The fairy an the giant (Part 11)
My fingers danced as I delicately gathered the last lock of Poppy’s hair. I took the rubber I had between my teeth and finally, after twenty stressful minutes, I managed to secure everything in place.
— There! — I announced victoriously as I jumped down the bed with a little impulse of my dancing wings. Then, I took her shoulders excitedly in order to guide her to the mirror.
— Ooh, it’s so pretty! — she gasped happily and took a couple seconds to admire my creation from every angle. Her beautiful brown hair was neatly arranged in a side braid similar to mine, though it was much longer.
I giggled. — I know, right? — I wish someday I could let it grow, though being a fast-flying fairy with long hair would just be asking for an accident to happen.
Before Poppy could even respond, the clattering sound of the doorknob guided our attention to the entrance. Impatient steps introduced Iris to the room, with her usual apathetic and tired expression. Fit for a fairy on her late autumn stage.
Amber eyes landed directly on me in a flash. — There’s trouble at the border. We need to get going now. — Without missing a beat, the wasp-winged fairy retrieved her satchel from the hanger and her trusty needle. — Two human men have entered the area. Our fae informant has good reason to believe their intention is to find the colony. For what purpose I do not know, and I don’t want to find out. — She blurted rapidly while masking her nervousness with her signature poker face, though I’ve known her long enough to know that she’s incredibly scared.
I don’t like this. She’s rarely scared of anything. Not even humans.
As a medical toxicologist, Iris was responsible of dealing with intruders as well as attending to our people injured by poison. I gave her a cocky look, in some sort of attempt to break the tension she had just loaded on us. — So, you need your favorite bait, huh? — I stretched my arms confidently and proceeded to adjust my sandals.
Meanwhile Poppy just stood there analyzing everything with her big doe eyes and her partly open mouth aching to intervene.
— Yes, now move. — Iris ordered; her hand was already at the doorknob. I stared at her defiantly through her piercing glare. Trying to decipher any other emotion coming from her. But that blank expression said everything.
My steps shortened the distance between us. — A little “please” wouldn’t kill you, y’know? — I joked as I crossed my arms and leaned my head towards her direction. We both knew she needed me. Sure, for a wasp Iris was known for being stupidly fast. But not as fast as a dragonfly.
She could only muster to roll her eyes at me. A couple decades ago, she got tired of berating me for being “too overconfident”, so I assumed she only gave up. But I couldn’t help it, if I had to put myself in danger for a living. The least everyone around me could do was cut me some slack.
Especially since I was told at the beginning that this job would only require me to deliver the mail.
A little voice emerged from the other side of the room. — Can I come? — Poppy asked excitedly. And the moment those words left her lips I already knew the answer. Her gaze found me; it was almost as if she could read my train of thought. — I’ve been practicing my illusion magic. I can help! — She justified.
— Absolutely not. — Iris cut her off by raising her tone and shot her with a look of disapproval. To which the young beetle-winged fairy backed down like a scared little pillbug.
With a sigh I turned to her, searching for her hands. — You heard the witch kiddo. — I held her. — It’s for your own safety, you know that, right?
Poppy nodded with sadness in her eyes.
I squeezed her hand tenderly, as much as I would love for her to come, she wasn’t ready. She was still too young to even be allowed outside the colony on her own. Besides, she had her own responsibilities here. — If I don’t come back, you can keep my honey stash. — I teased with a wink and let her go.
— Don’t say that! — She chastised as her face flushed red. Little beetle wings fluttered in fear.
I reached the exit; Iris had already left the room and was definitely going to be mad at me for slowing us down. — Oh please. — I tittered while holding the door frame. — They’d need to catch me first.
And we both know that’s never going to happen.
The tumbling sound of apples brought me back to my senses. I clumsily attempted to catch them but to no avail. I just managed to make a fool out of myself since I tripped on my cloak. Because of course I did. Great. Just great.
The fairy sitting on the countertop merely scoffed and shook her head with her arms crossed. And suddenly I felt transported back to my training days. When Iris couldn’t comprehend why I was so incompetent with magic. “You’re lucky you have those wings.” She used to say through the constant headaches I caused her. A burning ache on my chest emerged and the non-existing food from my stomach felt like a painful hollow that expanded by the minute.
… My throat never felt so dry. — What are you doing here?! — I hissed with an embarrassing crack in my voice. Even if my mentor was now to me the size of my pinky. She never stopped being immensely intimidating.
— It’s nice to see you too, “Lav”. You look awful. — She pronounced the nickname Finch gave me as if it were acid. Oh no …
My face felt hot from embarrassment. I could only manage to focus on picking up the apples and placing them in the nearest basket among the bottle of ale with shaky hands. I had intended on eating a couple of them, though getting rid of my hunger now seemed like the least of my problems.
Iris fluttered around me. Searching for new bruises. Instinctually I froze as she got closer, almost as if my body knew I had done something I wasn’t supposed to. — Glad to see you’re still alive. — She grumbled, and despite absolutely everything in her demeanor, I could sense a hidden warmth on her gaze.
Before I could even attempt to formulate a response, a booming voice thundered from above. — Everything okay in there? — Suddenly, the little light that entered my windows was swallowed by those bulging arms I’d recognized anywhere. I couldn’t help but flinch as the floor and walls rattled slightly. My heartbeat was sent flying. Finch wasn’t going to leave anytime soon because I asked him to guard the cabin!
What did he hear? Does he know there’s someone else here? I couldn’t exactly put it into words, but the slight possibility made me nervous. My gaze lingered on the ceiling as I imagined him staring at the roof with that worried expression of his. I cleared my throat. — Y-yeah, don’t worry about it. — I yelped pathetically. Yet before I could say anything else, the ceiling was enveloped with a white glow. It wasn’t long until I realized the walls also seemed to be covered with this strange magic.
My head snapped back at the one who clearly was responsible. — What did you do?! — I huffed in a whisper.
Iris had returned to her spot on the countertop. Despite being aware that a literal giant was behind that door. She seemed surprisingly collected. We were far from being the same size now, but I knew that underneath that composure she had to be hiding a ball of nerves. — Relax, you can speak at a normal volume now. It’s a soundproof barrier. — She explained bluntly.
I analyzed how the magic danced on my walls like a sleepy river on a misty night. As well as the subtle whisper of wind chimes that seemed to emerge from it. — New trick from Poppy I suppose. — I blurted mostly to myself with an unconscious smile. She had always been a terrible flyer, but an incredible magic user.
Iris made a little sound of agreement. I weakly grabbed the only chair I possessed and sat within a generous range from the fairy. — How is she? — I couldn’t help but wonder, while staring at the floor.
— Alive and well thanks to you. — She confirmed with bittersweetness in her words. — Now are you going to explain to me … whatever the hell that was? And why is it still here?! — Her head pointed at the door as her arms remained crossed. She was getting impatient.
The flesh-colored barriers around the window shifted slightly. He could easily crush the cabin simply if he hugged it tightly. Goosebumps invaded the nape of my neck, and I slapped that thought out of my mind. “He wouldn’t do that.” The remaining warmth of his body on my legs was reminder enough to understand that.
If Finch was saying something I had no way of knowing, as it seemed the barrier worked both ways. I swallowed. What was I supposed to say? My mind couldn’t stop spinning. And a part of me wanted to start laughing like a maniac. Would she think I’ve gone mad if I told her that I liked his company? … Who I’m I kidding?!
Iris intervened again, perhaps realizing that I needed some assistance with where to start — Why did you share your name with that thing? Better yet, … why did you sound so happy about it? — I needed to start talking now.
My blood churned at the way she had referred to Finch as “that thing”, then again, a couple of weeks ago I still thought of him as “the creature”. I’d never imagined a being so immense could even understand the concept of coexistence. Not to mention his innate ability with words. Feeling my cheeks growing red, I took a deep breath and after some thought I decided to tell her everything that had happened from the day of the earthquake. Well, mostly everything. I’d made sure to omit anything related to “unknown feelings.”
From how we met, to how we became friends. I’ve never been good at expressing myself, but I did my best to emphasize that despite his size Finch posed no threat at all. I told her how he had even saved me from a goblin last night. And most importantly of all, he had never attempted to grab me. Iris stood attentive and extremely silent. Her posture remained the same up until that last part, as her wings rose in shock. — A-anyways, I asked if he could guard the cabin just for today so I can prepare a protection spell. So that’s why … — I could only manage to point at the window.
Iris followed my hand and stared at the giant arm. A couple or a dozen eternal seconds passed until she turned to face me once again. Features softened. — Ah … I see. I’d never would’ve expected such strategy from you. — She began with a giggle full of relief and her posture relaxed. Seeing her laugh was so odd, for years I even thought she was incapable of it. Wait … Strategy? What is she talking about?! — Well, you can stop pretending now. I’m taking you home. — She assured. Her tone filled with certainty.
I had to replay what she said in my mind to just grasp it. My jaw fell at the exact time my limbs decided to remind me why I needed to rest right now. But I couldn't care about the pain … Did she just say I could return home! But how?! No fairy has ever returned from exile.
There’s even a rumor that flightless fairies inevitably become witches!
— Home? Strategy? I don’t … get it. — Was the only thing I could mumble like an idiot amidst the load of information she had just dumped on me.
That annoying little eyebrow raised. — Why are you making that ugly face? You know I hate it. —She disputed. Clearly offended by my reaction. Not long after, she sighed. — Look, I never stopped trying to convince the higher ups to allow you back in. — Her tone revealed a tenderness she only displayed rarely with Poppy. — I didn’t want to get your hopes up. So that’s why I didn’t tell you anything … They’re still not fully convinced though. — She grumbled.
Of course they weren’t convinced! I never made a real attempt to make any of them actually like me. I was dumb enough to believe I only had to excel at my job. Besides, everyone at the colony knew that my flying skills were the only thing I could provide.
Still … it was sweet learning that Iris never gave up on me. Even if that meant ruining her reputation further in the process. My knuckles went white. Knowing my mentor, she definitely has.
She proceeded, taking advantage of my contemplative silence. — But now … we may have a shot. — Her gaze returned to the window, and for the first time in a decade, I actually saw her smile. — This whole year, you’ve developed your magical abilities tremendously. — Her head pointed towards my little garden. — You’ve learned how to infiltrate amongst humans and now you’ve pretended to befriend a giant in order to survive. If that doesn’t show resilience, I don’t know what does!
Her excited tone brought chills to my spine.
— What?! — I blinked rapidly in disbelief. Now I understood what she meant by “strategy”. — Iris I’m not pretending … he’s my friend. — My mind brought me back to that dimpled smile and a fluttering sensation invaded my stomach like an avalanche. I stared at Iris, making sure none of my gestures tattled any sense of confusion.
Logically I knew someone so powerful didn’t need me for anything other than company. Though, I couldn’t decipher exactly why I felt a strong urge to protect him, or at least his image towards the other inhabitants of the forest. I fought to repress a chuckle. It was more than clear now: I’ve become a lunatic.
The fairy let out an exasperated huff. Any sense of eagerness had disappeared —Right … Look at me straight in the eyes and tell me you didn’t agree to be his “friend” because the slight idea of denying his offer terrified you. — She countered, squinting her eyelids in defiance.
… it pained me to admit she had a point. My fingers fidgeted. Perhaps I initially did, but I regret nothing now. “Thank you … for giving me a chance. This size gets incredibly lonely.” Inevitably, my mind returned to last night. His kind words emerged like a warm shoulder I could rely on.
Before I could even attempt to argue, she cut me off. — That’s what I thought. — Iris concluded decisively. And proceeded to anxiously flutter around each little corner of my house. Searching for something to clean. For something to control. Fortunately, I had already cleaned the broken glass.
I huffed and rested the side of my head on my hand. Waiting for her to calm down to even get a chance to get her to finally listen. Though, once she started, it was almost impossible.
— It’s not like that Iris, he’s—
Surely enough, she interrupted me once again. — Giants are extremely emotional beings. — The fairy intervened as she began placing my usual dosage of painkillers on my nightstand where I had a tiny refuge for weeks like this. — And it seems he’s already rather interested in you. So, we need to get you out of here as soon as possible. I managed to book a reunion with the higher ups tomorrow, and I’ll make sure to appeal to your case again.
Suddenly something clicked. — How do you know anything about giants? … Weren’t you the one who told me they were an extinct race?
For a split second, her eyes widened. Ever so slowly, I shakily stood up to get closer to her. Her throat cleared, in some sort of attempt to regain her composure.
What was she hiding? She wouldn’t have sent me here if she knew that a giant was hibernating this close … right?
— I’ll tell them all about your progress. —She deflected. Completely disregarding my questions. — Sure, your old job would be out of discussion. But dragonfly … you’ll finally be useful again.
She finally turned to face me; her tired expression was full of hope. My heart skipped a beat at those words … to be useful to the colony once again. To see Poppy again. It seemed like a fantasy. To good to be true …
My jaw clenched, bracing for impact. —Iris … what do you know about Finch? — I pondered, while hugging myself too tightly.
Her gaze immediately filled with huffed rage. — Why do you care about that giant?! — She fumed desperately. And like a lightning she bolted closer, analyzing each and every one of my movements. As if one of them would eventually give her an answer. Her little body was floating at eye-level. — Don’t you see?! … I can finally get you home! — Iris implored. My chest ached. It was clear now. She wasn’t going to answer anything related to the mountain giant.
Her furrowed brows filled with genuine concern and her nostrils expanded. Finally, her mask had shattered. For a moment, her expression brought me back to the day of the incident. The day when I lost everything. With the little strength my mentor could muster, she had carried me all the way back to the colony while making sure that I wouldn’t lose consciousness from all my injuries. In between my drowsy blinks, there she was. Like a mother horrified at the idea of losing their child.
Was the colony truly my home?
A year ago, I had no doubt about it. After all, it was the only thing I knew. Now it seemed like an alternate reality. And despite everything, I missed the colony desperately. I missed attending to the welcoming of each winter solstice, falling asleep to the soft melody of the mezzos in the autumn nights, witnessing the blooming seasons of newborn fairies. I’ve never stopped trying to prove my worth, even when I knew I was alone. Embarrassingly hoping they would let me back in. Yet the sheer idea of watching my peers flying through the air while I stood glued to the ground made my head throb incessantly with envy.
I sighed. Daring to make eye contact yet again with Iris. Even if her blunt remarks were usually painful, I knew she meant well. Yet, I couldn’t stand the idea of her ruining her already poor reputation for a lost cause. — You know I’ll always be grateful for everything you’ve done for me. — I soothed truthfully. — But … I made a promise. Besides, we both know you and Poppy were the only ones who tolerated me.
We both knew it was true. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn I was disliked for being such a show-off. I cringed slightly at the memory. I wasn’t needed there anymore, but here …
I just might be able to help someone else. — Promise? I don’t understand … I thought you’d be ecstatic about this. — Her little broken voice pierced through my heart. Slowly, she glanced towards the window. Turning her back to me.
It took her a stressful amount of time to find her voice again. — What will happen when it inevitably gets bored of you? Or worse … What would happen if it got mad? — Iris faltered; I must admit her fear was a little contagious. Just the image of him being slightly off from his usual calm and cheerful persona terrified me.
Still … even if we barely knew each other. I couldn’t fathom Finch harming anyone. It was quite hard picturing, especially since just less than an hour ago he almost had a panic attack just because he thought he had hurt me. Yet, the possibility of him simply getting bored of this odd dynamic we had going on worried me in a way I couldn’t describe. I just knew it made me feel pathetic.
— When it remembers its instinct … What would you do? — She chocked out. Implying it as some sort of inevitability. The pit of my stomach was eating me alive.
Why was she being ambiguous as hell?! Did she just wanted to scare the shit out of me?! Cause she was doing a great job! He wasn’t like that … right?
The way he looked at me, the way he handled me with immense care. Despite all the damage and destruction his hands were capable of, he had caught my fall as if I was something precious. Someone worth protecting …
That sort of tenderness can’t be faked. —You don’t get it! He means no harm! In fact, he doesn’t even need to eat! — I countered. I was getting irritated at the way she referred to him as some sort of rabid animal. Finch didn’t deserve it.
— Maybe he doesn't. But that doesn’t exclude from the fact that he can! I’ve seen him devouring trees! — She spat while getting annoyingly close. — Are you seriously willing to place your life on a monster?! A male nonetheless?! — My nails were about to pierce through the skin from clenching my fists. Each stinging word burned through my throat. — Cause let me remind you that last time that happened you barely survived!
— Stop it! He’s not human! — I fought the overwhelming urge to swat her away from me. Hot angry tears immediately started falling from my cheeks. How could she say that?! How dare she compare Finch to such cruel and heartless demon?!
— He’s a man! — The fairy screeched louder. All I could see was red. The pulsating pain of my head resumed. Stronger this time, accompanied by a high-pitched scream that I couldn’t help but wonder where the hell It was coming from.
My legs couldn’t hold me much longer. I sucked breath in between my teeth as my knees abruptly met the ground. The shrinking process resumed and I could only manage to curl my body against the floor in defeat. The fluttering of wings came closer.
Why wouldn’t she just leave me alone?! If she had no intent of answering my questions, then I had no reason to acknowledge her further. She was definitely hiding something. But I wasn’t in any condition to press her on the subject.
I just want to lay on my bed, cry until my lungs give in and the room finally stops spinning. I can say goodbye to the mere idea of getting some sleep this week since she just had to bring up the most traumatic experience of my life! Well, it’s not like I needed her help with that …
Up until now, I hadn’t sensed the burning tingle on my left wing. I guess some scars are meant to haunt me forever.
— No, you listen … — my shaky voice rebuked, while I weakly managed to sit up on the floor and sigh. She was going to hate me for this. Oh well. — We don’t even know how much time I’ve got left. Iris … I don’t want you to waste the rest of your life on a lost cause. — I didn’t want to fight. A while ago I had lost the energy for that. But she needed to understand that, no matter how hard she tried, they’d never allow me to come back. Not even if by some miracle I were to find the heart of the forest. My lips unconsciously formed a sad smile. She might never be completely transparent, and I would still care for her.
— Have you lost your mind?! — She lashed out, lowering herself in order to see my face. It might have just been my imagination, but I could’ve sworn I heard her gasp. — … That glimmer in your eyes is dangerous. Why can’t you see that he’s dangerous?! — Her exasperated tone bounced through the magic barrier.
I might be crazy, but I’m not a fool. I knew the risks our odd friendship posed to me. And I was willing to take that leap of faith. Even if that meant my wings wouldn’t catch my fall.
Her gaze remained glued on to me. Anxiously waiting for my response. Perhaps part of her expected me to break the tension by telling her that it was all a joke, like I used to do. But that moment never arrived. In fact, my lips moved before I could even process it. — Y’know … I thought about ending it all before he showed up. — I admitted as I held on to a lock of my hair in search for support; my words were soaked with shame. I couldn’t dare to make eye contact.
— And then the earthquake happened, and I guess that moment … it reminded me that these broken dragonfly wings still craved living, even if it was just for a little longer. — The corners of my lips quirked up slowly as I found Iris staring at me.
I had never seen her so disappointed. Was I wrong for not listening to my instinct for the first time in my life? — I’m sorry … but I won’t break my promise. — I hadn’t exactly explained to her what I had promised. But it wasn’t important right now.
My jaw started to hurt. Why was she so quiet?! Where was the screaming and the berating?! I’m not sure how long it had been, but I had to say something! — To be fair … You were the one that sent me here. — I mumbled, feeling my anxiety fill to the brim up my throat.
Iris’ face immediately scrunched up in disgust and fury. — I only did because I never thought he’d wake up ever again! — She thundered followed by the sound of my own heartbeat. — In fact, why don’t you ask your new “friend” about his little visit to the human village?! It was quite an incident!
I had to tilt my head up as the fairy flew higher. The room started spinning even faster accompanied by my thoughts.
She knew Finch was here all along … and despite that. She lied … the Iris I knew was a lot of things but she wasn’t a liar.
What is she talking about? An incident? Does that mean that the brat back at Marigold wasn’t lying?! “Hope he woke up in a good mood. I’m not sure our little town could take another blow.” His words came to me like a direct punch to the face.
But that doesn’t make any sense! Finch loves humans! Or at least I know he cared a lot of his little friend.
How would I even ask him something like that?! And if I did … Would he get mad at me?
Or perhaps Iris was just making it up to scare me into considering her impossible offer. This was so confusing!
What does she mean by incident?! And why wouldn’t Finch have woken up?!
The fairy turned her back to me with a frustrated grunt. I still couldn’t even try to stand up. Not after everything that she had just admitted in a fit of rage. Then, she fetched her satchel from the counter in complete silence.
That’s how she always was. Never listening to what I had to say, then she usually exploded in anger and finally came the silent treatment. Due to this, I knew she had concluded her visit and was about to leave. The bitter taste on my throat reminded me of anger of my own.
I had so many questions. Questions I knew she would deflect, ignore, or downright lie to my face. Because apparently, she does that!
But my mind felt so foggy. Everything continued to hurt and I just wanted answers. I mumbled out of the blue before she casted a teleporting spell. — Iris … how would you shrink a giant? — My own voice sounded so distant.
Her glare responded to my insanity. — Pfft! So, you’ve officially gone insane … well I don’t know! I’ve never tried something so stupidly impossible! — Iris stated with a rightfully exasperated yelp. I don’t know why I even asked.
The next thing she said though. Made my blood run cold. — What I do know is that you should figure it out by the next full moon. Especially since he’s not done growing.
The fire on her features had left handprints all over her tired expression. — I’ll inform you about the outcome of the reunion. Please, just … consider it.
And just like that. She vanished into thin air, taking the magical barrier along with her. The last thing I remember were my shaky legs dragging closer to my bed with a half-bitten apple in hand.
I was enveloped by a suffocating sweaty force.
My field of view only consisted of twirling fuzzy lights of all colors in a sea on darkness, and my head felt like it was going to burst thanks to the excessive blood that didn’t belong there. Why was I upside down? And why couldn’t I move?!
I growled, begging for my limbs to respond. But it was no use. The leathery force pressed harder against my ribs.
The sound of my muffled screams came from every direction. Except this time, instead of that horrible booming laughter that usually followed. A warm voice surrounded me.
—Lav? — It sounded so powerful and … full of worry. I don’t know why, but I felt myself drawn to it. — Hey, are you okay?! – The voice pondered louder this time.
I wanted to respond. But my voice only came out as grunts and hisses of pain. For an instant, I forgot I had to breathe.
Butterflies filled my stomach. And before I knew it, gravity dragged me into oblivion.
Out of reflex, my body stood up rapidly in a sitting position, gasping desperately for air. Cold sweat dripped down my forehead.
I was swallowed by the sheets of my bed … everything seemed bigger. It took a bit to realize what the hell had happened.
— ARE YOU HURT?! — The entire cabin reverberated and my hands immediately covered my ears. I’d never witnessed such volume from him. I swear I could even feel his voice in my veins!
It was hard not to be terrified! I couldn’t see anything, as my windows were robbed of the dim starlight.
Did he stay here the entire day?
Finally, I was at my real height. All three inches of me were trembling incessantly and that voice I had become fond of, seemed so imposing and out of reach. I couldn’t tell if it was because of my size. But it was so loud! It reminded me how painstakingly careful he had to be around me. The imagery of our current size difference made my stomach turn. I wouldn’t want for him to see me like this … Could he even be able to see me now?
I was definitely the size of one of his eyelashes.
I gulped. Perhaps he could just meet with my heartbeat since it was already through the roof!
“He’s my friend …” that statement began to loop on the background of my mind. — I-I’m fine. I just had a bad dream is all. S-sorry … I didn’t mean to worry you — I mumbled as my hands desperately removed hairs from my forehead. Wait …
— Can you hear me? — I made sure to raise my volume.
“Ask him.” Iris’ words throbbed incessantly, as I was getting back to my senses.
It took a bit for the mountain giant to respond. Although I was mainly focusing on slowing down my pulse.
— I can but, — Finch held his breath. It was mind boggling that even something as subtle as that could highlight his immensity. — … just barely. — he admitted with a hint of terror on his tone. — I’m the one who should apologize. Am I being too loud? I-I can stop talking of you’d like. — the thunderous voice whispered. His volume was still absurd but now it was manageable.
Always so considerate and kind. “Ask him about the village.” I could almost feel Iris nagging me. Gnawing at my skull.
— Don’t, please. — I screamed with the calmest voice I could muster. — Could you just … whisper to me until I fall asleep?
I just couldn’t. No matter how hard I tried. I physically couldn’t bring a potentially dangerous topic. Especially not right now! Perhaps in the future, he’ll even open up to me and I won’t even have to ask. Tonight though, I just wanted to forget everything and sleep.
The giant let out a relieved happy hum. — Alright. — The roaring murmur caressed me with assurance. Like gentle waves that could easily drown me in a second if it were to storm.
This is the same man that got all melancholic and sappy, just by reminiscing on his human friend. The same one that cried over scaring a dear and the further implications of his new size. The same man that, with no questions required, respected my wishes even though he could easily rip out my fake sense of control.
—Before you do fall asleep though, — Finch interjected. The sudden shift tensed my wings anxiously. — Tell me … did you eat anything? — He pondered teasingly and full of curiosity.
A snort escaped my lips as he caught me off guard. — Oh, so you were serious about reminding me?
—Of course I was. — He replied confidently from above. —It would make me really happy if you’d stay alive, y’know? — The booming voice admitted in a playful manner. … And to think I was just about to end my pitiful existence before he showed up. The corners of my mouth quirked up in response to the goosebumps on my sides.
Iris just had to barge into my life again.
To top it all off, if she was somehow telling the truth, the mountain giant still had some growth left.
… And I had no way of stopping it.
