Chereads / The Cold within / Chapter 2 - Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - Chapter 2

As the man walked into the cave,he was pleasantly surprised with what he saw inside. Contrary to his expectation, it wasn't dark inside but full of light. He ignored the five women inside and turned to look the way he came.

He realized that he could see outside and remembering how he behaved both times he was outside he grew embarrassed.

The only saving grace was that he was still donned in his mask rendering his expression unseen.

He finally turned to the people who invited him inside and stared at them. Six women, counting the one that led him inside.

Five with red hair of different shades and one with white hair. He presumed her to be the leader keeping in mind the crimson red eyes she bore.

She was seated at the centre of the group on a small log covered by a black cloth as she assessed him with those dangerously glistening eyes of hers.

They were all silent, prompting him to tear his gaze away from her and asses the cave. Apart from some bags and weapons and the inhabitants, it looked practically empty.

But he had no right to judge them while he was in quite the similar situation.

He was still busy in his thoughts, when the white haired one spoke.

"It's not with much pleasure meeting a male in this conditions but it is quite nice talking to someone who nearly killed us because he was afraid of a little darkness." Smirking as she said so

The man replied a little too hastily for his liking," It isn't my fault as it's not everyday you see a cave nearly as dark as this one during the day while the sun is shining its brightest."

"Excuses don't maketh the man, just admit you are afraid of darkness honored guest of mine." She said after

"Indeed true 'Excuses don't maketh the man' but I stand by my point, I am not in the least afraid of the dark but what lurks in it. And in this case it happens to be you and company." The man said

"That so, then it is what it is. I go by the name Cecilia and please be a gentleman and reveal your real name if you so desire to spend the night together with six beautiful women such as ourselves."

The man looked at them once more, this time paying more attention to their appearance. But he still saw the same thing, red hair though different but other than that similar faces, atleast to him.

He sighed deciding to give his name as a show of trust but other than that it would be fair game.

"I was born and found myself with the name Nevius and no I am not ready to spend a night with six women on my own." 'Though I could try' he wistfully thought in his mind.

"You are an honest one." One of the bigger women said

Nevius now completely tense, was ready to throw hands as the mana in the cave became heavier and colder. The women were not far behind, wielding their weapons immediately, ready to take action if need be. But if one looked closely, the women were not in a very good condition for battle, though they would attack nevertheless.

Cecilia chuckled amidst the staring contest making her thought to be protectors by Nevius relax which in turn made him relax.

He observed the group once more and saw that they were completely different from his initial perception.

The one that called him honest was a big one. A huge woman to say the least, being a head or two taller than him and showcasing some bulging muscles which he didn't doubt were not just for show.

The one that led him inside was also tall, a bit more than him but nothing of consequence. She had her hair in a ponytail and carrying a bow. She almost reminded him of the elv... He shivered and put away that thought.

She looked to be the most on guard but somehow comfortable which was quite confusing.

He turned his gaze to the one he deemed the most dangerous. With her hair braided in lines, dark red eyes which were not focused on him but he knew were observing his movements thoroughly. And a very tight grip on a spear which gave him the shivers.

Honestly speaking she was the most attractive of all atleast in his opinion, not counting Cecilia.

Next in line was the shortest of the group, reaching just below his chest if he gave a rough estimate. She was the most combat ready if he made a guess with brace knuckles which he presumed never really left her grasp.

Finally the most problematic one; a mage. The mana around her being any indicator of his very accurate guess. He was somewhat of a mage too but whereas they saw him manipulate ice he didn't know what she could do and that left him very concerned.

Cecilia topped the list but apart from her distinct white hair, she gave off the same aura as the rest. In conclusion they were a team probably from the same place.

Cecilia interrupted Nevius scrutinization,"If you are done admiring my wives, then I will apologize for fooling your senses but I would rather not have a wild horny wolf attack my beautiful mates."

Nevius was not a fool but he did believe Cecilia's words of them being a harem but after she emphasized the marriage part once more it became more of a lie.

He wasn't the only one as the spear wielder sighed which all but confirmed his thoughts.

"Cilia, what did I say about you fully believing a lie if you want the recipient to believe you." She said leaning on the spear shaft

'What a sexy position.' Nevius thought as he let his mind wander

The woman faced Nevius as she said,"You may address me as Framel, though I don't understand why you would be upset for not knowing our true appearances while yours still remain hidden."

Nevius instinctively replied," A ninja is not to be seen ." He blenched in the inside cursing his master for cringing him up, though he still did not fully understand the term itself.

The silence was defeaning so to bring back life to the cave, he removed the mask revealing a slightly pretty face with his blue eyes dark hair and serious but very dangerous face.

One would expect him to face the leader Cecilia in a show of sincerity but he felt tempted to show off his face to the lady known as Framel first.

"Hooooo! Looks like the ninja has fallen for boss lady. He!he! I think he should be the first man or rather child to desire Framel so openly rather than fearing her."The muscular woman said in a deep voice then continued,"I go by the name Asla but be sure to show respect to your elders."

Nevius registered her words and was tempted to tell them that he had probably lived longer than them but he had already revealed too much as it was.

He was so caught up in their interaction that he had momentarily forgotten the situation he was in; Stranded in a cave in the middle of nowhere with six women.

It couldn't get any worse but a loud roar from outside which shook the cave walls prompted him to move further inside to the only unoccupied corner available in the circular cave.

He sat on the floor and leaning on the wall he faced Cecilia and brought the most pressing issue to light." So, can that darkness illusion of yours keep us safe and hidden till morning?"