“No,” Casimir answered. “And I don’t think I want to return. This heat is horrendous.”
His brow was covered in moisture, perspiration dripping down his face. His glistening chest was visible through his tunic, and Ava couldn’t help but bite her lip at the glimpse of muscles.
“Why are you looking at me like that, princess?” he said, a smirk on his face.
She laughed quietly. “Apparently, you soaked in sweat is quite a turn on.”
He leaned in and murmured in her ear, “Too bad we can’t do something about that now.” He pinched her ass and she yelped, earning curious looks from the soldiers around her.
“Keep your hands to yourself, general.”
He interlaced his fingers with hers and brought her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. “Never. When we get back to Mosshaven, I’m going to take you from behind so I can enjoy that beautiful view.”
Ava couldn’t help but shiver at his words.
“For the love of the Mother, Cas,” Raine chided, sauntering up beside them. “My poor innocent ears.”
“Innocent ears?” Ava shook her head at Raine. “You’re one to talk.”
Raine winked.
After half an hour’s walk through the hot terrain, with endless complaints from Raine about the heat, they stopped.
Maeryn strode toward them. “It’s time to make camp.”
Coals glowedfrom several braziers inside the command tent, the sounds of the camp outside muffled through the thick canvas. The leaders stood hunched over a large table, arranging wooden figurines atop a map of the volcanic capital, Torvak.
After a few days of rest, they were now reviewing and tightening up their plans before descending on the daemons. Ava stood between Casimir and Quinn, the former with a hand at the small of her back as she tuned into the conversation.
“…any chance they will surrender when they see us coming?” Roan asked.
“Doubtful,” Imsel muttered.
“They hold much power in our city,” Aelerion said. “They will not relinquish control willingly.”
The tent flaps opened, pulling their attention to the entrance. An Igneothenian soldier stepped inside.
“Report?” Maeryn asked.
“The daemons are aware of our presence, but do not seem to be rallying to attack just yet.”
“They likely believe themselves safe behind those walls,” Thalia said. “Torvak is not easily infiltrated. Do you have a count of how many?”
“It’s been difficult to ascertain their exact numbers, but we appear to outnumber them. By how much, I’m not sure.”
“Monsters?” Aelerion asked.
“We did not see any, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there.”
“What else?” Maeryn asked.
“They have a large trove of weapons, either stolen from our forges or that they have forged themselves. They seem to be readying to move them.”
“Do not lose track of those. We must get them back.” She crossed her arms. “Continue to have your scouts give regular reports. Come to us immediately if anything changes.”
“Yes, general.” The soldier disappeared.
“What’s significant about the weapons?” Ava asked.
