Payback (11)

The trio came at the right moment. Their eyes were scanning Shadow, everyone, without stepping forward.

Nathan and Ali knew better than that to gamble their lives.

For Juviana, she was quick-witted and stayed within the boundary. She didn’t blindly march forward when Ali and Nathan didn’t.

Ali had learned the lesson a hard way. King bared his teeth and snarled at him when he dared to come closer to Shadow in her vulnerable state. Never again. A vicious king was even more vicious in front of the kid that he was protecting.

King fitted the bill.

“Are you okay there?” Ali asked warily, still standing in his own place.

“Yes.” Shadow laid her back on King’s stomach.

King lay on the ground around Shadow and protectively nuzzled his snout around Shadow. His dry body started absorbing her wet body. Curling around Shadow, to share the heat.

“Nathan… you used–”

“Too much of my magic for no reason. I know.” Nathan cut her short. “It was with a purpose.”

“Because of me?”

“Naturally.”

Shadow fl