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Valor stared at Krista through wide ruby eyes. Jacquelle's blood-soaked bandages sat in the girl's mouth. Even with being caught, Krista kept sucking at the cloth like one would a popsicle.
She needs blood, just like I did before Soraya cured me.
Valor remembered when he had been in the same position as Krista just a few days prior, when the royal guard Hawksbill had noticed his bloodlust. Rather than expose him, Hawksbill helped keep it a secret from everyone else aboard the H.M.S. Dryuconum.
"I know what you're going through," Valor said quietly to Krista in Casmerahn. "I can help."
The blond haired girl's already pale face turned as white as a blank sheet of paper.
Valor realized Krista didn't understand him, so he beckoned for her to follow.
The blond's midnight blue eyes narrowed, suspicion welling up behind her icy gaze.
She doesn't trust me. I'm a stranger, that's understandable.
Valor strode forward, giving Krista space by stepping around her, then headed straight for Jacquelle's room.
Krista, after seeing where he was headed, hastily stuffed the bloody bandage into her pocket and hurried after him, but stayed a few feet behind.
Valor walked through the entryway but stayed quiet to not interrupt the on-going conversation.
"So anyway, I hope that all made sense," Jacquelle said, her fingers looping nervously around her golden locks.
Akoni, Mr. Pan, and Mr. Demarko all stood around her bed, each lost in their own thoughts.
"Overall yes," Akoni finally replied, his tone methodical. "It's just a lot to take in."
"Yes, yes it is," Mr. Demarko agreed.
Akoni's father stayed silent, his lips pursed tightly together.
After several seconds of silence ticked by, Valor cleared his throat. "Jacquelle, may Krista and I have a word with you alone?"
Akoni and Mr. Pan both understood Casmerahn and promptly walked towards the exit.
"Jacquelle, just holler if you need anything. I'll be in the hall," Akoni said before disappearing.
Valor tilted his head in Mr. Demarko's direction, but Jacquelle simply shook her head. "Dad can stay," she said in Casmerahn.
A puzzled look befell Asher Demarko. "Can you all please speak in Azakuin or Signing?."
Valor bit his lower lip. I kind of understand him, but I have no idea how to respond in his native tongue.
Jacquelle sighed. "Valor only speaks Casmerahn," she explained, impatience dripping from her words. "You're going to have to wait for me to translate."
