The Forsaken Hero

My mind spun, shaken from my sudden teleportation into the room. The claps and cheers of the enthusiastic crowd added to my confusion, echoing around until I lost all sense of direction. Alex’s lips curved in a flirtatious smirk, his hands firm on my back. As I panted, chest heaving, his grip slid around beneath my arms, fingers curling uncomfortably close to my breasts.

Flushing, I pulled from his grasp, but nearly fell as I lost his steadying strength. With a chuckle, he reached out again, but before his hands found me, Soltair appeared, catching my shoulder. The cold band of metal on his finger rubbed against my flesh, sending a shudder through my quivering body, but I didn’t reject his support. I had yet to reconcile my feelings about his betrayal, but at least he didn’t seem like he wanted to grope me.

"I see you haven’t changed," Soltair said, smiling broadly.

Alex chuckled, spreading his hands wide. "I have no idea what you’re talking about. Isn’t it natural to want a pretty girl to lean on you?"

At last, the disorientation faded, and I regained my balance. "Thanks," I muttered, pulling away from Soltair.

"Of course," he replied, "I figured you’re body wouldn’t be able to handle that very well, so I tried to be nearby."

"Don’t act like that wasn’t your first time too," Trithe said, rolling her eyes.

He laughed wryly, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and pulling her in for a side hug. "How could I, with you there?"

Alex looked between the two, his eyes growing wide as saucers. "What?" he practically gasped. "You and Trithe?"

Trithe’s glare sent the Fire Hero a step back, but Soltair just winked, saying, "Jealous?"

"Who wouldn’t be?" Alex exclaimed. His gaze slid off the couple, landing on me. "A gorgeous girlfriend and a slave like that? I’d kill for that sort of life!"