Paranoia

There was nothing worse than feeling something no one else did. I spent my whole life different from everyone else. I didn't think the same way, I didn't act the same way, and I didn't have the same goals. As much as my family and the people of my village tried to connect with me, there was always a barrier. I wanted it to not bother me. But it did. Especially when what I was feeling was negative and no one else around me could relate.

I knew someone was following us. I just knew it. It was like someone was constantly staring at me. When I tried to look behind me… there was nothing. I just wanted to get to Ohtesh as quickly as possible. Maybe then, the feeling would go away. Hopefully, it would. I didn't know what to do if it didn't.

Alder and Stolas had gotten increasingly annoyed whenever I rushed them. Mainly, Stolas. He didn't see why we had to rush more than we already were. Alder had agreed and said that going too fast would tire us out. I was already tired. I couldn't sleep because I was too scared something might happen. It was better to be safe than sorry.

We had just left another village. It was much larger than the last couple, indicating that we were getting closer to the kingdom. The sun's rays had just started peeking over the horizon, casting a cool light on the road ahead. I shouldered my bag and walked quickly. Flops was trailing behind with Alder and Stolas.

Stolas let out a yawn. "Empyrians, I'm tired. We barely had time to digest our breakfast."

"Well," Alder's voice was deep and scratchy in the morning. It somewhat eased my nerves. "A brisk walk does help digestion."

"Brisk." Stolas huffed. "We're practically running."

"We need to hurry." I mumbled.

"The capital isn't running away."

"No. It isn't." But something was coming towards us.

I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. A shiver ran down my spine. There was definitely something or someone following us. I stopped walking and turned around. My eyes scanned the terrain. I couldn't see anything but I could feel it. I don't know why I was the only one feeling it. Stolas and Alder were acting like everything was okay. It wasn't okay.

Something tugged me backwards. "First you're rushing us, and now you're just stopping? What is with you?"

I tried to pry Stolas's hand off of me. "Someone's following us!"

"No one is following us." He sighed and rolled his eyes. "Alder and I would've noticed."

"But it's true! I can feel it. Someone is watching us."

"You're being delusional."

"You're being too relaxed." I turned around and glared up at him. "We need to stay on our toes."

"No, you need to calm down. Is this why you've been acting so weird?' Stolas asked. "I almost miss your annoying singing."

Alder put his hand on Stolas's shoulder. "That was not nice, Stolas. She is just scared."

"I'm not scared." I looked around once again. "I'm just… there's something out there!"

There was a loud snap in the bush next to us. I jumped back, lowering my body and reaching for my daggers. Nothing would attack me first. I had the upper hand. Before I could stop her, Flops bounded forward towards the bush. A flash of red and black jumped out from the leaves and lunged at Flops. I lunged forward as well, tackling the hidden figure to the ground. I pressed one dagger against their throat, the other to their side.

"Why are you following us?!"

"Woah, woah! Hold your horses." A familiar smile leered back up at me.

I frowned, keeping the dagger firmly against her skin. "Divine Sister?! What are you doing here?!"

She shrugged. "I wanna come with you guys."

"Cahira." Alder placed a hand on my shoulder. "You can get off her now."

I frowned and got off her. I sheathed my daggers before picking Flops. I stepped back from the Divine Sister. I knew it. I knew someone was following us. My eyes narrowed suspiciously to hide my fear. Stolas looked surprised, but then his expression matched mine. He watched with careful eyes as she stood up and dusted herself off. She took off her veil, revealing her bouncy ginger curls. She tried smoothing down her hair.

"So someone was following us." Stolas glanced back at me. "Good job, little elf."

My nose scrunched. "Thanks. That definitely means a lot coming from you."

Stolas turned his attention back to her. "What was your name?"

"Malvolia." She put her veil back on, making sure the eye on the front wasn't crooked.

"Right. So… you wanted to come with us?"

"Correct."

"Then," Stolas said, stepping forward. His wings twitched slightly. "Why didn't you just ask when we left that village? Was there a reason you were stalking us?"

"Stolas." Alder let out a tired sigh.

Malvolia put her hands up in defense. "I wouldn't call it stalking. But I first had to convince the Apostle if I could leave. I was lagging behind and didn't want to cause you guys trouble."

Stolas hummed. He slowly circled her like he was a bird of prey. I tried to swallow the rising dread inside of me. The mention of the Apostle had his words playing in my brain. It didn't seem like she was on good terms with him, considering how he scolded her for fighting. But she was still creepy. That smile was something I would see in my nightmares. 

"I do not see why she cannot join us." Alder spoke suddenly.

Stolas stopped circling her. He grimaced and stepped back. "If it's fine with you."

Malvolia smiled. "Oh, goodie!! Thank you."

"What?!" My eyes widened. "No way! She was stalking us!"

Malvolia shrugged. "Like I said, not stalking. Just following from behind."

"That's practically the same thing." I hissed before turning to Stolas. "You don't trust her, right? You don't trust anyone!"

Stolas shrugged. "I follow what my king says."

I stiffened. Flops nuzzled against my chest. I held her tighter. "This is bullshit!"

"Cahira. Come here." Alder's voice was stern as he grasped my arm and took me several steps away.

"This is unfair, Alder!"

He turned me to him, putting his hands on my shoulders. "Why? What is so wrong with letting her join us? We are going the same way."

"Because."

His tone softened as he lowered his head to try and meet my gaze. "Little blossom, you must tell me what is wrong. You have been keeping your emotions hidden. It is not good for you."

I bit my lip and hesitated. He didn't understand. Of course he didn't. He didn't see Malvolia as a threat, just a passerby going the same direction. I saw her as a threat. I didn't know why, but the feeling in my gut was so strong, I couldn't see her as harmless. It was so frustrating. I didn't want to feel this way anymore. Especially since I was alone in my fear.

"There's something wrong, Alder. With the Divine Sister, the Apostle-"

"The Apostle." Alder frowned. "Did his words bother you?"

I sheepishly nodded. "It didn't help that Malvolia was creepily staring at me the entire time."

He reached out and cupped my cheek. "You should have told me. You do not need to worry, Cahira. His words are only that. They do not hold any power or meaning. You are doing just fine. Do not let a stranger dictate your life. Do not let fear poison your soul."

"I know. I feel ridiculous about it. It's just…"

"It is alright." He leaned down and pressed a kiss on my forehead. "Malvolia will only be with us for a short while. Nothing will happen to you. I will protect you. Trust me."

"I do."

Alder smiled. The tension eased in my shoulders at the sight and the feeling of his touch. I looked over at Malvolia. She was talking to Stolas who looked annoyed. I sighed. It was only for a little while longer. I could deal with it. The unease would be gone as soon as we entered the capital. I would just need to try and focus. I could do it. I can do it. I will do it. I need to do it.

It's almost over.