“Fine. Just wasn't expecting that,” the blood mage replied, pulling a napkin from his pocket to wipe his mouth.
“You brought napkins with you on a mission?” Fischer balked, and Faris nodded.
“What if someone needed to take a shit? You would be wishing someone had thought of such luxury then,” Faris retorted, stuffing the dirty napkin into his back pocket.
Khol headed for the edge of the cliff, looking out over the view. Turning back, he asked, “Anyone else feeling the effects of transport? Do any of you need a moment or are we good to continue?”
“All good, Sir,” I replied, and we all approached the edge. Sprout stepped up next to me and slipped her arm around my waist, resting her head against my chest.
“Wow. This is…” Fischer said in awe as his eyes scanned the horizon.
“Incredible,” I breathed.
It was sunset here, and the whole sky was lit up with hues of purples, oranges and bright pinks. The bodies of water cutting through the forest below us shimmered like pathways of gemstones. I'd honestly never seen a more beautiful landscape—that was impressive, considering we'd been to nearly every country in the world.
“This is Floresta.” Khol gestured to the sprawling forest before us that spanned for miles and miles. “The facility is on the other side of that mountain,” he explained, pointing out a large towering mountain in the distance.
“Are we jumping closer?” Sprout asked.
“Yes. We'll jump as a group. With three demons, we'll easily have the power to take the four of you,” Bram explained. “Heads up this time, you may get sick when we hit the ground. Even if you didn't last time. So... don't barf on me.” He shuddered.
“We'll be fine,” Cam replied smoothly. He was always collected, rarely rattled. That's why he was such a damn good boss. His dark blond hair was in a knot that was hidden underneath his hat, loose strands blowing gracefully in the breeze whipping through the mountain pass.
“When we get boots on the ground, take cover immediately. I'm not going to land us too close, but just to be safe. You can never be too careful, and eyes are everywhere in Besmet,” Kohl told us ominously.
“Here, Goldie, let me see your back.” Bram turned her when she stepped away from me. The back of her tactical vest had zippers over the shoulder blades and Bram quickly unzipped them. Pulling a knife from his pocket, he reached inside the openings and slit her shirt.
“Hey! What the hell, Bram?” she said, exasperated when she realized he'd cut her shirt up.
“For your wings, princess,” he winked, dropping a kiss to her scowly lips.
“Here, Khol, unzip mine,” Bram said, turning so the older demon could give his clothing the same treatment. Bram returned the favor and then we were surrounded by three winged demons, complete with tails and horns.
‘Where's the bloody action?’a squeaky voice called out. A very French-sounding squeaky voice.
Sighing, I opened my velcro breast pocket and lo and behold, Napoleon scurried out.
“You brought the mouse?” Bram asked, horrified.
“I didn't. He must've snuck in before we left,” I said in response, keeping my eyes on the sneaky furry Frenchman.Frenchmouse?
‘Did you honestly think you could go into battle without a trained warrior at your side, géant?’Napoleon scoffed, shaking his tiny mouse fists at the sky.
“My apologies. You're right. I should've consulted you,” I replied, stifling my sarcasm in an attempt to settle the little tyrant.
‘Apology accepted, géant. Now, where's the battle?’Napoleon asked, and I swear to the gods, his beady black eyes sparkled with the promise of bloodshed.
“Just hop back in my pocket—we're jumping to a closer location and you can come out then. Go on, in you go, tyrant.” I pulled the pocket open. Napoleon scoffed but made no further protest, and I made sure he was secure before nodding to the others.
“Everything good?” Sprout asked. Her question had a soft teasing tone, and I didn't miss Faris' shoulders shaking with silent laughter.
“Let's do it.” I grinned. Was it strange that I'd developed a bond with a French mouse, who was strangely similar to the actual Napoleon Bonaparte? Yes. Did I give a fuck? Nope. He was cool as shit, and would be able to get me into places I normally wouldn't be able to go.
Khol held out his hands. “Stand in a circle and hold tight to the person's hand beside you. This will be over in a second.”
Sprout slipped her hand into mine, and her other one into Fischer's. A large hand clasped my left and I looked over to see Cam, standing stoically with a serious expression on his face. Khol was on his other side, then Faris, then Bram.
“Let me guide the jump. Just lend me your power,” Khol told Bram and Saige.
