Page 15 of Wings of Desire

The Sagath stabs his spear, and they clash weapons once more. Xakiras dances to the side, only to be nicked in the back by the spear’s head. The tip slices through one of his wings, tearing it across the edges like it’s little more than tissue paper. Xakiras makes no noise even though he must be searing with pain. It must be excruciating with how sensitive his wings are. His face is utterly void of any emotion other than sheer rage, though it doesn’t hide the sweat covering his brow.

While the owl recovers from his lunge, Xakiras takes a running start at him from the side. The owl doesn’t have time to correct, spinning on his heels as the blade shoves through his stomach. It pierces through his back, spraying blood and feathers all over the ground.

Xakiras doesn’t stop there. He pulls the sword from the owl’s open gut, thrusting once more before the owl falls to his knees with a guttural cry. The last thing I see is the sword against the Sagath’s neck, and Xakiras cutting his head off in a spray of blood. He grips it by the horns, tossing the head to the side with a huff.

Once the threat is over, I stagger to my feet, running to his side. “Are you okay?” The closer I inspect him, the more I worry that he has overdone it. He’s trembling on his feet, clenching his teeth to keep them from chattering.

Xakiras gives me a strained look before sinking to one knee, his breath coming out in labored gasps. Sweat beads on his brow, glistening in the light of the forest.

“I am fine,” he insists, though his wheezes betray him. I can tell he’s trying to remain tough for my sake, not wanting me to worry about him.

I kneel beside him, shaking my head. “You’re not fine. What about your people? Should we call for their help?”

A low groan escapes his lips as he gazes up at me, his lips twisting into a grimace. “They were overrun. I can’t fly in this state. I need to rest, and we’ll find them afterwards.”

I chew my bottom lip, glancing around. “Is there somewhere nearby that you can rest and stay hidden?”

He nods slowly, leaning heavily against my shoulder. I wrap an arm around his waist to support him as we stand. “There’s a cave not far from here. It has an indoor mineral spring and the Volese use it for farming. We can take refuge there.”

Fireflies and pain

As we finally reach the entrance of the cave, the eggy scent of sulfur fills the air. The cave’s mouth is hidden by glowing ivy, it dangles over it with pink flower buds. Even though Xakiras claims someone lives here, I had no idea that there would be so lively as I hear the cheerful music and voices inside.

“Do they live here all the time?” I pull him up straighter on his feet as we walk toward the entrance.

“No, they do not live here permanently. They stay during the harvesting and return to the city.” Xakiras explains, pushing the ivy away from the entrance. It makes a sound like tinkling chimes and the entire cave quiets.

A hush of whispers falls over the people inside. I’m surprised by what I see inside; there are twenty tiny people with auburn skin, large eyes and round bodies. They glow a bright neon green from their chest to their bottoms. Most of them have little clothing on, and what they have is in tatters. There are a few with instruments in their hands, sitting on rocks in the corner as if they’re a band playing to a crowd.

The entire cave is warm and inviting, with steam rising from the back portion where I make out the sound of water.Tiny strands of twinkling ivy coat the walls, and there are large upright torches with blue lights flickering inside.

Xakiras acts as though he owns the cave, his back stiffens, and he exudes an air of superiority as he enters. He immediately commands, “I need a bath.”

Immediately, one of the creatures stands to his feet, rushing to our side. “Of course! Right away. Will you desire anything else?”

“Food for her, if you please,” Xakiras says, and another stands up fluttering around to do as he requests.

I’m shocked by the way all the people stop lounging to jump into action at his command. They begin flitting around the cave getting to work. The smaller one in front of us ushers us down a long corridor.

Stalactites drip water from the cavern’s ceiling as we make our way deeper into the cave. The light from the entrance fades the further in we venture. The plant life thins out until we reach a larger cavern, where more blue torches flicker alongside floating red and pink lanterns illuminating a steaming pool.

“We will bring miss some of the fruits from Luo shortly,” the tiny creature says with a respectful bow before leaving us in the dim room.

I’m utterly bewildered, unsure of what’s happening. Why are they treating Xakiras like royalty?

“Otoki, will you help me into the pool?” His deep, rich voice breaks me free of my thoughts. The hint of exertion returns to his voice, and my heart breaks.

“Why are they treating you like you’re above them, Xakiras?” We approach the pool’s edge, and with my help he lowers himself to sit, dipping his feet into the water.

“The Volese are themaaorji.” He explains nonchalantly. “They farm for us and are our servants.” He seems indifferentto the implication’s servitude. Instead, he slowly eases himself further into the pool with a tired grunt.

I linger at the edge, biting my lip with concern. So, there’s slavery here? When I finally dip my toes into the water, I’m taken aback by how warm it is and the gentle sensation it leaves on the bottom of my feet.

Xakiras shifts to the back end of the pool, leaning against a large rock. His form becomes a shadowy silhouette. “Come in,otoki;it will help.” He beckons me closer with a wave of his hand. I can’t quite make out his expression from my position, but his tone is calm.

Sighing, I slide my ripped disgusting cum covered shirt over my head, shimming my skirt down. “It does feel really amazing...” I say, shutting my eyes with relief.

“The bruise on your face,otoki, did he hurt you anywhere else?” Xakiras moves through the water, closer toward me until I finally see the look of concern in his gaze.

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