“We almost lost you, that’s what,” the blonde chimes in softly, interrupting the escalating argument.
Leeson stretches her hand out, ivory fingers touch Alora’s cheek and an ethereal light comes from the tips.
A healer.
It’s not the first time I’ve seen one. They used to be more prominent, back before the king had rounded up most of the free folk.
Alora's eyes soften, revealing her true exhaustion.
“I can heal the skin around your neck, if you’d let me,” the healer whispers, the moment now feeling too intimate, like I’m an intruder.
“I need to keep the reminder for a while, if you don’t mind.”
So I can show The Hidden that I’m not as weak as they think me to be.
A small smile forms after she’s spoken the words.
“As you wish.”
After a few moments their demeanors shift and they relax. Alora dismounts from her saddle and walks closer to the woman beside her.
She stands nearest the man known as Caym and extends her hand to him. He quickly grabs the hand and pulls her in for an embrace.
“I wouldn’t have forgiven myself if I hadn’t gotten there in time.”
The words feel too relatable, causing my throat to catch.
“Leeson would have brought us back and killed us both if either of us had failed to make it out, but I’m glad to see you again, old friend.”
They release each other and turn to me, acknowledging me for the first time in minutes.
“What do we do with this one, Commander?”
Alora’s eyes ignite at the question, her fury focused on me.
“Well, I think it’s time The Devourer is held accountable for the lives he’s taken. He’s important to the king so he’ll be important to us. We can use him as a bargaining chip, and if that doesn’t work, then we’ll kill him.” Her words strike, finality tolling.
“Such cruel words, little warrior.”
She stares at me, unblinking. It only takes her a few moments before she unleashes her tongue and snaps back. “I guess the captive has become the captor. What an intriguing turn of events.”
Her eyes narrow, slicing me with a look of pure hatred.
“For once in your life, you’ll learn what it’s like to feel helpless.”
The irony isn’t lost on me, if only she knew that I was already a slave in a war I wanted nothing to do with, would she look at me with such disdain then?
“As you wish, my lady.”
She turns to her companions again before speaking, “And what about The Nightmare? Where’s that bastard now?”
Silence.
They all exchange glances before finally the young man from earlier, the one who held the sword to my neck, steps forward. His voice is subdued as he answers, “I’m sorry Commander Viren, I tried to catch him but he used his magic to debilitate me. I… I didn’t see where he went.”
Fucking fuck. This is even worse than I could have thought. Orlin will have definitely noticed Rion missing and likely even saw me pulverize the man.
Alora’s face is guarded but the heaviness is still etched in her gaze.
