Page 60 of X'nath

I raised an eyebrow. “Rest, huh? Is that what you call it? Hiding from me?” The words slipped out before I could stop them, but it was the truth.

Her back stiffened, and she spun to face me, hands on her hips. “I’m not hiding from you, X’nath. I just need some space, alright?”

I took a slow breath, meeting her gaze head-on. “Gracie, I’m not leaving until you tell me what’s really going on. You don’t get to shut me out. Not now. Not after everything we’ve been through.”

She narrowed her eyes at me, but I could see the flicker of uncertainty behind them. “I’m going to rest,” she repeated, turning away and walking toward the hearth again, as if her back could somehow shield her from my questions.

I stayed right where I was, a smirk tugging at my lips. “I’m more than happy to be your blanket, you know.”

Gracie sighed, rubbing her temples. “I don’t need a babysitter, X’nath.”

I leaned back, crossing my arms with a raised brow. “I’m here because you clearly do not need to be alone. And trust me, it’s a lot less disturbing than sitting on babies as you are suggesting. Is this another human custom of yours?”

She turned to face me again, a hint of frustration crossing her features with a hint of amusement. “Oh! That’s not what it means, you big oaf,” she said, rolling her eyes. It was a trait I found endearing. “Whatever, X’nath. Stay if you want. But you’ll have to deal with me being in a mood.”

I flashed a grin, knowing I'd won this round, at least.

“I think I can handle your mood. It’s nothing compared to the monsters I’ve fought.” I moved toward her table, examining the contents on top. “But you know what would help your mood? A cup of tea. A good, strong brew. Maybe something to calm that stubborn mind of yours.”

She raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest, drawing my eyes to the area. She was a clever little female, one who knew my weakness for her. “Tea? You think tea is going to make me feel better?”

I winked at her. “Well, I can’t do magic, but I can brew a simple tea. It’s better than sitting in silence and pretending you don’t need someone.”

Gracie huffed, but she didn’t argue. Instead, she moved to sit on her bed, watching. I took that as a silent invitation to go ahead and make what I assumed was the Nightshade concoction made by Garbock.

I worked quickly, the scent of the brew filling the room. I could feel her eyes on me the entire time, but I didn’t look ather. She needed time, space, and I wasn’t going to rush her. But I wasn’t going anywhere, either.

“Do you always force tea on people?” she asked, her tone softer now, but still guarded.

"Only when someone I care about needs it—and right now, you're the lucky one since Yargol doesn’t drink tea," I said, without a second thought. The words slipped out before I even had a chance to second-guess them, and oddly enough, it felt easier than I expected.

At the mention of his name, Yargol let out an enthusiastic squeak before leaping through the window and darting straight to the bed, settling himself comfortably on Gracie’s lap. A flare of jealousy shot through me, and I scowled at the little weasel. He seemed to sense my shift in mood, twitching his whiskers in a taunting way as if daring me to challenge him.

“My, what is happening here?” Gracie asked innocently, running her fingers through his red fur, making him stretch out further on her lap. She looked at me questioningly.

I eyed the weasel with suspicion. "You think you can just waltz in here and claim her lap like that, Yargol?"

The weasel flicked his tail and gave a small squeak, clearly not at all intimidated by me. I could almost swear he smirked, his little beady eyes glinting in the dim light.

Gracie chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the scene. "Oh, come on, X'nath. You’ve got to share. He’s just being friendly."

“Friendly?” I scoffed. “He’s stealing my attention, that’s what he’s doing.”

Yargol tilted his head, as if to say,Not my fault you're a slow learner.

I stepped closer to the bed, handing Gracie the tea. “You know, I’ve fought more dangerous things than you. If you want to keep your place here, you might want to show some respect.”

Yargol responded by licking his paw and then giving me a disdainful glance, like I was nothing but an inconvenience. He then curled up tighter on Gracie’s lap, utterly unbothered.

I turned to her, throwing my hands up in mock defeat. “This is what I get? A weasel who can’t even be intimidated by a warrior?”

Gracie grinned, taking a sip of the tea before running a hand through Yargol’s fur once more. “I think he’s winning this one, X'nath.”

I muttered under my breath, “I’ll have to start bringing him snacks if he thinks he’s got this much power over me.”

Yargol let out another squeak, as if in agreement, before settling in even further.

“Alright, you little traitor,” I muttered. “Just wait until I find a bigger, scarier pet. You’ll see who gets the lap then.”

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