*Only part of the chapter, I will update it and edit it more so it isn't so rough!*

Royce's boots dodged around puddles and branches littering the spotty grass. His boots stirred up the some dust over the chunky gravel road. He ran a few yards ahead of me, his body showing no signs of strain. Fast paced and tedious strategies appeared to be the way Royce went about sneaking around. I tried to keep up with him, pushing myself to go faster, pushing my body past its limits. My legs ached and trembled with every step. Running from Elite Soldiers isn't an activity I was used to from my previous life.

A snap of in the distance makes Royce look around before pushing harder.

Royce slowed once concealed by shadows. I tried, but unsuccessfully avoided slamming into his back, nearly pushing him out into the pale moonlight. His back was warm and strong beneath my touch. My freezing hands warmed while resting on his shirt. My labored breaths became too loud as I gulped for air.

If I didn't get quiet I would reveal us no doubt, but Royce didn't acknowledge my current state.

"Watch it Sora," Royce said with a hint of a smirk. "You might like what you feel with those hands."

I removed my hands, balling them into fists at my side. Why must every man be so callow? "Get over yourself Royce, now's not the time for sexual innuendos."

His eyes twinkled with his Royce-like humor. "Who said it was a sexual innuendo?"

My face burned; I was thankful the darkness kept my cherry red cheeks hidden from his laughing gaze. Damn him!

Royce just laughed at me, a low soft sound that warmed me. "Coast's clear. C'mon now."

He darted across the yard before I had a chance to shove my boot up his ass.

*****

"Wasn't that fun?" Royce asked, sounding slightly breathless. I, on the other hand, felt as if my lungs were being burned alive.

One hand settled on the rough wood of the Barrack door, steadying my while the other rested on my knee. I was fighting to keep down the bread, and trying to not expel my guts in front of Royce. For the love of the gods, please don't let this boy see me throw up, I prayed.

"You look a little rough Firecracker," Royce said. "Too much running?"

I shot him a glare, wishing nothing more than to shove my dagger into his eye. I ran the back of my hand over my mouth, wiping away the saliva accumulated there from dry-heaving. My ragged breathing still causing sharp pains in my lungs.

"Firecracker?"

He shrugged. "Your hair reminds me of a firecracker."

"Why?" I ask harshly. We are not friends, I want to scream. We are doing nothing more but keeping each other alive.

"The loose curls remind me of flames, and your attitude is unpredictable. You can lash out, and set off flames all around you, or you can be calm and rational. Didn't mean harm by it Firecracker," He retorts with a wink.

I huff. I am not unpredictable. And I"m always rational. "We are not friends Royce."

"Oh? Then what are we?"

I stare into his eyes a moment. My cool arms warm under an invisible heat. My hands are very warm too. "We are two people trying to survive and keep each other alive. Nothing more."

His gaze hardens. "If that's what you want to think. But you could use a friend. Maybe it will warm that icebox of yours."

The heat intensifies. "Whatever, let's just go inside." I move to open the door, but Royce's hand grabs my own.

What the hell is he doing?

"What the hell Royce? Get the fuck off of me!" I snap, snatching my hand back. His calloused hand felt nice under mine. I try to push the thought from my head. "Keep your damn hands to yourself."

His nostrils flare a little; he sniffs the air. "Your hands are very warm Sora."

I roll my eyes. "Oh, so now we are back to the Sora shit? Please, for the love of the gods, just stop! I'm warm! So what? I just ran across the kingdom and back trying to keep up with you!"

"Do you smell it?" He asks, un-phased by my remarks. I cross my harms.

"No!"

"Magic," he whispers. "I smell it."

"So?"

"It's not normal Sora! I don't smell it all the time!" His eyes glow with a hint of uncertainty.  What is he talking about?  I smell it all the damn time in this rotten hell hole!

"The smell hangs in the air every day Royce!  I don't understand what you are freaking about about!"

"Sora, no it's not. I never smell it, only when those Elites are around."

"Royce what the fuck-"

"Hey! What are you doing out of your Barrack?" I jump from the sudden shout.  Royce and I both pale as we turn to face the Elite. "You're not supposed to be out here, it's passed curfew." Magic shimmered around the Elite.  And Royce thought the smell was out of place, I thought.

"Get your head out of your ass and get in there before I make you."

"S-sorry sir. It won't happen again," Royce said, grabbing my arm and yanking me inside. The smell of magic stayed outside the Barrack, but inside my nose was assaulted of the horrors waiting within.
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Posted on March 10, 2017.

Edited on March 21, 2017.

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968 words.