Bound by Fate

12 | Haven

ANALIA

THE SUN SETS by the time I'm done taking a bath and dressing up in my tight pants and tunic away from Iyan's sight. After limping with his bleeding leg back to the Oasis with both of our things, I feared the thief would lose consciousness, but he managed to make it.

I helped treat his wound before Iyan decided to let him go. I wished we would've at least kept an eye on him till he got better.

I also got my bleeding hands wrapped by tearing a piece of my tunic and found my grandmother's necklace amongst the things the thief had stolen.

Although everything with the thief ended smoothly, we weren't able to cover much ground due to the events that took place today. Which I have to admit is much of my fault. Iyan suggested we remain at the Oasis, and I wonder why; tomorrow's a snowstorm. We might as well freeze to death here, but I know better than to counter his decisions. He has saved my life more than once, so I'm sure he knows what he's doing.

My eyes drink in the scenery of the evening and the stars that start to adorn the sky as I slide down against a palm tree across from Iyan. Since we came into this land, I've not had the time to appreciate its beauty. There's something godlike about this place.

The atmosphere holds a certain level of tranquility that tempts me into wanting to stay here forever.

This place feels like a haven.

I blow out strands of my hair from my face, sighing after.

That's right. I should apologize for causing him so much trouble today.

I take in a deep breath as I begin to speak, carefully watching his rested figure as the moonlight casts an incandescent glow on his perfectly sculpted face.

"I owe you an explanation, Iyan, as well as an apology."

He doesn't respond, but his eyes flicker to mine, letting me know that he's listening.

I take in another breath, feeling my cheeks heat up at the intensity of his gaze on me.

"I enlisted as a companion without any survival skills. I know about plants and medicine, but that's just it. I came to Asha's land to fight against my fate."

His brow perks up at the mention of fate, but he doesn't say anything. I take his silence as my go-ahead to continue.

"The relic I have is something I got from my grandmother. I didn't steal it, and neither did she. My grandmother was once a companion, so I reckon the relic was something she got as her wish-"

"I know this isn't what you signed up for, but if you'd just bear with me, my eternal loyalty will be yours." I get into a kneeling position and bow my head slightly enough to let me peek at whatever look he has on his face.

I hear a shuffle, and from his shadow, I can tell that he's now standing a few steps away from me. He closes the gap and looms over my kneeling figure.

A thousand scenarios play out in my head at what he's planning to do or say. I'm sure this is the moment he finally decides to do away with me. I mean, what can my loyalty do for him?

I shouldn't have listened to Gina.

I should never have come here in the first place.

I should never have-

"Raise your head, Analia."

There's a gentleness in his tone that causes my heart to flutter unexpectedly.

I do as I'm told, and my eyes slowly peer into his. Every time I look at him, I'm reminded of how different we are, and it stings.

"We cannot outrun our destinies; it's just not possible." He states.