“You know, once he comes back, it is his final life. The stone I gifted is now outside his form. Do not take this warning lightly…” Her voice paused before saying, “The stone you hold is as much a part of him as it is of you. Tell him to hold on tight to it, child, for you will need it someday.”
A tornado of white leaves formed in the clearing, and the form of Kalon appeared, wearing his black, snakeskin armour and his bone mask.
The tree disappeared, only leaving a massive stump behind.
“What is this place?” Kalon asked as the leaves settled around him.
A sob tore from her lips as she stood and ran to him, wrapping her arms around him tightly.
He ran his hands down her back and stared down at her. “I think it’s time to celebrate,” he said with a wicked grin.
Chapter 33
Benny
The darkness of night had fallen as they walked down the path, gradually putting more distance between themselves and his sister and Roya with each step.
Benny didn’t really want to go on this trip. Fucking Ojore. Why did he have to split apart from them like this?
He understood his wish to reach his people and protect them, but advancing without any plan? That was senseless.
He also could not shake the overwhelming feeling that something was wrong.
Fucking fool, he thought, and chuckled to himself, knowing those were Roya’s words.
The scenery had slowly changed from green, rolling hills to semi-arid with strange, thorn-filled plants he had never seen before. Askold had—of course—been the first to touch one of them and had a welt on his fingertip now as a result.
Askold prattled on beside them, trying to flirt with both of the new Corvids.
Vira and Sepher were courteous to him, though their replies remained brief.
He hesitated to ask them to check in with Roya because, although he knew she was strong and capable, he still felt worried for her. He would ask them to check in later. He knew if something happened to the other group, Roya would say. Unless… Something happened to Roya, and they had no way to communicate.
They should have found another Corvid to go with them.
Benny realized he was smitten with Roya from the moment she appeared in his apartment and threatened him while he sat in that chair. She was incredible. He trusted her ability to handle herself, and her dedication to Seda made him smile as he walked.
“What are you thinking about?” Vira asked, pulling away from Askold and leaving Sephyr behind with the wooing idiot.
Benny felt the heat of a blush crest his cheeks. “Roya,” he admitted.
Vira smiled. “Roya is quite special, isn’t she? She’s been the Corvid leader since her father passed away a long time ago.”
“Yeah, she really is,” Benny replied.
“You’re lucky to have her as an ally.”
He was. But he didn’t just want to be her ally. He wantedmore. He didn’t just want brief moments of passion between them. Could he ever get more from being with her?
“We should stop before we reach the wall,” Vira said. “In case the Jotnar are still lurking there.”
“That’s a good idea,” he said and held his hand up, stopping the others. “We make camp.”
They set up a small camp between two large cacti, as Sephyr called them, and built a fire. Vira and Sephyr shifted into their Corvid forms and circled the area, watching for any activity, as Benny and Askold sat down in the rough dirt.
“You should stop trying to flirt with them. They aren’t interested,” Benny suggested.
Askold chuckled and feigned shock by placing his hand over his heart. “I’m offended,” he said. “My flirts are the best thing since sliced bread. I think Vira might like me.”
