The expression on my face must have shifted drastically, for both men gave me inquisitive looks. “I have an idea.”
54
Ro
Elegant onyx stripes sat along the curve of his shoulder blade, rolling with each step he took. The vibrant orange, blending with cream fur, created a striking visual. Orange like the bright dusk of a setting sun, black like the deepest depths of night’s shadows, and cream…like the ice variety.
I hadn’t been able to resist reaching out my hand to pet him. He peered back at me with a wicked gleam in his stark gold eyes. I simply smiled, stroking him down the length of his back. All of it was comforting, even the vibrations from the deep rasping purrs he released that radiated into my palm.
“What does it feel like? To be pet?”
“I don’t normally have people petting me as a human, so I can’t really compare.”
I smirked and gave a more forceful pat.
“It feels absolutely wonderful! It’s warm and soft and relaxing. Makes me feel loved,” Braxius chimed in from tucked into the bottom of my hood.
“I knowyoulove them. I was asking Dae.”
“Oh…Well he loves them too. Did he say he didn’t? He’s lying then.”
I snicker softly so it isn’t heard over our collective footsteps.
There were seven of us in the group that had departed yesterday. Two leaders from The Order led the way, rearranging the branches that poisoned the earth from the Black Pool to clear our path. I still hadn’t seen it yet, the origin of the devastating magic. Dae refused to let me go near it.
From the way the veins rotted and robbed whatever they touched of life, leaving decrepit husks and flecks of ash, I wouldn’t argue. If this curse continued spreading, it would consume the entire continent, leaving only those with sovereignty over it to remain. Those who had been corrupted by its power. I may have feared Windguard’s army, but even they were no match for this unnatural destroyer.
Val had gone with the supply run to the south, and I was glad she wasn’t with our party. It eliminated the chance of our lies being exposed.
The Order leaders walked ahead of us like the world bowed to them. Not that there was much world left to bow, given the devastation of the Black Pool. We were given a generous portion of food supplies. Clearly Order members don’t have to ration like the rest of the camp. In any other circumstance, I would have been on edge, tense the entire duration of the trip. But as I stroked the soft fur of the powerful beast strutting at my side, I felt at ease.
“A little to the left.”
So Braxius was right, Daedidlike being pet. I dragged my scratching fingers to the left.
“And a bit to the right.”
I moved them again.
“And up a little.”
I had to stifle my laughter, but I still sent my joking chastisement.“Stop!”A satisfied chuckle caressed the edges of my mind, smooth as the darkest liquor. “You’re incorrigible.”
“Maybe I just like bossing you around while your hand is on me.”
A flash of heat struck me as I recalled how it felt to have my hands roaming over his perfect, naked body. The thought of submitting to his sensual instruction had that spot between my thighs dampening. Then I thought of him listening tomyorders…
“We’re almost there. Don’t ease up your pace,” Carmin said, still leading the way from several yards ahead. I didn’t get intimidated by many people, but her? Her dark hair was shorn on one side of her head, and she wore a necklace of sharp animal teeth. Her biceps were extremely defined, and pairing all of that with her ability to control the lethal force of dark magic kept me vigilant.
The fresh veins of the Black Pool finally came to an end, the land only tainted with remnants of the old curse. Thankfully I didn’t have to worry about where I stepped now.
It was faint at first, the far off echoes of a forest filled with plenty of creatures. Adjusting to the dull roar of life took a minute, but the sounds were comforting.
We continued for another hour or so until we reached the nearest town. A shiver raced down my spine, and I was grateful Dante and Mira got their citizens out.
“You were right. Looks vacated,” Dae said.
“They’ve been evacuating them for weeks. Well, trying to. Those here in the north were the first to understand the severity of the situation. Others down south aren’t spooked enough yet to leave.”
