𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐧

Ten

Iris and Travis had gathered a small group of people in the lawn outside of the main building, all tittering to one another like old friends. They stared as Taylor approached, but he didn't squirm, as if he was used to people doing that.

"Ooo, throwing knives!" Iris commented, glancing at the weapons strapped to Liana's belt. She held a long, deadly javelin in one hand, which did not at all match the smile on her face.

Three other people were in their group- a small, shy- looking girl who couldn't have been more than sixteen, a burly, blond guy with a spear that looked like a toothpick next to him, and a slender, brown- haired girl with a large bow.

"Liana, meet Allie, Kian, and Charlie," Travis said, pointing to each of them in turn.

Charlie flicked her long brown ponytail and smiled. "Nice to meet you! I'm glad we have a Psychokinetic for the team. We've been wanting one for years."

Kian mimicked her perfectly- "I'm glad we have a Psychokinetic for the team!"

Charlie glared at him, rolling her eyes. "Stupid Echoes."

Kian ducked as she slapped his arm playfully, and Liana raised her eyebrows at that, noticing the chemistry between them.

Taylor cleared his throat. "As much as I love watching you two be adorable together," he began, earning a laugh from Travis, "That deer isn't going to hunt itself."

Liana bit her lip as a smile crept onto her face, and Iris let out a snort. "Let's just go, okay?" she winked at Charlie, who flushed red.

Travis led them deep into the forest, and Liana marveled at the fresh, crisp scent of the air and the lush, dewey foliage. She never experienced this kind of beauty in the Blessed Lands- there, luxury came at the cost of the environment. People often developed lung problems from smoke inhalation, and the trees were sparse and skinny. Everyone was pale- the light was weak and blocked by smoke. The Emperor and his Commanders tried to hide this from the community, but Liana was not so easily fooled.

"Stop!" Allie stage- whispered, holding out her arms. "I see the deer!"

Liana copied the movements of the others, crouching and trying not to step on any dry leaves or snap any twigs.

"Who wants to go for it?" Kian whispered, his eyes flicking from Charlie to Travis.

"I will," they both said, then mumbled "You can go,"awkwardly.

"Ladies first!" Charlie ordered, putting her hands on her hips.

Liana raised her eyebrows and bit her lip to stop herself from snickering, however a small giggle peeked through.

 Taylor put up a hand in front of her face. "No talking, newbie! We don't need another Carson."

"Guys, that's cute and all, but we have a deer to catch," Travis reminded them.

Taylor's cheeks reddened. "Fine. I'll get it." He knocked an arrow, pulling the string back to his cheek, and crept forward. The deer's head was down, and Taylor silently readied himself to fire.

But before he could shoot, Liana tackled him. "Get down!" she hissed frantically.

"What the heck are you-" Taylor's angry rant was cut off by a loud gunshot, and they both looked up, their faces shocked and pale. The deer was barely able to let out a shriek as it toppled onto its side, a red wound blossoming from its neck.

Liana pulled Taylor back behind the rock, and her voice was barely a murmur as she whispered, "They're here."