Chapter 35 – COSIMA #2
The market's maze of tunnels eventually leads us to a clothing merchant's stall.
The beta woman running it barely bats an eye at the Knight's towering presence, too focused on the coins I place on her counter.
She helps me pick out sturdy traveling clothes that aren't stained with raider blood.
And for the Knight, I find a massive hooded cloak that actually fits his frame.
But when we leave, it's the mask in a glass display box at the stall next door that really catches my eye.
Even among what resembles a veritable dragon's hoard of trinkets and treasures, the mask stands out.
The masculine features have a serene nobility to them, like the statues of ancient kings I used to study in my father's library.
It's perfect for the Knight's namesake.
The merchant, an elderly woman with a weathered face framed by a floral headscarf, hobbles up to me to take the mask out of the display case.
"That's pre-war, from some noble's private collection," she says, thrusting the mask into my hands and tapping it with a brightly painted fingernail.
The gold bangles on her wrist jingle with the motion.
"A thousand years old. Belonged to a Surhiiran leper king. "
For once, I believe the sales pitch. Whoever made this was an artist. As I turn the mask in my hands, the intricate filigree patterns carved into the mask's silver surface catch and gleam in the neon light.
"I'm sure it's out of my price range if it's that old," I admit with a dry laugh.
Not words I'm used to saying, but I doubt I have anywhere near enough.
Maybe if I completely drained my pockets and risked not having enough for more vital supplies.
I can guess from the way she's talking that she isn't going to let it go for a reasonable price.
The merchant's pale eyes drift past me to the Knight, her gaze sweeping over his towering frame and scarred face.
What she can see of it despite the hood now shadowing his features and the thick scarf covering the rest, at least. He backs away with a soft warning growl, clearly uncomfortable with the scrutiny.
"Is it for him?" she asks, gesturing to the mask still in my hands.
"Yes," I murmur, running my fingers over the intricate details. "He needs a new one."
The merchant studies the Knight again, but this time, her gaze is gentler, almost maternal.
The Knight shifts uneasily behind me, another low growl building in his chest. I reach back without thinking, my hand finding his arm.
The growl subsides slightly at my touch, though his massive frame remains tense.
But the merchant doesn't seem afraid of him. If anything, she looks... sad. "Poor wretched beast needs it more than I do," she says decisively. "And it suits him. Take it. It's just using up space anyway."
I blink in surprise. "Are you sure? This is?—"
"Save your money for shit that'll keep you alive," she says, cutting me off. "Some things are worth more than money anyway. Like kindness." She gives me a stiff smile. "The world could use more of that these days, don't you think?"
"Thank you," I say sincerely, clutching the mask to my chest. "You have no idea what this means."
She waves me off, her bangles jingling again. "Don't get all sappy on me or I'll change my mind," she mutters, already disappearing into the piles of treasures in the back of her stall.
I hold the mask reverently in my hands, still stunned by the merchant's unexpected kindness. "We should find somewhere private," I murmur, glancing around at the crowded market.
The Knight rumbles in agreement, falling into step behind me as I weave through the throngs of people.
Virtually everyone gives us a wide berth, their eyes widening at his towering presence before quickly looking away.
Even with the hood and scarf concealing most of his face, he's an intimidating sight.
We eventually find a quiet alley tucked away from the main thoroughfare. I turn to face the Knight, who looms in the entrance like a sentinel.
"Stand guard while I change first," I tell him, clutching my new clothes to my chest. "Then we'll deal with your mask."
He nods jerkily and turns his back, positioning himself to block the alley entrance.
His massive frame fills the space completely, ensuring no one can peek in.
I change quickly, grateful to be rid of the blood-stained raider clothes.
The new outfit fits well enough. Sturdy pants, a thick sweater, and boots that actually fit my raw feet.
"Okay," I say once I'm dressed. "Your turn."
The Knight turns back to me, and I'm struck again by how imposing he is. Even hunched slightly to avoid scraping his head on the low ceiling, he towers over me.
"Here, let me help you get that off so you can wear your new mask," I say, cautiously reaching for the broken metal.
He jerks back with a warning growl that echoes off the alley walls.
"Okay, okay," I mutter, holding up my hands and taking a step back. "You do it then."
He turns away from me, reaching up with those lethal claws to tear away what's left of the iron mask. I catch glimpses of fresh blood trickling down his jaw where the metal has cut into his flesh. It clearly hurts, but he doesn't make a sound.
"Let me see," I say softly when he's done. "I can help clean?—"
Another snarl cuts me off, deeper this time. A clear warning.
"Fine," I sigh. "Stay turned around then. Just… crouch down for me. I don't have the energy to climb you like a tree."
However much I still want to, even though I'm not in heat anymore.
To my surprise, he drops to one knee in the alley, bowing his head. The position makes him eye-level with me, though he's still massive even kneeling. I step behind him, carefully lifting the ornate mask.
"Hold still," I murmur as I position it over his face. I take my time fastening the straps behind his head, making sure they're comfortable, then gently smooth his bone-white hair free where it's caught. It's long enough that the strands brush against his broad shoulders.
"Turn around," I say softly. "Let me see how it fits."
The Knight hesitates, his massive frame tensing up again. Even kneeling, his shoulders are nearly at my eye level. Finally, slowly, he turns to face me.
My breath catches in my throat. With this new ornate mask, the Knight looks... regal. Dangerous still, but in a different way. Less like a beast and more like some fallen warrior king.
I find myself staring longer than I should, remembering how those massive hands can be so gentle. How carefully he touched me during my heat. How he cradles me like I'm made of glass even though he could tear me apart without effort.
What is happening to me?
Unable to help myself, I press a soft kiss to his masked cheek. "There. You look nice."
His human hand comes up to touch the spot where my lips brushed the mask. A low rumbling purr vibrates through his chest.
"Well, well. If it isn't the infamous moonlight omega."
I whirl around at the voice, my heart leaping into my throat. A broad-shouldered man with a leather eyepatch and shaggy dark hair stands blocking the entrance—and exit—to the alley. His remaining eye widens slightly as the Knight straightens to his full height, looming over him.
He looks vaguely familiar. Was he the one who tackled that blond weirdo? Not that I stuck around long enough to get a good look.
The Knight's growl reverberates through the narrow tunnel, making dust fall from the walls.
"Well, shit," the stranger mutters. He holds up his palms in a placating gesture. "Easy there, big guy. I'm not here to cause trouble. Name's Geo. I run this place."
I shift closer to the Knight instinctively, my hand finding his arm in a gesture that feels oddly natural after everything that's happened between us. I smooth my fingers down his arm through the wool of his cloak like I'm stroking the fur of a massive bristling guard dog.
"What do you want?" I demand, keeping my voice cold and steady despite the way my heart pounds.
"To help," Geo says, but his eye is fixed warily on the Knight. "You've got quite the bodyguard there."
"I do," I reply icily. "And we're leaving."
I knew I should have gotten those fucking meds first. Even if we were walking red flags in those old clothes.
"I wouldn't recommend that," Geo replies, nodding toward the end of the tunnel.
My heart sinks as I spot several armed guards materializing from the shadows, their weapons trained on us.
Shit . The Knight's growl deepens to a pitch that makes my teeth ache.
Beneath my touch, his muscles tense, and I know he's ready to tear through these men like paper at the slightest provocation.
"Someone's been looking for you," Geo continues, his voice casual despite the mounting tension.
Well, that could be anyone.
I weigh our options quickly. The Knight could probably kill everyone in this tunnel before they could get off more than a few shots.
But if this guy really does run the black market, making an enemy of him would be.
.. problematic, to say the least. And even if we did survive, I really need to make sure I don't get pregnant.
"Fine," I finally say, squeezing the Knight's arm in what I hope is a calming gesture. "We'll talk. But the Knight stays with me."
"Wouldn't dream of separating you," Geo says with a grin that doesn't reach his eye. "Follow me. And try to keep your pet monster from eating my men, would you? Good help is hard to find these days."
The Knight's growl rises in volume at the word 'pet,' and I have to press my whole body against his arm to keep him from lunging. "He's not a pet," I snap. "And your men better keep their distance if they want to keep all their limbs attached."
Geo just chuckles, turning to lead us deeper into the tunnels. "Noted. This way, if you please."
I follow him reluctantly, keeping close to the Knight's side. His massive frame dwarfs everyone else in the tunnel, and I can't help but feel a surge of satisfaction at the way the guards scramble to get out of his way.
But something about this situation sets my teeth on edge. The way Geo said someone is looking for me...
I'm afraid to hope, but could it be?
Has Azarel finally found me?