“I’ve never told her anything but the truth!” Dreya’s wrath lost its edge as Uthalan detected the first hints of something else in her voice.
“Perhaps,” Noxyl’s words twisted the knife she’d planted in Dreya’s back. “But did you even bother to make sure she actually believed you? Or did you simply rely on your ‘divinity’ to convince Ashíel of your sincerity?”
“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the younger Goddess faltered, and the green light bathing the chamber dimmed noticeably as her fury faded away.
Noxyl grinned broadly as she seized on the opening. “She blames you for her mother’s death, or didn’t you know?”
“There was nothing I could’ve done to prevent that.” Dreya’s voice suddenly shifted to a more defensive tone.
“I know that,” Noxyl deftly maneuvered. “But she doesn’t—because you never bothered to take the time to ensure that she did.”
Uthalan stood still in shock as he gazed at the feuding Goddesses, unable to react to the harsh revelations and abrupt shift in circumstances—a rare thing for him. Dreya bowed her head in silence, and for a brief moment, it seemed as if she might concede. But when she opened her eyes and looked up again, the room was once again filled with bright green light, and Dreya’s rage issued forth in her ice-cold words.
“My failures are no excuse for what you’ve done.” Noxyl barely managed to stop herself from taking a step back in the face of the Goddess’ renewed fury. “Since you refuse to tell me where my daughter is, I have no choice but to continue searching for her on my own. But if Ashíel comes to any harm, nothing will prevent me from killing you.”
The All-Father knew Dreya not only meant the threat she’d made but was also completely capable of carrying it out. None of them, least of all Uthalan, had forgotten how she’d ascended to the Pantheon.
“Also, know this.” Dreya drew even closer to Noxyl as she finished speaking, bathing the Trickster Goddess’ face in a viridian glow. “I’ll be watching for you—if I find you on the surface below, you’re mine.”
Dreya’s form shimmered, and she vanished from sight before Noxyl could respond, yet the worried glances that passed between the assembled Gods betrayed their understanding that her second threat was even more serious than the first. Here in their sanctuary, each of them was more or less equal in power, an equilibrium that would be lost on the world beneath them. Alone among the Pantheon, Dreya was unrestrained by the ritual that restricted their capabilities; if she was discovered there, Noxyl would be nearly helpless before Dreya’s might. How she would use that advantage may have been a mystery, but none of them doubted that Noxyl would suffer greatly if Dreya captured her.
In the aftermath of the confrontation, Uthalan could already detect the sharp schism that had been wrought within the Pantheon. Raithe came to stand beside Noxyl; the Goddess of War obviously offering her support should Noxyl need it. Across from them, Nentai and Set glared at the two opposing Goddesses, barely able to contain their own outrage. Although the four of them were the only ones who demonstrated their commitments so openly, several others mingled around each pair. If the conflict escalated into anything more serious, Uthalan had no doubt that each of them would eventually be forced to choose a side, launching the Pantheon into a civil war that would shatter it beyond repair. He had to find some way to diffuse the volatile situation before that could happen.
Yet both sides seemed thoroughly entrenched in their positions. Dreya would certainly not relent in her quest to be reunited with her daughter, and Noxyl wasn’t known for backing down. In fact, betraying the terms of the bargain she’d made with Ashíel would be almost as devastating as the losses she’d suffered in the face of Dreya’s rise. Noxyl’s reputation for trickery was well-deserved; her only shield was the iron-clad conditions of the compacts she made. Without the thin protection those ‘guarantees’ supposedly offered, Noxyl’s already diminished influence would evaporate completely.
The All-Father retreated from the scene, walking slowly through the grand hallways on his way back to his personal chambers, his mind thoroughly consumed with thoughts of the seemingly unavoidable disaster looming in the Pantheon’s future. Reaching the sanctuary of his private quarters, Uthalan sat before the large hearth, staring into the flames while he searched for some path out of the precarious troubles. But the comfort he typically found in the fire was absent, and even as he leaned back and closed his eyes in contemplation, the All-Father was left with little to assuage the growing sense of dread that was seeping into his bones.
Meanwhile, alone in the confines of her own study, Noxyl also reflected on the cascade of events she’d set in motion. Although she’d succeeded in her goal of wounding Dreya, the Goddess understood that she’d likely gone a bit too far. Noxyl might have ventured down to the world below to ensure Ashíel’s safety, but with Dreya’s threat looming over her head, she didn’t dare risk being discovered there. Even if she delivered the Goddess’ daughter to her, Noxyl knew that wouldn’t spare her from Dreya’s vengeance. All she could do was hope that the stupid girl didn’t get herself killed before Noxyl could figure some way out of the difficult situation.
11
I woke up the next morning somewhat disoriented, and it took a few moments for me to piece together the previous day’s events. The cavern that surrounded me kept out most of the early morning daylight, but my vision allowed me to see clearly enough to scrounge up something to eat while I waited for Kyrah to awaken. After all she’d done for me, a little extra rest was the least I could offer in return. Even though I tried to be quiet, she began stirring as I started packing up our gear. Despite the apparent safety of the shelter Kyrah had managed to find, we couldn’t afford to remain there; our long-term security depended on us reaching the Free Lands as soon as possible.
Kyrah rose when she noticed me gathering our equipment, grabbing a hunk bread from the rations stowed away inside her bag while she got herself ready. The dark circles beneath her eyes told me of the fitful night’s sleep she’d endured, but Kyrah offered no objections when I began leading the way once again. Obviously, she also recognized our urgent need to get as far away from the Nér-vrogan lands as we could. I did slow our pace quite noticeably, however, opting for a great deal more caution than I’d exercised before.
Discovering just how stupid I’d been provided more than enough incentive for me to adjust my tactics. Although I could be quite stubborn at times, once I’d accepted the truth, it was all too clear that I needed to alter things a little. My own arrogance had led me to believe I was far more capable than I truly was, putting not only my own life in jeopardy but Kyrah’s as well. I might not have even come to that realization if I’d been traveling alone. Hell, if Kyrah hadn’t been with me, I’d probably be dead or worse at that moment. But with more than my fate at stake, I couldn’t afford to ignore my own failings; I’d never forgive myself if my false pride caused her any harm.
Before we could resume heading northwards, I wanted to try and recover whatever we could from the bodies of the fallen orcs. Unfortunately, I’d been somewhat… indisposed while Kyrah dragged my unconscious body through the forest. Having to rely on her aid to help me find our way back to where I’d launched my idiotic attack against them served as yet another potent reminder of my shortcomings.
It was no short walk, and I was surprised to discover just how far Kyrah had carried me. The effort she’d put into saving me was truly impressive, and my opinion of her rose several more notches as we emerged into the small clearing. I’d been prepared for the sight of the orcs’ corpses lying on the ground, but Kyrah let out a gasp, and I took a step back when we saw the absolute horror that lay before us.
There was almost nothing left of them, only a few scattered pieces of gnawed bone and shredded sections of blood-soaked armor. Something had obviously discovered the orcs’ remains while we’d been away and feasted upon them in a most… disturbing fashion. I’d hoped to recover better weapons and perhaps
even some protection for Kyrah, but just a quick glance around the crimson-stained glen made me reluctant to even search the area.
I was about to retreat back within the forest and resume our journey towards the Free Lands when a glint of sunlight reflecting off bright metal caught my eye. The gleam came from nearby, and I dared to venture close enough to see what it was. Miraculously, the object turned out to be a short sword styled very much like my own, although it was obvious even to me that it bore no enchantments. Compete with a scabbard and harness, the blade had somehow avoided being smeared with the thick coating of blood that decorated the rest of the area. Despite the strangeness of the situation, I wasn’t about to question our good fortune, and I snatched the weapon up before leaving the mess behind us. Although I hadn’t recovered any armor for her, we’d both be much safer once I trained Kyrah in the basic use of the blade—if only our circumstances would allow us the time I needed to do so.
Once we were a fair distance away, I stopped for a moment to help Kyrah strap the blade in place. We didn’t have time for a lesson, but I figured she could at least get used to wearing it as we made our way north. With just the limited practice she’d had with the dagger, Kyrah had already saved my life once, and I felt our odds ticking upwards at least a notch when she had the weapon in place.
Despite our need to put as much distance between the Nér-vrogan and us—not to mention whatever had consumed the orcs’ remains—looking at Kyrah’s face during that brief pause told me that I couldn’t risk pushing her too hard. The exhaustion of her efforts the previous day was all too plain for me to see; the heavy bags under Kyrah’s eyes and the strained expression she wore only served to deepen my sense of embarrassment over my ill-advised actions.
Not wanting to dwell on my failures or make Kyrah feel uncomfortable, I didn’t comment on her haggard appearance. Instead, I resolved to stop much earlier that evening and forgo our usual training session in favor of ensuring that she got a good night’s rest. Even with all the dangers we faced, dragging a fatigued Kyrah around would only make us all the more vulnerable.
When we stumbled upon yet another well-concealed cavern, I brought us to a halt. I might not have even noticed the place myself if not for the bird we startled as we passed by the cave’s opening. Hidden behind a dense layer of brush and vines, the entrance opened up into a small chamber, one that would provide us with an almost perfect place to shelter for the night.
While Kyrah absently chewed on the small bites she took from a biscuit, I busied myself by putting together both her bedroll and mine before laying a row of traps across the cave’s lone entry. Combined with the warning that Detect Life would provide while we slept, the place was as secure as I could make it when I finally sat down myself.
“We have a problem,” Kyrah’s faint whisper echoed in the confines of the cavern.
No shit, which fucking one?
I somehow managed to rein in my sarcasm for a moment as I waited for Kyrah to elaborate.
“We’re out of meat.” She glanced away, staring at the unsatisfying remains of the biscuit in her hand. “I lost one of my pouches the other night, and cleaning all the blood off of you has stirred my cravings.”
Okay, that really was a problem.
I suddenly realized why Kyrah had seemed so tired—and what she was trying so hard not to ask of me. It hadn’t been a lack of sleep she’d been suffering from; it was an even more primal need that had caused her so much distress. Although I didn’t much like the idea of serving the role of livestock, a few moments of discomfort seemed like a small price to pay to ensure her survival.
“Tell me what you need me to do,” I was able to hold in the resigned sigh that briefly threatened to escape me—barely.
“I’m sorry.” She still refused to look up at me. “If there was another way…”
“It’s alright, Kyrah,” I persisted, trying to convince both of us. “We knew this might happen.”
It helped that what I’d said was the absolute truth. Since the moment Kyrah had opened up about herself, I’d considered the possibility that circumstances might force us into this exact situation. Without any safe refuge and denied the support of the friends she’d come to rely on, I was all that she had left in this world—just as she was everything I had as well. Reminding myself that we only had each other to depend on made it far easier for me to give her whatever she required. Kyrah seemed to come to the exact same conclusion as she let out the deep breath I’d held in only a moment before.
“It’s both quicker and easier if I can… draw from your neck.” Kyrah was clearly uncomfortable disclosing the details to me; her eyes only flashed in my direction briefly before she looked away again. “But that can be a bit intense. Taking from your arm would cause you less strain, but it’s more difficult.”
Neither option sounded all that appealing to me. Yet having to choose between a brief but ‘intense’ experience or a more difficult one, I opted for the shorter duration. Besides, if she fed from my neck, I figured I wouldn’t be able to see what Kyrah was doing. Enduring whatever pain was entailed in the process would be easier than watching her gnaw at my arm for some prolonged amount of time.
“Okay, but be careful,” I said as I drew my dagger and offered it to her. “Don’t cut me too deeply.”
“That won’t be necessary,” she sighed, gently brushing my hand aside. “I already have what I need.”
Her words confused me, and I wondered just how she intended to extract my blood. Not knowing precisely how she fed, I’d imagined that Kyrah would collect the fluid from some small cut, and I could only assume that she had some special device that served that purpose. Those misconceptions were put to rest when Kyrah smiled, baring her bright, white teeth as her canines slowly elongated into a pair of needle-like fangs.
“It won’t hurt, I promise,” Kyrah soothed as she responded to my stunned expression. “All you’ll feel is a little pressure. The wound will even heal of its own accord as soon as I’m done.”
Okay, that little disclosure kinda freaked me out a bit. Honestly, I almost backed out right then. The thought of someone biting a hole in my neck and sucking the life out of me was incredibly disturbing. But I’d promised to allow her to do just that, and even more importantly, Kyrah needed me to hold true to my word; it was no exaggeration to say that her fate hung in the balance. Realizing that I had no choice, I swallowed my reservations and nodded for her to proceed.
Her description turned out to be quite accurate. At first, all I felt was the warmth of her mouth and a slight tingling sensation when her teeth broke through my skin. That changed quickly as soon as she took her first sip, however, and Kyrah’s low moans of… satisfaction began to reverberate through my body.
I was completely unprepared for her powerful reaction. I felt her tongue gliding across my neck as she began to drink more deeply, and Kyrah’s hands wandered over me as she pressed her body against mine. Although she’d mentioned that the experience would be ‘intense,’ nothing Kyrah said had led me to believe it would have such a profound effect. Nor was she the only one to feel the incredible heat that her feeding had provoked. My own arms circled tightly around Kyrah in return, pulling her closer before I’d even realized what I was doing.
I’d like to say that my conscience finally took hold, but the truth is that it was my anger that drove me to eventually push Kyrah away from me. Not that I was upset with her exactly, but I suddenly realized what had driven us into that fevered state. Truthfully, had our liaison been completely voluntary, I think I would have let things run their course. Kyrah was absolutely beautiful, and I didn’t require some outside force to feel a strong attraction towards her. Even more than that, I’d come to truly care for her, both as a person and because of the deeper bonds of our shared history. But I knew the truth of what had provoked her desires, and it was an ugly thing—one I wanted no part of.
Kyrah stared back at me as I held her at bay, her unfocused eyes nearly completely black circ
les ringed with only the barest hints of blue. Her lips parted slightly, and Kyrah took in a series of deep, panting breaths as the depths of her longing reflected back at me.
“You taste… divine.” The ardent notes of Kyrah’s low whisper hit upon the exact reason I’d put an end to things.
I had only a moment to take in the tiny traces of blood lingering in the corners of Kyrah’s mouth before she brushed my hand aside and pressed her lips against mine. The only person I’d ever kissed before was Shaia, and that fleeting experience didn’t prepare me in the least for the overwhelming flood of passion Kyrah poured into me. Her lips were so warm, and the way her tongue wound around mine sent a shiver of delight right down my spine—I very nearly lost my resolve and gave in to her desires.
The lingering traces of my own blood in her kiss didn’t even phase me. The only thing that saved me was the lone comment that she’d made, reminding me of the manipulative forces that were at play. More importantly, the origin of those coercive energies lent me the strength I needed to resist them.
“No, we can’t do this.” I managed to pry myself away again.
Kyrah’s grin beckoned as she reached for me again, not the least bit dissuaded by my feeble act of refusal. “Yes, we can.”
“You don’t understand,” I insisted, backing away as I put some distance between us. “This isn’t what you really want; I’m forcing you to do this.”
My words seemed to finally register with her. “What are you saying?”
“I-I don’t know.” A profound sense of shame rose up within me. “I have no control over it, but the feelings you have right now aren’t your own.”
“You’re no half-elf, are you?”
Oh no. Please, not this.
“My background is… complicated, Kyrah.” I stared blankly at the cavern’s walls while I tried to put her off. “It’s why I fled here, and it’s something I’m trying to escape.”
Second Skin: Wayward: A litRPG Adventure (Second Skin Book 7) Page 9