A flicker of a smile crosses her face, fleeting but genuine. "Hilarious, though I prefer other sorts of games," she deadpans.
The tension in her shoulders seems to ease a fraction. "So, what exactly was that thing, anyway? Some kind of overgrown junglecatwith a drooling issue?"
I ponder her question for a moment. The creature wasn't native to Maln'Kril or anywhere else I've been, that much was certain.
"No familiar scent signature," I rumble, wrinkling my snout in thought. "Definitely not something I've encountered before. Probably some mutated monstrosity cooked up for this cursed hunting season."
She lets out a humorless chuckle. "Just another delightful addition to our vacation itinerary. Let's hope the next surprise isn't quite so toothy."
I rumble my agreement, the playful banter fading as a wave of weariness washes over me. I focus on the path ahead, my senses scanning the environment for any sign of further danger.
There's a nagging thought that keeps circling in my mind.
Her heat; this arousal that she keeps denying. My senses let me know it's a weak lie, as does the way her eyes refuse to meet mine when I mention it.
At no other point has she been too shy to show me the defiance in them.
The very idea of a human female, especially this particular human female, being attracted to me is ridiculous. And yet, there it is, a persistent ember burning in the back of my mind.
Why else would she keep signaling?
The thought sends a jolt through me, but then I scoff at the absurdity of it, drawing a questioning look from Kira I pretend I don't see.
Drakonids don't mate with other species.
It's simply not done. Besides, Kira is, well, Kira. Stubborn, infuriating, and about as socially graceful as a drunken xicut. Hardly the ideal mate for a proud Maj'Ra.
Still, the image of her fiery defiance and the way her scent fills the air when she is close lingers in my mind. I clench my jaw, forcing myself to focus. This internal monologue is getting me nowhere.
Suddenly, Kira stops.
I glance at her, surprised. She's staring down intently at a patch of sunlight filtering through the leaves, a frown etched on her face.
"What is it?" I rumble cautiously.
"Footprints," she mutters, crouching down to examine the damp earth. They're large, much larger than hers, and unlike anything I've seen before. Three clawed toes, each leaving a deep impression in the soft soil.
"It matches the paws of thatcat-like creature," she shares.
I hadn't bothered to look, and a flush of embarrassment follows that realization.
She is simply too distracting, though it's satisfying to see her demonstrate her knowledge and skills.
I look closer now, and note that there are several sets. All seemingly heading in the same direction—deeper into the forest. A tremor of unease runs through me. These aren't solitary hunters like the creature we just encountered.
This is a pack.
"Looks like we're not alone," I mutter, my voice low.
Kira stands up, brushing dirt off her knees. The playful defiance has vanished from her eyes, replaced by a steely determination.
"You have a penchant for the obvious, Drasuk. Great," she mutters, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Just what we needed. A pack of oversized mutant freaks."
"We need to find somewhere to hide," I say urgently. "Somewhere they can't easily reach us."
She scans the surrounding trees, her gaze finally landing on a cluster of thick vines snaking their way up a nearby tree, then moving on, as if she discards it as a viable option.
"Why not the vines?"
