Afraid of the Dark

Chapter 13: Fragile

Avinalyn narrows their eyes at her. "No."

"Damn. That sucks," Mog sighs. "So, what? You know where Reela is, but you're not going after her?"

Avinalyn takes another drink and grabs the bottle to top off the glass. "I've no reason to disclose any information to you. This is my business... And my house."

Mog slowly nods and takes a step back. "I mean... I don't work for you anymore. So..." she crosses her arms again and her shoulders tense. "What's to stop me from helping Reela?"

Avinalyn thinks for a moment, and merely shows her a small smile. "My guess? She would stop you," they lightly chuckle to themself as they look up at the ornate mirror above the fireplace. They stare at the stitched line along their cheek. She didn't mean to do it.

"She can't be that dangerous," Mog balks. "I mean, you saw her. She's so..." she brings her hands together in a squeezing motion. "Smol."

Avinalyn softly chuckles again and slowly nods. "Yes... She's adorable," they smile to themself. "Her magic, however..." they look down at their hand and lift it towards the fire, making the flames dance wildly with the movement. "It's... uncontrolled." It's terrifying.

It's beautiful.

They sigh and glance back at the orc. "You really want to help?" they say and slowly turn to face her and see as she nods eagerly.

"Absolutely!" she beams.

Avinalyn nods. "If you think you can manage, there is something you may be able to do for me," they start and open their mouth to continue, but Mog speaks.

"What is it?" she asks and they sigh.

"Do not interrupt me," they growl and Mog takes another step back. "I still need to know more about her second father. I need a name and location. If you manage to find out where he is, I'll task you with retrieving him. Learn of his whereabouts by whatever means you're able. But let me make one thing clear," they take a deep breath and calmly walk over to her.

In one swift motion, they grab her by the throat and shove her back against the wall beside the fireplace. Mog's eyes widen and she grabs their wrists to try pulling them away while laughing nervously.

Avinalyn takes a calm deep breath. "Do not hurt Reela or her friends, even if they try to stop you," they rumble and their eyes sharpen as they glare up at her. "Even if they try to kill you, you let them. Understood?"

Mog clears her throat and raises her hand without saying anything.

Avinalyn sighs and looks down. "...Yes?"

"Wouldn't I die if I let them kill me though?" Mog asks and lowers her hand.

Avinalyn chuckles low and looks up at her again. "I'm astonished you were able to figure that out on your own," they tisk. "Mog. If you want to keep working for me, then I'm going to need you to understand that, in the nicest possible way..." they shake their head. "I couldn't care less if you die."

Mog says nothing for a moment, when she slowly raises her hand again.

And again, Avinalyn sighs. "Yes..."

"That doesn't sound very nice," Mog says and tilts her head. "But... I guess, alright then? Do no harm! I can do that! It's just Reela and her friends I can't hurt, right? What about bystanders? Innocent civilians? Street chickens? And is collateral damage okay?" She holds up her hand for every single question.

Avinalyn closes their eyes and takes a deep breath in. "Yes."

"To which one?" Mog asks and they deadpan their glare.