The floor board creaked heavily with every step the man took, the shop too small to contain him. His black cloak covered all but his gloved hands
Ashley's eyes widened as the towering figure approached her. looking up she gulped "h...hello, how can i help you" she asked, taking a step back to make more distance between them even though the counter already blocked him from moving further
He was the man from her dreams, she was sure of it—but how could she confirm that without sounding insane? 'Hey, are you the guy haunting my sleep?' That would be terrifyingly awkward.
Kyle watched the mortal girl, stare at him like he was some mythical creature that spawned out of nowhere to gobble her up, he knew that he had a condescending Aura, he won't be who he is if he didn't— but he wasn't enormous; she was just unusually small
The smell of herbs and healing potions made his stomach churn. He didn't want this place, didn't want small talk—he wanted his bride.
"Where is she?" He asked, turning to Ashley
"She?" Ashley replied darting her eyes around confused, was there supposed to be another girl?
"Yes. don't waste my time. bring her to me" his voice lowered making him more dangerous.
Ashley froze. she ran the shop, the only other female in this building was Leora, realizing that the scary looking man might be here for Leora she felt another headache coming.
She was beginning to regret her decision of letting her sleep longer. Glancing at the brooding man, she squinted trying to catch a glimpse of his face.
Noticing, he turned away "Bring her to me immediately" he said, with a hint of anger in his tone
"I will, right away" Ashley said, moving to go find Leora —just as Leora walks down the stairs letting out a loud yawn.
"How long was I asleep" leora stretched, oblivious of the tension.
Ashley fought back the urge to hit Leora with an iron spoon "long enough for your man to come looking for you" she replied
"Man? What man?" Leora replied, Raising her perfectly curved eyebrow. Ashley tilted her head towards the man standing in front of the counter—glancing at the man then at Ashley, she shrugged quietly mouthing "i don't know him"
Ashley returned the gesture "Me neither"
"She is not the one I seek" Kyle's voice rang out, startling the both girls "bring me my bride" he demanded impatiently.
Ashley glanced at Leora, silently pleasing for help but all she got was a helpless smile "if im not the one he's looking for then it should be you"
Hearing that Kyle looked up from his hood, his silver eye flashing through the hood of his cloak, locking eyes with Ashley, confirming her suspicion and his worries
The blood drained from Ashley's face as she saw the pair of silver eyes that haunted her dreams stared back at her. She didn't understand what the dream meant but the fact she wanted answers didn't mean the universe should bring the scary man in her dreams to life
"You are not dead" Kyle said, surprised. he frowned this had never happened before and it was never supposed to
deadpanned Ashley stared at him. Leora raised both her eyebrows even more confused, she sat on the staircase watching the whole scene unfold, having no idea at what point she should come in.
"Might I ask what you mean by I'm not dead" Ashley asked, trying to wrap her head around the word 'dead', maybe he meant something else like you should be so shocked to see me in real life that you could be dead.
"You have the mark of Ananke, yet you live" Kyle spoke, it sounded more like a question than a statement. He was as confused as she was but for a whole different reason
Hearing the word 'mark' Ashley and Leora's face lit up—the fact that this strange man might have answers to their questions made them want to jump but that happiness was short lived. he stood up walking towards the door
"wait, where are you going?" She yelled, immediately regretting her choice of words
Kyle paused by the door, slightly looking back "I will return" he said vanishing like smoke
As soon as he left, it felt like a veil had been lifted from the shop. The shop seemed to breathe again, colours returning as sunlight streamed through the window, birds chirped outside, and for a moment it all felt normal.
Noticing the change, Ashley frowned wondering who or what just walked into her shop.