Chapter 25
Benny
They found a stream and washed off as best as they could with a bar of soap that Kalon luckily had in his pack. Both Seren and Kalon had bags full of supplies that Benny was extremely thankful for since the items they brought were mostly ruined by the Murkway.
Benny’s feet ached as they crept through the Heath Forest. They were all taking light steps to avoid any sounds that would alert the living creatures within the woods.
The Corvids flew above the trees, swooping down to inform them if they saw any movement ahead.
The men avoided the potential conflict and would walk around the area.
It took them hours to navigate through the forest. As the night sky gave way to the golden glow of dawn, the twinkling stars began to fade.
His gaze kept drifting to Roya, his eyes recognizing her by that distinctive azure-tipped beak, her sleek feathers, and, when she was in her human form, her breathtaking face and flawless body.
The large oak trees thinned, and the ground slowly turned to sand beneath their feet, slowing their steps. Roya, Ferona, and Feich flew down and shifted forms when the trees cleared, revealing a vast expanse of dunes that stretched out beyond them.
“The Camp is a good distance ahead,” Roya told them.
Her long, silky hair blew in the wind, and her woodsmoke bourbon scent enveloped Benny.
He instinctively stepped closer to her, and she sharply looked over at him, squinting her eyes in his direction.
She took a step to the side and walked over to Cahir.
Making conversation as she kept glancing his way and giving him squinty-eyed looks.
Damnit.
“Let’s rest here for a bit before we make our way through the sand,” he huffed in exhaustion. “Did anyone fill their canteens at that last stream we saw?”
Askold and Ruel held theirs up.
“How long do we think it will take to cross?” Cahir asked them as Roya chuckled at something he had said to her.
“About four hours or so,” Kalon answered him from behind.
Benny felt the twinge of jealousy. He knew not to be jealous of Cahir.
Cahir, although he never admitted it, was obviously head over heels for Seda.
But he also wanted to make Roya smile. Her smile was bright and alive, alighting her face with the beauty of a wildfire, fierce and strong.
He realized he was staring again. He cleared his throat and looked away.
“I see how you’re looking at my sister,” Ferona said, sliding in next to him and nodding at Roya and Cahir.
“Is it that obvious?” he asked as he slid his stuff off his shoulder and dropped it to the sand. Ferona sat in the sand next to him and patted the ground for him to sit.
Benny sat next to her, and she handed him a canteen to drink from, which she likely stole from Askold. He sipped some water and gazed out over the vast expanse of dunes, rolling out like endless waves.
Benny spent his life following the rules until he learned of his father’s secrets.
He studied diligently, performed well on his exams, and focused on excelling at work.
Sure, he had a few girlfriends here and there, but nothing concrete, nothing wild and careless.
No one caught his eye like Roya did. When had he truly ever focused on himself and his own desires?
Never. He never had before. He spent the last few years visiting the Medical Wing to give samples to others, hoping that one would be accepted.
“She is gorgeous,” he admitted to Ferona and looked back over his shoulder at her again. Roya looked back at him and left Cahir’s side, walking over to him and sitting on his opposite side.
His heart started racing with nervous excitement.
“So… uh,” he began, stealing a glance at her gorgeous hands with their sharp nails, all the while trying to avoid looking her in the face.
“Why do you keep watching me?” she asked.
So forward. So direct. So hot.
“Do I scare you? I hear your heart beating within your chest right now. I’m here for your sister, Benny. I will not hurt you as long as you do not get in my way.”
Oh, wowzers.
“N-No, it’s not that,” he stuttered in response.
Ferona giggled and stood up. “I will leave you here to fend for yourself.”
Roya looked into Benny’s eyes, expectant, waiting for an answer.
He looked over the dunes and blurted out quickly before he thought better of it, “I think you’re beautiful, Roya, and I cannot take my eyes off of you.
” There. He said it. He was open, honest, and truthful.
No games like the ones the girls he used to date would play with him.
He smiled at himself for being so upfront and honest, and then looked back at Roya.
Roya’s face twisted with disgust, and his heart sank. She sprang to her feet and backed away, transforming into her Corvid form and taking off into the sky.
“Smooth one, Benny,” Kalon said as he sat next to him. “You have to ease into these things, you know? See what she likes first before you confess your undying love for a woman. Get to know her a little bit. Also, best not to say these things when you still smell like the Murkway.”
This is going to be one hell of an awkward trip.
His cheeks heated, and he sighed. Roya’s face looked so disgusted with his confession. Was it because of his smell? He had scrubbed his body and washed his clothes. They were still damp and smelled like soap when he sniffed himself.
Or maybe he was ugly to her? Not enough of a mystery to her as she was to him?
He got up and looked at the rest of the group. “Let’s pack up and head out.”
They gathered their gear and started walking through the steep, sandy waves.