“Home sweet home,” Faye crowed happily, releasing Lori's hand to run ahead through the snow towards the camp.
“See, now a proper tent would have been a stellar idea,” Lephas laughed, spotting the small canvas structure ahead. It was erected just in front of the charred remains of a campfire.
Faye's horse, Gaia, raised her head with ears pricked as the group approached. The horse nickered softly at her owner and Faye walked to her side. Her sister petted the animal's soft nose reassuringly as Gaia eyed the approaching demons warily.
Gaia had been the only horse Lori had ever ridden. She was her sister’s favourite and most trusted steed. The beautiful chestnut mare had been a present from their father for Faye's sixteenth birthday. Gaia's large muscular back was covered in a thick, luxurious padded silk blanket to keep her warm. Without a doubt, it was probably thicker and warmer than the bed covers Faye had for herself.
Clearly convinced they meant her no harm, the mare turned her attention back to foraging through the snow for sparse blades of grass.
“A horseanda tent? I have to admit, maybe your sisterisa bit better prepared for this running away from home business after all,” Lephas muttered, teasing.
“Rub it in!” Lori snapped playfully and jabbed the demon with her elbow.
They walked into the camp and Lephas released her hand. The big demon dropped his pack down beside the tent.
Lori trudged through the snow to join her sister beside the mare, stroking a hand against the horse affectionately. She caught her sister's eye and Faye smiled.
“I still can't believe you're here,” Lori sighed happily.
Faye laughed. “Neither can I. This is by far the scariest, most exciting thing I've ever done.”
“You can say that again.”
“Seems likeyourjourney has been significantly more exciting than scary.” Her sister fixed her with a curious expression. Her pale blue eyes flickered across the camp to Lephas.
Lori followed her gaze and watched the handsome demon talking with Raxx.
She bit her lip with a smile. “Yeah, it has. Though trust me, there have been some really fucking scary moments too.”
“You guys seem...Cosy. He touches you so comfortably, like he's done it a thousand times. I take it you've–”
“Shh!” Lori chastised with another glance across to the demons. “I'll tell you later.”
“I can't believe it. I've travelled all this way to save you, worried sick that you were in danger and you've been out here, lifting tail for some demon.” Faye joked.
“Quiet!They'll hear you!” Lori spluttered, feeling a tell-tale blush rising in her cheeks.
Gaia shifted her weight and snorted loudly into the snow, startling them both. They laughed.
Their sudden outburst had drawn the demons' attention. Raxx’s face was emotionless as ever but Lephas grinned at them, making Lori's stomach flip.
“You know...” Faye whispered, leaning in close. “Helooks at you like you're the only thing in the whole world worth looking at. I don't know what you've done to him, but you need to teach me.”
“Don't be ridiculous,” Lori replied, flustered. Her heart sped up as she caught her demon's dark eyes again.
“All I want in life is someone who looks at me like that someday,” Faye sighed longingly, leaning her head against Gaia's back.
“Don't get jealous just yet. You should see him shirtless - he gets better and better.” Lori teased, shooting her sister a wide smile.
“You bitch!”
“What about Raxx?” Lori asked quietly. “You've been travelling with him a few days, right?”
“Yeah, I mean, there's no denying he's real handsome – but he's just so...” Faye trailed off.
“Yeah, he is.” Lori agreed, before her sister could finish. She knew Faye was referring to that mysterious, unreadable aura that surrounded the man.
The two demons were locked in a serious conversation, both men frowning thoughtfully as they muttered between themselves. Lephas ran a hand through his hair, a sure sign that he was concerned about something.
