Myth's Friend (Book 3 of Seven Series)

Chapter 8- Eira's POV

My heart became lighter when she said that, and I had no idea how much I needed to hear those words come from her mouth. I took a deep, shuddering breath before I cleared my throat and licked my lips. "Good," I said and nodded my head. I squeezed her hand reassuringly before I placed the hand I had on Arzon's side.

Zanaya gasped beside me, and I glanced at her to see that her eyes were wide and filled with happiness. She looked at me, silently telling me to let her hand go, and I did what she said and let go.

Arzon chuffed when Zanaya rubbed his body, and he closed his eyes, content. His whole body was relaxed, and he flicked his tail happily.

I placed my hands behind my back and watched them have their moment. My heart filled with warmth, and I was happy that Zanaya trusted me enough to know that I wouldn't let anything bad happen to her.

Zanaya moved her hands closer to Arzon's head and dug her hands into his thick mane. A grin appeared on her face, and I could tell that she loved the feeling of the mane in her hands.

"Scratch behind my ear," Arzon said, and I could hear the contentment in his voice. He lifted his head toward Zanaya's hand and closed his eyes further. "That is a good place for me to get scratched."

Zanaya did what he said for her to do and scratched him behind his ear. A grin appeared on her face when he cocked the ear toward her to give her more access to it. She stayed silent while she scratched him, and I couldn't help but wonder what thoughts went through her head.

Arzon started to knead the ground at her feet, missing her toes by inches with each knead. He kept chuffing his happy chuff because he couldn't purr and let her scratch him behind his ear.

All too soon, a warning sounded throughout the Between, indicating that someone was about to be close to its entrance and that if we needed to leave, then to do so or else we would have to wait until they moved, Huyter or not.

I sighed and cleared my throat, not happy that I would have to break apart this happy occasion between a lion and a female new to this world. "Ok, Zanaya, we have to go," I said, and she stopped petting Arzon and looked at me. I offered her a sad smile and nodded when she looked at me with sad eyes. "I know," I said, "but someone is about to cross in front of where we have to get out, and I do not know how long they will stay there."

I pulled my phone out of my pocket and pursed my lips while I checked the time. "Besides, I have been gone long enough, and I am sure that I will be getting multiple messages from David wondering where I am at and who I am with."

Arzon chuckled. "I guess you should've told him then," he teased, and I rolled my eyes and scowled. He winked teasingly, and I again rolled my eyes at the lion. "I know," he said, answering what the scowl meant, even though he didn't need to. "You would have gotten there too late if you had waited a second longer to tell David where you were going."

I shook my head and sighed. "I would argue with you, but we are out of time." I looked at my phone again to check the time and pursed my lips, knowing that I had waited too long. "So, I will see you whenever." I looked at him while I stuffed my phone back into my pocket, and Arzon nodded in confirmation.

"I will see you whenever, Eira," he confirmed and nodded again. He looked at Zanaya and smiled, and she hesitantly smiled back at the lion. "Trust her. She knows what she is doing some of them." He winked teasingly. "If you can get her not to sneak out, then that would be most grand. However, I think she will not listen, even to you."

I rolled my eyes and scowled while I folded my arms across my chest. "Very funny," I said dryly, and he laughed. I cleared my throat and grew serious before I bowed my head, and he bowed his. "Thank you for your time, Arzon," I said and looked at him again. "I appreciate it, even though I did not like you scaring her." I gave him a pointed look, and he smiled, almost beaming. "Next time, please don't try to scare the next. I have a hard time as it is to get them to come with me."

He chuckled and shook his head, indicating that he wouldn't do such a thing. "No promises, Eira," he said, and I scowled. He nodded once more before he stood and left, leaving the two of us alone but able to see each other, even though it slowly started to get harder to do so.

I puffed out my cheeks in annoyance and rolled my eyes in his direction. I sighed and looked at Zanaya, who watched the whole thing perplexed and confused, with a raised eyebrow. "Ready?" I asked and held out my hand for her to take.

Zanaya hesitated but nodded and placed her hand in mine. Nervousness filled her eyes, but I could see a small bit of excitement as to what this new life would bring her. She had no idea what would happen, but I could tell that she trusted me and knew that I wouldn't try to do anything to harm her intentionally. "Ready."

I smiled and nodded my head, relieved that she was ready for this new part of her life. "Then close your eyes," I said, and I gently led her through the portal to start her new life as a Holder and not a Huyter any longer.