Page 17 of Kept By Her Obsessed Minotaurs

I nod as I sheathe my blades, the weight of the night's events settling on my shoulders. We've won this battle, but the war is far from over. Mara's mysterious past is a puzzle we've yet to solve, and I can't shake the feeling that we're walking into a trap of our own making.

But for now, we have a breather—a moment to regroup and plan our next move. I turn my gaze to the darkened forest, where Calo has taken Mara for safekeeping.

"We need to speak with Mara," I say, my voice low and urgent. "Let's find out exactly what we've gotten ourselves into. But first, we really need to tend to your injury."

I turn and approach Garron, gripping the arrow shaft protruding from his shoulder. "This will hurt," I mutter.

"Just do it," Garron growls through clenched teeth.

With one swift motion, I yank the arrow free. Blood wells up from the wound, dark and thick. Garron doesn't make a sound, but his muscles tense beneath my touch.

I cleanthe wound with water from my jug, studying the jagged edges where the arrowhead tore through flesh. Garron's lucky – it missed anything vital.

"Hold still," I order, pressing a clean cloth against the wound. My mind wanders to the boy's last words. What could Mara have stolen that would make Wlloza resort to such measures? Gold is one thing, but this...this feels different.

"You're thinking too loud," Garron mutters.

"The boy was killed before he could talk." I wrap a bandage around his shoulder, pulling it tight. "That means whatever Mara took is worth more than his life."

"Or worth keeping secret," Garron says in a low voice.

I tie off the bandage with practiced efficiency. The human female is proving more intriguing by the moment. First the treasury tale, now this. Every instinct tells me she's hiding something bigger than gold.

"We need answers," I say, wiping blood from my hands. "But we have to be careful how we get them."

Garron flexes his shoulder, testing the bandage. "Why? Just grab her and make her talk," he growls low.

"Because brute force won't work with this one," I reply firmly. I gather my supplies, movements sharp and precise. "She's clever. If we push too hard, she'll find a way to slip through our fingers."

"Since when did you become so tactical about interrogation?" he asks skeptically.

"Since Mara became more valuable than we initially thought," I reply. "Whatever she stole, it's important enough that Wlloza would rather kill his own blood than let the secret out."

15

MARA

The forest is a labyrinth of shadows. The moonlight filters through the canopy above to cast a silver glow on Calo's fur as he slows to a stop. My body aches from the frantic flight, the adrenaline still singing in my veins. Calo's breaths are heavy. His chest rises and falls with the exertion of our desperate escape.

Gently, I touch his arm. "We're far enough. Let me see your wounds," I say softly.

He hesitates, a flicker of that youthful pride I've come to know. But then he nods, sinking to the ground with a sigh. I kneel beside him, my hands steady as I inspect the cuts along his arm. The moonlight reveals the stark contrast of his tanned skin against the dark, drying blood.

Nearby, a patch of herbs catches my eye, their scent sharp and earthy. I recognize them from my time in the dark elf's service—healing plants I was made to tend. Plucking a few, I crush them between my fingers, releasing their healing oils. The aroma fills the air.

As I bind Calo’s wounds, my voice is soft. "Do you think Garron and Lazir will be okay?"

Calo's smile is faint, but his confidence is unwavering. "They'll be fine. Garron and Lazir are tough," he says.

I nod, feeling a twinge in my chest. "Good. I… still need them," I say softly.

My fingers linger on his arm, the warmth of his skin seeping into mine. I can't help but think of the gentleness in his rough hands, the way he touched me with a reverence that belied his fierce exterior. Calo is kind, too kind for the likes of me. I can't afford to let myself feel anything more than gratitude for his protection.

And yet, as I look at his face, softened by the moonlight, I feel a pang of sadness. He's been so good to me, and despite my best efforts, I can't deny the affection growing within me. It's a dangerous feeling, one that could jeopardize everything I've worked for.

Calo seems to sense my inner turmoil, his green eyes searching mine. "Mara," he begins, "We're a team. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."

I offer him a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Calo. Your loyalty means more than you know," I whisper.

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