The Forsaken Hero

I stared at Alex’s hand for a moment before moving my gaze up to his smiling face. "I’m really okay, Alex. Why don’t we just go with them?"

"Please, no need to be modest. I can tell you’re exhausted. When we first made camp, I was told you weren’t given a tent, so I tried to find you, but no one seemed to have noticed you. It must have been hard, being surrounded by such common men. They didn’t try anything with you, did they?"

"Of course not!" I snapped. I bit my lip as he raised an eyebrow, regretting the uncharacteristic outburst. "I mean, they were nothing if not polite and respectful. When the Infernal Monsters attacked, they threw themselves in harm’s way to protect me. I don’t know if I’d even be alive if it weren’t for them."

"I see," he said slowly. "Then what about that Explosive Cascade? I was on the other side of the camp battling the leaders of the attack when I saw it being cast, otherwise, I would have been there to protect you."

I frowned, starting to grow irritated with his constant excuses. "I managed to turn it back. I don’t know what happened to the mage who cast it, but he seemed to be targeting me."

"Which means he knows about the Amulet and the damage your soul suffered. It must have been scary," he murmured, "But don’t worry. I’ll help you forget all of that."

"Alex, I don’t wa-" I began, before my soul clenched, my mana writhing in warning. I froze, searching around with the Eyes of Fate

"What was that?" he asked, tilting his head curiously.

"Something’s coming," I muttered. "We’re under attack."

He laughed, throwing an arm about my good shoulder. "What are you talking about? We killed thousands of those beasts and demonkin the other night. If any had survived, they either would have fled or come back for revenge by now."

I slipped out of his embrace, summoning my staff and casting a fourth-circle spell. "Detect Presence!"