The Rozzer looked at her with suspicion and then back to Elco. He took out his whip and pointed the butt of it at her. His crimson eyes flashed. “I don’t know where he is, but if I find out you’re lying to me and thatbeasthad something to do with it, I’ll be back for youas well. I don’t care what Mordred said. Punishments here are harsh, and when you misbehave, you get punished.”
He walked over to Elco and whipped him across the back. Elco roared, shaking the rock walls. More lizard creatures piled into the hall, dragging him out and stabbing him with electric sticks. The doors slammed closed, and Seda could hear shouting and the sounds of Elco whimpering outside the walls.
The smoldering embers of her fury began to burn deep within her chest once more.
Chapter 25
Benny
They found a stream and washed off as best as they could with a bar of soap that Kalon luckily had in his pack. Both Seren and Kalon had bags full of supplies that Benny was extremely thankful for since the items they brought were mostly ruined by the Murkway.
Benny’s feet ached as they crept through the Heath Forest. They were all taking light steps to avoid any sounds that would alert the living creatures within the woods.
The Corvids flew above the trees, swooping down to inform them if they saw any movement ahead. The men avoided the potential conflict and would walk around the area. It took them hours to navigate through the forest. As the night sky gave way to the golden glow of dawn, the twinkling stars began to fade.
His gaze kept drifting to Roya, his eyes recognizing her by thatdistinctive azure-tipped beak, her sleek feathers, and, when she was in her human form, her breathtaking face and flawless body.
The large oak trees thinned, and the ground slowly turned to sand beneath their feet, slowing their steps. Roya, Ferona, and Feich flew down and shifted forms when the trees cleared, revealing a vast expanse of dunes that stretched out beyond them.
“The Camp is a good distance ahead,” Roya told them. Her long, silky hair blew in the wind, and her woodsmoke bourbon scent enveloped Benny. He instinctively stepped closer to her, and she sharply looked over at him, squinting her eyes in his direction. She took a step to the side and walked over to Cahir. Making conversation as she kept glancing his way and giving him squinty-eyed looks.
Damnit.
“Let’s rest here for a bit before we make our way through the sand,” he huffed in exhaustion. “Did anyone fill their canteens at that last stream we saw?”
Askold and Ruel held theirs up.
“How long do we think it will take to cross?” Cahir asked them as Roya chuckled at something he had said to her.
“About four hours or so,” Kalon answered him from behind.
Benny felt the twinge of jealousy. He knew not to be jealous of Cahir. Cahir, although he never admitted it, was obviously head over heels for Seda. But he also wanted to make Roya smile. Her smile was bright and alive, alighting her face with the beauty of a wildfire, fierce and strong. He realized he was staring again. He cleared his throat and looked away.
“I see how you’re looking at my sister,” Ferona said, sliding in next to him and nodding at Roya and Cahir.
“Is it that obvious?” he asked as he slid his stuff off his shoulder and dropped it to the sand. Ferona sat in the sand next to him and patted the ground for him to sit.
Benny sat next to her, and she handed him a canteen to drinkfrom, which she likely stole from Askold. He sipped some water and gazed out over the vast expanse of dunes, rolling out like endless waves.
Benny spent his life following the rules until he learned of his father’s secrets. He studied diligently, performed well on his exams, and focused on excelling at work. Sure, he had a few girlfriends here and there, but nothing concrete, nothing wild and careless. No one caught his eye like Roya did. When had he truly ever focused on himself and his own desires? Never. He never had before.He spent the last few years visiting the Medical Wing to give samples to others, hoping that one would be accepted.
“She is gorgeous,” he admitted to Ferona and looked back over his shoulder at her again. Roya looked back at him and left Cahir’s side, walking over to him and sitting on his opposite side.
His heart started racing with nervous excitement.
“So… uh,” he began, stealing a glance at her gorgeous hands with their sharp nails, all the while trying to avoid looking her in the face.
“Why do you keep watching me?” she asked.
So forward. So direct. Sohot.
“Do I scare you? I hear your heart beating within your chest right now. I’m here for your sister, Benny. I will not hurt you as long asyou do not get in my way.”
Oh, wowzers.
“N-No, it’s not that,” he stuttered in response.
Ferona giggled and stood up. “I will leave you here to fend for yourself.”
