Chapter 38: Itch
A figure stepped out from behind the ruined wall, brushing dust from a dark cloak. She pulled the hood back, and a cascade of fiery red hair fell around her shoulders. She looked surprised, her eyes wide for a second, like she hadn’t expected that rock to actually pinpoint her.
"Well, now," she said, her voice smooth, with a bit of an edge to it. "Didn’t think anyone would find me that quick. You’re good, kid." She unclasped her cloak, letting it fall. Underneath, she wore dark leather armor, the kind that looked like it was made for moving fast, not for taking heavy hits. A couple of daggers were strapped to her thighs.
"Name’s Lola," she said, giving Nox a once-over. "Just a humble mercenary, earning a living."
Nox didn’t really care who she was. ’Mercenary, whatever.’
Then Lola smiled, a sharp, knowing smile. "And a certain Gorok is paying very, very well for the safe return of a particular elf princess."
That got his attention. Serian, next to him, tensed up, her hand instantly going to her sword hilt. She looked pale, and he could see the dark circles under her eyes now.
’She’s beat,’ he thought. ’No way she can fight this Lola one-on-one, not looking like that. And me? This mercenary looks tough. Probably way out of my league right now.’ Fighting her alone seemed like a quick way to get dead.
Lola’s gaze flicked to Serian, then back to Nox. She gestured dismissively at him. "Look, kid, no offense, but this doesn’t concern you. You can just walk away. My business is with her." She jerked her chin towards Serian.
He just looked at her, then at Serian, then back at Lola. ’A death wish, huh?’ he thought. A low sound rumbled in his chest, a dry chuckle that scraped out of his throat.
"Kukuku."
Serian glanced at him, her eyes widening slightly at the sound. The expression on his face, it wasn’t his usual bored look, or even the pissed-off one he’d had with those goons. This was something else, something cold and almost... eager. It sent a shiver down her spine.