I havnt forgotten about this story, I just need to develop my other stories at times, especially the stories that are overdue, so that's why I might take extra time between stories.
Just thought you all should know.
…
X-Men: The Unnatural Omega's Volume 4, Endgames
Chapter 31: The Hag and The Curse
…
Laura knelt on the soft grass, her arms outstretched as she encouraged Damion, her little cosmic child, to take his first steps. The toddler, with his short, stubby legs, wobbled uncertainly but determinedly forward. His luminous eyes were focused intently on his mother.
"Come on, Damion," Laura coaxed, her voice filled with warmth and encouragement. "You can do it."
Nearby, Mr. Rat, Derrick's father who had once been Derrick's pet rat, watched the children with an attentive eye. Derrick himself was right next to Damion, gently guiding him as he took tentative steps.
"He's learning fast, just like his siblings," Laura remarked, a proud smile spreading across her face as Damion managed a few steps on his own before reaching her arms. She scooped him up, hugging him close.
Damion giggled, his cosmic aura shimmering with happiness. "Mama!" he exclaimed in his first words on his mouthless face, clapping his little hands.
Off to the side, the younger Kratos, who had been displaced by Darian, Derrick's malevolent twin, was spending time with his brother Deimos and Tyr, who was having a lunch break with his lover Firestar and their young daughter, Lysandra. The scene was peaceful, a stark contrast to the turmoil Kratos had known in his world and time.
Kratos, still fresh from his battles in ancient Greece, found solace in the company of his brother and friends. "It's strange," he began, his voice thoughtful. "To see this world, this peace. I never thought I would experience something like this."
Deimos, now more cheerful and at peace, nodded. "I understand. Finding peace was a journey for me as well. But it's possible."
Tyr, sitting with Firestar and Lysandra, joined the conversation. "Remember Kratos, your future counterpart underwent a significant transformation. The Almighty removed his ashes and healed his scars. It wasn't about conditions or a transaction. It was about embracing a different path a path that you can still choose should you choose it."
Kratos looked at them, curiosity and confusion in his eyes. "I've been wondering about that?" he said gaining their attention. "What did he need to do to receive such a gift?"
Deimos smiled slightly understanding where the younger kratos was coming from. "It wasn't about needing something in return. It was a suggestion to love your neighbor as yourself and to follow the commandments set forth by the Almighty."
Tyr nodded in agreement. "The Almighty operates differently than any gods we're familiar with. He doesn't discriminate. Everyone is free to learn from his example. He's a redeemer by nature, actively trying to help those in need."
Firestar added, "And he doesn't force his help. You have to accept it willingly. If you tell him you don't want his help, he'll respect your wishes and allow you to make your own choice. He never interferes with someone's free will. He doesn't want to control us like puppets."
Kratos listened intently, processing their words. The concept was foreign to him, yet it resonated with something deep within. "So, it's about choice and acceptance. Not force."
"Exactly," Deimos said. "It's about choosing to embrace a different way of living, to accept help and redemption willingly."
The younger Kratos pondered this in his own way. Since being displaced here, he had learned a great deal. He had seen Athena turn mortal due to her pride and arrogance, witnessed his older counterpart being healed, and experienced the Blades of Chaos losing their sway over him, reduced to mere tools. His family was here, even if they were an alternate version of them.
Seeking seclusion for a brief moment, Kratos walked away from the group, his thoughts a whirlwind of reflections and emotions. He found a quiet spot by a small stream, the gentle flow of water providing a soothing backdrop. He sat down, his head bowed, trying to make sense of everything.
Suddenly, he felt a presence and looked up. Before him stood a figure dressed in simple robes, the kind worn by mortals in a region he had heard about. The figure was Jesus, the Almighty he had heard so much about.
"Greetings, Kratos," Jesus said, his voice warm and inviting. "I sensed your inner turmoil and thought we might talk."
Kratos, taken aback, tried to find the right words. "You... are the Almighty?"
Jesus smiled gently. "Yes, I am. But you can call me Jesus. I understand what it's like to be mortal because I came down in human form to be closer to my creations. I wanted to understand them on a deeper level."
Kratos listened, his heart pounding. "Why? Why would you do that?"
Jesus sat down beside him, his eyes full of compassion. "Because at the end of the day, I love them, Kratos. I love you included. I will not abandon those who seek to rise above the darkness. I came to share in their hardships, to walk among them, and to show them a better way. I did everything for them."
Kratos felt a lump in his throat. "You... you did all this for them? For me?"
Jesus nodded. "Yes, Kratos. I did. I know your heart, and I know the struggles you've faced. I want you to know that redemption is possible for anyone who seeks it."
Kratos was silent for a moment, trying to process the enormity of what he was hearing. This being, this Almighty, had willingly become a servant to his own creations, enduring hardships and pain out of love.
"I have done terrible things," Kratos said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've been consumed by rage and vengeance."
Jesus placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We all have our burdens to bear, Kratos. But it's never too late to seek forgiveness and to change. Your past does not define you. It's the choices you make now that matter."
Kratos looked into Jesus' eyes, seeing nothing but patience and understanding. He felt a sense of peace he hadn't known in a long time. "I... I want to be better. I want to change."
Jesus smiled. "That's the first step, Kratos. And I will be with you every step of the way, as long as you choose to walk this path."
Kratos felt a tear roll down his cheek. "Thank you."
Jesus stood, offering his hand. "Come, let's walk together. There is much to see and learn."
Kratos took his hand, feeling a sense of hope and purpose.
They walked for a good long while and talked about many things. All the while, Jesus gave insights to kratos addressing his questions and answering honestly and in detail of the nature of reality and existence.
In short… He finally felt at peace.
…
Elsewhere, back in Westeros…
In Westeros, the Game Warden predator was using his mask to translate the history of this unfamiliar world into his language. He was particularly interested in dragons, considered by many to be the apex predators of this world. Though his interest was purely observational—he had no intention of hunting any—he found them fascinating.
After a while, the Game Warden headed out for the day. He had several responsibilities to attend to.
One of his jobs was helping the Unsullied familiarize themselves with his kin's tribal structures and technology in case they encountered any others of his kind. He met with Grey Worm and a group of Unsullied in a training area, using holographic projections from his mask to demonstrate various aspects of Predator culture, their code of honor, and their advanced technology.
"This is vital for your understanding," the Game Warden explained through his mask's translator. "If you encounter my kind, knowing our customs and technology can save lives."
Grey Worm nodded. "We appreciate your knowledge. It helps us prepare for any future encounters."
After the training session, the Game Warden focused on managing his language skills. Predators did not constantly speak in normal tongue, and he was still getting used to these primitive languages. He spent part of the day practicing with a language tutor, going over phrases and improving his pronunciation. It was challenging, but he was determined to master it.
In the evening, the Game Warden predator prepared for his third task: going on patrol with a contingent of guards to ensure the farmers' livestock were safe, especially considering recent events. He met with the patrol team at the city gates, his mask scanning the area for any signs of trouble.
"We'll cover the eastern perimeter tonight," he informed the guards through his translator. "Keep your eyes and ears open. If you see or hear anything unusual, alert the team immediately."
The guards nodded, their expressions serious. The patrol began, the group moving silently through the fields and pastures. The Game Warden's advanced senses picked up every detail, ensuring that the farmers and their livestock remained safe throughout the night.
Things passed relatively normally for a few hours as Thar'Gon and the patrol team made their rounds, ensuring the perimeters around the farmers' locations were secure. Thar'Gon's mask continuously scanned the ground for any strange or foreign tracks, anything out of the ordinary.
As they were about to wrap up the inspection of the latest farm, Thar'Gon noticed something unusual. Switching through different vision modes on his mask, he detected a faint, fuzzy shimmer—something that wasn't quite perceptible even with his advanced technology. It was apparent that only he could see this faint shimmer.
Thar'Gon followed the shimmer, which appeared as footprints, leading to the nearby home of the farmer. He quickly shared his findings with the guard captain, explaining what he saw.
"I've found something unusual, strange tracks, that only my technology can pick up. ," Thar'Gon said through his mask's translator. "It leads to the farmer's home. We should investigate."
The captain nodded, signaling the rest of the patrol to follow. They approached the farmhouse and knocked on the door. The farmer, looking paranoid and tired, answered.
"Good evening," the captain began. "We need to ask you if you've seen anything unusual lately."
The farmer rubbed his eyes, clearly exhausted. "I've been having nightmarish dreams and night terrors every night. Last night, I heard strange noises from my infant daughter's room. Since then, my wife and I have noticed something unsettling about her. She doesn't cry, and she stares at us in a way that sends chills down our spines. We can't explain it, but it's starting to terrify my wife."
The Unsullied listened intently as the captain spoke. "May we see your daughter to try and discover if there's anything wrong with her?"
After a moment's hesitation, the farmer agreed and led them into the room where the daughter was. Instantly, Thar'Gon eyed the child warily through his mask. The same shimmer he had seen outside was emitting from the daughter, like a form of cloak that he didn't recognize.
The Unsullied guards examined the child and found nothing physically wrong with her. However, Thar'Gon noticed that the same tracks with the shimmer were leading to her crib.
He pulled the guard captain off to the side and shared his findings. "This is not their child. It's wearing a disguise. The tracks lead directly to her crib, and the shimmer indicates a form of cloaking or in this case, a disguise."
The guard captain's eyes widened in realization. "What do we do?"
Thar 'Gon's expression was stern behind his mask. "We need to proceed carefully. This being has replaced their child. We must find a way to uncover the truth and ensure the safety of the family."Top of Form
As Thar'Gon shared his findings with the guard captain, they both noticed the creature in the form of the farmer's daughter staring directly at them. Thar'Gon stared right back, his piercing yellow eyes behind his mask locked onto the creature's gaze.
Subtly, Thar'Gon signaled to the Unsullied guard captain to call for additional help, indicating that this cloak seemed magical in nature. The captain nodded and stepped out briefly to summon a specialist.
Within a short time, a half-elf doctor mystic from Faerûn, who had set up shop in Naath, arrived. He entered the room, took one look at the "daughter," and instantly froze. His face turned pale and sweat began to form on his brow as he recognized the true nature of the creature before him.
The half-elf signaled everyone out of the room to talk privately. Once outside, he addressed them in a low, urgent voice.
"That is not a child," he began, his voice trembling slightly. "That's a green hag. They are notorious in my world for replacing children with their own and stealing babies."
The Unsullied guards and Thar'Gon listened intently as the half-elf continued to explain.
"Hags are malevolent creatures, often associated with dark and twisted magic. Green hags in particular, are known for their cunning and cruelty. They have the ability to change their appearance, often using this skill to infiltrate and corrupt human communities. They replace human children with their own offspring, who grow up to become hags themselves."
The half-elf took a deep breath before continuing. "In their true form, green hags have a hideous appearance, with greenish skin, long, tangled hair, and sharp, claw-like nails. They can manipulate shadows and illusions to hide their true nature. Their goal is often to spread misery and chaos wherever they go."
Thar'Gon's eyes narrowed behind his mask. "How do we deal with it?" he asked through his translator.
The half-elf's expression was grave. "We must expose its true form and prevent it from escaping. The first step is to break the illusion it's using to disguise itself. This might require the use of strong dispelling magic. Once the illusion is broken, we can deal with the hag child directlyBottom of Form. However, be prepared for a fight. Hags are powerful and dangerous, especially when cornered."
Grey Worm, who had joined them, nodded. "We will need to act quickly and decisively. Do you have the means to dispel the illusion?"
The half-elf nodded. "I have the necessary spells and components. But we must ensure the safety of the farmer and his wife first. They should not be present when we confront the hag child."
Grey Worm turned to the guards. "Escort the family to a safe location. Ensure they are well protected."
The guards moved to carry out his orders, while Thar'Gon, Grey Worm, and the half-elf prepared to confront the green hag masquerading as the farmer's daughter. They knew the confrontation would be dangerous, but they were determined to protect the family and restore peace to the farm.
As the preparations continued, Thar'Gon's senses remained on high alert. The knowledge of magic and its dangers was still new to him, but he trusted his allies and their expertise.
Elarion positioned himself near the crib, holding the crystal focus in one hand and sprinkling the arcane powder over the circle. He began to chant in an ancient, melodic language, his voice low and steady.
The air in the room grew heavy with magical energy. The runes within the circle began to glow faintly, and the amulets around Thar'Gon and the others' necks pulsed with a soft light.
As Elarion's chant grew louder, the illusion around the hag-child started to waver. The creature let out a low, guttural growl, sensing the impending dispelling of its magic. It began to thrash and claw at the air, revealing glimpses of its true form—greenish skin, sharp claws, and tangled hair.
Finally, with a burst of arcane energy, the illusion shattered. The green hag, now fully revealed, screeched in fury and lunged at the nearest Unsullied guard. The creature wrestled with the Unsullied, pulling at his hair and screeching as it scratched at his face.
"Hold her down!" Grey Worm shouted, grabbing the flailing creature and pulling it off his comrade. The green hag roared in anger.
Thar'Gon stepped forward, using his superior strength to restrain the hag. He pinned it to the ground, his weight and experience keeping it from escaping. The hag's claws scraped against Thar'Gon's armor, but it could not break free.
Elarion, maintaining his composure, continued chanting and produced a vial filled with a glowing liquid. He carefully poured the liquid over the struggling hag, muttering words of power. The hag's movements grew sluggish, and its roars turned into weak growls.
With a final incantation, Elarion placed his hand on the hag's forehead, releasing a pulse of energy. The green hag's eyes fluttered, and it slumped into unconsciousness.
"It's done," Elarion said, breathing heavily. "The hag is asleep. We can use it to find its hag mother and the missing child."
Grey Worm nodded, his expression hard. "We need to act quickly. Ensure the hag is securely bound. We cannot allow it to escape."
Thar'Gon and the Unsullied guards bound the green hag with enchanted chains, ensuring it could not use its magic to break free. With the immediate threat neutralized, they turned their attention to finding the real child and bringing the hag mother to justice.
…
With the green hag child securely bound and under guard, Grey Worm, Thar'Gon, Elarion, and a contingent of Unsullied organized a search party. Elarion cast a few powerful spells to locate the hag's lair, though he needed to cast one on someone to pick up her trail once they zeroed in on the general area. Thar'Gon, being an expert tracker, was the obvious choice.
Elarion approached Thar'Gon, holding a vial filled with glowing liquid. "This spell will enhance your tracking abilities, allowing you to see the hag's trail. Are you ready?"
Thar'Gon nodded, his mask gleaming under the moonlight. "I am ready."
Elarion poured the liquid over Thar'Gon's head, chanting words of power. Thar'Gon felt a surge of energy, his senses sharpening even further. As the spell took effect, he could see a faint, ethereal trail leading away from the farm.
The search party, with Thar'Gon at the lead and the green hag child in a cage behind them, followed the trail through a nearby cave system. The air was damp and cool, and the echoes of their footsteps filled the tunnels. After some time, they emerged into a hidden clearing, where they found a medium-sized hut.
An elderly woman stepped out from the hut, her face lined with wrinkles and her eyes full of false innocence. "Oh, travelers! What brings you to my humble home?"
Thar'Gon narrowed his eyes behind his mask, and Grey Worm stepped forward. The elderly woman's facade faltered slightly when she saw the caged hag child, a flicker of recognition in her eyes.
Elarion spoke, his voice firm. "We know who you are. We have your child. Now tell us, where is the farmer's daughter?"
The elderly woman's eyes darted between the search party and the cage. Her facade dropped completely, revealing her true nature. Her voice turned harsh and sarcastic. "Ah, clever little mortals. Yes, I am the hag you seek. And I see you've brought my dear child as leverage. How charming."
Grey Worm's expression hardened. "Where is the farmer's daughter?"
The hag sneered. "Oh, you humans and your precious children. Always so protective." She glanced at Thar'Gon. "I know it was you, big brute, who sniffed her out. Very impressive."
Thar'Gon remained silent, his stance ready for any sudden moves.
The hag continued, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Well, how about this? We make a trade. My child, for the farmer's child. Fair and square."
Grey Worm stepped closer, his voice low and dangerous. "You will return the farmer's daughter now, or we will take both your child and your life."
Just then, they heard crying coming from inside the hut, and they each smelled some foul concoctions cooking over a fire. Instantly, they shoved past the hag as her true visage revealed itself. She hissed at them through her sharp-toothed sneer, but they ignored her and rushed inside.
There, they found a cauldron over a roaring fire and the farmer's daughter in a makeshift pen next to it. The implication of what the hag was planning was not lost on any of them. Grey Worm's expression turned livid.
"Get her out of there!" Grey Worm ordered.
Thar'Gon and Elarion moved quickly, freeing the child from the pen. The girl was scared but unharmed. Grey Worm, seething with anger, stormed out of the hut, his spear in hand.
He pointed the spear at the hag. "New plan! You're never going to hurt a child again!"
The hag's sneer turned into a furious snarl. "You think you can stop me? I will—"
Grey Worm interrupted, his voice cold and resolute. "Your reign of terror ends now!"
The hag finally snapped, launching a chromatic orb directly at Grey Worm. He barely dodged in time, and the orb hit Thar'Gon directly in the armor, visibly damaging it but holding steady. Thar'Gon growled as it still burned him slightly.
Chaos erupted as some of the Unsullied charged the hag. She teleported, using a ray of sickness on each of them, nearly making several throw up. Grey Worm struggled to his feet, hurling his spear at the fleeing hag. It struck her leg, making her fall.
Thar'Gon wasted no time, launching a metal net that entangled the hag. The wires cut into her, the more she struggled. Grey Worm, his expression hard, picked up his spear and approached the trapped creature.
"You will never harm another child," he said, his voice unwavering. He ended the foul creature's life with a swift, precise thrust of his spear through the chest, making it thrash around wildly as the spear pierced its heart.
Normally, Grey Worm would feel conflicted about killing a mother, but this was different, this hag, this monster, was not worthy of being a mother, and he felt no remorse. The hag hissed and roared one last time before with a final breath it uttered an ancient guttural language that was directed directly at Grey Worm.
The hag hissed and roared one last time before, with a final breath, it uttered an ancient guttural language directly at Grey Worm.
The hag's eyes glowed with a dark, malevolent light as it spoke the curse. "May you lose that which you come to love, as payment for my death."
As the words left the hag's mouth, Grey Worm felt a chilling sensation wash over him. Elarion's eyes widened in horror as he recognized the dark incantation.
The hag's body went limp, the light fading from its eyes, but the ominous echo of its curse lingered in the air. The Unsullied, recovering from their sickness, exchanged worried glances.
"What was that?" one of the Unsullied asked, his voice shaky.
Elarion stepped forward, his expression grim. "That was a hag's curse. They are potent and dangerous. The curse she placed on Grey Worm is one of the most complex and malevolent curses known to my people."
Grey Worm looked at Elarion, his face stoic but his eyes betraying a hint of concern. "What does it mean?"
Elarion took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "The curse she uttered binds your fate to a dire condition. It means that you will lose those you come to love. Hags are known for their twisted sense of justice and revenge. This curse is her way of punishing you for her death."
The Unsullied's faces turned pale as they absorbed the weight of Elarion's words. Grey Worm clenched his fists, a mixture of anger and determination in his eyes.
"Is there a way to break the curse?" another Unsullied asked.
Elarion nodded slowly. "There are quite a few actually, with the proper knowledge and a bit of tact it's not as difficult as you would think, but they are not easy. We will need powerful magic, perhaps even divine intervention, to counteract it. We must return to Naath and consult with the most knowledgeable scholars and mystics. We can also notify our contacts, just in case they can help since some of them are divine themselves after all."
Grey Worm relaxed slightly at that, the news giving him hope. "Good. We will find a way."
Without missing a beat, Grey Worm pulled out his communicator and informed his contacts in Naath. "We've found the hag and dealt with it. The farmer's daughter is safe. We're returning now."
As Grey Worm relayed the information, a guard on the other end of the line interjected, his voice filled with urgency. "Sir, there's been a development. Sarah, the ghoul who works at the tavern... she suddenly collapsed and is feverish. It's something with her immune system. The healer suspects dark magic. We were informed just a few moments ago."
Grey Worm's heart sank. Sarah, his friend, was in danger. The curse's reach was already extending its vile tendrils.
"We're on our way back. Keep her stable. We'll handle this as soon as we arrive," Grey Worm commanded, his voice steely with resolve.
The journey back to Naath was tense, the urgency of the situation pressing on them. As soon as they arrived, Grey Worm, Elarion, and Thar'Gon made their way to the medical ward where Sarah was being treated. She lay on a cot, her skin was clammier than it's natural paler and her breathing labored as she looked like she was fighting an internal battle.
A healer was already at her side, performing diagnostic spells. Elarion joined him, adding his own magic to the mix. Grey Worm watched, his heart heavy with worry.
Elarion looked up, his expression serious. "The curse's magic is affecting her immune system, weakening it. We need to counteract this immediately."
Grey Worm nodded, turning to Thar'Gon. "Stay with her. I'm going to gather our contacts. We'll need all the help we can get."
Thar'Gon gave a solemn nod, his mask hiding his expression but his stance showing his readiness to assist.
Grey Worm quickly contacted their allies, relaying the urgency of the situation. Messages were sent to divine beings and powerful mystics alike, calling for aid. Meanwhile, Elarion and the healer worked tirelessly to stabilize Sarah.
As the minutes ticked by, Grey Worm stayed close to Sarah's side, refusing to leave her side. He wouldn't let the hag's curse claim another victim. Not Sarah, and not anyone else he cared about. They would find a way to break this curse and protect those he loved.
He held her hand and silently vowed to save her, no matter the cost.
…
Later that day, two mystics from Faerûn arrived along with their druidic allies. Althea, the half-elf mage, led the group. Her emerald green eyes sparkled with determination, and her presence commanded respect. With her was Faela, the tiefling druid with rich lavender skin and long, jet-black hair. Her twin brother, Eamon, followed closely, his red skin and piercing yellow eyes giving him an imposing presence.
Althea and her companions brought rare ingredients to perform the ritual needed to create an alchemical concoction to help Sarah. The case of Grey Worm, however, was more complex. The curse was directly tied to him, and the only one who could have easily broken it was the hag, who was now dead.
In the medical ward, Althea and Faela worked, preparing the concoction. Eamon chanted an ancient druidic incantation, infusing the mixture with powerful magic as he worked.
Sarah was still on the cot, her breathing labored as every breath was getting more challenging. After the potions were prepared Althea gently lifted her head and helped her drink the concoctions.
Over the course of about twenty minutes, Sarah's complexion began to improve. The fever subsided, and her breathing steadied.
Grey Worm watched with a mix of hope and anxiety. "Is she going to be alright?"
Althea nodded. "She will recover. The concoction is working."
Relief washed over Grey Worm, but his own predicament still loomed. The mystics turned their attention to him, their expressions serious.
"Your curse is more difficult to break," Althea said. "It was placed directly on you by a powerful hag. We will need to perform a powerful uncurse spell, and it will take all our strength and energy."
Grey Worm squared his shoulders, taking a moment to prepare himself.
"Do what you need to do."
The mystics formed a circle around Grey Worm, their hands joined. Eamon began the incantation, his voice low and resonant. Faela and Althea added their voices, harmonizing with his. The air crackled with magical energy, and a bright light enveloped them.
Grey Worm felt a burning sensation coursing through his body, as if the curse was being forcibly ripped from his soul. He gritted his teeth, enduring the pain. The light grew brighter, almost blinding, and then, with a final surge of energy, it dissipated.
The mystics collapsed, drained from the effort. Grey Worm fell to his knees, that took a lot more out of him than he expected, and apparently it did the same to them as well.
After catching her breath Althea took a moment before speaking, "The curse is broken." She took another breath before continuing, "You're free."
Grey worm still slightly out of breath could only give a slight thumb up, glad that the ordeal was now over.
…
Grey Worm helped Sarah walk home that evening after the healers confirmed she was in good health. The moonlight cast a soft glow over the cobblestone streets of Naath, and the air was cool and calm. They walked in comfortable silence, the events of the day still weighing on their minds.
As they reached the entrance of Sarah's tavern, Grey Worm paused, helping her steady herself. "Are you sure you're alright?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.
Sarah nodded, her eyes meeting his. "Yes, thanks to you and the others. I can't begin to express how grateful I am."
Grey Worm gave a small smile. "I'm just glad you're safe."
For a moment, they stood there, the night wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. Sarah hesitated, her eyes searching his face. Then, with a sudden surge of emotion, she stepped forward and hugged him tightly. "Thank you for saving me," she whispered, her voice thick with gratitude.
Grey Worm, initially taken aback, slowly wrapped his arms around her, returning the embrace. "You don't need to thank me. I would do it again in a heartbeat."
After a few moments, they pulled back, and Sarah gave him a warm smile. "Goodnight, Grey Worm."
"Goodnight, Sarah," he replied, watching as she turned and walked into the tavern. She paused at the doorway, looking back with a smile that made his heart feel light. He smiled back, a genuine warmth spreading through him.
As Grey Worm made his way back to his own quarters, he couldn't stop thinking about Sarah. The complexity of his feelings for her was new and confusing, yet comforting in its own way. He wondered about the bond they were forming and what it might mean for his relationship with her.