Chapter 47: Bounties
Nox finally reached the spot, his lungs burning as he gasped for air. He stumbled to a stop, leaning over with his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath. ’Was this place always this far?’ he thought.
He looked up and saw Serian sitting on the ledge of a low, ruined wall. She was kicking her feet back and forth like a little kid, a smug, amused smile on her face.
"I was beginning to wonder if you had gotten lost." She tilted her head, her expression one of pure victory. "You took your time."
He straightened up, still breathing hard. "Yeah, well, you cheated." He knew she hadn’t, but he had to say something.
Up ahead, not too far off, was the city center. It looked completely untouched by the chaos. The buildings were tall and clean, and he could see people walking around in nice clothes. It looked like a whole different world, the kind of place where rich people lived.
"So," he said, finally getting his breathing under control. "What’s the prize? You won, so what do you want?"
She hopped off the wall, a playful look in her eyes. "Hmm, let me think." She tapped a finger on her chin, pretending to consider it deeply. "You must... tell me something you are afraid of."
He just stared at her. ’Seriously? That’s what she wants?’ He had expected her to ask for his sword or make him do something stupid. This felt... different. More personal than he liked.
"That’s a weird prize," he said, kicking at a loose rock on the ground.
"You agreed," she reminded him, her smile not fading. "No questions asked. But I am merciful. You do not have to tell me now. I will claim my prize later."
He just grunted in response. ’Later, whatever. Gives me time to think of something that isn’t the actual truth.’