𝐀 𝐊𝐎𝐀𝐋𝐀'𝐒 𝐏𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 ── ( ray )

Chapter 30: Freedom

"Y/n," he breathed, tears pricking the back of his eyes.

She nodded, a small sniffle reaching his ears. "Ray..."

The others had gathered around the window, all beaming at her. Emma let out a loud breath of relief at the sight of her, color returned to Nigel's face and even Mister cracked a small grin.

Ray threw the windows wide open, stepping aside, allowing her to enter. Y/n swooped in elegantly, landing on the floor with a soft 'thump'. She moved Palvus - still asleep - carefully onto a flat surface, away from her, and took off her mask, shaking her hair free. As soon as she brushed off herself, she was instantly pulled into a tight embrace by Ray, who burrowed his head into her neck, breathing heavily.

She wrapped back just as quickly, heaving out a heavy, shaky breath. She was exhausted, aching all over, but moreover... she was worried-sick of him. It had only been a few days, yes, but a few days in a forest filled with man-eating monsters. Any minute of their lives, they could've died. She had no idea what was happening outside, and how he was doing... but now, seeing him safe and alive... she could burst into tears.

Ray had already beaten her to the tears, damping her shoulder. This was the place where Mister lost all his friends, and his two dearest friends were trapped here. He was sick to the stomach at just the thought: Them dying at the hands of these monsters? No way.

Over his dead body.

There they stayed, in other's comfort, without saying a word - yet - they knew exactly what the opposition was thinking of. Their hearts were beating at the same pace - that was all they needed to know.

Nigel choked back a sob. She was okay. Mister pushed back the urge to fake a gag - this was actually wholesome. Emma had long succumbed to the two, tears streaming down her face.

After a minute or two, both of them pulled apart. Ray hurriedly turned away to wipe his tears, terrified of Y/n seeing him like this, but she gave a tired smile. Still the same, as always.

Then, Ray turned back to the group, pretending as if nothing happened, though his bright red eyes betrayed him. He shot Y/n a lopsided smile. "Thank heavens you're okay." She smiled back.

"Can't kill me off so easily."

Mister cleared his throat obnoxiously, breaking the moment. "Sorry to umm, interrupt whatever this is going on, but let's not waste the extra time you bought for us - it'd be pointless then."

Y/n nodded vigorously. "Yes, of course. Well, I found out something during the battle," she started, and every ear listened intently. "Even though Leuvis's senses were dimmed, he was still strong as ever. Why's that?" She gestured to Palvus. "Because of that little guy."

Emma's face broke into shock, her hand coming up to cup her chin. "That's right! He was always with Leuvis, no matter if it was just casual hunt of an all-out battle."

Nigel looked thoughtful. "So, this creature must've been helping Leuvis find out where we are. Great thinking, Y/n! Now that we have it with us, Leuvis will have a harder time finding out our locations." Said girl smiled and nodded appreciatively at the comment, then went on -

"Yes, but that won't hold him off for long," she shook her head. "Besides, I didn't put a sleeping spell or whatever on Palvus. He ought to wake up soon enough, with all the fighting going on."

Ray nodded. "We have to finish the plan before that, now that we have an essential piece of the puzzle."

"This plan isn't concrete," Nigel pointed out. "It could alter depending on just the slightest change in our circumstances-" Mister blew a breath of irritation. "Geez, just get it over with."