Chapter 140: The Sanctuary’s Trial
Elisa’s punch was not a light tap, it was a solid blow that made Nox’s entire arm ache. He did not stumble, but the force was genuine.
’Great, another one who likes to hit people.’
Elisa laughed, a loud and open sound. "Hah! You took that better than I expected. Most humans would have cried."
Vexia just shook her head, her expression severe. "Elisa, do not assault our guests. It is unseemly." She turned her attention to the entire group, her gaze sharp and analytical. "You have traveled far. Come, you will be given food and quarters. We have many questions for you."
She led them into the Sanctuary. The inside was as clean and strange as the outside, with walkways woven from living wood and homes that were hollowed-out, glowing fruits. It was all very bright and made Nox’s eyes hurt a little. They were brought to a large, open-air dining hall where other Sun Elves, maybe twenty of them, stopped their conversations to stare.
’Why are they all staring at me? It’s annoying.’
They were seated at a long table, and food was brought out. It was a simple meal of roasted vegetables and some kind of white, flaky fish. It was much better than Mela’s burnt rabbit.
Vexia sat at the head of the table, her hands folded neatly in front of her. She waited until they had all started eating before she began her interrogation. "So, you came from the south. Through the Ashen Glade. Please, tell us everything that has happened."
Serian took the lead, recounting their journey. She spoke of the corrupted farewolves, of being captured by Mela’s sisters, of the Rot in the forest, and of the dungeon. She was a good storyteller, but she left out some of the more... violent details. She did not mention Nox crushing Lola’s skull.
Elisa, however, was not interested in the diplomatic version. "Yeah, yeah, the forest was sick, you fixed it, whatever. What about the fights? This human, he actually fought?" She pointed her fork at Nox. "You don’t look like much. How many did you kill?"
Nox swallowed a piece of fish. "Enough."
Mela, who had been silently fuming this whole time, finally spoke up. "He is a reckless brawler. He nearly got us all killed a dozen times. His plans are idiotic."