"Roshani, watch your back!" I called out and Roshani spun around, only just blocking the blow from a club. Giving me a quick grin he fought back, knocking the Izila warrior onto his back before he slammed his club into the warrior's head. I grimaced, blood flying everywhere as the warrior managed a groan before he slumped lifeless to the ground.
Immediately another warrior attacked and I growled, rushing to help Roshani. But as soon as I swung my club the warrior dodged, knocking me on my backside. Swearing under my breath I tried to raise my club only to realize it had rolled too far to reach it and I growled as the Izila grinned. Before I could climb to my feet he aimed for my head, about to strike until an arrow ripped through his chest.
He screamed, his fingers scrambled at the arrow as he tried to pry it from his chest. Seconds later he pitched forward and I rolled to miss his body, Roshani helping me up after he lowered his bow. "Stay behind me." Roshani ordered and for once I was happy to let him take the lead, watching on impressed as he nocked another arrow. This time he aimed for Batari and even at this distance I saw the rage on her face, making a tiny smile appear on my face.
"Dusk, we could use a little backup!" I called to my jet black cave lion who roared. Just for a moment two Izila warriors paused and that was all the time my animal friend needed, leaping towards them with his claws outstretched. I grinned, shocking myself as he tore them to shreds and even Roshani looked a little shocked by his savagery. "He's protecting us." I pointed out to my mate who shook his head as Dusk raised his head, blood splattered against his head and muzzle.
"You are his friend." Roshani pointed out as Dusk's ears pricked up. With a growl he raced after Takkar, leaping onto a group of Izila holding Fire bombs. "Now are you fighting?"
"Of course, Roshani." I replied, gripping my club before I raced past Roshani. "Are you coming or what?" I called out and he shook his head, taking aim at an Izila warrior who leapt at me. The warrior screamed as the arrow struck his left leg, ripping through bone and muscle. Before he had a change to pull it free I clubbed him over the head, knocking him senseless before Roshani finished him off with his club.
Hurrying away from the body I made my way towards the gate, not thinking that Batari would be waiting there. Just as I reached it something struck the ground inches from my feet, making me leap back. "Valery, look out!" Takkar yelled, blocking a blow from a spear aimed at his head. He drew his dagger, slashing the warrior's throat and I shoved my hand over my mouth trying not to gag.
"Suxli will burn you, Wenja pest!" Batari shouted, pointing to Takkar as I struggled not to throw up at the sight of the Izila's ruined throat and the crimson lake now spreading under his head.
Takkar attacked, knocking the horn from her hand and she growled. Helped to my feet by Roshani, I let him pull me away from the battle. Once he led me to a cage I had seen from the gate, I turned back to see Takkar grab Batari by her throat.
Unable to reach her bow, she started to curse him. "Burn him, Suxli!" She snapped as he dragged her towards the altar where Batari had tried to shoot us with her fire arrows. To my horror I saw Takkar hold her in the flames that still burned and once she finally noticed the skin being burned off her body she started shrieking but Takkar just threw her into the flames.
Gagging at her violent death I pushed past Roshani, who watched on wide-eyed as I puked. Even when I emptied my stomach I kept dry-heaving. Soon after I felt someone's hand on my back and I raised my head, rubbing my aching throat to find Roshani standing behind me. "T..thank you." I coughed and he nodded, gently rubbing my back.
"Are you alright, Valery?" Roshani asked and I went to nod until Takkar returned. Right then I saw that same image of Batari burning alive and before I could stop myself I collapsed, my head striking the ground with enough force to stun myself. I saw Roshani's sandalled feet stepping towards my face, the sun returning just as I passed out.
I woke with someone's face in mine and after the surprise wore off, Dusk licked my cheek. "Hey...good to see you." I whispered and he growled, nuzzling my face.
"You are awake?" Roshani asked, kneeling beside me and I raised my head only to have it fall back as I groaned the room spinning. "You should lie there, you are hurt." He told me and I grimaced when he held a stone bowl towards my face.
"No, no food." I groaned but he persisted, even going so far as to push the bowl against my cheek. "Alright...but if I puke it's going to be on you." I muttered, feeling his hand gently push my head up. Thankfully the bowl only contained water which tasted a little bitter but I drank it anyway, making Roshani smile. Soon I could feel my eyelids droop and Roshani set the bowl down, lowering my head back onto the rug.
"You sleep now, Valery." Roshani told me and I sighed, eyes closing once he finished talking. "I will be back soon." He whispered, lifting his hand to gently stroke his mate's cheek.
I woke much later, judging from how dark the hut had become. "Roshani? Dusk?" I whispered and someone lifted the flap covering the hut entrance, Roshain stepping into the hut.
"Valery, did you sleep well?" He asked, moving to the rug as I raised myself up on my elbows. I gave him a tiny nod and he smiled when my stomach made a loud growl, leaving me red-faced. "I believe you are hungry." He joked and I rolled my eyes, eyes lighting up when he handed me a bowl filled with cooked meat.
"Thanks and yes, I'm starving. How long was I asleep?" I asked and he thought about this as I started on the first piece. Once I finished he answered, chuckling when I stared at him. "It's night?!"
"Yes. Mensos is here now. But you were injured and unwell." Roshani answered and I sighed, holding another piece in my fingers. "Valery, it is okay to be cared for."
"I know but I fainted just because Batari..." I trailed off with a head shake, returning to my dinner and Roshani moved to my side. As I ate, the bowl resting in my lap, I saw Roshani's arm drape around my shoulders. Silently I rested my head against his shoulder, still eating and ignoring the image of Batari's violent death in my mind's eye.
"It does not matter. She is dead and I am now free." Roshani said and I managed a weak smile, setting the now empty bowl on the ground.
"What will you do now? Go back to the Izila or stay here with the Wenja...and me?" I asked and Roshani paused, waiting until I frowned before he answered.
"I will stay here with you. I am your mate, Valery." Roshani told me and I giggled. "Will you do the same?"
"Like you have to ask, Roshani. I'm sticking with you as long as I'm in Oros." I replied, feeling his chest move. "I'm guess you feel the same way." I added when he hugged me to his chest.
The next day...
"Roshani, you awake?" I whispered, raising my head but he just snorted. Trying not to giggle I climbed to my feet, stretching as Roshani rolled over. "Guess not. I'll be back soon." I whispered not that he noticed when I left his hut. I walked a short distance back into the midst of the village to find Takkar, Tensay and several villagers dancing around a fire.
Curious I wandered over just as Tensay drank from a bowl, offering it to Takkar who ended up drinking what was left. I shook my head as the warrior drank from the bowl, immediately stumbing around and I giggled.
"Valery, the Sun Daughter is dead!" Tensay laughed and I nodded, giggling when he danced around the fire. "Here, drink!" He called, brandashing another bowl and I shook my head. But he grabbed my arm, pulling me towards him and I coughed as he forced the liquid down my throat.
I soon discovered why Takkar was so dizzy as I stumbled back, wiping at my mouth with an open palm. I could hear voices, much too loud for my ears as I wandered aimlessly. It wasn't until I stumbled into someone that I nearly fell, hands grabbing my arms to keep me steady.
"Valery, what is wrong? Are you sick?" Roshani asked and his concern made me giggle for some strange reason, his eyes searching my face before they came to rest on my two red cheeks. "Are you drunk? Tensay did this." He growled, holding me upright as I swayed.
"No, I drank it because I wanted to." I told him, somehow coming up with the lie despite feeling very strange. "Roshani, why are we outside?" I asked and he blinked, eyebrows narrowed at me.
"Valery, you are not making any sense. I will take you back to my hut even if I have to carry you." Roshani said and I laughed, planting my feet. "Alright then you will be carried." He sighed, lifting me into his arms.
Despite the potent drink flowing through me I snorted, arms crossed as he carried me back to his hut.
"Why not my hut instead?" I asked along the way but he didn't answer, concentrating on carrying me back safely.
We made it back and I grinned as Roshani lifted me onto the rug, a tiny smile on his face when I lay on my back. "You're trying to take advantage of me aren't you, Roshani?"
"What do you mean, Valery?" Roshani asked and I grinned, pushing myself up enough to wrap an arm around his neck. Pulling him down I kissed his hard, my teeth grinding on his lips before I released him. Roshani just stared and I giggled, liking the blush that spread across his cheeks.
"You're actually blushing? The commander of the Izila embarrassed by his mate?" I teased and he growled, moving so fast I yelped. He pinned me to the rug, his arms holding mine above my head as he kissed me hard. I could feel his tongue pressing at my lips so I opened my mouth, allowing it entry. As his warm tongue explored my mouth, Roshani released my arms pinning me with his body instead. I couldn't speak, letting out a series of low groans as his hands moved to my shirt.
When Roshani's tongue slipped from my mouth I sighed only to moan as his hands slipped into my shirt, his hands finding my breasts. "No, I will not let you go that easy." Roshani whispered, licking at my throat as his hands fondled my breasts. I began to pant, his obvious arousal coming into contact with my lower half but Roshani didn't react his attention focused on my breasts only.
"Oh...god. What are we...doing?" I panted and Roshani actually raised an eyebrow, his hands moving from under my shirt only to pull it over my head. Still grinning at me, Roshani lowered himself until his mouth was level with my now bare chest and I jerked as he wrapped his tongue around my left nipple.
It took me a few seconds before I'm panting again, Roshani's tongue curling around my nipple as he gently fondled the other between his thumb and forefinger, his eyes staring into mine the entire time. Giving my left nipple a lick that sends a jolt of pleasure down my spine, Roshani raised his head.
"Valery, I want to make love to you. Will you let me?" Roshani whispered and I opened my mouth to answer, a sigh escaping instead. "Valery?"
I tried for a second time to answer but the sudden urge to sleep overwhelmed me and I fell into the darkness.