Chapter 26: The Drulian

“Are you alright,” Evyn gasps as he leans against the door of the small house they are now hiding in.
Alma glances around at their surroundings, her body trembling. It is not for the rebels searching for them. No, it is for the fact that she is now alone with her mate, a complete stranger.
“Alma, right? Are you injured?” Evyn moves away form the door now, concern pouring out of every part of his body.
“I—I am fine,” she whimpers, side stepping to avoid any contact with him.
His scent alone has her mind going hazy. Tangerine. The tangy smell clings to the sides of her tongue.
Evyn’s brow furrows, the rejection she subtly gives him causing confusion to build in his features.
“I am sorry,” she states, realizing what she has done. “I do not know how to react.”
Clenching his jaw, Evyn rolls his shoulders and pushes out his chest. “You do not need to be awkward around me. I shall clear the air now. I will not accept you as a mate, on the simple premise that you are not a werebear. I will mate someone from my own clan.”
The cry of anguish builds in Alma’s throat, but she swallows it and pivots away before he can see the tears escape her grasp.
“That is alright. I did not expect anything from you. I have to confess, I already have a mate, from my own clan as well.”
Alma clears her vision, hardening her heart, refusing to allow in any memories of her lover. As she faces Evyn once more, she wishes she had kept the information to herself.
His entire body is shaking, a snarl contorting his features to the point of being unrecognizable. Evyn’s hands are fists as he grinds his teeth together.
“Evyn?” Alma inches closer to him, her heart racing, not with fear of him, but of that for him.
He does not respond, his body almost frozen, as he tries to control himself.
Alma reaches his side, her hand gently touching his. The metal chain dangling from her wrist slaps him in the leg with her movement, causing his entire demeanor to melt. Regret and pain fight a war over his features, his shoulders sagging. His gaze lowers to hers, his mouth slightly ajar.
The slave smiles softly, tears still clinging in her eyes, “It is alright. Everything is going to be okay.”
“I,” Evyn’s voice is hoarse as he speaks, “Am sorry for what has happened to you.”
“It is not your fault.” She squeezes her grip.
Evyn’s gaze is glistening as he watches her carefully for a moment.
“We should find the others. We need to make sure they got away safely as well.”
He slowly nods, processing what she says. “Right,” he comments. His movements are sluggish as he moves to the door, slowly peeking through it.
Alma stares at his back, her chest torn open. “I knew this would happen,” she whispers so softly to herself that Evyn is unable to hear her.

>><<

“Who, who are you,” Eliana questions as the strange woman stands before them.
Her eyes are a pale green, almost grey, and there are unique, intricate lines vining up her arms and into her neck. A few branch off onto her cheeks and temples. Eliana has never seen such a woman before.
“Stay back,” Jasper orders under his breath. “It is a Drulian. They can be very temperamental and dangerous.”
The woman smiles, her naturally red lips widening, “It is an honor to finally meet you.”
Fear bites at Eliana’s neck. What is she saying, does she know who she is? Her throat is overwhelmed with words to say and she steps forward, trying to somehow get across to this stranger that she needs to keep her lineage a secret.
“No,” Jasper hisses, grabbing her waist. “Don’t get close to her.”
She frowns, confusion pressing down on her chest, “I—”
“I do not come to harm either of you,” the Drulian states. “I have come simply to help.”
Eliana pauses, forcing herself to forget that Jasper’s hand is on her side. “How do you know we need help, and why would you lend a hand?”
The stranger grins even wider now. “I have been led here, to you. I know you are trying to get home to Zaline.”
The Princess tries to work through the thoughts running through her mind. Her lips twitch before she speaks, “That does not explain how you know.”
“You will not believe me, even if I tell you.”
Eliana softly nods, her mind swirling momentarily, before she takes a step closer to the Drulian.
Jasper moves his hand from her side and grasps her arm to stop her in her tracks. “What are you doing?”
She blinks quickly, formulating a response once she processes what he has said. “I. . . feel drawn to her.”
He sneers, “So do I, but that doesn’t mean you should get any closer. It could just be a trick.”
“As I said before, I am only here to help,” the Drulian continues to smile, her gaze never leaving Jasper. “There is no reason to be frightened of me.”
He snorts, “I am not scared.”
“Jasper, if she is a Drulian, she could have killed us already if she had wanted,” Eliana tries to reason calmly.
“That does not mean she does not have any ulterior motives.”
“Jasper,” Evyn gasps, rushing up from down the street and stopping next to his fellow Xefol. His hands are on his knees as he tries to regulate his breathing.
Alma slides up next to him, blood dripping down her arms where the metal cuffs dig too deep into her flesh.
Eliana rushes to her side, gently touching her wrist. Alma winces gently, but she does not utter a word. Her cheeks are still wet from tears that have made a path through the dirt caked on her face.
“I will gladly help the young Boquiv, if she permits it.” The Drulian speaks softly, not moving an inch.
“Who is she,” Evyn groans as he straightens, wincing. As he takes in her image, a tension builds in his expression, “Drulian.”
“Wait, Boquiv?” Eliana looks at Alma who carefully stares at the ground, her eyes half closed, “Are you a werebird?”
She softly nods.
Eliana is only able to notice after a moment that Alma’s thin hair whisps in the wind, the texture the same as feathers. With every few sways, she can even see an occasional, decorative feather blending in with her locks.
How had she not noticed?
“I only wish to help,” the Drulian urges. “My name is Olisnia.”
Eliana’s body relaxes. She does not understand why she trusts this stranger so explicitly.
Alma shifts slightly next to her. “It is alright, I trust her.” Her voice is soft, almost delicate.
“This is ridiculous,” Jasper growls.
Olisnia cocks her head to the side but remains silent.
“Jasper, it is alright,” Eliana insists. She looks at the Drulian once more, her mind at ease.
“Eliana,” Jasper begins.
“Please come inside, before anyone notices you.” She steps back from the doorway to allow them in.
Jasper clenches his fists but reluctantly follows Eliana as she approaches Olisnia. He reaches out, but does not grab the Princess.
“Eliana,” Olisnia whispers so softly her lips barely move. “The rebels will attack the city very soon. You must get back to Zaline.”
She stares at the Drulian, her mind processing what she says. Before she can fully register it, she glances off to the left as the hair stands on the back of her neck.
“Eliana, what’s wrong,” Jasper questions stepping up to her side.
She shakes her head, “Nothing.” She sighs and walks into the building. “I just feel as though I am being watched.”