We Dream of Hope

A Stranger

Her mother was her hero, she was a warrior that they told tales of. She rode into battle fearless cutting down foe after foe. Hero turned nightmare? Nadia came to realize a fear, one where her heroes couldn’t live up to her expectations. Warner killed her own sibling, she never knew if it was a brother or sister. How many before had Sera killed? How many brothers who could have taught her how to fight? How many sisters who could have stayed up late with her gossiping? How many members of her family? She was becoming all too familiar with the changing reality, but this seemed to be the icing on the cake. She turned back and noticed Ma’at watching. She didn’t make too much of a ruckus about it, if anything Ma’at was so far the only person who she was continuing to trust. Still, she needed to get away. These people in that house, they were just  players in this lie. Odion was told what his own mother did. His family was responsible for murdering her family. Did Sera tell him he would have to follow? She shook off the thought. Clearly Sera was against it now, but why change? Why in that one moment have a change of heart? It was supposed to have been something she did for a thousand years, why after twins did she say enough? What wasn’t she telling? What did Odion know? Too many questions, and Sera seemed like she was finished spilling her details. There was only one option Nadia could see at this point. She needed to get away. These people were clouding her mind filling it with nightmares and unrealized fears. Ma’at would understand, she might even be able to save a few people while looking for her. So she had it decided. One more look at Ma’at and it would be time. 

Inside the house silence would have been a blessing. Sera was arguing, but in a hushed tone so Nadia wouldn’t hear. They had an unspoken understanding that Nadia didn’t need to be troubled and so the whispers executed their plan. Sera took a turn explaining her case and Ma’at took her turn on hypocrisy. Odion maintained his stance with Sera, they were tied together by blood and apparently it was thicker than all the time and challenges they had been through together over the last few days. 

Finally, as a last slap in Ma’at’s face Sera said something she knew would grab her attention, “Wouldn’t you do anything for Nadia if it meant helping her?”

“Don’t compare my willingness to help her with your willingness to be ordered around.” Her complete attention now fully on Sera she moved away from the window and got into Sera’s face. She spoke so harshly and with a shrill echo it haunted the room. 

Odion backed away but Sera stood strong. Her stance never quaked, her eyes maintained contact and she was resigned to not be intimidated. She had years on this little fighter, and if it came to it she was sure her half-wolf lineage would hold over the Medjay’s strict earth based upbringing. Still her task was complete, she got Nadia the chance she could hear her desperately calling for. It was a few minutes before the tension broke Sera was more matter of fact to her little secret and Odion, still locked out of Nadia’s intentions, was just as confused as Maat about the confidence and victory Sera had claimed with her smile. 

“Why are you so snarky?” Maat needed to know what gave this little thing such a large grin it was annoying and she wanted to take the happiness and shove it down her throat

“For someone who just claimed they cared for Nadia so much they sure were easily moved away from her.” Her argument seemed to be made, but she needed one final stick into Maat’s heart, “Not so easy upholding your values where your feelings are concerned huh?”

Maat ignored her, she looked out the window and leaned as far as she could to get a better view around the house, Nadia was nowhere to be seen. “Which way did she go?”

Sera shrugged, “I’m going to give her some time. Honestly, she is safest in this city, no one will hurt her, so don’t worry.”

“A demon runs this city!” Maat could shake that feeling she had years ago when she met the demon who ran this place last, he was cruel and Nadia was no match for him. All Maat could see was the monster ramming its fist into her chest and serving her heart to some poor unsuspecting slave who crossed him. 

“Trust me, the demon is not something you need to worry about. We’ve got plenty of time, If she’s not back by night then if it will ease your mind we can go find her.” again Sera had complete trust in Nadia’s ability to provide adequate self care. She had no worry for her and yet, there was a worry Odion had that resonated into Sera’s mind. She hated the connection the wulvers had. She went years without that connection and suddenly, it being back she no longer had just her emotions. Odion, if he was going to be any sort of force of nature needed to learn just the basics. Her crash course got him to her side, but next, he was going to need to become more self aware.

Wandering the streets offered her a sense of peace, there were no roots to trip over and once she got back to the larger buildings it was easy to lose herself in the architexture. The buildings were so intricate she passed by each one admiring the handywork and imagining how many hours of grueling labor it took for someone to build and carve the statues. There was one building that quickly became her favorite. It was a white building with statues of women draped in cloth holding up the roof with their heads. Their hands and arms each had a different placement and it was in that she really got to admire the individuality of each woman. At first glance she would have thought they were all the same, closer inspection they held as much difference as two strangers passing her on the street. Their faces, cheekbones, eyes, hair, even dimensions were different like a new person was born and immortalized in the white marble on the side of the building. Caught in the awe of the structure she only just barely noticed a very alive stranger getting closer. 

Out of the corner of her eyes Nadia saw the perfection her heart had been looking for. He was clad in a clean gray vest, his white buttoned shirt had its sleeves rolled just above his elbows and his charm radiated from his crisp smile and eyes filled with curiosity. He kept his distance in the empty streets but his stare made her feel like the world had all eyes trained to her. She looked behind her to make sure he wasn’t searching for someone else, when she was content it was just the two of them she gave an uncertain smile back. No words could break the tension she was feeling and all at once he seemed to relax and strutted up to her. 

“You have good taste.” His voice just as enchanting as his demeanor, it was deep, but maintained a youthful undertone that exposed his innocence to her. 

“Excuse me?” It rang through more annoyed and she was left wondering what he was talking about, her interest in him, or her interest in the fine craftsmanship of the building?

“This is my favorite building as well. The women, they are so finely chiseled, the hours it must have taken with care.” His stare was pure wonderment, he smiled at the building as if offering his approval. “Of course, in their pure marbled form it would seem they are no longer the most beautiful of things in this town.”

Nadia took a few steps back, he surely wasn’t meaning her. Her look must have been less than elusive and carried a subtlety of a black snake on the fresh green grass. 

He couldn’t wait for her reply, he wanted to shower her existence with affection, he needed to figure out what her play was before she turned on him. “To think I have lived for so long and only now has true perfection had the chance to dance into my life shining in the form of your sweet eyes. So blue, like a cloudless sky.”

Oh no… She cursed to herself, he was a romantic. The boy was saying just everything he could to throw her off her game. To be quite honest she never even had a game. Growing up no one paid any attention to her, except Tomin, and he was a pip in his own right, but what that scantily clad gentleman was tossing around felt like affection. Sure, Tomin had been interested in her but he was more interested in gaining favor with her father, nothing amounted to what this fine specimen was throwing out. So she had to think of a reply, something she thought would show her interests were just as high as his. She pondered for less than a moment and came up with the best thing she could given the circumstances, “You’re handsome too.” As the words left Nadia’s lips she felt it was too direct. Her face turned red thinking through what she had just said, and how it was nowhere near what she wanted to say. 

Soft chuckles replied and oddly enough he wasn’t bothered by the lack of finesse, “Do they not teach you subtlety where you come from?” Without skipping a beat he turned from amused to in awe, “What a shame, a thousand words praising songs of a morning dove that sings for its lover. If only I could hear a taste of your song.” He took a step further staring at her lips a growing desire washed through his eyes, “Wasted potential waiting for a soft caress.” reaching his hand up he brushed her cheek only for a moment finally letting his thumb rest on her chin. “Such a beautiful flower, only showing to those who dedicate a lifetime of affections and labor.” He leaned in closer whispering to her face lowering his head so his mouth lined up with hers, “I would treasure each passing minute as a gift. You are a radiance that deserves nothing less.” He moved his lips close to hers and just before they touched he held back and smiled softly. As stingy as he could be he would not let their lips touch, slowly he pulled back leaving her wanting more. 

Nadia was helpless; she was entranced by his magical words unable to restrain herself. She could feel her body pulling after his but could never catch up to make contact. His hand still on her chin aided in her failed attempt making sure she couldn’t catch up to his retreat. Suddenly as he was now back to a gentleman’s distance Nadia shook her head regaining her composure if only a fraction of what she had before.

“So, enough doodling, what are you my dove?” It wasn’t the same charm filled voice she had heard prior, it echoed with uncertainty now embellishing a regard for his own safety.

“What am I?” She looked around and this was now getting to be a little too awkward, “I’m not sure I understand.” Moments ago he was hooking her like a lame fish, now his interrogation was turning the situation hostile. 

“Sera brought you here right?”

At least he knew Seraphine, but Nadia was flooded with fear. It welled up from inside alerting her that this was quickly turning from a dream encounter to intense hostage situation. “You know Sera? Did she bring you here too?” Nadia prayed this was another refugee Sera just happened to stumble upon and offer shelter, though the way he talked he had lived here for some time.

He smiled back at her and his perfect face faded away revealing the same person but red. His skin stripped of the charm and collection turning to fire with his nails glowing bright orange. His eyes flickered from white to black and his hair turned and twisted into two long horns that grew yellow and gold wrapping around his pointed ears. Nadia stared far longer than she would have liked. He smiled back almost not expecting Nadia to have a negative reaction to what he just did. When he saw her expression fade he looked down and rolled his eyes, “Sorry I'm not good at hiding myself for very long.”

Her feet reacted far quicker than her mind after he spoke. Nadia raised her foot striking his shin. One swift kick and he raised his knee to his chest up hopping on one leg cursing, “What the f**k lady?!” Nadia wasn’t going to stick around to listen to the other obscenities to burst from his pointed toothed mouth, she needed to get out of here. 

She turned and quickly ran off. She yelled out in every direction for help. Maybe someone was within ear shot to save her. Sera had said the town was safe, why would she let her wonder off with a demon on the loose? Not just that, but one that seemed to really not understand the situation he was putting her in. She couldn’t believe she had almost fallen for his suave charm. Ma’at was going to murder her for this, that is if she ever saw Ma’at again. Who knows maybe this thing was going to do to her if he caught her. 

Finally, after turning around and seeing no one was behind her she sprang down an alley stopping to catch her breath. As she hung herself hand stretched against a wall huffing for sweet air to fill her lungs she tried to settle her heart. It was pounding in her chest burning her throat and her eyes started to water.

“So you’re not a demon.” The voice just as calm as it could be, echoed through the alley.

Nadia looked up and there he was the monster leaning against the wall not three feet from where her hand rested. “Stay away from me!” backing away the warning was shot with a shaking breath. “I have friends who are looking for me.”

“Not likely,” he shrugged and stood straight slowly following. Each backward step she took met with a forward with just the same distance, “Certainly not a demon then. So what riff raff did Sera drag in this time?”

Nadia turned around darting out of the alley continuing to call for some help. She ran and ran until she felt hopelessly lost. The buildings all looked alike and in this maze of a forsaken town she could not find her way back to Sera’s. “Somebody help!” She called collapsing in the middle of the street. Turning over onto her back and stretched out, this was far too much exercise for her horrendously out of practice body. All she could do was gasp for air staring at the sky tunnel vision settling in as she prayed that she would meet an end and that it would be quick and painless. 

“Are you going to be okay?” He leaned over her casting a shadow and blocking her once perfect view of her final moments. “I’m not going to eat you. You’re much too pretty to ruin intentionally. You know your attitude could really use an adjustment. You’re kind of being a little racists.” He looked at her head tilted and ever more confused than when they first met. 

Nadia wasn’t understanding what game he was playing but she had firmly decided if he was just toying with her she wasn’t going to fall for it. She sat up and sprang to her feet with a new fire of strength, “I mean it!” She warned with fists raised, “Sera won’t let anything happen to me. If you hurt me-”

“Dove, if I wanted to hurt you, you’d be hurt. In fact you’ve hurt me far beyond anything I’ve done to you in the last ten minutes.” His foot raised and scratched at his injury Nadia had inflicted in her brief lapse of judgement. 

She stood fists still readily available to strike if he got any closer, Sera had said she could call on the heaven light to save herself, so if it came to it hopefully it would work. “Are you really hurt?” She was fishing, honestly she didn’t think she would be able to leave any kind of mark on a demon, still if she managed to bruise him that would have at least made her feel better.

“Nah.” He laughed, “No offense but you kick like a human.” He smiled and scratched his horns, “I was just messin’ with you.”

With her spirit now crushed she was relieved the severity of the situation was being lessened. “I’m kind of sorry I didn’t try harder.” 

He shrugged, “You know you did attack me first.” He leaned forward, lowering his head to her’s he was quite taller than she was and he was pouring salt into the wound putting his hands in his pockets and talking down to her. 

“I honestly don’t know if you realize this.” She regained herself his charms fading from her influence, “You do know you’re a demon right?”

He looked down almost as if he was just realizing it himself, “Hold on.” straightening his shirt and clearing his throat, he closed his eyes concentrating on an unknown force. Moments later no change and he held up a finger, “Just wait, I can get this.” 

“Do you…” seeming a little concerned for him she offered her best care, “you know, need help?” 

He opened one eye and scoffed, “What you? No thanks dove, I’ve got this.”

It was Nadia’s turn to be condescending and she was going to lavish every moment of it, “Just seems to me like you’re having issues.” a smile cracked halfway across her face and she wiggled her eyebrows at him.

He opened both eyes now a little irritated that nothing changed, “Hey!” he snapped, “You try looking like a fresh slice of beef while putting on the best possible romantic act of your life.” He closed his eyes again but still no change, “Guess it’s just not happening.” he raised his shoulders and huffed. “Not a total loss I guess.” his eyebrows raised as he looked her up and down, “Be honest with me dove, those longing eyes of yours, would you have kissed me?”

She jumped back covering her mouth and shaking her head, “What? As if!” After she recalled the entire transaction less than an hour ago, Nadia knew he wasn’t going to buy that act. Her only hope was to retrace her steps and try to give him a compliment. Maybe, just maybe he would be too distracted admiring himself to call her out on the bluff. “I mean, you looked nice and everything but-”

“Let’s cut the flattery here dove.” moving so quickly he was right on top of her before Nadia could even respond she looked up into his dark eyes and warmth was radiating from his body. “I was irresistible wasn’t I? You and I were just moments from touching, your lips begging for mine to massage yours.” He leaned down his hand stretching up to her face. He carried such a strong heat within him. Nadia felt it comforting calling her to come closer. 

Before she would allow herself to be charmed back into his swagger she held up her hand, knocking his away. It provided her with a burst of self confidence, she wasn’t going to fall for his tricks, he was a demon and her mind couldn’t let her heart forget. “Not likely there mister.” She turned her back to him whipping her hair in his face, “Let’s not forget, you tricked me, so it doesn’t count. I’m not too fond of being misled. As far as I am concerned you owe me an apology.” She crossed her arms and started to walk away. 

Left taken aback the boy wasn’t used to rejection. He needed to figure out how to rebound and quickly this girl seemed to get more used to him the longer they were together. If he wanted to gain more knowledge he would need to act fast and with a fury of his charming arsenal. His stance shifted to a more serious and purposeful straight and narrow allowing him to quickly regain himself; she was a feisty one and was starting to be worth his time after all. Still she needed a lesson in her words, she gave away her feelings when she said it didn’t count. “You like me.” He whispered, but made sure it was loud enough for her to be able to hear. The taunt was unwelcomed and certainly couldn’t have gone unnoticed. 

“I do not!” turning around she responded a little blushed and her hands clenched into fists were thrown down at her sides as she stomped her foot. 

“Whatever dove, D’Nile isn’t just a river in Egypt.” He threw his hands up and walked in front of her eyes closed and head held high. 

“I don’t even know what that means.” This demon was much too well read for his own good, muttering off obscenities that went over her head. Was he ever going to leave her alone? She also in her corrective attitude realized he had taken to a pet name for her. Dove, it wasn’t the first time he had called her that and she was starting to get annoyed. “Don’t call me dove,” continuing before he could further condescend her, “It’s Nadia.”

“Oh right.” he scoffed, “I’m certain it’s not, but whatever rocks your socks dove.”

“What so you’re telling me my name now?” 

“Listen hear,” he turned eyes more heated than they were before, “If your name truly is Little Hope then you best not be repeating it. Whoever named you seemed to have an affinity with wanting you to die a painful death.”

“My mother named me for your information.” She was now holding her head high as she walked past him, “Maybe she just knew I was destined for greatness. Unlike you who I’m going to guess wasn’t given a name?”

There was a short laugh and he quickly caught up to her, “For your information, Little Hope, you are in the presence of the great Aidan. Demon of Wrath.” He stood blocking her path, arms stretched out, head tilted to the sky. He displayed himself like he had just announced the answer to her problems but in fact created a whole new slew of them.