“Yes.”
“Interesting.”
“We do not force our way of living onto others. This is what works for us.” Amira added.
“Yeah.”
“Don’t think about trying anything. I’m watching you,” she suddenly added.
“Like what? There’s nothing I can do to any of you.”
“Well, don’t try.”
“Fine. Where are you taking me?” I asked.
“Mahin was generous enough to give you an apartment.”
“And you don’t agree with her decision?” I scrutinized her stoic profile.
“It’s not my place to judge the decision of our high priestess.”
“Aren’t you together?” Amira stopped, giving me a not so friendly look. “Alright. It’s not my business. I get it.” I raised my hands.
Amira resumed her walk and I followed, taking in the amazingly shaped ceiling that looked like a gigantic sculpture made by nature itself. The red rock shimmered lightly wherever the sun touched the surfaces of the cave.
“Try to keep up.” Amira muttered.
“How did you spot us out there?” I asked, hurrying behind her.
“We watch the wastelands even more now because of the Scars.”
“Scars? Is that what you call them?”
“Yes. This is your temporary room. I wouldn’t get too comfortable, you won’t be here long.” Amira stopped by a wooden frame filled with fabric and crossed her arms on her chest. “And whatever you think you know about the Scars, trust me, they are much worse.”
I nodded, pushing the screen to the side.
The room appeared spacious and well lit. The polished, soft angled walls were of a similar reddish clay. There were curious transitions of color on the surfaces. It looked like the rock shifted from the color of terracotta to honey yellow. On the bed that was situated on a rock platform was Victor, holding a simple wooden cup in his hand. His flying suit was unbuttoned, and dangled off his chiseled torso. His light hair looked wet as if he just took a bath. He froze, watching me.
I closed the screen behind me and leaned against the wall, shutting my eyes.
“Frid?” His voice sounded so soft, so genuinely concerned.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered.
“What are you talking about?”
I closed my eyes, pressing my head against the wall. Then I heard the sound of his feet on the floor.
“I dragged you here. I could have planned it better.”
“Are you serious right now?”
“It’s... I don’t know what I was thinking. Alina gave me the bag, but I lost it. I don’t even remember. I was so tired, so focused on getting you here. I...”
“Stop!”
I opened my eyes, seeing him in front of me. His light eyes were laced with worry. Victor was the one who never took things close to heart. Somehow, his attitude gave me the confidence that no matter what was going on, it was never that bad. But, when he turned serious, it always unsettled me.
