(Amaia)

Blackness still coats his scythe as he turns towards me. Moonlight catches his dark tresses; they have come undone from the half-man bun he had tied them in.

My gaze finds his leg and I can see the blood seeping from there.

The mask of composure slips from his face for just a breath as he stares at me with a whisper of concern.

I find Zevran’s fury body nudging at my arm and Saiph fixes that subtle crack, masking that shadow of vulnerability.

His gaze wavers from me to others.

"Is everyone good? You can open your eyes. It’s dead."

I peel my eyes off him and focus them on Mintaka and Zevran.

Zevran is nudging at my cheek with his snout, trying to ensure I am not hurt while his paw lands on his brother’s back—he is still shaking in my hold. His half body is in my lap while his legs stretch out.

"Yeah!" Kacir’s voice comes from the side as he rushes over to us along with Rahria.

"What the hell was that thing?" Rahria asks, her voice shaking.

"Later," Saiph says with authority.

"Min!" I softly call him out, hoping he can open his eyes and snap out of the nightmare he is stuck in. His body has stopped shaking.

My hands go around his face as I hold it and softly say, "Wake up!"

For a few seconds, nothing happens, and then his eyelids slowly open and his terrified gold eyes focus on me, frightened, confused.

"It’s alright, you are safe. No one is going to hurt you." Gently, I squeeze his face and his Adam’s apple moves. He gives me a small, reluctant nod.

He tries to get up from my lap but fails.

"I have got you." Saiph bends down and offers his shoulder, letting Mintaka use him as a means of strength to get up.

The connection is severed between us but my concerns for my mate run deep. I can see and feel Mintaka’s agony through the bond.

"I am going to take Mintaka on my bike. Kacir and Rahria will remain behind me with Faeln. Zevran will bring Amaia, remaining on my tail," Saiph gives us the full plan.

Everyone nods, still appearing very shaken from the experience. I stand and Zevran nudges me to climb on top of him. Holding his soft pelt, I lift my leg and climb on his back.

The bond hums between us, a fire burns in my thigh but I circle my arms around his neck. Zevran lets out a slow hum of satisfaction and off we go.

Saiph leads the way on his bike and Zevran rushes beside him on his strong legs. The wind sweeps past me, sending my hair flying backwards.

My worried eyes go to Mintaka as he holds onto Saiph’s shoulders. The profound sadness on his face shakes me to my core and I wonder what he saw that has him so broken.

I have always felt that grief has been Mintaka’s constant companion. The way he sings and uses his guitar to express that hollow loneliness inside of him. The guilt that consumes him has dimmed the light in his eyes.

But today, he appears utterly lost, like a ghost without a soul.

The creature has affected him the most, although in the beginning it had affected me too, but I recovered quickly, but he couldn’t.

Another reason I need to get strong, learn shield magic with Alnilam’s help and protect the people I love.

My heart hurts the more I stare at him. I shift my gaze towards Saiph, his deadly scythe glistens under the moon while he calmly drives the bike. I have hardly seen someone fight like the way he has done, his weapon possesses some powerful magic and I wonder what his powers are.

Does he have some magic? Or does he only use a charmed weapon?

He appears so vigilant and doesn’t show any sign of pain even though his leg is badly injured.

The gates of Orion Academy loom in the distance, the flag fluttering in the wind.

"Open the gates," Saiph orders from a distance, his voice roaring.

The gates are pushed open and we enter the premises. Saiph stops at the gates, speaking to the sentinels while we are ushered in.

"Guide them to their rooms. I am going to take Mintaka to the infirmary," Saiph tells them and soon Sentinels have us surrounded.

Some rush out, ensuring there aren’t others around.

Zevran doesn’t stop running, taking me straight to our dorm. He only pauses when we reach outside our room and I finally climb down from his back.

Pushing open the door, I enter still shaking from the experience. Zevran follows me inside the room, padding on his paws.

I drop myself on the bed, sitting on the edge, and he inches close, nudging me with his nose.

I open my arms and hug him. "Thank you for bringing me here safely, this is not how we had planned the ending of our first trip out." I sigh heavily and he rubs his nose against my cheek. His purplish blue eyes are tinged with sadness but his presence is so warming for my heart.

I ruffle his fur. "I know, big boy. I know. Go take care of your brother. I am sure they will let you into the infirmary, he needs you."

Zevran leans in and gives my cheek a wet lick with his long coarse tongue. Wholeheartedly, I smile at his affection; my heart fills up with unconditional love for this creature.

Taking his jaw in my hands, I land a kiss on his wet nose. "I like you too, a lot. Go now, change and be there for Mintaka."

With one last lingering look, he retreats. I wish to follow him, ensuring Mintaka is safe but I know he wouldn’t want me there. The interaction we had today left him vulnerable in front of me, and I have to give him space before going to him.

Backwards, I drop on the bed without bothering to take off my shoes and stare at the ceiling, lost in the events of the day.

Kacir is still not here, maybe he has gone to Rahnia’s room. The experience will bring them close for sure. Maybe he will stay the night with her and that does make me smile. Kacir needs all the love.

Getting up I change into my night attire, throwing on a comfy nightshirt and trousers. Taking out Saiph’s handkerchief, I wash it under the water with soap and spread it on my towel stand.

I hear a soft knock on the door when I exit the wash area.

It must be Kacir, knocking to ensure I am decent.

"Enter," I casually say, picking up the jar containing Zille’s food so I can fill up his dish.

The door opens and to my utter surprise, in walks Saiph, carrying my bag, filling our room with his mysterious presence.

Our gazes meet and the same vulnerability and concerns I see hiding in the corner of his eyes are the ones I had witnessed when he defeated that Chittering.