^
Where Hanna ended up.

                      °°°°°°°♧°°°°°°

The figure recoiled at this, jumping off my body before touching the cloth that covered its face. Removing it, I recoiled slightly at the surprising attractiveness of the male that stood before me. He brushed out his brown hair, dropping the mask to the floor, carelessly. He was wearing a white sort of vest, his muscled arms flexing as he moved. His body was tanned and I marvelled at the angelic glint of his hazel eyes as he looked at me, his head tilted curiously. I moved in to ask him where I was, but he put distance between us with his sword, the sharp end resting near my neck. His tone was melodic as he spoke, a serious look on his god-like face.

"Tell me who sent you or I'll slice your throat."

                     °°°°°°°♧°°°°°°

"Please, don't hurt me! I was j-just walking. I-I don't know what's happening!" I rambled in heated desperation, the feel of the sharp metal so prominent on my neck.

The male stayed silent, doing nothing to quell the fear in me. Instead, he scanned me up and down, almost professionally. A moment or two passed like this, with his eyes scrutinizing me and me quaking in my shoes. Then, after what seemed like centuries, he tentatively moved the sword slightly away from my neck, a cautious look in his warm eyes. I kept note on how he still stood guarded, not moving to sheath his sword.

"Who are you?" He questioned, his voice gentle, but the spite in his tone was enough to tell me that a wrong answer would get me killed.

I placed my hands up in a show of surrender. He tensed slightly at the sudden movement, making my words rush out in a hurried panic.

"No, no, I'm not a threat! I'm just a university student! My name's Hanna Aset and I work in cafe and I-"

"What did you say?" He interrupted, moving closer, his arm holding the sword, falling limp to his side. The heat in his eyes burned through my face and I shook my head, retracing my words.

"I work in a cafe?" I said meekly, hoping I had given him what he wanted, but the frustrated sigh that left his mouth told me otherwise.

"Not that. What you said before." He commanded, gruffly, a tanned hand stroking through his brown locks. I stilled, thinking back to my words.

"My name is Hanna Aset?" I uttered, watching his eyes light up. I listened to the sound of the clink as he swiftly sheathed his sword, edging closer to me. Instinctively, I moved backwards, watching him with fearful and curious eyes.

"And, is that your birth name?" He questioned, but there was a slight tinge of something else to his tone. Almost like hope. His sun-lit eyes looked down at me questioningly.

I nodded quickly, despite finding myself confused at the pointless question.

Just what did that have to do with anything?

At this, the male in front of me broke out into a smile and I marvelled at the foreign expression on his face. I may have smiled back had it not been for the fact that I was still extremely scared. Suddenly, he reached a hand out to me, the smile not leaving his face.

"Negus would want to see you."

I replayed the words coming out of his mouth, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion. He reached his hand out further and I clasped the both of mine behind my back in response.

"I-i don't know you. I can't just go with you somewhere." I reasoned quietly, hoping he wouldn't resort back to using the large weapon resting at his belt.

He sighed at this, his hand returning to his side and he looked to the sky thoughtfully. I stilled when his brown eyes landed back on me.

"Emut." He said simply to which my confusion grew.

"What?" I asked to which his smile widened and I began to find myself getting too used to the attractive expression on his face.

"That's my name- Emut. Now, you do know me." He reasoned kindly and I wondered where the aggressive male from two minutes ago had disappeared.

Emut

I tested the name on my lips silently before turning back to him, a small smile on my face.

"Strange name." I commented honestly, watching him tilt his head as he looked at me curiously.

"Maybe to your people." He answered with a heavy shrug and before I could question what he meant by that, he had turned away from me and began walking.

I watched, slightly surprised that he would leave just like that. After a few steps, he turned towards me, a serious look on his face.

"Are you going to come or would you rather enjoy the company of the oasis animals?" He quipped and, with that, he turned back to walking. I gaped at his words, wanting to call him out on his bluff. But, only, I didn't know if he was lying or not. With a final look at the green treacherous surroundings, I jogged slowly to get to his side.

"Just for now, okay." I finalised, trying to sound stern, but the truth was, I didn't know how long 'now' would be.

Where was I going to go?

                   °°°°°°°♧°°°°°°

"You see that building, right behind the sand dune? That's where we're going." Emut stated, pointing off a few steps to the surroundings.

I used my hands to shield the sun from my face, looking to the direction he was pointing.

"The white building?" I confirmed, looking to him.

He nodded at this, grabbing my backpack off me. A good thing too as it was getting a bit too heavy in the excruciating heat.

"The building wasn't originally white. It was painted white to help keep the rooms cool from the heat. It was made from a combination of clay and mud." He explained and I nodded, processing his words.

"It's quite large." I stated, eyeing the appearance of the beautiful secluded building as we edged closer. The building, itself, was an off-white and panned a few yards to each side. It looked to be about 3 or 4 storeys and glassless windows lined the building from left to right.

He nodded at my words as we moved towards a large oak door in the centre of the building.

"We tend to only use wood only when necessary. With the climate here, trees come in very little supply." He said, gesturing towards the door before pushing it open with a loud echoing creak.

I followed after him to see a large area of greenery in the middle, with a fountain in the centre.

"The climate doesn't seem too restrictive." I commented, gesturing towards the green surroundings. The beauty of the place was magnificent.

Emut raised an eyebrow at my words before also gesturing towards the surroundings.

"This is the building's courtyard. It's where we grow our crops. It needs to be tended to twice a day." He said, putting emphasis on 'twice', and I rolled my eyes at the smile on his face.

He pointed behind the greenery, making his way in that direction. I watched as his muscles flexed with every step.

"This hallway will lead out of the courtyard and into the living quarters." He stated, before making his way.

I walked slowly and cautiously behind him. Only now did I seem to regret the decision I had made. The man had a weapon, for god's sake! And, he wasn't planning to cut the weeds in the courtyard with it, that was for sure. For all I know, he could be a serial killer or a trafficker. I gulped heavily; somehow the oasis animals seemed like a better option.

"Who you got there?" An airy voice spoke and I looked up to see a male sat on the fountain side, a large book in his hands. He stood up, placing a string bookmark on the open page before shutting it with a soft thud.

The male was significantly different in appearance to Emut. The first notable difference was the hair. His blonde hair stood at shoulder-length and his skin was pale, despite the climate. His features were sharp and willowy in contrast to Emut's strong yet soft features. The second notable difference was the height, one that was made evident when the male came and stood in front of Emut. He seemed a significant amount of inches shorter than Emut, as he was only a little taller than me.

Emut smiled slightly at the male before glancing at me.

"Arun, this is Hanna. I'm taking her to see Negus." He introduced the male before moving around him and urging me along.

Arun smiled at me sweetly, an awestruck look in his eyes. He waved his fingers gently and I waved back awkwardly before following behind Emut yet again.

Finally, we reached yet another oak door and Emut stopped to a halt. He looked towards me, a serious look on his face.

"Hanna, I won't be going beyond this point." He stated suddenly and, before I could begin panicking, he spoke again.

"Look, I know you don't know what's going on, but don't worry. Negus will explain. Just tell him your full name and he will tell you everything." His tone was warm and reassuring and I nodded at his words to which he smiled again.

And, with that, he opened the door for me and I walked in. I looked ahead to an old man sitting behind an oak. Emut bowed slightly before backing out of the room and the sound of the door shutting echoed across the big room. The room was rather large, come to think of it, and was designed like an office. Bookshelves lined the walls and on the wall, behind the desk, a sword rested on a horizontal stand. Finally, I turned to look at the man behind the desk. His skin was tanned yet taut across his face, his cheekbones high. His hair was as white as snow and rested on his shoulders; his beard was just as white and stroked down just past his collar bones. He gestured for me to sit down and I did, opening my mouth to speak.

"Hi, I'm Ha-"

"I know who you are, Hanna Aset." He interrupted, a kind but mysterious smile on his face. His voice was deep yet soothing. He reached over to a teapot at the side, pouring tea into a white-coloured cup.

"Herbal tea?" He offered, the teapot hovering over a second cup. I shook my head, focusing on his previous words.

"How do you know me?" I questioned to which his grin widened, his eyes wrinkled at the action.

"Indeed it would be foolish to not know the person that I sent for. How foolish indeed." He muttered before pouring the tea into the second cup. For a moment, the sound of the tea trickling slowly into the cup was all that sounded in the room. I felt too confused to speak and, thankfully, the man noticed this. He passed the cup to me, which I numbly took, before speaking.

"I am Negus and I had sent for you. The man that gave you the note was a long-time friend of mine." He explained and I shivered at the memory it invoked.

The old man that came to the cafe. The look in his eyes.

I also remembered how that day had been distinctly horrible in more ways than one. I cursed myself for straying from the matter at hand and refocused myself.

"But, why? What was I sent for? Why did you bring me here? And, where exactly is here?" I pressed while looking around, hoping he would open up a little more. But, to no avail. Negus shook his head, a wilful look in his eyes.

"All in good time, Hanna. There's not much I can say to you now. Not, until you have fully rested. We will speak again when you are refreshed." He reassured, sipping softly.

I sighed deeply at the vague responses he had given, taking a tepid sip from the cup. Surely, this was the part where I feel faint and the evil old man admits he had mixed something in my tea. Next thing I know, I'm locked in a cell. Except, nothing of the sort happened and Negus seemed too engrossed in his cup of tea to be concerned about me. I cleared my throat before taking another sip.

Suddenly, the door bolted open and a tall, well-built female strode in, her footsteps loud and powerful.

"Father, I spoke to some of the villagers and they- who are you?" The red-haired girl questioned as soon as her green eyes landed on me. I faltered under her heated gaze and, when Negus remained silent, I chose to give into her relentless glare.

"I'm Hanna Aset." I said meekly to which the girl snorted loudly before turning to Negus.

"Really, Father? Really?" She questioned, a mocking tinge to her tone. She snapped her head to me, making her flame-ridden locks fly behind her and I marvelled at the beauty. She pointed a tanned slender finger at me, almost accusingly.

"You. How old are you?" She questioned sharply, her foot tapping the floor impatiently.

"20." I breathed, thanking the Lord that I hadn't forgotten out of fear. My answer only made her snort again and she turned to Negus, frustration rolling off her in waves.

"Did you hear that, Father? She's 20. She might as well have been born yesterday and you think that she's The One from the prophecy?!" She exclaimed, her hand jutting out towards me viciously. I recoiled at her actions, glancing at the red-head from top to bottom.

The colour of her hair was a perfect fit for her fiery temper. She wore a khaki cargo vest zipped to the top and shorts of the same colour. The boots on her feet explained the loudness of her steps from moments before.

Negus sighed deeply at her words and she seemingly calmed down at this. She moved closer slowly, clasping her hands together.

"Father, at least give me a chance. I could be The One. I've been training for this since my birth. I deserve this." She pleaded softly, but the fieriness could still be heard in her voice. She was passionate about whatever this was. And, whatever it was, it had something to do with me.

I took in a sharp breath when Negus glanced at me, standing up. I followed suit to which he smiled. I watched as the red-head folded her arms, turning her head to the side angrily.

"Hanna, you should take rest. Emut is outside. He will show you to the chamber that I had set out for you. Until then, I will have a word with my daughter. I look forward to seeing you again." He spoke gently, before banging his cup gently against the desk. At this, Emut opened the door before ushering me out and, again, bowing deeply. I hurriedly walked out, not bothering to look at the female. I could practically feel her glare burning into the back of my head. Emut closed the door before walking ahead and I followed.

"Sorry about Maya. She can tend to be too full on. She just really cares about the cause." He spoke with a reassuring smile and, putting 2 and 2 together, I realised he was talking about the red-head. I didn't respond to his words and walked silently by his side.

"Where are you from?" He questioned, his gaze facing forward.

I tucked my hair to the side, feeling exhausted from the heat.

"England." I responded vaguely. I didn't want to go too specific in fear that, if their intentions were wrong, they would be able to track me down easily.

His eyebrows furrowed at this, a strange glint in his hazel eyes.

"England? Where's that?" He asked and I kept special note of how his tone sounded foreign when he said 'England'.

As though he has never said or heard the word before

I surveyed the confused expression on his face. He didn't seem like he was joking. After a few moments, I spoke, saying the only thing that felt right to say at the moment.

"Earth. I live on Earth?" I let out, gauging his reaction. Again, a confused expression was etched onto his face. He stopped in his tracks and opened his mouth to speak, but I spoke up before he could say anything.

"So, which way are we headed?" I questioned, dismissing the previous conversation with a casual wave of my hand.

"Right this way." He said simply before walking ahead and me following slowly behind.

I don't know what had made me stop the previous conversation, but I felt as though he didn't know anything about the world I came from and it didn't seem right disclosing it to him.

I shook my head, feeling slightly dizzy. Up until yesterday, I didn't think of any other world beyond Earth and here I was contemplating such a matter. I had to be crazy. Or, more plausibly, dreaming.

Only, this didn't seem to be much of a dream. It seemed real. I could feel it in the warm air that hit my face as we walked past the courtyard yet again and the sound of the fountain water as it trickled down. Nevertheless, I pinched my arm for confirmation and, when nothing happened, I continued walking on alongside Emut.

It was only when we came across a large staircase did he come to a halt. He turned to me, pointing at the stairs.

"It's just up this way." He directed, brushing his hair back with a hand. I nodded before ascending the first few steps, with Emut leading the way.

"Emut!" A voice came from the distance. Emut's eyes followed the direction of the voice and he rubbed a hand at the nape of his neck. He looked hesitant for a second before turning back towards the stairs and ushering me up with a wave of his hand. But, I stayed where I was, smiling politely.

"Hey, it's okay, I'll find my way. You need to be somewhere right now." I assured, pointing casually in the direction that the voice came from.

At this, Emut stopped walking and looked back from the direction we came before looking back at me.

"No, it's nothing. I can show you." He spoke, shaking his head.

"Emut!" Came the voice again and I tutted jokingly before pointing backwards.

"Hey, they really need you! You should go." I let out, but a part of me was fearful of being alone in such an unfamiliar place.

Emut looked slightly hesitant.

"You sure?" He questioned, his tone unsure.

I nodded quickly and he responded with a small nod before edging backwards slowly. Before he could fully make an exit, I grabbed his arm. The warmth of his skin was prominent under my palm.

"But, you'll still be close around, right?" I asked, hoping for some sort of solace in this unknown world. Emut glanced down at my hand, a strange expression in his eyes.It was as though he wasn't used to such a gesture and I awkwardly moved my hand back.

Emut stilled at this and moved closer slightly, his warm eyes looking down at me.

"Hanna, trust me. You'll be completely fine here. I won't let anything happen to you. Just call my name, if you need anything" He assured and I smiled at his words, nodding slowly. At this, he smiled

"The sleeping chambers are on the right hand side. Yours will be the one right at the end of the hall." He directed, before walking down the hall and out of sight.

I breathed out before turning to walk up the stairs, the sound of my shoes echoed across the area. After what seemed like an hour, I reached the top and turned to the right, walking down the bleakly lit hallway. The decor on the walls was beautiful, not to mention, a window lined the wall every 10 steps or so. I revelled in the rays of sunlight peeking through the arch-shaped windows. Coming to the end, I halted to a stop.

2 doors. There were 2 doors at the end of the hallway and I contemplated going back downstairs to ask for directions, but decided against it after a moment of thought. It would be easier to check both rooms to see which was best suited for me instead of making that painstaking journey down the stairs again.

Deciding on the left door, I turned the doorknob and walked in. Only when fully in, did I realise that I had most definitely picked the wrong door. Sat on a four-legged stool was a black-haired male. His attention was on his hands as he used a dagger or knife of some sort to carve a piece of wood. The glint of the sun shone against the dagger and I stumbled back slightly when it caught my eye. This seemed