Oren turned slowly, his entire aura sharpening. “You saw them alive?”
Torren nodded. “Hard to miss the people screaming orders to capture or kill the girl who just slaughtered their prized monsters.”
The temperature in the room dropped ten degrees as Zeke and Zane went still—too still. That Draxon edge beginning to bleed through their eyes.
Nathan’s voice sounded full of delight. “And now they’re ready to go on the hunt for the soon-to-be dead fuckers.”
“Every warrior in Bellona will be looking for you,” Torren continued. “Including the ones who won’t bother taking you alive.”
Zane rolled his shoulders, cracking his neck. “Let them fucking try.”
Jet leaned against the broken window, peering at the tree line. “How much time do we have?”
“Not enough,” Torren said. “But the cabin is hidden. You’re safe for now.”
“Fornow,” Oren echoes, voice like steel. “We leave this minute. What’s the plan?” He reluctantly directed the question to Torren.
“At this point, all known portal access has been terminated. We must distance ourselves from Bellona as much as possible. From there, we might locate the one I’ve heard about. If it’s damaged, you still have an advantage. He looked at Pantar, who was curled up in the corner. “It’s fortunate that you have a Fellat bonded to your Nexus.”
Oren nodded, “We leave immediately.”
Everyone began packing what little they had, checking weapons, and grounding themselves for another run. I stand easily, no pain, no weakness: the bite, the bruises, the agony from the fighting… all gone. Aurathion blood is fast—but my healing has evolved since the voices have made themselves known.
Zeke watches me with something like awe. “You heal quicker than us.”
I hadn’t mentioned the voices yet, but in my defense, it may be a while before we can settle enough to have some of the discussions that are needed.
“Probably because my body is used to it.” I winced, realizing that my statement would remind them of some of the things I went through.
Zane snorts. “New rule: no torture or almost dying.”
I smiled, grateful that he brushed it off for now. The things done to me can’t be unpacked in a few minutes, and honestly, I might decide never to unpack them. I knew they would feel that everything was their fault, and I didn’t want that for them.
Chloe slung her bag over her shoulder, eyeing Torren. “If he’s coming, someone has to babysit him to make sure he’s not going to stab us in the back.”
Nathan lifted a brow. “Dibs.”
Zane raised his hand. “No,no, I want to babysit the mysterious man who looks at my Nexus like she’s a Snickers bar.”
“Careful. I bite.” Torren smirked. “And if I wanted to stab you, I had plenty of opportunity last night.”
Zane growled deep.
Jet stepped between them. “Enough. We need to move.”
Oren opened the cabin door. Cold, sharp morning air poured in. Behind the trees, Bellona’s glowing skyline rose—a mix of orange and black, resembling a funeral pyre.
Oren stepped out first.
The rest of us followed.
Torren fell into step behind us, silent and watchful.
I heard a bird shriek overhead, then watched as it landed on Nathan’s shoulder.
“I was wondering where you were. Nexi, meet Dale.” Nathan grinned. “I named him with you in mind.”
“I like it.” I stepped closer and ran my hand down his soft feathers.
