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Ujuu Leyo trudged through the thick snow, pulling his scarf a little tighter around his neck as the icy wind pressed into him from behind. Despite wearing several layers of clothing the cold air crept into every exposed crevice, snatching up the warmth like a predator swallowing its prey.
At least the town of Averlore will be warmer.
Ahead of Ujuu were several families riding inside covered wagons. Some had stuffed their horse drawn carriages full of belongings while others only carried bare essentials upon their backs.
We can't go back to Rivinsdeep.
The Shadelkin thought about Bledyn, the Demonic hybrid that had possessed his mother and attacked the town, and grit his fangs together.
I hope he rots in prison.
Although several elderly folks had opted to stay behind to ensure Bledyn stayed locked up, Ujuu feared they would be overrun by more Demons.
Zodia Tigress can't be summoned again, not until the relics are brought back to our world.
He recalled his conversation with Soraya from the day before and grimaced.
She's apparently been cut off from the Angelic tree of life, whatever that is. I just hope there's still a way to get those relics back despite that.
"Ujuu."
His cat-like ears twitched beneath his woolen cap, and he cocked his head to gaze down upon his girlfriend, Zaruna Markies.
Despite the ominous mood, Ujuu's heart skipped a beat at the soft warmth in her magenta eyes and the cute bounce her cotton candy curls did with each step she took.
"What's up?" he asked, flashing her a toothy grin.
"I've been tinking about ze Zodia statues," she began, her voice as lovely as strings plucked upon a harp. "Maybe ve should find ze others and try summoning zose spirits?"
"Honestly, that sounds like a good idea," Ujuu replied, his candy-apple eyes shifting between his girlfriend and his parents, who followed in their wake just a few feet away.
Myrl Leyo held Ayla's hand as if he were afraid to let go, his rose-colored eyes wary and on the lookout for danger. Beside them were Zaruna's father and mother, Roman and Atina Markies.
The two couples spoke to one another in low voices as they walked through the blanket of white surrounding them, all four adults wearing grim and tired expressions.
"Pater doesn't want to go back home to Matumi," Ujuu whispered to Zaruna. "I don't blame him one bit. The Demons know where we all live, so staying on the move and laying low would probably be best."
"Yes," Zaruna agreed. "Vhen ve get to Averlore ve should research about ze zodia statues. Zere must be more scattered zroughout Azakua."
"I'm sure you're right," Ujuu agreed. "We could even write out different prayers for summoning them and see if they work."
