The Rise of Nix
Chapter 14

“Nix, you need to wake up and get out here. Maverick is here....” the sentence cut off as Mary entered Nix’s hut, the sight before her faltering her words.

The sudden noise shot Nix awake as she jumped from her bed, ready to attack the intruder. Deimos did the same, landing in a lowered position, his eyes landing on the redhead with her eyes wide and mouth agape.

“I am sorry for interrupting,” Mary suddenly blushed, ashamed for walking into something she should not have witnessed.

Nix shook her body as the last tendrils of sleep vanished, pulling her head high as she walked to her friend, unable to hide the slight smile forming at the image her friend must be seeing funny. “You did not. I was helping Deimos for the night since he is new to the village.”

After assessing the threat as a friendly face, Deimos quickly straightened, fixing his shirt as he went. “My name is Deimos,” he introduced, offering a hand to Mary as he displayed a dazzling smile.

The sight of the man paused Mary before she composed her composure, accepting his hand, blushing even more. “It is once to meet you, Deimos,” breathed Mary before looking to Nix. “He is just as handsome as you said.”

Now it was Nix’s turn to blush as her cheeks turned scarlet while giving Mary a ‘you are not funny’ look, causing the redhead to laugh, her bosom shaking as she let out a high-pitched giggle. “What,” Mary torted between laughter, “I am just glad to put a face to the man that made a ‘huge’ impact in my friend’s life.”

Mary and Deimos turned to look at Nix, with Mary winking as she emphasized the word huge, their earlier conversation about his manhood coming to mind, while Deimos cocked an eyebrow with his head slightly turned.

Nix silently screamed for the earth to open up and swallow her whole, but it was no use. All she could do was endure this embarrassing moment, hoping and praying that Deimos had no idea what her friend was talking about. With a clap of her hand, Nix stepped forward, eyeing her friend. “Thank you for stopping by, but don’t you have little ones to feed?” asked Nix, using her eyes to beg Mary to leave.

Deimos’ gaze sprang between the two ladies, landing on Mary as she returned his look, a smirk visible. “Why don’t you stay?” he offered, “I would love to get to know Nix’s friends better.”

“No, you-” Nix tried to interrupt, but Mary beat her to the punch.

“Sounds like a marvellous idea. I have so many stories to tell you,” Mary said as she took hold of the curtain and pulled it open.

“I think we should start with the embarrassing ones.” Deimos pointed out. Before Nix could protest, Deimos led Mary outside as he followed behind, the curtain dropping back in place, leaving her alone.

All her worst moments flashed before her eyes, already embarrassed by what her friend would tell Deimos. But it also made her wonder why she cared. Why would it be wrong if Mary told him how her first kiss ended up in a bloody nose? Or how she almost flashed the entire village after she wore pants for the first time?

Straightening the room as she mewed over her life, Nix told herself that she did not care. That he can hear her whole life’s story and know all the bad and good that has happened, it does not matter. But it did. She could lie to herself as much as she wanted, but the man had grown on her over the last couple of days. Not only has he lit up her body like non before him, but he also challenges her mentally. And now, they are connected with the magic; he says running through her body. Mindlessly dropping the fur blanket on her bed, Nix used the reflection of the water bowl next to her bed to fix her features. First, splashing the cold liquid on her face, she washed away the last of sleep, the slight shock waking her completely. As the surface settled while she dried off, Nix used her fingers to comb through her blond mane, getting irritated by the non-cooperation. Some days she had been tempted to cut it all off, adding more whispers to her already weird life, but she stopped before she could muster up the willpower. Her hair is her pride and joy for all the hard work she has done in this life. She had taken care of it, always keeping it clean, even if her body was not. As a child, before the death of her parents, she used to love playing with her mother’s hair. Their bonding time was a memory she had not forgotten. As Nix had braided her mom’s hair, her angelic voice filled their hut as she sang. Songs about the Gods, songs about heroes, and on rare occasions, words filled with sorrow and regret. Over the years, Nix has forgotten what she sang. Still, she clung to the memory of her sweet voice accompanied by the feeling of her soft and smooth hair between her fingers, the smell of berries and wood drifting to her nose as she swept tendrils up, loving to watch it fall back down like the proud waterfall cascading down a cliff.

A soft splash pulled Nix back as she realized she was crying, her previous life saddening memory. Wiping away the droplets, she quickly tugged her hair back, tying it at the nape of her neck. A few short tendrils escaped, but she ignored them. Happy with the results, Nix bit back the abrupt fear of facing Deimos and Mary while not knowing what she had told him. Leaving her hut, Nix almost bumped into some passersby, smiling in apology as she dodged around them, making her way to the fire, hoping that was where they were. The centre is alive as more bodies pack around, an unusual sight for this early in the morning. A few of them bid her morning as Nix replied with a smile, all while keeping an eye out for a redhead and dark head, most likely bent close together as they whispered and laughed about her most humiliating moments. A gleam of red flashed in the side of her vision, but strong fingers wrapped around her wrist before she could turn, sending tiny sparks up her arm.

“Hope you are not ignoring me, beautiful?” asked a deep male voice.

Recognition instantly flared as Nix turned towards Maverick, a smile visible. Another man is evoking reactions within her, ones she can not explain but secretly loves.

“Good morning, Maverick,” Nix said, happiness blooming as she met his dazzling smile while his dark gaze settled on her.

“Good morning to you as well,” began Maverick, “But where have you been hiding lately?”

“Been helping out a friend,” replied Nix, unable to focus straight as the fingers on her wrist remained, the warmth from them spreading up her own.

Stepping closer, Maverick towered over Nix as he bent his neck to be face to face. The sudden closeness forced her to drag in a deep breath, Mavericks’s manly scent clinging to the air, “And would you consider me a friend?” he purred, warm breath brushing over Nix’s already heated skin.

Being this close while her body reacted out of tune, Nix knew she had to put a space between them; otherwise, she might just do something she would regret. Having feelings for two men is fine, but to drag them both along is just cruel. Right now, her attention had to be on Deimos. Not just romantically but also as a mentor. Something is growing inside her, and Deimos is the only one who can help.

Pulling in her hand, the hold on her wrist slipped away, and as she stepped back, she looked up at Maverick, noticing a flash of pain before his smirk returned. “But of course, Maverick. I have not forgotten about our little hunting trip. I am eager to show you how females hunt. Some would say it is far better than the rough style of men.”

Straightening up, Maverick let out a bellowing laugh as his gaze swept Nix up and down. “You think yourself better than me?” his voice held humour, alerting Nix that he was not offended by her jab at him, as other men would feel insulted and angry to be put down by a woman.

“Surely a hunt would prove that?” replied Nix as she rested her hand on her hips.

Slowing down his laughter, Maverick sobered up, folding his arms over his chest, his eyes glued to Nix’s

“Then we shall go soon. Just say when and where.”

“I will,” said Nix, “And don’t worry, I will go easy on you. We don’t want to hurt your big ego, now do we.”

Maverick shook his head as he smiled, loving the banter between him and Nix, another sign that she might be his mate, and the hunt will be a perfect time to show her he was more than capable of providing everything she might need.

“It is on.” Maverick accepted the challenge.

“Maverick.” a female voice yelled.

As both turned towards the person, Nix’s heart dropped to her stomach as she noticed the hair first. Auburn curls bounced gently as she walked, the soft wind blowing her hair back while it stayed perfect. Light blue eyes focused on the man next to Nix as she observed Leela, jealousy clawing at her as the woman neared. Beautiful is a word unable to match her standard. Dark eyebrows framed the blue eyes perfectly as a small, slightly pointed nose sat below it, just above full lips, which are always cherry red. As people cleared the path for Leela, Nix couldn’t help but admire her figure. Her breasts were small but firm as they nestled above the tiniest waist on any female, followed by slightly protruding hips and a flat stomach. But her best features had to be her legs, long and toned, slightly darker thanks to the sun. Nix’s legs were fine, but she felt pudgy with her broad hips compared to Khan’s daughter.

Leela ignored Nix as she stepped next to Maverick, her hand snaking over his forearm, resting there as she glanced up at him, her lips pouting. “You left before I awoke this morning.”

Maverick quickly shot Nix a sympathetic look before smiling at Leela. “I am sorry, but I had things to do.”

“I know. Being a leader is hard work,” explained Leela, her high-pitched voice dropping low but still loud enough for Nix to hear. “But the bed was cold without your warm body next to me.”

Nix knew Maverick was a specimen of a man hungered by all the females here, but to lower himself to Leela, he must indeed be desperate. Nix cleared her throat with a smirk, making both turn towards her.

“I don’t mean to interrupt, but I am heading out, ” Nix said, looking at Maverick as she spoke before focusing on Leela, who was reeking of disdain as she looked at Nix. “I will let you know about our hunting trip soon, Maverick. I can’t wait to spend the whole day alone with you.”

Without waiting to hear Leela’s reaction, Nix turned and fled, her sudden act of courage dissipating as she walked away, but not before she marvellous at the woman’s shocked face and mouth hanging open. Never before had she been able to stand up to the girl, but the way she threw herself onto Maverick had just pushed the wrong button. Hopefully, Leela’s revenge wont be as bad, Nix prayed while continuing her search for her friends.

After finding Deimos and Mary, she had been glad to see them joking and chatting, the subject James and not her embarrassing past. They sat by the far reaches of the camp, just in front of the trees, their back to the people as they watched nature spring alive. Sneaking up behind them, Nix remained silent the closer she got, a plan to scare them formulating. Gently stepping over broken branches and dried leaves, she edged closer, watching their heads move as they laughed.

“I swear, that is how it happened,” Nix heard Mary say, “His face was red and itchy, which took three days to heal. All because he swore the plant was edible and wanted to prove a point.”

Deimos’ hearty laughter echoed around them, making Nix smile as she closed on them. One point to Deimos for gaining her friend’s trust, a feat few have tried and failed. Maybe she could see a future with him, but first, they need a long conversation about her state and why he chose her.

Children’s screams and yelling interrupted the moment, forcing the pair to turn towards the sound, blowing Nix’s plans up. She froze a few feet from their perched forms as Deimos made eye contact with her. Nix swore she saw his eyes light up and his smile broadened, but it could all be in her mind.

“Were you trying to scare us?” asked Deimos, his head cocked to the side.

Dropping her shoulders in defeat, Nix walked around them, dropping herself onto the open space on the log, not even answering him.

“All the time,” explained Mary, smiling at her friend. “It is quite irritating if you ask me.”

“That is what you get for gossiping about others.” retorted Nix. Leaning slightly forward, her gaze clashed with Deimos as he leaned forward, Mary’s well-developed bosom blocking their view.

“Sounds fun,” remarked Deimos as he winked at Nix.

“Says the one who has not been the subject of the said scare,” said Mary, but Nix was mesmerized by Deimos and his wink. An act so simple was sending butterflies wildly flapping around in her stomach as heat crawled up her neck and face. Their gazes remained on each other, and the longer they looked, the more Nix felt an emotion stir. Excitement. Happy. Whatever it was, she loved it.

“Hello. Anyone there.” a slight shove followed the words as Nix shook her head before looking at her friend.

“Sorry, what was that?”

Mary huffed as she stood up, turning to Nix with her hands perched on her hips. “Clearly, I am interrupting something. Maybe I should leave you two alone.”

“Please don’t go. I didn’t mean to be rude.” Nix quickly jumped up to stop her friend, but Mary just smiled.

“You weren’t rude. I have to prepare the kid’s meals. I had just come over to tell you about the visitors, but you were already preoccupied.”

“Are you sure?”

Mary smiled as she reached for her friend, hugging her as she squeezed hard. “I like him,” Mary whispered next to Nix’s ear. “You should keep him.”

Nix just rolled her eyes as Mary pulled back. Turning to Deimos, she nodded farewell before leaving, her plump behind disappearing into the crowd.

With her friend gone, the air became thick as silence clung to them, the sounds from the lively village drifting away with the wind. Sitting back down, Nix played with her fingers as she watched in fascination, the hairs on the nape of her neck standing straight, her skin tingling as she felt Deimos’ stare. Clearing her throat, she built up the courage and twisted her upper body to face him.

“So, how about that explanation now?”

Standing up, Deimos offers a hand to Nix. She looked at it before up at him, confusion on her face. “Let’s go for a walk. I fear there are too many wandering eyes and ears for my liking,” he said, scanning the field over her head.

“Fine,” exclaimed Nix. Rising, she took the hand he offered, marvelling at the softness of his palm.

Pulling her behind him, Deimos made his way into the trees as he followed the path carved from years of people using this trail. A few familiar signs became visible as he remembered the direction they had taken to the pool, but he wanted privacy for what was coming next, and being in a place frequented by others was not ideal. As the trees thickened and the sunlight dimmed, Deimos veered right instead of left where the pool was. Moss darkened the ground as the usual path became less visible, nature reclaiming itself.

“Where are we going?” asked Nix a while later after she noticed the way he was leading her. She thought he would have chosen their old spot, but he had other plans.

As branches became thicker, a small clearing appeared ahead, forcing Deimos to part it for them. Breaking through a dense amount of trees, Deimos released Nix’s hand, an emptiness filling her from the loss of his heat, and pushed away a breach as Nix ducked through, Deimos following behind. Sharp sunlight momentarily blinded them, but as Nix became accustomed, she let out a “Wow.”

“Gorgeous, I know,” remarked Deimos as he scanned the open field, admiring it all. “When I travelled to your village, I passed this place, the beauty almost knocking me over. I thought you would love it.”

Open-mouthed and shocked, Nix moved deeper into the valley. Trees are lined in a circle, almost the same size as the washing pool, leaving a clearing open filled with various flowers and bushes. Reaching out, Nix gently brushed her open palms over some delicate yellow flowers, their height reaching her mid-thigh. Bending over, she took a deep breath to smell them, a familiar sweetness hitting her nose. Careful not to flatten any flowers, she kept wandering, breaching the wall of flowers and stepping onto the greenest grass she had ever seen. A voice deep within her awoke, murmuring for her to feel the softness. Removing her shoes quickly, Nix lowered her foot onto the ground, holding back the moan that almost escaped from the pure bliss she felt. This was new: the voice and her instant connection to mother nature. Stepping further, she spun around, her face lit with pure joy.

“This is amazing,” exclaimed Nix.

“I knew you would-” began Deimos but faltered as Nix suddenly vanished.

Letting out a giggle, Deimos passed the flowers to step onto the grass, amusement visible as he watched a laughing Nix roll over the soft green, her eyes closed.

“Is this bliss?” asked Nix, opening her eyes to catch Deimos intently staring at her. “What?”

“You just seem so happy,” replied Deimos.

Throwing her head back, Nix rubbed her body against the ground before rolling around. A giggle interrupted her moment as her eyes shot open to glare at Deimos.

“Why is it so funny? Do you not know how to have fun?”

Deimos extended another hand which Nix reluctantly took, silently promising to roll around in the grass when an opportunity arose. Shaking off some dirt clinging to her clothes, Nix tilted her head as she watched Deimos. “So what now?”

“Now it is time you train. But before we begin, do you have any questions?”

Glancing around, Nix swept her gaze over the small paradise, the feeling of familiarity clinging to her mind. “Why does this place seem so familiar?”

“Because this is your anchor to magic.”

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