The Rise of Nix
Chapter 8

Nix’s joyful laugh filled the night, jumping past the other villagers’ voices, which made her stand out even more from the crowd. Peeking out from one of the huts, Deimos watched in fascination as Nix joked around with her friends, her body language revealing she was relaxed. Luckily, the village is busy as people move around, drinking and eating next to the fire. Deimos wishes he could join her, but he does not know how to worm himself into this group. Time is running out as the vial in his pocket vibrates from the closeness of its intended. The warmth it emits is also growing more potent with the magic building inside, and he had no idea how long he had before it vanishes.

Stepping forward, Deimos snuck behind the hut closest to him, setting him up within a hearing distance of Nix and her companions.

“So, any news from the formidable leader, Maverick?” asked the redhead sitting next to Nix.

“No, but I did see him yesterday by the bathing pond,” replied Nix.

“Ooh, anything interesting happen?”

“No, but there was a stranger before Maverick showed up.”

With the mention of his presence, Deimos leaned closer, eager to hear her response.

“And...” the redhead dragged out the word, waiting for her friend to spill the details.

From his vantage point, Deimos could only see Nix’s back and how her spine straightened with her story about him.

“Well, his name is Deimos, and he was passing through. Joined me in the pond without my permission.” relayed Nix.

The redhead’s mouth dropped open, her eyes growing wide. “Wait, so did you-”

“No, I did not.” interrupted Nix, ” but let’s just say I saw a lot.”

The redhead giggled, clamping a hand over her mouth, with Nix joining in.

“And what did you think?”

Deimos smirked at the mention of his member, knowing he was blessed but would she think the same? Glancing around to confirm no stray villagers, Deimos sprinted closer, clutching the tent as he listened, nothing now between him and the group.

“Well, let us just say it was a BIG surprise.” Nix laughed at her admission, the sound drifting past Deimos as he closed his eyes, savouring her presence.

“No, you didn’t.”

“What else was I to do? He undressed right in front of me with no warning. Of course, I was going to sneak a peek.”

The tall man beside the redhead began laughing as she joined in, their hands intertwined while resting in her lap. Good, Deimos thought. One less male he had to worry about that could steal Nix’s attention.

“It is not funny.” defended Nix, her arms folding over her chest.

Standing up, the redhead stepped over a log to drop down next to Nix, a hand on her shoulder. “I am sorry, but he seems like the perfect man for you.”

“And how is that?”

“Well, it means he is not scared in your presence. You don’t intimidate him.”

“That is because he does not know me yet. In any case, he is probably long gone.”

“Not by a long shot,” whispered Deimos, happy that she had thought about him but not as much as he had been thinking of her.

Letting out a yawn, the redhead stood up, stretching her arms above her head. “As fun as this was, I think it is time we go to bed.”

“I agree.” standing up, Nix tightly hugged her friend as she whispered in her ear. Deimos was too far away to hear, but he was glad, for it could be personal.

After hugging the man, the two held hands as they entered their hut, leaving Nix alone. With a final glance, she stepped over the bench, but her foot caught the edge, and she went tumbling to the ground. On instinct, Deimos jerked forward to help but froze as a giggle escaped her instead of a moan. Pushing her upper body, Nix turned around, laying on her back as she gazed up at the night sky. More soft giggles escaped her chest as her hands lazily swung in the air as if she were drawing an invisible picture. Scanning the area for people, Deimos noticed they were alone with nobody to help her. He assumed she was drunk from all the sips she took from the bag, internally cursing her for allowing herself to be exposed like this but luckily, he was here to help her.

“Why do you hate me?” asked Nix to the void, her arms dropping by her side. “Why have you made me like this in a world not ready for me?”

Moving closer, Deimos’ heart broke at the sight. He knows she is unique, and she knows she is special, but the world is yet to see it, and for that, she must hate her life.

“Please give me a sign. Any sign that would show me my purpose. Please.” begged Nix, but as expected, there was no reply. With a huff, Nix slowly got up with dirt clinging to her body. Ignoring her state, she looked back to the night, a fist swinging at the sky. “If you are there or not, I do not know, but mock my words. I will become powerful enough to save the innocents in this world you have abandoned.”

Hope burst in Deimos as he stepped forward, not caring if she saw him. He needed to tell her that she had a purpose, would be powerful and was not alone.

“Nix.” speaking gently, Deimos moved closer to Nix. Her head shot in his direction as she squinted her eyes to make out his figure.

“Who are you?” mumbled Nix as the effect of the alcohol began to get stronger. Swaying side to side, Deimos acted fast as she passed out, her body slumping into his arms as her head rolled back.

“I’ve got you,” whispered Deimos.

Scooping her up and holding her close to his chest, Deimos proceeds to her hut, remembering he saw her leave home earlier. As the place came into view, a soft moan escaped Nix and glancing down, his heart burst. She looked so peacefully as she slept, the lines on her face smooth as the weight of the world lifted for those sweet moments of calm. They entered her small hut, and he spied the straw bed in the corner, gently placing her down. Covering her sleeping form and stepping back, Deimos silently watched her for a while as his mind spun in circles. She knows she is unique, but how will he tell her about their mission and the power she is about to inherit? Scratching his head, Deimos glanced about her space, spotting a folded cover and grabbing it. Dropping to the floor, he wrapped himself in the material as sleep began to drift over him with Nix the last thing he sees as blackness consumes him.