Untamed Gift (Book One of the Items Trilogy)

Chapter 27

  Lily stood near to the closed door of his room wearing a half sleeved red tunic, blue pants and boots. Both of her swords hung to each hip and were perfectly symmetrical to her straight and curvaceous body. Her pure white hair that reminds him of the pure, reflective light of the moon hung loosely and close to her shoulders. Her natural beauty sent his heart thrumming and his senses scattered to the four winds while trying to find a way to get his foolhardy plan started and not wind up in pain again. The orange glow from the lit lamps seemed to make her image flicker in the most sensual ways.

  She sighed and looked defeated after the question left her lips.

  “We need to talk about last night.” He retorted evenly.

  Her eyes flashed in recognition to his empty words, but she guarded her voice. “What about it? Are you going to make jokes at my expense or tell me that I’m not good enough? Do you like leading women on?”

  Pity flared into his emotions for her, but he somehow managed to neutralize the sound of his voice because the next plan was more dangerous than fighting Gyro. “It is difficult to walk over to you, so will you please come over here so I could defend myself. Please?”

  She studied him for a moment before sighing, seeing how he still had a difficult time remaining standing. She walked up to him with a fire in her eyes and an unbreakable will, sensing a trap. It wasn’t a good kind of fire and getting rolled over by Gyro again seemed like the better alternative. She stopped about two feet away as she looked him straight in the eye. The swiftness of her movements sent her scent around her body and all over him. “Say what you have to so I can leave!”

  Lily was just close enough and he put his heart on the line for her.

  Before she could react Alex quickly stepped forward, slid his right arm around her lower back, reached his left hand behind her head and did the most suicidal experiment in his entire life.

  Alex placed his lips upon hers.

  Her full lips were more enchanting than he could have ever imagined. They were soft, firm, but most of all, they belonged to the one woman who he desired more than any other. She was startled at the action and her breath entered his in a sharp gust. Alex tasted her breath and it was sweeter than any fruit or sugar, like honey and sea salt. Her lips were wet as they parted effortlessly and instinctively for him, but neither knew how amazing the experience could be. It was as if their mouths were made specifically for each other. She seemed to like it as well.

  A strong pressure on his chest gave a moment of pause and Alex realized it was the palms of her hands. Their lips disconnected and were being pushed away. Knowing this reaction all too well from her, his arms fell away from embracing her until they hit his sides. Alex took a step back, but couldn’t because she had a fist full of his tunic in each hand. Her grip had stopped him from going anywhere.

  With the very last of his fading courage he looked into the most beautiful eyes in anticipation for rejection and sudden physical pain, but he wasn’t prepared for what his eyes catalogued. Her complexion alternated between pale and blushing red. It was difficult to keep up with her shifting expressions; jealously, joy, rage, fearful, hope, rejection, spite, horror, danger, pain, misery, shyness, realization, surprise, passion, love. Her expressions changed faster than he’s ever seen a person do before and then she shut her eyes and began breathing slowly in order to calm herself. She dropped her chin to her chest and breathed slow and deeply through her nose, but her firm grip on his tunic didn’t relax by any measure. He couldn’t help himself as he watched her chest swell and sink with each calming breath. She did this for a minute before her eyes opened and met his. Now her eyes were confused, but a small spark of happiness could be seen deeper within.

  “Alex, what did you do that for? Be very careful how you explain yourself.”

  He couldn’t hold his smile back any longer. “I finally did what I’ve wanted to do since we first met. You were the first person who accepted me and kissing you was the best way I knew how that I could express how I have accepted you. You are a woman unlike any other and I’m completely in love with you and…”

  She immediately pulled on his tunic, their distance closed instantly and she brought her lips crashing onto his. This kiss was far greater than when he kissed her in ambush. His hands wrapped around her again and her hands released his tunic. Both of her arms wrapped around his neck in a hold like she never wanted to release him. Her wet lips parted again and a very womanly moan escaped her lips. All of his cells began vibrating in the most pleasurable way. She didn’t stop kissing him and he showed her that he didn’t want her to stop either. Their lips moved in perfect synchronization like they’ve kissed each other this passionately their entire lives. Her smell was intoxicating and only adding to the pleasure that they were sharing. They have finally closed the strained friendship to a deeper relationship.

  This is the one woman his could spend the rest of his life with and many future images sprang forth on what that said future might be like.

  His heart was beating and his skin was almost shocking from where they touched. She felt the same way. His lips felt complete with hers connecting with them. Her breasts were pressing into his chest painfully, but finally showing her his honest and pure love was winning the battle over the pain.

  There was a new sensation that quickly became worse. Her fingers dug into his back and the pain became unbearable.

  Alex went completely rigid as he sucked a deep breath through his teeth. She heard it and felt his tension and pulled away in shock. “What is it?”

  “My. Back.” He said through the teeth grinding pain.

  She realized what she was doing and her fingers removed their hold. “I’m so sorry. I forgot you were still hurting…”

  He quickly pressed his lips to hers quickly and she stopped talking while he wrapped both of his arms dropped to her lower back. “Do not feel bad. I am happier than I’ve ever been. You have made me feel whole for the first time.”

  She smiled and kissed him softly again. “You have done the same for me. I too feel complete.” She looked over his shoulder and smiled pleasurably. “You need to lie down. You still need rest.”

  Before any disapproval could be uttered from his lips she wrapped her arms around his hips and began walking him backwards. She walked to the side of the bed and twisted him in such a way so that his body had no choice but to collapse in the bed. Lily knew how the body works and reacts and she forced his body to work in her favor and made him rest. She still stood and suddenly glanced at the door.

  He smiled from the bed and said “Don’t worry about Shade coming back. He has made himself scarce so we could spend quality time together.”

  Lily looked back to him with an honest smile. “So we will be alone for the entire night?” He nodded with his own smile of happiness. “I hope you don’t have any assumptions about us being intimate tonight? If you did, think again. You are in no condition to be with me like that tonight.”

  “I know that, but we can still be close to each other.”

  A wry smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “I wouldn’t mind having you kiss me again.” She slid off her items and laid them by his staff.

  In answer Alex lifted his hand and she grasped it. He drew her down to the bed and grasped her hips. With a little effort he rolled her across his chest and placed her beside his left. He then rolled to his side. She grabbed his head and pulled him down to her perfect lips again. This kiss lasted for several minutes and she went easy, but they both wanted more.

  When they parted she looked so enchanting. Lily’s head laid comfortably on his outstretched left arm. Alex laid on his back while his head was turned to watch her in a new light. She still laid on her side and he could see her true sensuality she hid behind being a warrior. Her body curved in the most perfect of places. When her shoulders sloped down to her waist it showed the flair of her hips all the more. She then began lightly touching the scars on his left arm, where Shade’s uncle bit him in their first enc
ounter. The pain subsided as his focus remained on his Lily.

  After they looked at each other for an hour in a calm, content silence she finally spoke. “Can you tell me something?” She looked away from his intense focus and began staring at his scars again.

  “Anything, my Lily.” She smiled at his honesty, but didn’t look away.

  “Actually I was wondering about today. Last night I gave my confessions and this morning you were…distant.” She wanted to say something else, but didn’t want to spoil the mood that they both enjoyed. “You spoke to me like nothing was said between us, like it never happened. I thought you might have forgotten because of all the situations you have been dealing with. I didn’t like the way you looked or spoke towards me and I’ve had a painful feeling in my stomach all day. Could you please tell me what was going in inside your mind?”

  “Of course you can know. I was just showing you what it was like from my perspective.” His calm voice made her eyes lock onto his. “Do you remember that night when you crawled up and slept next to me?” Her eyes became too distant so his story continued. “When you awoke, the first thing you saw was me. And the first thing you did was strike me with your knee.” Now she remembered the past with perfect clarity. “I rolled away in pain and your unconcerned tone hurt more than the kick ever could. And when you touched me I walked away.”

  “You’re confusing me. Can you simplify it?” She moved to lay on her elbow so she could look down into his face. Lily still was on her side though.

  “The night before I was trying to tell you something and in the morning you too became distant. The physical pain I could deal with, but your uncaring attitude did the most damage.”

  She was quiet as she watched his calm expression. “How about we make a deal? I’ll try to never do that again and you do the same. I never want to experience that feeling of helplessness again. Not speaking like this was fraying my nerves like I was going crazy. Do we have an agreement?”

  She offered her left hand, but Alex shook his head. She frowned until he said “I think if we seal the agreement with another kiss, it will strengthen the bond.”

  Lily gladly accepted the compromise and sealed the agreement.

  “We need some sleep. Don’t you agree, my Alex?” She made him smile.

  She drew herself closer and rested her head over his heart. Her breasts pressed into his ribs, but her body item wasn’t uncomfortable. And before he knew it she was fast asleep with him trailing not far behind.

  Alex finally awoke at his normal time and saw Lily had stayed the whole night with him. Her short white hair spread over his chest, but she had two differences. First her arm was gently laying in the center of his chest. Secondly her leg was tossed over his thigh. Then there was something different about himself. His body wasn’t in any more pain. His chest and shoulders were easy to rotate without disturbing Lily. He felt completely healed; physically and mentally after the night. Niranene and Allahandra had a point that was made clearer this morning, his healing was quicker than normal.

  With his left arm free, Alex used it to awaken the woman who requited his love. He began running the tip of his warm fingers along her clothed waist and hips. She reacted to the sensual touch by pulling herself closer, clutching him closer. He didn’t stop caressing her until she finally awoke.

  Her head pulled back as she slowly looked up at him. Her eyes were already awake as was her voice. “Good morning, my Alex.”

  He showed her a good morning with a kiss. She initiated the next three.

  “Lily, I have to show you something.” She reluctantly leaned away.

  Alex flipped out of bed with ease and stretched out all of his stiff muscles. “I’m no longer in any pain. Nothing hurts anymore.”

  “Let me see for myself. Take off your tunic.” She smiled as she began scuttling out of the bed.

  It wasn’t a stretch to know what she really wanted to see. Quickly and effortlessly removing his tunic, the only thing touching his chest was the flesh warmed medallion.

  She walked right up to him and felt the faint pink scars on his chest from the injury. She then looked at his back. During this whole time she was feeling all of the contours his muscles had to offer. Her simple touch felt wonderful despite her calluses, but it was part of her and he loved everything she could offer.

  Then she began wrapping her arms around his neck from behind. She then immediately began caressing his neck and shoulders with the gentle brush of her lips. He tried turning around.

  Before anything further could happen, the door to the room was nudged opened. Lily’s hands disappeared from his neck just as Shade walked in.

  Shade saw Alex and grinned. “So how did it go?”

  “It was perfect, but we didn’t do what you were thinking. She has accepted me as I have with her.”

  What happened next stunned both Shade and Alex. Lily walked around and quickly kissed his lips. “It’s no use trying to hide that we are together. I’ll see you in a few minutes. I’m not the only one who needs to freshen up.” She turned around and quickly exited their room, patting Shade’s flank on her way out.

  The foster brothers stared at each other in stunned silence. Shade’s bottom jaw was hanging by their hinges and his golden eyes were wide. Suddenly he twitched and fell to the floor laughing. He barked a laugh and Alex’s laugh mixed with his. Neither could stop himself from laughing for over a minute. Once Shade managed to calm himself, he laid on his elbows and looked at Alex with a congratulatory smile. “It seems my intervention with her seems to have paid off for the both of you.”

  Alex walked to the closet and grabbed a new tunic and pants. “It seems I must thank you for your help, little brother.”

  He grinned approvingly. “It would have happened even without my aid. You two were made for each other. All I did was finally force one of you to take a leap to the other. I’m happy for you both though.”

  Alex patted his furry shoulder and began washing up. While putting his clothes on he asked “By the way, where did you go last night?”

  Shade stood up as Alex went to grab his staff. “I went by the barracks and freed Clift. We went to the arena and fought for a little while. We drew quite a crowd, even at that time of night. Someone new thought I was trying to kill Clift again, but he pushed them back and fought me surprisingly well. They realized that he was learning how to be a warhorse. It was an exciting night for us.

  “Once we finished sparring we walked around the city by ourselves. The people on the street were frightened until they saw it was only me. Oh and one small female fed me a candied apple. I ate it in one bite which made her giggle… oh don’t look at me like that. I could smell if it had even the faintest trace of a poison. But it was a good night.”

  “It was for me as well.”

  “It looks that way.” He couldn’t erase his toothy grin.

  Shade and Alex made it into the council chambers first and it was empty. He laid down in his usual spot, directly to the throne’s left. Alex took his seat and waited.

  Lily arrived soon after and had a joyful smile once she found him. She wore a pink sleeveless tunic and black pants. Her movements were graceful and lithe as she crossed the room. She pushed her chair closer to his before she sat down. Her right hand found his left under the table and they laced themselves together. She was so beautiful that he was grateful that they could be this close after all this time. They enjoyed their new relationship that much more.

  While they waited Alex told her about Shade’s night and she had him ask what he did during the sparing lesson’s with Clift. At some points the three of them laughed even more because of the details he neglected to tell Alex earlier.

  “Well it’s about time!” All their heads snapped to the back door. Marlin stood there with a proud grin. “You two finally made it to the next step. Even from here I can see the tension between the two of you has all but vanished.”

  Lily turned red and pushed her shoulder into Alex’s. She asked “Are
you saying it like it’s a bad idea or…”

  “No, no, no. It is a really good thing. I’m happy for you both.”

  Soon he sat down with the new couple and they were talking like old times, but times were changing. Even Allahandra noticed about Lily and Alex the very moment she entered the room. She actually squealed ‘Congratulation!’ and hugged Lily like a girlfriend and not as the queen. That hug was the only time Lily’s hand left his in the war room. Once the embrace was completed and released, their hands reunited.

  Niranene appeared from the door at the back and she was even more shocked by his recovery. She lifted the restriction for him to stay up here for the next day, but she said he couldn’t have any strenuous exercise for awhile.

  “Do you feel like having a morning meal with everyone down in the main hall, Alex?” Allahandra asked calmly. “I think it would do some good to see other people for a short while.”

  “A change of scenery will be a good thing. I’m in.” Allahandra smiled and Lily squeezed his hand affectionately.

  Allahandra took the lead going down the stairs while the rest followed. With the staff in his right hand and Lily in the left, Alex glanced over his shoulder to see Marlin and Niranene holding hands too, but they were whispering something that he couldn’t hear clearly. Shade playfully smiled at all of them as he walked the rear, tail wagging in contentment.

  The ruckus from everyone in the main hall was difficult to miss. That was until they arrived. The filled room quickly silenced once they saw their queen. She moved to the side and everyone’s eyes zoomed in on Alex.

  Then something remarkable happened once they recognized him.

  Everyone in the room suddenly stood up and began applauding. Some whistled and others saluted with a fist to their heart.

  “You’re an amazing man.” Lily whispered in his ear and an electric sensation ran throughout his entire body. Her eyes showed him the truth and his hand squeezed into hers for the appreciative words.

  Even with all the cheering, they walked onto the stage and the encouraging didn’t lessen. It only stopped when Allahandra raised a silencing hand. It still took longer to silence the hall than usual. The queen took a step forward to address the gathered warriors.

  “Good people, as you can see my rescuer is finally healed enough to join us today. I am proud to call him friend and even prouder to know he has become a protector of our large family. Even in this short time he’s spent with us, he has impressed us all through his deeds. And not only him; Lily, Marlin and Shade have become a family we can all cherish.” Then her tone and subject changed. “Now I know most, if not all, of you know what happened during the battle, but I will explain it from the first perspective.

  “Everything started just moments after the battle commenced,” Allahandra spent the next twenty minutes giving a detailed report of the accounts of that night. She didn’t spare a single piece of information nor the mental images her words created. After she concluded the accounts of her attempted capture, she called for another moment of silence for those who lost their lives.

  Once it was over everyone sat down with Allahandra and their morning meal was brought to them. They all ate and the hall filled with laugher and cheering again. It was wonderful to eat some more and it seemed Niranene’s concoction was still in effect because Alex was still hungry and more food was brought out.

  While eating his third helping, Allahandra asked a question that none of them were ready for. “So Lily, can I assume that you will be staying in Alex’s chambers from now on?”

  Alex chocked on a piece of food that wasn’t even half chewed. It would have stayed there if his drink was empty. After washing the food down his gullet and catching his breath he stole a peek at Lily’s expression. Her eyes were wide and her mouth was shaped in an O. She seemed to be in even more of a shock than Alex was. Then she went from pale to scarlet.

  He couldn’t look away even when hearing Marlin and Niranene laughing.

  “Well? Am I going to get an answer or not!?” Allahandra asked in an almost half-annoyed, half-amused tone.

  What could he say in such a tense situation, let alone to her? Would she even consider wanting to move in together? Were we ready to go down that path? I was because it wouldn’t matter as long as she was with me. How determined is she to live with me? Is she ready to love me as much as I love her? All Alex could do was wait silently for her answer. Lily, what are you planning?

  It took a few moments before her eyes met his. She had made her decision and his hope raised. Her smile was a little timid, wry and happy all at the same time. She looked away and landed her entire focus on the queen. Her tone was calm and sure. “Go ahead and make the arrange…”

  “YOUR MAJESTY!” someone yelled from the mouth of the castle.

  Alex cursed under his breath because of the interruption, but it sounded urgently important.

  What was happening now?

  The hall silenced and stood, thinking they were under attack again, but the tone the person used wasn’t as worried, now that his speech registered in Alex’s mind clearly. Down the walkway stood a young woman wearing a sword across her back. Her green tunic and pants said she was part of Freelan. From the way she looked she was only slightly winded. She hadn’t run very far.

  Allahandra didn’t hear what Alex did because she took on the same cool expression she used when the man said that they were going to be under attack. “Come closer. What is the problem?”

  The woman walked up to the line where no one may pass without Allahandra’s expressed permission. The hall was still silent as they prepared for the worst. “Your Majesty, I have just been dispatched from the south gate.”

  “What is wrong to the south, soldier? Is it another attack?”

  The woman shook her head. “No Ma’am. Two men showed up outside the gates with two fiend lords and one of the men said that he is a Furion. You were expecting him were you not?”

  The only sounds in the hall came from outside, everyone held their breath, Alex included. They had all forgotten about the Furion who was coming. Alex glanced at the others and they had also forgotten because they wore a similar blank expression. He said he would be here within the month; from what Janken said. He did make it, but they weren’t prepared for his arrival. The battle had consumed their entire thoughts.

  Allahandra was the first to speak. “Where is he?”

  “He is waiting outside the gates as we speak.”

  “Go ahead on back to the gate and tell him that we will come out to meet him personally.” The girl turned and hurried to do her task. Allahandra then looked at everyone else. “Prepare my carriage. Any who want to escort me will be welcome to come.”

  Without another word the entire hall began bustling. Some people quickly went upstairs, while most walked outside to prepare for the queen’s departure. Everyone looked excited to meet this mystery Furion, but they weren’t close to matching Alex’s excitement.

  “Alex, what’s happening? Are we under attack again?”

  His eyes turned to Shade as he slowly began walking protectively next to Allahandra. “Nay, we aren’t under attack. The Furion has arrived here at the city.”

  “Finally. When can we go meet him?” Alex relayed Shade’s question to Allahandra.

  She smiled at them both. “We are going just as soon as my carriage arrives and a proper escort is established. All of you, follow me.”

  They stood up and Lily grabbed his hand as they walked down the hall.

  Once outside, they waited for Allahandra’s coach to arrive and it only took five minutes. It was accompanied by over one hundred horses with riders mounted on their backs. Before the coach stopped, Allahandra asked “Who’s going to ride with me?”

  “You aren’t heading anywhere without me, young lady!” Mistress Marge announced as she hurried to them. “I’ll not see you in any more danger than you already are.”

  “Alright Marge, come on in.”

  It was quickly settled that
Allahandra would be accompanied inside her lush coach with the head mistress, Marlin and Niranene.

  “I’m riding with you and Shade!” Lily said with a protective tone.

  She quickly jumped upon Shade’s back and he wanted to hurry. Shade really wanted to meet another person like his brother whom he can associate with. Knowing how anxious he gets, Alex quickly mounted in front of Lily. He twisted his head so she could see him. She asked “Are you ready to meet this mysterious person?”

  “I’m not sure, but I need to.”

  She then wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his cheek.

  How wonderful it is that we can finally be together. He thought.

  Within another minute they began moving. At the front of the procession were foot soldiers and they cleared the way as they traveled down the road in a southern direction. Behind the soldiers were cavalry troops that surrounded the queen’s carriage. Shade followed directly behind the coach and the rest of the foot soldiers brought up the rear.

  The entourage had to turn down multiple roads because there wasn’t a straight road that led to the queen’s palace; especially from the southern wall.

  They continued traveling together for the next twenty minutes until they saw the first sign of the southern entrance. The massive wall rose behind the buildings. Everyone began slowing and spreading out. Many of the soldiers moved around so they could set up a defensive perimeter.

  When the carriage slowed to a crawl an hour later Alex slid off Shade’s back and also helped Lily off. They moved out from behind the coach so they could see further ahead.

  The gate was already up. On the road was a mass of people and guards blocking the wide tunnel. The closer they moved, the louder the orders were shouted. Everyone heard orders along the lines of ‘Make way for the queen!’ or ‘Set up a defensive perimeter.’ People were moving while also trying to peek at this person who waited for their arrival.

  When the cavalry got close enough, everyone scattered under their intense stares, just enough to allow the carriage and The Pack through. They entered the short tunnel that led through the south wall and the noises seemed to get quieter. People lined the walls of the tunnel and before they knew it the tunnel was behind them.

  The warriors of Alluan surrounded something in a wide circle, but the people were packed in tightly so it was difficult to see. It had become quieter as everyone saw the queen’s carriage proceeding along the road.

  The procession stopped before they entered the circle. Alex tried looking, but all he could see were glimpses of three large figures. People were pushed back from the carriage just before the cabin was opened and Marlin stepped out first. Everyone followed after and Allahandra was the last to exit. She quickly smoothed out her green dress and made sure her tiara was placed properly. Being a queen, she needed to look impeccable at all times.

  “Alex, I want you and Shade to walk with me.” Allahandra requested.

  Lily didn’t like it, but she knew that this was important to him.

  Allahandra stood between Shade and Alex, as they pushed closer to these mysterious visitors. Lily, Marlin, and somehow General Rakkian showed up out of nowhere to walk behind them. The six came closer to finding out who this person was and those that accompanied him.

  They made it to the circle and entered the ring.

  They all stopped to see what laid before them. There were two men and two fiend lords like the woman said earlier. The four of them were in the middle of the street looking quite comfortable. What she didn’t say was that one of the fiends was one of the Big Three, like Shade. This was the fiend known as a Beran.

  The Beran was of the Saber Class, but unlike Shade this was a feline. The Beran has identical sabers like a Shadow Fang. Their furs are impenetrable but there are many differences. The Beran was stemmed from the lion after the Ancients gave their gifts. They now have the ability to spit corrosive acid and male Beran’s can shoot needlelike hairs from their manes, that can paralyze their opponents. They have retractable claws and do not have any other special abilities besides immense strength.

  Alex looked at the Beran Lord that stood before him. It was easy to tell that it was an older fiend, but it was still more powerful than ever. Its fur was a dull yellow and his mane was a dark brown with specks of grey mixed in. The mane went around the head, neck and upper shoulder and swooped down his belly and trailed all the way to the groin. It had a long body that was covered in hard earned muscle. At the end of the massive creature was a whipping tail that was sinuous, until at the tip, it had a poof of brown fur. Its shoulder height was almost a head and a half taller than Shade’s, at least seven foot tall at shoulder’s height. It had a massive head, a flatter muzzle than Shade’s and the ears were rounded. The face was both gray and dull yellow. And then Alex noticed its eleven inch long fangs. The saber on his right was broken in half and the left one was still in pristine condition. His one good saber’s was three or four inches longer than Shade’s.

  Perched on the back of the Beran was a Fury Lord. The Fury was once in the family of the falcon and retained much of the features of its cousins. The only three differences they have from the falcon is their larger size, white tipped wings and their shrill can render their prey unconscious. Its talons were harmlessly latched to the big feline’s shoulder. Its face immediately found Alex’s, but he could see knowledge in the raptor’s eyes. This one was twice the size of any that he’s ever witnessed before and its brown feathers glistened in the sunlight. Its body height was as tall as his and its wings were tucked proudly in. He knew the Fury was incapable of smiling because of its beak, but he could swear it really was smiling, and proudly too.

  Then his eyes swept to the two human figures standing to the right of the monstrous Beran. The one on the far left was easier to recognize. In a familiar suit was an older gentleman and something triggered in Alex’s memory. He knew this man from somewhere. He still had shiny shoes and pure white gloves. His curled mustache hadn’t changed even from the memory. In the earlier memory he bowed respectfully in the street. Then the memory was completely remembered. This was the butler he met back at Nicronane. He was the one who helped find Takka.

  Without thinking Alex took a step forward. “Is that you, Kikren!?”

  Everything went completely silent as every pair of eyes looked to him. It was uncomfortable, but he couldn’t believe it was actually him.

  The man took a measured step forward and bowed. “It is an honor to meet you again, Master Alex.” He raised himself back up. “I had hoped that we would meet again, but I didn’t know it would be so soon. You are looking well.”

  “You should have seen me five days ago.” Some people chuckled at the dark humor. “So are you the Furion, Kikren?”

  Kikren smiled and chuckled from the distance. He waived off the assumption politely. “Please forgive the misunderstanding. I am not a Furion.” He raised a hand dramatically to the man hidden beside the Beran. The other man stepped forward as Kikren made a proper introduction. “I would like you to meet Lord…”

  “RUNKAMON!” Allahandra and Lily shrieked simultaneously. Shade jumped in front of them instantly and let out a growl, hearing their fright. Alex instinctively jumped to his side and brought his staff into a fighting position.

  What is going on around here?

  Did they just say what I heard?

  Is this the king?

  I’m not ready to face someone of his caliber.

  We are all doomed.

  The crowd drew their weapons at hearing the name.

  Could it be that our biggest threat came here alone?