Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 27

We are rousted at an ungodly hour, where I had thought this would be a direct route, it would seem we were making multiple stops. I note that my warlord never came to bed and the dark circles under his eyes indicate that he hadn't slept either. 

I yawn as he carries our luggage through the vast train station, the hustle and bustle is quite impressive while almost overwhelming compared to my small hometown. Fillipa feels the same as she gravitates toward me, Roksana takes the outside edge of our group. 

"Civilization, my lovely companions!" Haryek purrs, inhaling deeply.

"Loud," I comment, noting the cringe on my Lycan's face. It must be hurting his sensitive ears. "Where are we?" I wish it was colder, I could get him a wool cap to dampen the sound. 

"Budapest, Hungary," Verando comments as we settle by a bench to gather our bearings. "Keep the luggage close, cities like this are prone to pickpockets and theft."

"Theft?" Anuetta scoffs. "I assure you, these people are upstanding just like the ones in my home city." 

Verando seems unimpressed, scanning the crowd with distaste. "Well when you've got nothing left but your trousers, don't cry to me." 

We settle on breakfast to wait for our next train, as the waitress brings us an order of what appears to be pancakes, meat, and eggs, Haryek's eyes light up as he looks out into the city. It's alive, much like the shopping plaza surrounding the train station. 

"Companions, are we 'really' going to leave so quickly? Our home is in shambles, is there really a true sense of urgency? Can we not stay here for a day and enjoy this beautiful city?" He almost looks dreamy as he turns to watch us with such a hopeful expression.

 Anuetta chuckles lightly.

"Monsieur, wait till you see France. Es Magnifique!" The idea does sound nice, I'd like to have a chance to see these cities, develop a relationship with the people and make a sort of 'tour' out of it. I'd never been outside of Romania, my brothers had gone with my father but I, myself, had only been within her limits. 

Verando shakes his head at all of us, "We are on a time frame, we don't have time to stop and play tourist. We don't know who could be following us and the safest place for us is on that train before anyone can catch up." 

Of course, he would sound reasonable, but no one is looking at him, everyone is looking at me. I blink, sitting up a little taller, trying to collect myself. 

Verando grips my arm. "We need to keep moving." 

Haryek waves a hand at him dismissively, "Oh, you're such a buzzkill, Verando. Nic, you're the King, your subjects would like a recess from this journey to have some fun. We have earned it. Besides, if anyone is following us, they will follow the train and we will have lost them. Problem solved."

The gray-haired man narrows his eyes, "Or they will spot us and destroy this city looking for us, do you think for a moment that whatever is after us has any interest in preserving life?"

Fillipa tenses, "You didn't when you sent Strigoi to kill our attackers."

"They wouldn't have died if they weren't attacking us." He snaps back. 

Roksana puts her hand on Fillipa's knee, possibly suggesting this was not the correct time for her input but the princess brushes her off. 

"I've never seen Hungary, you are a guard, are you not? I know you're a decorated war hero and you've got a rather infamous reputation but in reality, you are an advisor in this instance. We've taken your council, I'd like to hear what Nicolas has to say. He is the king, after all."