Ruh Roh (One on One)

There was no answer.

 

Again, there was no reply.

 

The house was dark and silent.

 

Rowan was not in the shack.

The building had an opening in the floor at the end of the house, revealing the dark waters below. Shelves were against the wall and they were filled with old tombs and potions that swirled with iridescent light, casting blue and green shadows on the walls. The floor was creaky, and a cot sat next to the door, a kerosene stove and a tin mug tucked neatly under it. A hamper of old, woolen blankets stood by the water, which, upon inspection, was glittering with an aqua sheen. The remains of a fire rested in the fireplace, a solitary ember watching Tez enter the room. The air was cold and still, but smelt distinctly of pine and citrus. His sweater and trousers were folded neatly by the water.

 

He would return in about half an hour, coming up to the surface and gasping for breath. He rested his forehead on his hands, trying to catch his breath, his pale skin glistening with water.

 

He took deep breaths before pulling himself out of the water and pulling a blanket around himself, shivering violently. He looked up and saw her and froze, looking suddenly terrified.

 

The cut on his neck had healed, leaving a scar that crossed with his others. He stood at the edge of the water, looking completely thrown for a loop, his brows furrowed nervously as his eyes darted around as if looking for an escape.

"What are you doing here?"

 

"You shouldn't be here," he said harshly, picking up his clothes, never taking his eyes off her warily. "You weren't supposed to come."

 

He maintained his distance, slipping his clothes on and trying to maneuver around the water without getting too close to her.

"What exactly did you think was going to happen, here?"

 

He sighed, tilting his head.

"You can't leave now," he said flatly. "It's not safe out there."