Chapter 97: Speak of the devil

At the river, Aria paced along the stream bank, searching for a red flower.

“This,” Lucien said, pointing at a flower, which made Aria burst into laughter.

“What is this? That’s obviously a weed pumpkin. That’s not what we need,” she joked, reaching into her bag and pulling something out. “This is what it looks like. It’s red, but unlike the other red flowers, it has a black spot at the stem. Use that to identify it.” Lucien nodded.

They spent another thirty minutes gathering what they needed until Aria grew tired and decided they should take a break.

“Break’s over. We are about to do something dangerous. Do I have you to protect me?” Rising to her feet, she dusted off her hands and asked, smiling widely at him.

Lucien stood as well. “I am obligated to protect you. You have nothing to worry about, Lady Aria.”

Her smile faded, replaced by a frown.

“What a killjoy. I feel like you are doing your best to push me away, not protect me,” she said, shaking her head as she headed toward the stream.

“For a stream inhabited by dangerous reptiles, it’s extremely quiet,” Aria pointed out as they stood staring at the water, her hands resting on her waist.

“Do not go in farther than me so it will be easy to reach you,” Lucien instructed.

She rolled her eyes, ignored him, and stepped into the stream.

“If only he were doing it out of love,” she muttered, scanning the water for the red flower.

“Found you,” she whispered with a victorious smile, reaching for it.

Suddenly, something charged at her. She yanked her hand back just in time, twisting away as she dodged the attack.

She fell into the water, but the danger wasn’t over. The creature charged again, forcing her to roll aside and evade it once more.

“Fucking crocodile…or whatever you are,” she cursed, scrambling to her feet and taking off.

“Lady Aria! Behind you!” Lucien shouted from ahead of her.

She glanced back, eyes widening as she barely managed to dodge the reptile.

Gasping for breath, she dropped into the stream, scanning the water for it.

Feeling movement again, she snarled, “I was going to leave in peace, but now I am pissed off.” Rising, she stood her ground, waiting for it to charge.

Lucien watched her, already guessing what she intended to do.

‘I need you now, wolf,’ she said inwardly. A sudden surge of strength rushed through her, allowing her to grab the crocodile by the throat as it thrashed against her hold.

Not fully in her wolf form, she still struggled to subdue it completely and had to seize it by the tail before it finally went still.

In one swift motion, she snapped the crocodile in two and hurled it into the stream.

“Come at me, you fuckers!” She yelled, spotting more crocodiles lurking some distance away.

“It’s a call from the hotel. We have to leave,” Lucien announced urgently.

…

“He’s dead,” Leia informed Aria, who stared at the lifeless soldier lying on the floor.

“Fuck me. But there’s no time to weep,” Aria said, then turned to the male nurse. “Get some pots ready for me. Let’s cook.” With that, they headed back into the hotel.

While Aria prepared the antidote, Leia couldn’t help noticing the bloodstains on her neck.

“Did something happen?” She asked.

Aria, already aware of what Leia meant, replied without looking up, “Just a crocodile I had to take care of.”

“I need more water here!” Aria demanded, stirring the contents of the pot with a focus so intense it made Leia stare at her in admiration. When Aria had insisted on studying medicine back then, her parents had threatened to disown her, forcing her to learn in secret. But back then, her knowledge had been mostly theoretical, and she had never been able to practice. So where did this knowledge come from? And from whom?

“Stop looking at me like I betrayed you. I was going to tell you everything when we first met, but I don’t think we had time to talk about me,” Aria said, noticing Leia’s stare.

Leia shook her head. She wasn’t offended, just shocked and amused.

“I am not blaming you. I am proud of you,” Leia said, and Aria finally looked at her, smiling.

“Do you think someone else is impressed too?” Aria asked.

Leia raised a brow, realization dawning seconds later. “Anyone would be impressed. I am sure he is too.”

They both burst into laughter.

“Speaking of which, have you seen Rhea since we left the pack?” Aria asked.

Leia paused, then nodded slowly as the thought sank in.

“No. Everyone’s been busy since this journey started, and that’s understandable, but I wish I knew what was going on. Who’s the enemy that poisoned our men? Why is Casimir absent? And who’s this Alpha we are supposed to meet in the North?” Leia rambled, frustration spilling out. “I have so many questions, but I know I won’t get answers.”

“Alpha,” Lucien’s voice called from outside the kitchen.

Aria and Leia exchanged glances, instantly understanding what that meant.

“What is this scene I am witnessing here?” Rhea asked, leaning against the doorway.

“Speak of the devil,” Aria muttered, shaking her head as she turned to face her.