Chapter 70: How long
A step and a shift in the air.
A step fell lightly a few feet from them and they reacted fast.
Their laughter died instantly. They sprang to their feet, hands flying to weapons that weren’t there.
"Who’s..." Taria began, only to stop as her eyes fell on Thalso and Chef.
She relaxed, and she could feel the others doing the same.
Kaedros and Rauk moved to stand beside her, forming a subtle line between themselves and the figures approaching. Their new instructors.
"So, you’re awake." It wasn’t a question, this was Chef’s garden, after all. She’d known the exact moment they stirred, had watched as they struggled to their feet and found the tree stumps placed there for them.
"We are," Kaedros replied, voice even though tinged with restrained irritation. "Thanks to you."
"Of course you’re welcome," Chef replied breezily, as if she hadn’t missed the sarcasm. "It was my lake you bathed and healed in, after all." Her eyes narrowed. "You should be grateful."
They didn’t get a chance to reply.
Because a wave of pressure slammed into them without warning, an overwhelming aura exploding outward from Chef like a tidal wave of malice and weight. It was suffocating.
Kaedros, Taria, and Rauk stumbled back, choking. The air itself had become solid. Oppressive. Dark energy wrapped around them in invisible coils, dragging them to their knees. Their hands clawed at their throats as though trying to peel away the pressure.