Hero's Journey

Chapter 63

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Delia slumps on the ground in relief. They had just made it back to Zoya's camp mostly unscathed. The only one of their group that was injured was Tavius when one of the lion's chasing after them managed to drag a claw down his back. However, the wound is not deep, but will leave a nasty scar.

After regaining her breath, Delia gets to her feet, swiping a piece of unruly hair out of her eyes.

"That was too close." Zoya says, face a mask of seriousness.

"Will they come after us?" Delia inquires.

"I don't think so, but we should still watch our backs. My father can occasionally be unpredictable." She turns to one of the hunters. "Did you hear that? Make sure there are no holes in our defenses."

"Yes." The lioness dips her head and walks off to do as ordered.

Zoya turns her attention back to Delia and her companions. "The sun is starting to dip, let us sup and converse about the plan for tomorrow. You all must leave as soon as possible."

"Good idea." Kagon agrees, smiling flirtatiously at the woman.

Something twists in Delia's insides, but she dismisses it as a hunger pain. She hasn't eaten since morning, after all.

The group all head to a large fire where food is being handed out.  Delia sits beside Tavius and Maude while Kagon sits diagonally to them with Zoya. The huntresses, having already ate, hand out the leftover food and go to do there own thing.

Delia's stomach grumbles like a mighty beast as she stares down at the food on a bone platter. Without utensils, she tentatively picks up the meat and rips into it. Savory flavors overwhelm her tongue, causing her mouth to water. She takes another bite of the well-seasoned meat. As soon as she knows it, her once growling stomach is content and only the grease of the meat is left behind on the platter.

With her hunger sated, she looks up, taking note of her surroundings. Maude broods, silently kicking at the dry dirt. Tavius, who sits beside him, finishes off the last of his food. When he sees her looking at him, he offers her a wink. With checks now stained pink, she looks to Zoya and Kagon. Having already finished their meal, the two speak in low tones. Kagon places a hand on Zoya's arm, blue eyes deep and mesmerizing. Another twist of nausea winds its way through Delia, she looks away, hiding her face behind a curtain of her copper-blond hair.

"Are we going to talk about our plans tomorrow, or not?" Delia inwardly cringes at the croaky sound her voice makes.

"No, I believe I have it figured out." Zoya says. "We'll wake tomorrow before the sun rises. Leona will know when to meet us, she'll sense it. Then, you can all ship out of Roaria and back into your journey."

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Later that night, Kagon is one of the last people awake. He sits, staring at the smoldering flames as they slowly begin to dwindle and die down to nothing. The hero suddenly gets a sense of mortality that scares him.

Soon I will be the flame that dies, the thread that is snipped so easily by the Fates. I can only hope my ventures give me immortality among the world.

The shadows seem longer, more sinister as Kagon leans closer to the fire, letting the warmth wash away the cold dreariness of his thoughts.

"What are you thinking about?" Zoya asks, taking a seat beside him. Kagon notices the space she has put between them and smirks, his mood taking a one-eighty.

"I'm just staring into the flames" Kagon lies.

"I know the difference between someone who is reflecting and someone who is 'just staring.'" Zoya sends him a sideways look.

Feeling uncomfortable, he changes the subject. "Why aren't you allowed in your father's village?"

There, I'll turn the attention on her.

However, Zoya stays composed and regal. "Do you know the role lionesses play?" She continues talking, without letting Kagon answer.

"We are the hunters, the teachers to our young, and the caregivers to not only our young, but to the lions as well. The lions are the leaders, the patriarchs, but we are the ones running the tribe. We are warriors, but are treated like slaves by the lions. My father tried to marry me off like he did to my sisters, I refused. I rebelled with the young women you see in my encampment, so he outed me. That is why I am here, leading my huntresses and why I took a vow of celibacy."

Kagon is silent for a few moments. "Your story reminds me a bit of Delia's. She escaped a tyrannical father as well."

"My father is not a tyrant!" Zoya growls. "My father is a good leader, he is just entrapped in tradition."

Kagon raises his hands. "Alright, alright, I understand."

Zoya's tense shoulders fall and she seems to deflate slightly, but she still has that same predator readiness about her. "Apologies for my outburst, it is a.....sensitive subject."

Kagon grins. "It's fine lass." He carefully moves to fill the space between them. "I understand it."

Zoya looks up at him, into his eyes. Kagon's breath is taken away from her beauty. Her dark skin and striking yellow eyes, the wild mane of her golden brown hair... Overtaken, he leans in...