Chapter 515: Onset of Winter
As we talked, Fyren led me on a gentle loop through the horde, giving me a much-needed chance to stretch my legs. Beyond the demons, who cowered at Fyren’s presence, I found the scenery breathtaking.
Mountains rose around us, smaller than the towering peaks of Heartland, but more imposing than the rolling hills of Brithlite. They were cloaked in thick pine forests dusted with frost, their peaks hidden by a veil of freshly falling snow. The sun peeked through the clouds, casting a pale light on the flurries dancing in the late autumn breeze.
I shivered as a snowflake landed on my nose, pulling my white cloak tighter around me.
"Is something the matter?" Fyren asked, his voice laced with concern. "You’re not cold, are you? Not with your magic."
I shivered again, tucking my tail between my legs. "It’s nothing," I murmured. "I, um... just don’t have the fondest memories of snow."
He snorted, releasing a burst of fire that evaporated the frost around him. "I suppose that makes two of us," he said with a wry grin. "Unfortunately, this part of Enusia is always in for a long, cold winter."
My eyes narrowed as I spotted a plume of smoke rising between the distant mountains. Realization dawned, and I gasped.
Fyren followed my gaze and replied nonchalantly, "Yes, another village. They’re scattered around these parts, like conveniently placed snacks for our forces."
"That’s horrible!" I exclaimed, unable to believe the callousness in his voice. "What about the innocent people?"
He didn’t respond; he simply met my gaze, his fiery eyes devoid of mercy. I quickly looked away, my lower lip trembling. There was no need for him to answer; I already knew the truth. Fyren might be kind to me, but he was far from human. I wasn’t among the kind-hearted soldiers of the Last Light Company anymore, effectively a prisoner within the demon army—well-treated and protected, perhaps, but a prisoner nonetheless.
"Where are we, Fyren?" I asked, finally managing to compose myself. "Do you know where my friends are, where Kahlen is?"