The floor board creaked heavily with every step the man took, the shop felt too small to contain him. His black cloak covered his body and face only revealing his hands which were also covered in black gloves
Ashley watched wide eyed as the huge figure walked towards her, towering over her. looking up she gulped "h...hello, how can i help you" she asked, taking a step back to make more distance between them even though the counter already blocked him from moving further
Ashley had a strong feeling that he was the same man she always saw in her dreams but how could she confirm it, she couldn't just ask him 'hey are you the man in my dreams' that not only sounded awkward but creepy at the same time
Kyle watched the mortal girl, stare at him like he was some mythical creature that spawned out of nowhere to gobble her up, he knew that he had a condescending Aura but he won't be who he is if he didn't, but he wasn't that huge she was the one that was unusually small
Scanning the shop, he hated the feel of it, the smell of healing and herbs made him feel sick, all he wanted to do was collect what he came for and be on his way
"Where is she?" He asked, turning to Ashley
"She?" Ashley replied darting her eyes around confused, was there supposed to be another girl in this shop
"Yes don't waste my time bring her to me" Kyle demanded, lowering his voice making him sound scarier
Ashley paused to think, she was the only girl who ran her shop and the only other female in this building was Leora, realizing that this huge scary looking man might be here for Leora she felt another headache coming.
She was beginning to regret her decision of letting her sleep longer, glancing at the brooding man she smiled a little squinting her eyes to see if she could get a glimpse of his features
Noticing she was trying to see his face, he turned away from her "Bring her to me immediately" he said, with a hint of anger in his voice
"I will right away" Ashley said, about to go up and find Leora, right on cue Leora walks down the stairs letting out a loud yawn
"How long was I asleep" she said stretching her arms, not noticing the tense atmosphere
Ashley fought back the urge to hit Leora with an iron spoon "long enough for your man to come looking for you" she replied, visibly annoyed
"Man? What man?" Leora replied, Raising her perfectly curved eyebrow and staring at Ashley. Ashley tilted her head towards the man standing in front of the counter, glancing at the man then at Ashley, she shrugged quietly mouthing "i don't know him"
Ashley shrugged with her eyebrows raised mouthing "Me neither"
"She is not the one I seek"
His sudden speech startled Ashley and Leora almost making them shriek "bring me my bride" Kyle said, getting impatient and frustrated at the duo
Ashley glanced at Leora, silently asking for help but she smiled helplessly "if im not the one he's looking for then it should be you cause there is no other female in this shop"
Hearing that Kyle looked up from his hood, his silver eye flashing through the hood of his cloak, locking eyes with Ashley, confirming her suspicion and his worries
The blood drained from Ashley's face as she saw the pair of silver eyes that haunted her dreams now in her waking life, she didn't understand what the dream meant but the fact she wanted answers didn't mean the universe should bring the scary man in her dreams to life
"You are not dead" Kyle said, surprised that his bride was still mortal, he frowned this had never happened before and it was never supposed to
Ashley stared deadpanned by the the statement, Leora raised both her eyebrows even more confused, she sat on the staircase leading to Ashley's room watching the whole scene unfold having no idea at what point she should come in
"Might I ask what you mean by I'm not dead" Ashley asked, trying to wrap her head around the word 'dead', maybe he meant something else like you should be so shocked to see me in real life that you could be dead
"You have the mark of Ananke, yet you are alive" Kyle spoke, it sounded more like a question than a statement, he was as confused as she was but for a whole different reason
Hearing the word mark Ashley and Leora's face lit up, the fact that this strange man might have answers to their questions made them want to jump for joy but that joy was short lived as he stood up walking towards the exit of the shop
Ashley stretched her hand, wanting to grab his cloak "wait, where are you going?" She yelled, immediately regretting her choice of words
Kyle paused by the door, slightly looking back "I will return" he said walking out like smoke he vanished
And it felt like a veil had been lifted off the shop, making it regain its light and color, the sun peaked through the window at the side of the door, she could hear the birds chirping.
Noticing the change in atmosphere Ashley frowned wondering who or what just walked into her shop.