Whipping Girl

Chapter 13: A Spark in the Tunnel

"What's your biggest problem?" I asked, staring off in a daze at the near empty room. 

A single chair and single desk built for at most a child. Not a sign of paperwork anywhere, for anything. I'd been training as a politician before this and understood how secret assassin work might be a bit more discrete, but there wasn't even bills for basic food purchasing or supplies. How was this place even run?

I couldn't help but shoot a look at Xiang in curiosity. Analyzing, thinking. He seemed well taken care of, honestly like everyone else here. Living up all the beauties this planet had to offer; easy food, easy money, easy property. Jeez if it wasn't the realm of chaos I could definitely see how everyone would want to live here. 

These Lor Clan werewolves just ran themselves... I guess it works. So what was the use of my skill set?

"Fighting." 

I see. So. 

Nothing.

This time I shot Xiang a more annoyed look. Directly in response to his answer. He's treating this like ancient times. Like Devaleon. I really question his choice of me. 

Sarcastic, I rebut, "And how can I help?"

"I told you before." He growls back. 

I laugh, "Yeah that's just mate bullshit." Knowing it's not. 

He calls me out on my bluff, " You know that's not how it works Yeona." His voice is softer now. 

"Still..." I can't help but stiffen. 

Xiang steps toward me. Causing the worn down floors of this room to creak.

"I have a good eye for people."

"As an assassin."

He growls again, "My life."

I pause. Feeling a bit speechless. My mouth dropping in unsurety as his stays firm in a slight frown. The Omega pull reminds me of its existence then tugging at me to step back and away from the danger before me. The pain of someone so powerful, so upset. 

His voice thin as ice, he states, "I'm putting my life, their lives, in your hands Yeona."

He was. 

A meek "okay" slipped from my lips. I finally cave to the pull and turn away. Rummaging my hand through my hair to avoid admitting this was why. 

Again I look at the empty almost empty desolate space. My hand drops to its side. What the hell am I going to do?

I feel his body closer to me, beside me. Xiang's hand now barely touching mine. Just wrapping a single finger around my own. I let him and keep looking around, but not in his direction anymore. 

I ask again, more thoughtful now, "Fighting is the issue right? Attempted overtakes?"

In my peripheral vision I see Xiang nod. I pull his hand into mine and squeeze it but also step away, letting go as quickly as I took it. Instead wrapping my arms safely around my chest. He doesn't move from where he stands. Now just waiting for me to speak the words itching at my throat. 

"Then we need to rethink this whole thing. Xiang please grab Death... and yourself."

His steps cause the floors to creak more. I hear the window surprisingly smooth open and him jump out. Not using the door for who knows what reason. With him gone I speak more open. 

"Gonna need a big ass cork board, and for Kyns sake some magic worth an Assassins domain."

"Got it." Xiang answers from outside still. I hold in the urge to jump. Replacing it with a loud sigh. 

"By tomorrow." I state. 

I swear I hear an "alright" before his runs off rather intentionally loud. Finally off to help complete my request. My face grimaces and for the first time I can feel myself holding back tears. He was wrong.

It is in all our hands.