Chapter 68: Spotted
Just as Valeria’s fingers were about to release, Mela’s hand shot out and pushed the bow down.
"What are you doing?" Mela said. Her voice was a low hiss. "Mother said to bring them back alive."
Valeria lowered her bow without a word, her face the same as always.
Liesa landed on the branch next to them without a sound. "She’s right, Val. Mother will be angry if you kill the human. She wants answers." Liesa smirked at Mela. "And besides, Mela wants to see her ’hot human’ up close."
Mela’s face got red. "Shut up, Liesa. We have a mission."
They looked back down at the cave. The human was still kneeling by the Sun Elf. He finished re-wrapping the bandage on her ankle. He said something to her that the sisters couldn’t hear.
The elf smiled at him. It was a real smile, not a polite one. The human looked surprised for a second, then he smiled back.
"Look at that," Liesa whispered. "He’s taking care of her. He must be her slave. I told you."
"He does not act like a slave," Mela said, her eyes narrowed. "And she does not act like a master. Sun Elves hate humans. They would never smile at one like that."
"Maybe she’s just stupid," Liesa said with a shrug. "Who cares? This is boring. Let’s just go down there and grab them." She put her hands on the hilts of her short swords.
"No," Mela said. "We wait. Something is not right here. The human... he is a fighter. I can tell. But he is also a protector. It does not make sense." She couldn’t take her eyes off him. She watched him stand up and put more wood on the fire. He moved with a confidence that was not like a slave at all.