Page 65 of Black Mamba

“We’re… not.”

“If you follow the river, it will take you longer, but it will be safer than taking a more direct path.”

Greg sits on his stool. “And if we cross here and go a more direct route, what then?”

“You will be going through the wetlands. The water can get very deep and the grass tall. The bugs are relentless. You will risk drowning and exhaustion. It is something even a naga must worry about before venturing into there.”

“Well… the less direct route it is,” Greg grumbles. “Thanks for the info.”

I tilt my head. “You are welcome.”

“When are you guys planning on leaving?” Elena asks.

“Soon.” Greg rubs his hands together. “We’re almost out of food, and I can’t hunt wild animals worth a damn. I keep scaring them off.”

I watch as Elena peers down at the ground, her eyes narrowed in thought.

“You should come with us,” Greg adds, looking at her. “Jenna might be there.”

“Like I said, I’ll have to think about it. I do want to look for my sister…”

“Maybe Lukys can come along too.” Greg laughs quietly and shrugs.

I grit my teeth but hold in my hiss, already aware my next hunt for Elena’s sister will no longer be alone, but with her as well, and two human males that are becoming more of a nuisance by the second. Now that they are going to this encampment, Elena will want to search for her sister there.

“Fine,” I growl. “But Elena doessss not leave my side.”

Her eyes widen and she slowly jerks her chin in agreement. “Okay.”

“It is settled then! We’ll leave in the morning,” Levy announces, walking out from behind his ship to approach us. “What a band we’ll make.”

Elena smiles once again and my chest swells with pressure and excitement. Two smiles in one day. I must be doing something right.

“Tomorrow,” I still mumble, ready to have this trip behind me, wishing more than anything to be alone with her once again.

But I made a vow, and if her sister is at this encampment, she will have no reason to ever look at me with fear again.

I will see more of her smiles.

More than anything, I want them.

TWENTY-NINE

ONWARD

Elena

The next morning arrives too soon.

Grabbing my pack of supplies I carefully put together late yesterday evening, I shove on my jeans and pull on a fresh undershirt, then I throw on an old sweater I won’t mind getting dirty. Stuffing my feet into my shoes, I tell Lula to open the hatch as I leave my ship and walk into the meadow. I close the door behind me.

Levy and Greg are already waiting outside, and when I join them, Lukys appears from the trees behind them.

“Good morning,” I say.

“Morning, Elena. Hope you slept well.” Greg cants his head at me in greeting.

“Morning,” Levy mumbles, facing Lukys with a blank expression.