The Lost And The Harboured

This was not a good idea.

The words repeated in her mind like a mantra.

Her subconsciousness reminded her at every step that what she was doing, that was perhaps a good idea once, now felt absolutely horrifying.

She had a bed calling her name, should she really do this? Turning back now would be futile and will make the effort she put into this useless.

Ailith was tired though. The slight pour that had started a while ago soaked her jacket and her wounds screamed.

Cilia had no mercy on her. Even if it was five lashes, the whip had blades that not only cut open her other wounds but made new ones as well. Compared to that, of she really had a choice or had to be whipped, than the palace guards were far more merciful. At least their whip was made of only leather.

Looking at the address than at the building she stopped in front of, she shook her head.

Noah was not well off, neither Halo. That much she was sure of. But the two story house with an iron fence around seemed much to real for that fact.

Had she been fooled, or was this really the place Halo lived in?

She thought it better to make sure.

Going through the open gate to the posh wooden door. Her hand lifted but before she could do anything the door opened itself.

The man that stood in front of her was, unfortunately, handsome. His silver eyes stood out with his ebony hair and the grin he gave seemed eerie. Almost as of he was disappointed.

"I wasn't aware that there was another girl coming?" She never though she could describe a voice as dark but his was. Dark and mischievous.

There was another feature of his that stood out though. An extremely obvious feature, which was the lack of a shirt.

Don't take it the wrong way. She had seen men that way. This was not her first but unlike others his body was far more muscular and maintained. The fact that he towered over her also was a factor.

He stayed silent and she took a moment before speaking. Assessing him took time.

His grin appeared the same but his eyes had dimmed a little.

Who was she to care?

Ailith cleared her throat, "Halo, was it?" She smiled as well.

"My, my I must be getting famous." He wanted to say something else but there was nothing needed.

Her punch did hurt her as well. But the stagger in his stance and the look of absolute shock made it all worth it.

"Are you mental, girl!?" She cut him off by grabbing his, *****, shoulder and pinning him to the wall.

"I wish to demand, Halo," she spat his name, "why did you go to Reya to weep about the money Noah gave you?"

His face was palpably frozen. Mouth agape as he took her in from head to toe.

"Ailith?" His voice was almost a whisper. She felt a little bizarre being evaluated like that. She had done that to him but this time they were a lot... closer.

"I asked something!" She pushed his shoulder, hard, in frustration. He didn't even flinch.

"It is you!" He exclaimed with a big grin and sparkling eyes.

"I may very well be here to kill you, what is with that expression?" She took a step back while asking.

"Kill me?" His face was of confusion. Then as if it hit him, "Oh! My sincerest of apologizes for whatever happened to you."

There seemed to be a permanent smile plastered on his face. She was afraid that if she might let him go he may start jumping.

"I. Need. An. Explanation," seeing his reaction to her, Ailith felt angered. How dare he smile like that when he ruined her life? How dare he be so carefree?

"About that," he raised a finger and pointed to the living room, "let's take a seat, it's something I want to discuss with you myself."

He slowly inched his hand to hers that held him, but instead of removing it she pushed him to the wall with more force.

There was no change of emotion on his face but his hand did stop.

"I don't want to sit down," she said, "I want an explanation."

It hurt her more than she was hurting him. The wounds on her back were searing as if they were fresh. She tried to hold her emotions from coming on her face. She was half successful in that matter.

Whatever she had expected his reaction would be she didn't know, but his smile was less than endearing. "Feisty." He crossed his arms on his chest.

She opened her mouth, but...

"Halo, darling~" echoed a voice, and soon enough came its source strutting down the stairs. A very ***** source.

"Oh, Stars!" She covered her eyes with her hands and turned away. That image will be forever burned in her mind.

What did she even walk into?

"Serene, meet Ailith," Halo spoke. She was still not ready to turn around.

"The one you were telling me about just now," the girl, Serene, acknowledged. "Why is she turned away though?"

As if that was something she was saying out loud.

Her words we're accompanied by a soft 'Oh' a moment later.

"I thought she worked in a harem," the girl seemed to be whispering loudly.

"She does," he said with much too confidence for comfort. "Her work is a little different from the others."

"I will go wear something than." She heard the sounds of retreating footsteps but still didn't turn.

"She is gone," he muttered.

She whirled to find him standing much farther than the position she had left him at.

"I..." She opened her mouth.

"Want an explanation? Than perhaps consider listening to me." He spoke, scratching his head, "you really are something aren't you."

He mumbled something after that as well but that was inaudible to her ears.

"I did what I did to get your attention." He explained but things just got more confusing.

"Excuse me?"

"I hate repeating myself," he said more to himself than anyone else, "I told you before, it is a long story and I wouldn't let a girl like you out on the streets." His words might seem genuine but the look on his face was nothing but mock.

What choice did she have? Coming out after sunset was risky and it was a miracle as well as her skills combined that she didn't get caught by someone yet.

Going out then might just be going to her doom.

"Alright then, Halo," she straightened herself, "I will flatter this notion of yours."

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