“You smell terrible,” Ferona said as she approached, not allowing her steps to reach the water. She gagged loudly when she saw them covered in filth.
“How did you know which exit to find us at?” Benny let out a deep breath and glanced at the group in front of him, then jogged over to them.
“Simple, we just followed the sounds of screaming pigs,” Roya said to him as she eyed his filthy form.
“Any idea where we can wash up?” Benny asked, clearing his throat and smirking at her.
Roya’s eyes narrowed, and she shot him a sneer in response to his flirty grin. Benny quickly looked away.
“Did anyone remember to pack soap?” Askold asked the group. The grimy men shook their heads.
“Ugh, of course you didn’t! You’re a bunch of stinky men!” Ferona screeched into the chilly air as they exited the tunnel.
“Not me, sister,” Feich called back to her as he sniffed himself.
“No, never you, brother,” she said back to him soothingly. “Roya is right. These are not men. They’re pigs.”
Cahir laughed, and the Corvids glanced at him. Then the other filthy men joined in. The Corvids exchanged confused looks, unsure why the disgusting crew was laughing when sewage covered them.
Cahir thought about how filthy they were. He just ventured through sewage. Never in his entire life had he done something so disgusting. He knew without a doubt that he would do it again if it meant saving Seda.
It felt good to laugh. It loosened some of the tension Cahir had built up between his shoulders and his chest. But damn, he could never tell anyone else this happened. No one could know about this, or he would never hear the end of it,especiallyhis friend back home, Luelle.
“I think they swallowed too much poop water,” Seren observed of the men as he followed Kalon into the oak trees.
They broke into laughter again, and then Ruel doubled over and threw up.
Chapter 24
Seda
“Tell me about yourself, Elco,” Seda asked him as they lounged near each other at the bars.
“What do you want to know, little moon-flutter?” Elco let out a deep sigh, and the comforting warmth from his breath seeped into her bones.
“You said you were a protector before. What happened?” A mouse darted across the floor between them, and Elco quickly swatted it, smashing the small creature.
“Disgusting things. They defecate where they eat.” He lifted his paw and eyed the smashed remains, then wiped it across the floor away from them. He sighed and continued, “I watched over these lands and flew through the sky, reaching for the stars. Oh, how I miss the freedom of the air sweeping through my wings. I’ve not used them since they captured me. I’m not sure if they would still work.The Mother Goddess was the only being I answered to. Her magic and love protected our people and my friends. I gave up hope on her return many years ago.”
Seda sat up, captivated by his story, and cautiously reached out her hand through the bars to touch his scaled back. He tensed and looked at her with suspicion. She pulled her hand back slightly and looked at him with gentle eyes, seeking permission. He nodded and settled back down. She slowly placed her palm on his back again, gliding her hand down and feeling the rough texture of his skin.
Elco let out a deep purring sound.
Elco continued, “When the gods left this place, the Monster King stole her source and left behind a damaged core. He used the dark stone to capture all manner of beasts and has ruled over all since.”
“I’m so sorry, Elco,” Seda genuinely replied as she slowly ran her hand up and down his scaly skin.
“It’s not your fault. You were not around for the downfall. But you do remind me of someone I used to know.”
“Who…” Seda started, but the door creaked open, and the sound of footsteps descended upon them.
Alexi came into view and saw Elco with Seda, pausing. “Uhhh…” He looked between them in confusion.
Elco growled at him and flashed his teeth.
Alexi’s face flared in anger. “You know you cannot do anything, beast! Back up and let me through the door.” He flashed his knife at Elco and then pulled the keys out, holding them up. Elco rose to his feet, retreated to the wall, and hissed.
Seda stood as Alexi placed the key into the lock. The door slowly creaked open as he stood there staring at her. “So now you have made friends with disgusting beasts? You never cease to shock me, you fucking freak. Were you talking to that thing? Have you truly gone insane?” He stepped slowly into the cell, while Seda stayed in her position.
