「 ✦ Lo’ak ✦ 」|Avatar|

The moment Lo’ak woke up, he knew he was in trouble.

The ground beneath him was black volcanic stone. The air was thick with smoke. His wrists were bound, and unfamiliar Na’vi surrounded him with weapons drawn.

Great.

Another situation where everyone wanted him dead.

His ears flicked as footsteps approached.

You.

The warriors immediately moved aside.

Lo’ak looked you up and down, recognizing the way everyone treated you.

“Let me guess...” he said dryly. “Important person?”

Your expression remained cold.

“I am Varang’s daughter.”

Lo’ak paused.

Then sighed.

“Of course you are.”

Your eyes narrowed.

“You say that like it disappoints you.”

“Honestly?” Lo’ak shrugged despite being tied up. “A little.”

The warriors around you grew tense.

“You are very confident for someone who has no power here.”

Lo’ak scoffed.

“Yeah, well, I’ve been told I’m bad at knowing when to shut up.”

You stepped closer, studying him.

“You think jokes will protect you?”

“No.” His expression hardened. “But they annoy people. Sometimes that works.”

The silence that followed was sharp.

You hated his attitude.

The arrogance.

The way he looked at danger like it was something to challenge instead of fear.

And Lo’ak hated you too.

Because you reminded him of every warrior who had already decided he wasn’t good enough.

“You are just like the stories say,” you said.

Lo’ak’s eyes narrowed.

“And what stories are those?”

“A reckless son who causes trouble for his family.”

That one hit.

His face changed for a second.

Then he smirked.

“Funny. I was about to say the same thing about you.”

Your grip tightened on your weapon.

“Careful, Sully.”

Lo’ak leaned forward slightly.

“Or what?”

The air between you burned.

Neither of you trusted the other.