Mattias's eyes shot open.
As his surroundings began to come back into focus, his skull throbbed with a headache.
He pressed his palm to his head and tried to make sense and see where he was. "...I feel like my head is gonna explode."
A low chuckle came from his side.
"You're alive," a voice purred. "Colour me impressed. You were quite literally a pile of meat just moments ago."
Mattias turned his head, seeing the silhouette crouched beside him. "Miras," he said, as he kept his hand on his head.
A grin stretched on Miras's face.
"The one and only," Miras said. "I was convinced you were dead."
Mattias didn't look at him too long and returned to face the ground, as his head was still hurting. "Yeah, I thought the same thing. I don't know how I survived."
"Tsk, tsk… You were supposed to stay dead," he let out a sigh.
Mattias looked up with dull amusement, as he touched his head to do something about the headache. "You could have killed me as peace down?"
"Well, not like that matters now," Miras leaned in, the grin sharpening. "I never had a reason to do that."
Mattias (sighing): "Honestly, I don't care that much about it."
Miras: "Come on, that was a little playtime." He said, patting Mattias on his back.
Miras's hand lingered on his back a moment longer than necessary, trying to examine him.
Mattias (wary of him): "Your hand."
Miras chuckled, tilting his head as he removed his hand from his back.
Miras (looking at him carefully): "Touchy… but don't mind my question. How are you alive right now?"
Mattias pressed his palm harder, as this headache was no joke.
Mattias: "I used to drink my milk when I was a kid."
Miras grinned a little, and his eyes glinted with gold.
Miras (amused): "Quite bold of you, but tell me, does it not frighten you? That you came from what should have been a sure death?"
Mattias's jaw tightened. He could feel the danger depending on his next response. "'Yes. The dread of being devoured, the terror of losing himself, it was and still is there.' Is that what you want me to say? I honestly am just glad I am alive."
Mattias: "But then again, I don't know anything about this place, or those things, nor you, so I want to play my cards close to my chest."
Miras stepped back, watching him carefully, inspecting every detail.
Miras, walking around him: "Interesting. I could swear you were different earlier."
Mattias's black eyes flickered briefly at the murderous intent from Miras.
Mattias, trying to keep calm: "Is that so? Tell me, how was I different?"
Miras's grin only widened.
Miras: "Nothing, just a little different."
Mattias slowly stood, his body still unsteady from the headache but manageable enough.
Mattias: "Then I take it you don't plan on killing me now."
Miras tilted his head, mockingly considering the statement.
Miras: "That doesn't mean much now, does it?"
Mattias: "Oh, but it does. That means this wasn't an experiment, but a way to see my worth."
Miras's laugh was soft, almost approving.
Miras (still laughing): "Looks like my little trick has been found. Alright, you passed."