Chapter 431: Tribal Business
Kaiden’s gaze drifted past the excited demoness in his arms. Amid the bustle of regrouping allies, his eyes found Naira.
The girl stood apart from the others, save for Taigi, the friend she had grown up with. Taigi held Naira’s hand in hers, trying to offer what little support she could.
But Kaiden could tell it was not enough. Her small shoulders were drawn tight while her bare feet were half-sunk in the dirt. She looked like she was barely holding herself together.
He walked toward her. Each step drew a few glances from the nearby tribesmen, but none spoke. When Kaiden stopped in front of her, the girl lifted her head, then lowered it again, unsure if she was even allowed to look him in the eye.
Kaiden could tell. She was confused and overcome with worry for the future that seemed so incredibly uncertain in this fragile moment.
He placed a hand on her shoulder. The muscles beneath his palm were trembling.
"It’s over," he said quietly. "You’re safe. I’ll ensure no bad fate befalls you or your loved ones."
Her breath came out unevenly. "T-thank you, Kaiden..." She gave a small nod, but the motion carried no conviction. Not because she didn’t believe him, but because it was just too much. Her eyes darted past him, toward the spot where Varek’s horribly desecrated body was visible. Kaiden beat and burned him alive before carving his heart out and eating it.
The corpse was not a beautiful sight to behold.
Kaiden’s voice stayed calm. "You did well leading us here, Naira. Now let us help you."
Naira blinked at that, caught off guard by the praise. She risked a look up at him. Her lips parted, then closed again.
But then the corners of her mouth finally turned into a small smile as she realized perhaps things would be better now.