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A faceless monster. A dark, venomous serpent. A menacing creature that brought death, destruction, and chaos wherever he went.

Someone who had found love in a fragile, delicate little female and was completely besotted by her. He was thankful they saw that and hoped they knew he would cherish Linh.

Her soul was his to protect, and he’d protect it fervently.

“However,” Kai stated in a low murmur. “We don’t really want her to leave.”

All the relief that had just swirled within him rushed out in a gust. Nathair folded his arms across his chest and leaned back on his tail to show his annoyance.

“I’m sorry, but I’ve already agreed to go with him,” Linh stated, and his chest puffed with pride.

“But he’s of no danger to anyone, right?” Kai asked, his brows furrowing. “I don’t see why you both have to leave.”

A chuckle vibrated behind Nathair’s sternum. “You just want something to protect you,” he signed in indignation.

He bit out a growl when he realised only Linh would understand what he’d insinuated. His bride placed her hands on her hips and gave Nathair a disappointed glare.

“What did he say?” Kai asked, which caused her to narrow her eyes further.

“He said you’re only asking for him to stay to protect everyone,” she answered truthfully.

“Sure, the help would be appreciated, but we don’t really need your aid.” Kai sighed, shaking his head. “We plan to send an urgent message to the villages south of here. With the bandits gone, we only need to keep the Demons out for two or so nights. After that, we’d likely have competent soldiers helping us until we’ve managed to truly fix our fortifications.”

That actually sounds like a very good idea.All of it made sense and would likely help them. They didn’t need Nathair, so... why bother asking him to stay? What did they gain out of it? They didn’t know what he could do, nor the magic he possessed, as not even Linh knew the full strength of his capabilities.

His sight fell on Linh, who still had her hands on her hips, and she was shooting her father a sour look now.

“I cannot stay with these people, Linh,” he signed at her. “I tire of constant chatter, and there is much of it here.”

When her father asked, Linh translated.

Tahlia scratched her neck as she blatantly pondered a solution. “If you don’t mind lots of water, there is a cave just north of here. It’s not far from our village and would be quieter.”

“He’s aquatic,” Linh answered with a small laugh. “He has gills and breathes underwater.”

“A water serpent,” the younger female rasped. “That’s so cool.”

If she thinks that’s cool, then she is easily impressed.

A small growl of irritation bubbled up his throat. “How far?”

“It’s about five hundred metres from the northern wall of the village,” Linh answered, as a big grin curled her lips.

He was faltering, and she knew it.

That is close.But itshouldbe far enough away to bring him peace with her.

Nathair looked up, only to audibly sigh so they would all know he did it.

“Where is the centre of the village?” he signed roughly to show his lingering annoyance, lowering his skull to Linh. She pointed towards the mountain. “Take me to it.”

She explained what he wanted to her family. After sharing a few confused and uncertain looks, Kai nodded and led the way. As he did, Nathair slithered behind with his hand covering his snout.

This village is by no means small.It appeared to be at least three and a half kilometres in diameter, if not more.It is even larger than the one to the east of these mountains.

He looked up and hummed in thought.Maybe it is possible? I doubt the other Mavka have tried.

When they brought him to the centre of the village, Nathair headed north for what he guessed was six hundred metres. They followed him until he stopped at a random and unassuming home.