it.”
Something about the two seemed odd, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. They stopped mere inches from him without saying a word.
The short one opened his mouth. His tongue stretched toward Ram, hitting him on the leg. Intense pain raced up Ram’s thigh. A wisp of fear caressed his mind.
The tall one pinned him to the ground with his body; the sick putrid smell like rubbing alcohol overpowered Ram’s senses. The man’s glasses fell off his face, revealing solid black orbs for eyes.
Ram screamed, the sound echoing off the buildings surrounding him.
Eyes wide with fear, he tried to scramble away, but his useless leg grounded him. The tall one’s tongue lashed out and hit him just under the eye. He couldn’t feel his leg or face, now numb with the creature’s venom.
Tendrils of fear wrapped around his heart. The beast holding him bent down, the skin on its throat expanding like a cobra collar. Two rows of serrated teeth gleamed from the monster’s open mouth, and the creature bit him on the shoulder.
Pain, hard and fast, ran into his torso. His entire body stiffened. Paralyzed, his silent scream echoed in his head.
They picked him up and carried him to their van.
When they opened the back doors, he saw two other men in various stages of transformation. One had no hair, and his eyes were nearly black. Another hunched over the wheel well, his shirt ripped off, green scales forming along his spine.
They tossed him into the van. The sound of his own scream echoed in his mind as he finally passed out.
Chapter Fourteen
Noeh’s stomach growled at the smell of fresh baked rolls coming from the Grand Hall. He approached the largest room in the Keep, eager to see the results of all the hard work the Jixies had done to prepare for the welcome feast. Thoughts of Demir and his Pride, and all their baggage, sent a shudder over his shoulders. He rounded the corner and surveyed the room. Jixies flitted about, adding the final touches to the elaborate meal.
Noeh released a pent-up breath and tried to relax.
The tables, covered in crisp white cloths, supported a wide variety of meats, fruit, and vegetables, all displayed with the artistic flair of the Jixies’ finest chefs. An apple tart, one of Noeh’s favorites, caught his eye. He made a mental note to come back that way later. Jixies skittered around the room, finishing the tasks for the feast. Jax darted past Noeh, a large tray of carved turkey in his arms, his muscles straining under the weight.
Across the room, Ginnia must have told a joke because Gaetan and Saar laughed. Council members and merchants wore their finest clothes and paraded around the room, trying to impress one another. Warriors stood in small groups, talking among themselves, the excitement and tension in the room buzzing like a swarm of bees.
Bet approached Noeh, wiping her hands on her once-white apron. She curtsied. “I think all the arrangements are done, Your Majesty.”
“Everything looks and smells outstanding, Bet. You outdid yourself.” Noeh placed his hand on the shoulder of the little Jixie who meant so much to him. “I’m sure the Panthera will enjoy the meal.”
“You are too kind, Your Majesty.” Bet stood from her curtsy, a twinkle in her eyes. “We will make sure no one leaves hungry.” She tensed and turned toward the entrance. “Do you hear that?”
Noeh followed Bet’s gaze just in time to see Demir stroll into the room. He moved with a smooth grace, his head held high and his shoulders back. Aramie and the rest of the Pride filtered into the room behind their leader.
Demir took in an exaggerated breath. As he released it, his loud sigh quieted the conversations in the room. He scanned the banquet tables and shook his head, his mouth grim.
Arrogant Kasard. A sense of unease rippled under Noeh’s skin.
“Demir. We welcome you and your Pride with this feast. May you enjoy our gift of food
Something about the two seemed odd, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. They stopped mere inches from him without saying a word.
The short one opened his mouth. His tongue stretched toward Ram, hitting him on the leg. Intense pain raced up Ram’s thigh. A wisp of fear caressed his mind.
The tall one pinned him to the ground with his body; the sick putrid smell like rubbing alcohol overpowered Ram’s senses. The man’s glasses fell off his face, revealing solid black orbs for eyes.
Ram screamed, the sound echoing off the buildings surrounding him.
Eyes wide with fear, he tried to scramble away, but his useless leg grounded him. The tall one’s tongue lashed out and hit him just under the eye. He couldn’t feel his leg or face, now numb with the creature’s venom.
Tendrils of fear wrapped around his heart. The beast holding him bent down, the skin on its throat expanding like a cobra collar. Two rows of serrated teeth gleamed from the monster’s open mouth, and the creature bit him on the shoulder.
Pain, hard and fast, ran into his torso. His entire body stiffened. Paralyzed, his silent scream echoed in his head.
They picked him up and carried him to their van.
When they opened the back doors, he saw two other men in various stages of transformation. One had no hair, and his eyes were nearly black. Another hunched over the wheel well, his shirt ripped off, green scales forming along his spine.
They tossed him into the van. The sound of his own scream echoed in his mind as he finally passed out.
Chapter Fourteen
Noeh’s stomach growled at the smell of fresh baked rolls coming from the Grand Hall. He approached the largest room in the Keep, eager to see the results of all the hard work the Jixies had done to prepare for the welcome feast. Thoughts of Demir and his Pride, and all their baggage, sent a shudder over his shoulders. He rounded the corner and surveyed the room. Jixies flitted about, adding the final touches to the elaborate meal.
Noeh released a pent-up breath and tried to relax.
The tables, covered in crisp white cloths, supported a wide variety of meats, fruit, and vegetables, all displayed with the artistic flair of the Jixies’ finest chefs. An apple tart, one of Noeh’s favorites, caught his eye. He made a mental note to come back that way later. Jixies skittered around the room, finishing the tasks for the feast. Jax darted past Noeh, a large tray of carved turkey in his arms, his muscles straining under the weight.
Across the room, Ginnia must have told a joke because Gaetan and Saar laughed. Council members and merchants wore their finest clothes and paraded around the room, trying to impress one another. Warriors stood in small groups, talking among themselves, the excitement and tension in the room buzzing like a swarm of bees.
Bet approached Noeh, wiping her hands on her once-white apron. She curtsied. “I think all the arrangements are done, Your Majesty.”
“Everything looks and smells outstanding, Bet. You outdid yourself.” Noeh placed his hand on the shoulder of the little Jixie who meant so much to him. “I’m sure the Panthera will enjoy the meal.”
“You are too kind, Your Majesty.” Bet stood from her curtsy, a twinkle in her eyes. “We will make sure no one leaves hungry.” She tensed and turned toward the entrance. “Do you hear that?”
Noeh followed Bet’s gaze just in time to see Demir stroll into the room. He moved with a smooth grace, his head held high and his shoulders back. Aramie and the rest of the Pride filtered into the room behind their leader.
Demir took in an exaggerated breath. As he released it, his loud sigh quieted the conversations in the room. He scanned the banquet tables and shook his head, his mouth grim.
Arrogant Kasard. A sense of unease rippled under Noeh’s skin.
“Demir. We welcome you and your Pride with this feast. May you enjoy our gift of food
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