“What does he think I’ll do?”
I shrugged easily. “It’s not what you’d do that worries him, it’s… well, this place really.”
Caleb glanced at me, silently reading me, as he opened up his shirt and revealed his arm and chest. The wound was nasty, blood seeping out of it and the skin was an irritated red around the exposed flesh.
I pressed my lips together and lifted my hand, flames already dancing between my fingers. I saw Caleb stagger at the sight, but then his jaw tensed and he steeled himself to stay in place.
I couldn’t help the small chuckle that escaped me. “Don’t worry, I’ll be quick,” I reassured him, placing my hand against the wound as the flames sizzled against his skin.
Caleb took a sharp breath, bending his head slightly back and staring at the sky.
“Keep breathing,” I reminded him and he slowly let the breath go.
“It hurts less than I thought it would,” he murmured. “It does sting, though.”
“It would’ve been weird otherwise,” I said looking up at him. “Fire is dangerous, even if I’m able to control it somewhat.”
He smiled faintly. “That’s why I thought it would hurt, magic is wild after all.”
I pressed harder, locking my eyes on his wound as I focused on keeping my flames tame. He hissed low.
“Sorry,” I said, quietly.
Caleb shook his head slightly, dismissing it. “That white haired man… he’s a demon.”
“How observant,” I said flatly, my voice utterly bored.
“You’re not bothered? You’re a mage, he feeds on magic.” Caleb studied me, a moment of silence before he stiffened slightly. “You care for him.”
I merely gave him a quick look before returning to the wound. “What do you want, a cookie?”
He chuckled finally. “Sorry if I overstepped… I’m curious why we let a demon walk freely, or better yet, how someone could have feelings for one.”
“You’re just a soldier, right?” I shot back and he furrowed his brows confused.
“What?”
“All you’re good for is fighting and killing,right?”
“No—”
“That’s what I thought,” I cut off. “Being a soldier doesn’t define you then, neither does him being ahalf-demon.”
Caleb slowly closed his mouth. He looked like he wanted to continue arguing, his eyes burning, but he remained silent, jaw tight as he thought long and hard about my words.
“Well, look at you, casually undressing our men,” Ashley snickered behind me and made me jolt.
“What are you talking about?” I barked, surprised by her sneaking.
Caleb averted his eyes, clearly flustered by her words. “Are we done?”
“Yes,” I said through my teeth and pulled my hand away.
“Oh, don’t mind me, I enjoy watching.” Ashley chuckled as she met my glare. “What?”
I furrowed my brows before I searched for Malakai in the group. He was standing far off against a tree, arms crossed and… brooding?
I blew a few strands away from my face and sighed loudly. “Is he pouting?”
