MISTRESS OF FLAME

CHAPTER 40

CHAPTER 40

THE FIRST NIGHT IN the Valley of Bones was uneventful. The aster path, which was a path made from a flower that glows in the dark, was easy to follow. Now everyone understood why Hakken suggested to wait for night to fall.

But even though it was an easy path to take, everyone was still on guard while walking in line. Grath was in front, behind him was Zassia, and then Sollel and Hakken both took the rear.

No one made a sound nor call forth a fire even if Zassia and Sollel could. They took Hakken's warning not to conjure light for their safety seriously. They didn't understand what Hakken meant, but they still listened and put their trust on Hakken.

Maybe it was the best for everyone to not see what surrounded them as they walked. It was a gory sight, something that could frighten anyone with a weak heart. Though Hakken knew what surrounded them, he opted to keep it to himself. It was better that way.

Meanwhile, Sollel was observing and listening to their surroundings as they followed the path. Hakken didn't tell them anything about the Valley of Bones, but by observing and listening, Sollel already had a rough idea of what was going on.

Sollel grabbed Hakken's hand and brought her lips close to Hakken's ear that they were almost touching. "Ghouls, wights, skeletons, or wraiths?"

Hakken knew it was not the right place and time to feel his heart jump because of his lady's closeness, but he had no control over his body when it came to his lady.

"A-all of the above," Hakken whispered back that only they could hear.

"Is that why you told us not to conjure fire?" Sollel's lips was so close to Hakken's ears that he was having a hard time controlling himself.

It took Hakken a couple of deep breaths before he could answer, "Y-yes. This aster path—the smell of the aster flower prevents them from going near us or sensing us. As long as we stay on the path and we don't conjure light, we'll be fine."

Sollel brought her lips over Hakken's ear again to whisper, "How did you know this stuff?"

"I researched it when I realized we have to pass the Valley of Bones to get to your friend. I want to be useful after you left me in the forest."

Sollel smiled in the dark; unfortunately, Hakken couldn't see it. And Hakken also didn't see Sollel tiptoeing and leaning in to press her lips quickly on his cheek.

"Thank you."

Hakken froze. He literally stopped moving that Sollel had to hold his hand tightly and drag him, but Hakken pulled Sollel back with force, making Sollel crash against Hakken's body and Hakken wrapping his arm around Sollel's waist to support and balance her footing.

"My lady...that was your lips, right?" Hakken didn't know how he managed to whisper those words amidst his sonorous heart.

Sollel could tell how anxious Hakken was, and she couldn't help teasing him. "Have you never been kissed on the cheek in your three lifetimes, Hakken?"

If Sollel could see, she would've seen how beet red Hakken face was.

"I, um, I was busy looking for you."

Sollel's teasing mood vanished at that. While she was imprisoned, someone was actually waiting and looking for her. While she was busy hating the world, she had become someone's world. "If you put it like that, it makes me feel like I owe you a kiss, Hakken."

Hakken stilled before hurriedly explaining himself in a low voice, "No. I didn't mean it like that. I waited and looked for you on my own volition. I didn't do it so I could make you feel that—"