Uhh, so where are you taking me, Merlin asked, his voice half curious, half teasing.
I didn't ask you to follow, Sera replied in a plain tone, her eyes fixed forward.
But you implied it, Merlin shot back.
It was a test, she said without turning.
Yeah? For what, Merlin asked.
I'll tell you when we get there.
Well, did I pass? The test, I mean, Merlin said with a touch of sarcasm, raising an eyebrow.
Well, you're following me, aren't you, Sera replied.
I bet if I didn't follow, you would've asked me to anyway, Merlin smirked with full confidence, rolling his eyes.
Sera glanced at him briefly, the corner of her mouth tugging upward. I wasn't really sure you were following until you spoke.
Really? But then you'd have to go through so much trouble to come back and get me if I didn't follow, Merlin's smirk softened into a smile.
You sure have a lot of confidence in yourself, Sera said, chuckling lightly.
What can I say, when you have this level of insurance it's bound to bring confidence, Merlin leaned back a little, as if basking in his own words.
Don't get ahead of yourself, Sera said with a teasing tone.
So, where are you taking me, Merlin pressed.
You'll know soon enough.
Fine then, Merlin sighed, and without warning he dropped himself onto a wooden bench by the roadside. He stretched his arms out across the backrest, tilting his head toward the sky, a playful calm in his expression.
What are you doing? I don't have time for this, Sera asked, slightly annoyed.
Just take a nice seat next to me. You're always working, doesn't a break sound good, Merlin said, patting the empty space beside him.
Sera gave him a long, unreadable look before exhaling softly. Fine. Whatever. She sat down beside him, her hands neatly folded in her lap, back straight like she couldn't fully relax.
For a moment, silence lingered between them. Merlin leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, fingers laced together as if in thought. Then he turned slightly toward her.
So, what do you think about the aspect of coexistence between two dominant species, he asked.
Why are you asking this, Sera replied, glancing at him sideways.
Just curious, Merlin's gaze drifted ahead to the horizon. What if we're only being delusional? I mean, isn't a place like this too good to be true?
And if you figured out the answer, what do you intend to do with it, Sera asked, her tone calm but her eyes sharper than before.
Merlin didn't reply right away. He tilted his head back against the bench, watching the shifting sky.
Why worry when you don't get a say, Sera added as she rose from the bench, brushing off her skirt with composed hands. Wouldn't want all that time to go to waste.
She glanced at him once more, softer this time. Let's go, she said quietly.
Merlin gave a small smile and stood, sliding his hands into his pockets. Fine. He fell into step behind her, the weight of their words still lingering between them.
They arrived at a large but hollow building.
Is this the place? Merlin asked as he glanced around.
I don't have time to make any quick stops, so yes it is, she said plainly, folding her arms.
This place seems so quiet, Merlin said as he rubbed the back of his neck.
That's cuz no one here likes noise, unlike someone I know, Sera said with a hint of humor, her lips curling slightly.
Whatever, Merlin said, brushing off the joke with a wave of his hand.
So you're saying that there's people here? asked Merlin as he tilted his head.
Yes, Sera answered, nodding once.
Suddenly, Merlin felt a chill down his spine. The presence that filled the air was too unsettling.
So you're finally here, a voice emerged from the emptiness.
Merlin snapped his head toward the sound. A tall man wearing a black suit stepped out, his shoes clicking against the floor.
And I assume that's the boy you were talkin
g about? the man said with a devious look on his face as he adjusted his cuffs.