“I’m just glad you’re safe,” Sandra interjects softly, her eyes warm, sparkling with the flickering glow of the molten lava. “Sorry we missed the end. I... I couldn’t handle the choking wind.” Her gaze falls to her hands.
Her concern surprises me—soft and unusual.Have these ancient mountains ever echoed words so sweet and heartfelt?
“Rest easy, female,” I reply, unsure, unpracticed in this kind of exchange.
She must take my words literally, because she settles onto the ground, peering into the simmering water.
“Is this... safe?” Sandra asks, her eyes darting to mine, to which I nod.
Princesa chimes in, her voice carrying a hint of pride. “Did you see us cheering at the start? That’s called ‘cheerleading’back on Earth.” She pauses, smugness creeping into her voice. “Not to brag, but... that’s probably why you won.”
Because of her?I fight back a sudden laugh, turning it into the faintest smile curling the corner of my lips. Princesa’s brows shoot up as she studies me. She’s just like Ignixis, poking and prodding for any reaction.
“Was that a...” Princesa begins, a broad victorious grin spreading across her face. “Smile?”
I return a stony stare, unwavering, unyielding, hard as the Peaks of Scarn. She wilts under my crimson glare, throwing her hands up in defeat.
“Ugh, I give up,” she groans.
Suddenly, the sound of rustling draws my attention, and my face almost betrays another emotion—shock. Seeing the petite Sandra stripped bare, the smooth curves of her body exposed.
What is wrong with these females?
Her coy smile only adds to the strangeness of the moment, not even covering her femininity.
Despite my best efforts, my eyes roam over her diminutive form, enjoying the sight of her plump breasts and lingering on the strange yet oddly appealing orange fur guarding her sex. My pulse quickens, Rush building, the sight stirring something unfamiliar in me.
I resist the urge to avert my gaze—doing so would only convey weakness.
Princesa interjects, giving me a timely cause to look away. “Wow.” She fans her face—though it lacks a drop of sweat. “I think that’s my cue to leave,” she titters. And I see it—a fleeting, treacherous smirk passing between them, almost imperceptible. They’ve planned this. Whateverthisis. More human female trickery. They strike when I’m at my weakest. Clever. Devious. Beautiful devourers.
“Have fun, you two.” Princesa coos, waving a carefree hand over her shoulder, her footsteps echoing on the rocky ground before disappearing behind the jagged bend.
My gaze snaps to Sandra, who emits a short giggle, her pale skin now flushed almost as red as mine. She takes a tentative step toward the pool’s edge, dipping her amusingly small toes into the bubbling water.
“Oh, that’s nice,” she mutters, casting me a glance. “Do you mind?”
Her deference pleases me. I raise my hand, inviting her to enter.
She wastes no time lowering herself into the water, releasing a squeaky shriek as her chest dips beneath the surface. I feel a loss too—the sight of her body, alluring and delicate, now distorted, almost hidden beneath the steamy, simmering water.
Sandra catches her breath, settling in, resting her arms over the edge of the pool as I do.
“Mmm, this temperature is perfect,” she sighs, eyes closing in relaxation. Amusing. I wish it were hotter—like the pools in the training chambers—hot enough to burn away the shame and scour the lingering pain from my body.
I close my eyes, enjoying the sound of cooling water dripping from the cavern’s ceiling, contrasting with the bubbling riverof lava. Though I know Sandra seeks something more.The questions will come.
They always do.
“I’m sorry about your injuries, Dracoth,” Sandra says right on cue, her tone carrying that strange, sincere concern again.
Her apology perplexes me. As if she were the one wielding Jazreal’s spear. Even if it were him speaking, the words would be misplaced. Our destinies clashed—the Gods demanded battle, and we delivered it.
“You have nothing to apologize for,” I reply, keeping my voice steady.
“Weren’t you frightened?” she asks, her voice quiet.
“I do not fear battle,” I answer without hesitation. It excites me, igniting my molten soul. It’s the reason I exist—my divine gift to the universe.
