Grapevine (Zetheria Series #1)

Chapter 6: Black Feathers

Selene sipped on the bland soup and peeked at the crack on the carriage's window.

There was only a white fog outside, making it difficult to discern objects from it.

Taking another sip, she felt strangely nostalgic; remembering the first time she rode a flying carriage.

'Nothing much has changed since then.'

Looking at herself, she was covered in bandages and her muscles were sore. She wanted to slap herself for being so reckless in the previous fight. There are better ways to use her mana efficiently, but in the face of real danger, all her knowledge flew out of the window.

'Well, I had no time to think.'

She took another spoonful of the warm soup and replayed the battle in her head, seeing how lacking she was with pretty much everything about combat.

'What could I have done differently?'

If she really wanted to be strong, she had to face enemies that are even more dangerous than the monster she fought last night. And she wouldn't be so lucky next time.

Ever since she woke up, the ride has been smooth so far. But, Selene had no hopes that their entire journey will be the same. Who knows how long this moment of peace will last?

Looking down, she realized that the bowl was now empty.

She spent some time staring at the white nothingness outside before deciding to sleep for a bit.

Selene woke up hearing the clangor of steel coming from the front ranks of their procession. At this point, it was no longer strange to hear the sounds of battle here and there.

There was no need for her to come out and help. With her mana veins still healing, she wouldn't be of much help fighting off the enemies anyway. In fact, she will only burden them with her inexperience.

'It must be nice if I could... observe them at least.'

Less than five minutes later, the sound stopped and the group proceeded on their way.

It was like that for five more days. Selene spent most of her time thinking and getting bored. She did not bring some books this time, fearing that she might ruin them. Now, she's starting to regret her decision.

The only thing worth noting was that one time when their group passed by a morbid sight. Human-like bodies lay lifeless on the sides of the road, scattering into the forest. Their flesh mangled and unrecognizable. Selene found out that those were the bodies of bandits.

She can still feel the shiver running down her spine upon witnessing it.

'What kind of creature could have massacred them like that?'

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

She stood straight and turned to it.

"Yes?"

"Anton... you might have to come out for a bit. We need your help."

Her eyes widened. A strange feeling tugged her heart. She enthusiastically opened the door and jumped off the carriage.

Sanjiv panted heavily. His long, red locks were wet with blood and the fur of his cloak had long turned red as well. His arms had become like the bark of a tree and his nails were as sharp as a sword, still dripping with fresh blood.

A black feather stuck on his hair, but that's not the most astonishing part of his appearance.

There were two horns, resembling rose thorns rising from his head.