Child Of Time

Grey's mind raced, trying to keep up with the shifting dynamics between them. The chains were gone, and yet the strange tension between them persisted—like a predator circling its prey. He could still feel her eyes on him, watching, waiting. He wasn't sure what she was after, but every fiber of his being screamed that he was in danger.

"So... what is it you want from me?" Grey asked, his voice steady, though uncertainty crept in at the edges. He wasn't one to let fear show, but something about this girl unsettled him. Every question he asked seemed to fall into a void.

Her lips curved into a playful smile, and she took a step closer, her movements slow and deliberate. "What I want?" she echoed, her voice lilting. "Hmm... maybe I just want to get to know you better. A handsome face like yours deserves a little attention, don't you think?"

Grey blinked, caught off guard by her response. His brow furrowed, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words.

'What?'

He wasn't sure if she was mocking him or being serious. He'd faced down warriors, monsters, and worse without flinching, but this? Her flippant attitude—especially in the middle of a life-or-death situation—made his skin crawl.

He cleared his throat, forcing himself to ignore the compliment. "I'm serious," he said, his voice sharper now. "Why did you spare me? What's is it that you want from me?"

Grey's voice was steady, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of uncertainty.

The girl's lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile. She took a leisurely step closer, her movements fluid and graceful.

"Patience," she replied, her tone teasing. "I'll explain in due time.

Her eyes, an unending expanse of deep, mesmerizing blue, seemed to reach into Grey's very soul. The ethereal beauty of her gaze held an almost hypnotic quality, making it impossible for anyone to ignore or look away. There was an unsettling power in those eyes, a magnetic force that seemed to pulse with a subtle, commanding presence. A shiver of unease ran down Grey's spine as he struggled to maintain his composure. The feeling of submission crept up again, gnawing at the edges of his mind like an insistent, invisible force, as if her gaze was exerting a subtle pressure, pushing him to obey her.

The girl extended her hand once more, her fingers elegant and poised, reaching toward him with an inviting gesture. Her movement was graceful, and the very air seemed to shimmer slightly around her, as if her presence was subtly warping the atmosphere.

"…"

Grey's gaze flicked from her face to her outstretched hand, his skepticism apparent. Her eyes were fixed on him with an almost predatory curiosity, making him feel as if he were being scrutinized and judged.

"Are you going to take it or not?"

she asked, her tone carrying a playful edge as she pouted slightly. Her voice, sweet and melodic, seemed to wrap around him, carrying an undertone of authority that made it difficult to resist her command.

Grey remained motionless, his eyes locked onto her hand with a pained expression. His body was stiff, every slight movement causing him discomfort, and the ice that encased his shoulder was a visible sign of his inability to use mana.

"Hey, come on, take it. It's not good to make a lady wait,"

she added, her voice laced with a teasing charm that seemed to tug at his willpower.

"I can't move,"

"..."

Grey said through clenched teeth, his eyes shifting toward his shoulder, which was completely encased in a thick layer of ice.

The girl's gaze followed his, and her eyes widened slightly as she took in the sight of his frozen shoulder. The ice was not just a physical barrier but also a symbol of his inability to use mana, which meant he couldn't heal himself. Since she had first seen him, he had either been fleeing or questioning her, never once revealing the full extent of his pain. The sight of him now, with arrows lodged in his body and blood staining his clothes, was a stark contrast to the composed façade he had maintained. Was he truly mana-less?

Despite not using mana, he had managed to put up an impressive fight. She recalled the two arrows he had aimed at her eyes, which had even given her a shiver of fear. As she observed him now, her eyes glowed with a fierce intensity, the power to charm and compel subtly emanating from her gaze. Her ability to control others was both a blessing and a curse, and she used it with practiced ease.

Her examination revealed the extent of his injuries: bones fractured, cracked, or shattered, arteries damaged, and his entire form broken from the inside out. Even she was astonished by how he managed to keep moving despite such severe trauma.

Her gaze settled on his calm face, his yellow eyes piercing through her with a cold, unyielding intensity. There was no trace of discomfort or pain on his face, only an unwavering, almost defiant gaze that seemed to challenge her.

'Heh, I guess I made the right choice,'

she thought, bending down on one knee. She reached into her storage ring and retrieved a potion, the liquid inside glowing with a soft, healing light. It was a high-grade potion, known for its potent restorative properties. As she approached him, she said firmly,

"Open your mouth."

The boy didn't comply, his mouth remaining firmly shut as he looked at her with a mixture of suspicion and pain. The power of her eyes, usually enough to bend wills, seemed to falter against his strong resolve.

"Sigh, it's not poison,"

she said, her frustration beginning to seep into her voice. Her eyes, glowing with their inherent power, still couldn't sway him.

"Open your mouth, Grey Ravenwood,"

she commanded, her tone brooking no argument.

Grey's eyes widened slightly, and he opened his mouth just a fraction. However, he quickly clamped it shut again, placing his hand over his mouth to prevent any further movement.

'Haaa, this guy,'

she muttered, exasperated. A vein appeared on her forehead as she gently nudged him, her patience wearing thin. She took a sip of the potion herself, demonstrating its harmlessness. "Here, see? It's not poison."

The potion, high-grade and potent, was designed to heal and rejuvenate. As she drank, Grey remained guarded, watching her every move with wary eyes.

"Ugh,"

she sighed, frustrated by his continued reluctance.

"If you don't want it, then fine."

Reluctantly, Grey removed his hand but still refused to open his mouth, glaring at her with a mix of defiance and distrust.

'How cute,'

she thought, finding his stubbornness oddly endearing. He reminded her of a wary cat, hesitant but longing for a treat.

'Well, he does look like a cat,'

she mused with a small smile. She carefully placed the potion at his lips, guiding it toward him. As the potion touched his red lips, he drank slowly, and his eyes widened in surprise. The moment the liquid entered his mouth, he felt a soothing warmth spreading through his body, the healing effect palpable as his wounds began to mend.

As Grey's expression softened with relief, she felt an unexpected urge to pat his head. However, as her hand moved closer, a sudden wave of killing intent emanated from him.

"...!?"

she exclaimed, startled by the sudden shift in his demeanor.

Grey's previously gentle eyes were now staring at her with a cold, piercing gaze. She quickly withdrew her hand, her face flushing slightly as she cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure.