“I always know when someone is about to die. The spark is gone. They stop trying, they don't brush their teeth in the morning, they stop bathing. Physically, they’re still walking but mentally, they’re already dead. Not so different from the crawlers. They just don’t eat human flesh yet.” Frid surveyed the shapes in the dark.
“That’s not right. Without hope, we’re already dead,” I said.
“You’re so romantic. I like it.” Frid gave me a quick smile.
“I’m sorry about the suit, and lying to you.” I bit my lip.
“It’s alright. I understand.”
She turned away because we had entered a vast roomwith towering columns that were so high, I did not think it would be possible to see the ceiling.
The mosaics on the floor turned into explosions of colors. The moisture and the warmth in the air hit my nostrils and I looked around surprised. It was a special place, I just could not figure out why. Suddenly, Tynan stopped and I almost walked into Sol’s back.
“You've got to be kidding me!” Victor muttered.
The sound traveled all over the room, echoing in the farthest corners and returning from somewhere above us. I caught myself looking up at the ceiling I could not see.
I switched my gaze to Tynan, only now realizing that he had stopped at the edge of a pool of water. When I approached it, I could clearly distinguish the spirals of thick white fog lifting up from the surface.
“The sacred waters.” Frid sighed somewhere behind me.
She placed her torch on the stand that was mounted by the pool and we all did the same.
Tynan crouched and placed his hand into the water. Then he lifted his fingers to his face examining the liquid.
“What are the sacred waters?” I asked.
“The source of eternal blessing for all dragons,” Frid explained, reaching down to feel it.
“I don’t mind a little blessing.” Victor sat beside her.
“It’s too late for you, my friend.” Frid smirked.
Instead of answering, the young man splashed her.
“I’m going to kill you!” The girl wiped her face and sprayed him back.
From that point, things escalated quickly. Frid took off her jacket and the strip of fur she wore around her shoulders, leaving only her undergarments on. The blond girl was still giggling when Victor did the same and the next moment both of them were in the water, enjoying it as if they were children.
My eyes landed on Tynan, but his gaze was scrutinizing the dark areas of the chamber. Sol stood a little further back, his hand resting on the ax that was attached to his belt.
“You should join us,” Frid called me, but I shook my head. “Come on! The water is so warm,” she continued.
I watched Frid’s athletic figure with wide shoulders and narrow hips. She was shockingly beautiful with her golden skin and light, wavy hair that clung to her back and neck. When my eyes moved to where Victor stood, I noticed a flicker of something in his eyes that I could not quite place. He looked at Frid with some unfathomable warmth, as if he could not get enough of her. My cheeks flushed.
Did Victor like Frid? Were they more than just friends?
I continued watching them with curiosity.
“Keep that up and I will get you,” Victor said.
My suspicious eyes landed on Frid, who quickly lifted her head up, flipping her hair off her face.
“Not a chance, boy,” she responded.
“Keep saying that . . .”
“Or what?” Frid turned away.
