Shadow's Whisperer

Lerina rose to her feet with his help, her legs weak and unsteady. "What was that thing?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, still hoarse from her screams.

"It's a Yaspi," he said, his tone grave. "Creature drawn to fear and life. This part of the river is their hunting ground. You were dangerously close."

"I didn't know," she murmured, wrapping her arms around herself as a shiver coursed through her. Her voice wavered as she added, "Thank you… for saving me."

"You don't need to thank me," he replied simply, his gaze steady and unreadable.

Lerina hesitated before asking, "What's your name?"

His lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile. His luminous eyes holding hers with an unreadable depth. "I am Haron," he said.

"Haron you're not… human, are you?" Lerina asked, her curiosity overtaking the flicker of fear in her voice.

"No," Haron said softly. His voice was gentle, soothing, as though he feared startling her. "I am not."

"Are you… a Nashiq?" she pressed, her wide eyes brimming with curiosity.

"Yes…" he admitted after a pause, his glowing eyes flickering with an unspoken emotion.

"Do you live here, Haron?" Lerina asked, tilting her head slightly.

"I… do." Haron's gaze lingered on her, quiet yet intense. "You're a human. Why are you here?"

Lerina's expression fell, her shoulders slumping as sadness clouded her face. "Some Nashiqs by the name of Golkis brought me here," she began, her voice trembling. "They said it was for my safety, but I don't want to stay. I miss my parents, my family. I—I wanted to go home." Tears welled up in her eyes as her words tumbled out, raw with emotion. "I snuck out while everyone was asleep, but now… I don't know where I am anymore." She hastily wiped her tears with the back of her hand, sniffling.

Haron studied her quietly, his glowing eyes thoughtful and unreadable. The silence stretched, until he stepped closer. Gently, he reached out, his fingers brushing her cheek as he helped wipe away her tears.

"Don't cry," he said, his voice low yet steady, carrying a quiet reassurance. "I can help you get back."

"Really?" Lerina's tear-streaked face lit up with hope. "You'll help me get back home?"

"Yes," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "You just need to tell me where you live."

"I live in Kurus, in the Empire of Sanhar. My home is in Urpur," she said quickly, desperation coloring her words.

"Alright. I'll take you there," Haron promised, his voice steady with quiet resolve. He paused before saying, "What is your name?"

"Lerina," she answered softly.

"It's a beautiful name," Haron said with a gentle smile.

Lerina's cheeks turned a rosy pink, her soft and plump face lightened up with warmth. "Thank you, Haron."

"Let's get going," he said, turning around to lead the way.

Lerina followed behind, her steps careful, but after only a few strides, a sharp pain shot through her leg. She gasped, stumbling as the ache flared in her ankle. Grimacing, she realized she must have twisted it.

Haron approached her and knelt immediately, inspecting her injury. "You've hurt yourself. I'll carry you."

"But won't you get tired?" Lerina asked hesitantly.

Haron shook his head. "I'm not human. I don't tire like humans."

"Oh," Lerina murmured, glancing away in embarrassment. "Then… I'll trouble you."

Haron scooped her up effortlessly, his arms strong and steady as if she weighed nothing at all. Lerina instinctively clung to him, her hands gripping tightly around his neck. Without hesitation, Haron began to run, his strides powerful and unyielding, carrying her securely in his embrace.

The world around Lerina blurred, the trees and stars streaking past like flowing rivers of light making her head spin. Her grip on his robes became tighter. "Haron, please slow down!" she cried, her voice trembling.

Haron immediately slowed, his steps becoming deliberate and gentle. "My apologies," he said softly. "Is this better?"

Lerina nodded, her breathing steadying.

"You don't have to be scared when you're with me, Lerina." Haron said, glancing down at her. "I will protect you."

"Really?" she whispered, her voice small.

"Yes," Haron replied, his glowing eyes soft with reassurance.

After an hour, they had finally reached the outskirts of Urpur. The sun had just risen in the horizon, casting a soft, reddish glow over the landscape. The familiar sight of Lerina's family estate came into view, its tall gates and elegant structure bathed in the gentle light of the sun. Lerina's heart leapt with relief, and a wide smile broke across her face. Home was finally within reach.

Haron stopped beneath a great banyan tree near the estate's edge and gently set her down. "I'll leave you here," he said quietly.

Lerina looked up at him, emotions swirling up in her eyes. "Are you leaving already?" She asked.

Haron seemed a bit hesitant before replying, "Yes."

Lerina became sad. She seemed to be lost in her thoughts before saying, "Haron, do you… want to be my friend?"

Haron tilted his head, clearly caught off guard. "You want to be my friend?"

Lerina nodded earnestly, her wide eyes brimming with hope. "You're so good to me, Haron," she said, her voice soft but sincere. "You saved me from that monster's clutches, and you even brought me back home. I'm so grateful to you." She paused a bit, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I really want to be your friend, and I want to help you too."

Haron's cheecks flushed pink, he looked shy as he said, "You don't have to help me, Lerina. Just being friends with you already means a lot to me."

Lerina's eyes lit up with delight. "So, you agree to be friends with me?!"

"Yes..." Haron smiled, his smile radiant. "I'll gladly be your friend, Lerina," he said softly.

Lerina beamed with joy, her laughter ringing like a melody as she threw her arms around him. "I'm so happy to be friends with you, Haron!"

Haron's blush deepened, his pale complexion turning a vivid red. "Me too," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "You're my first friend, Lerina."

"Really?" Lerina exclaimed, pulling back just enough to look up at him, her eyes wide with wonder. "That makes me even happier! Will you come and play with me in the future?"

Haron hesitated for a brief moment before wrapping his arms around her in return. "I will," he replied.

"Come play with me soon, alright?" Lerina leaned back again, her smile brighter than ever. "Promise me?"

"I promise," Haron said softly, his voice steady but laced with a quiet, unspoken sincerity.

With one last lingering glance, Haron stepped back, his figure gradually dissolving into the shadows of the woods that bordered Lerina's family estate, until only the faint rustle of leaves marked his departure.

Lerina took a deep breath as she stood beneath the Banyan tree. She called out for her mother and father, her voice echoing into the woods. Within moments, the guards arrived, followed swiftly by her mother and father, their faces etched with panic and desperation. The rest of her family followed closely behind.

Tears streamed down her mother's cheeks as she rushed forward, gathering Lerina into a fierce embrace. "Lerina! My child," She sobbed, her voice trembling with a mixture of relief and anguish.

Lerina clung to her mother, her sobs breaking free as the terror she had held inside finally erupted. "I was so scared! I thought I'd never see you and Father again!" she cried, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions.

Her mother wept harder. "Thank the heavens," she whispered, her words barely audible through her tears. "Thank the heavens you've come back to us."

Her father stepped forward, his usually stoic demeanor shattered. His voice, low and trembling, cut through the commotion. "Lerina, my dear child…"

Lerina turned toward him, her breath catching as she saw tears glistening in his eyes. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him, her cries mingling with his ragged breaths.

The rest of her family crowded closer, their faces a portrait of love, concern, and joy. Her oldest brother, who was always calm and composed, stepped forward. "Its good you're back in one piece," he said softly, his words steady but weighted with unspoken relief.

Lerina's gaze swept over the familiar faces surrounding her—each one marked with worry, yet glowing with the warmth of their love. Her heart, still heavy with the remnants of fear, now swelled with the comforting knowledge that she was finally back home.

A/N: Please leave behind your precious comments. ^-^ It will give me inspiration to write more. Tell me, if the story is interesting enough.