature to myself.
As we shared the late-night snack, there was an ease between us—a camaraderie that felt natural, not forced by external pressures. It was a new feeling, a good one, and I was determined to hold onto it.
"I should let you get some rest," Marcella said after a while, standing up to leave.
"Thank you, Marcella," I said, rising to see her out. "For everything."
With one last reassuring smile, she walked out the door, leaving me to my thoughts. The burdens seemed lighter now, shared between two pairs of shoulders. My path was still fraught with obstacles and darkness, but with Marcella and allies like Daelen—who knows, maybe even the entire Sanguine Elf community—I wasn't walking it alone.
Closing my door, I flung my robe off and got into bed. Tomorrow, I will be making another trip to visit Kuka. I had a slew of questions, and she was the only one who might be able to answer them.