“This is the plan,” Macklin confirmed, though his pale face said otherwise.
The beast was nearly out of sight now.
“Maybe we should send Cam with him,” Luca said.
Macklin nodded vigorously.
“Then who would do the cooking?” Isa knew this was not the proper time to discuss the details.
“Blanca and I,” Luca responded, his eyes still on Macklin.
“Alright,” Isa responded. “If you think that is best.” She started moving down the river.
“But that would leave one less person to stand guard over the violent beast we are about to invite into our company,” Luca muttered, his face growing red. He clearly did not fully trust Macklin.
Isa didnottrust him, but she definitely felt no qualm sending him away for help. “I think we will be fine. Send Cam with Macklin. You said it yourself—the beast could have killed us multiple times already and hasn’t yet.”
The beast disappeared behind a copse of trees.
“Do you have a better option?” Her voice betrayed her lack of patience.
Luca shook his head.
Isa shared a final glance with Macklin to ensure they were on the same page.
He nodded. “I’ll get help with Cam.”
Channeling her exasperation into a quick sprint, she chased after the beast, careful to remain as far away from the dangerous edge of the canyon as she could.
“Beast!” she called as soon as she could see him again.
He continued walking. He was still some ways away, so perhaps he had not heard her.
“Beast!” she called again as she drew closer.
He did not turn around, though there was no way he had not heard her this time.
She slowed to a stop to catch her breath. “Aden of Iseldis.” She made no effort to hide the derision in her voice.
The tall beast finally stopped and turned around. “Yes?”
“Wait here. Macklin will go for help.”
He looked suspicious. Not that the animal had a clear facial expression—but somehow Isa knew he looked suspicious. He started walking back toward her.
She refused to show fear, even as he stepped closer and his large fangs were clearly visible.
“Wait here? What a tempting offer. You have been such a pleasant host thus far.”
Isa ignored the sarcasm that coated his words. “Macklin will go with Cam, and he knows the area better so they will get to the village more quickly,” she explained.
The beast raised his eyebrows, or at least the fur above his eyes, which somewhat resembled the eyebrows a human person would have.
“Regardless, it is not likely the villagers would even listen to you.” Isa was desperate to persuade him. “They don’t like outsiders much in these parts, and well, they are more likely to hunt you.”
The beast remained silent; his eyes narrowed. She did not get the saucy retort to that comment she had expected.
“So, this is about concern for my safety?” he asked. “Or yours?”
