48. The Cave

Shandra had never felt so distressed in her entire life.

Even when she went to school and was disrespected by her classmates, or attacked for simply existing, she didn't get so nervous. Deep down, she knew they were just silly teasing and would end with time.

The girl was in a small cave to the east, far from the original direction they were supposed to go, but safe enough for them to wait for Julian's return. Sam was leaning against the stony wall, paying attention to the sounds and smells around.

"Sam," she murmurs for the tenth time in that interval of time.

The demon looks at her sternly.

"Sam, we can't leave the two of you alone there," she argues in a thread of voice.

He looks to the horizon again, as if scanning the skies for more enemies and pursuers.

"By now, the First Scout should have summoned the kingdom's main defense forces. He wouldn't be a fool to try to stop the attack alone."

"But-"

"And I've already said that we're not joining the battle. Gee, Shandra, how pushy you