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An Arrival
Their darkly skinned bodies were frail and knobby but tall enough to be terrifying. Their skin was leathery and dry, and their jaws opened too far back into their skull. Allowing them the ability to fit a grown man’s head between them.
To crush it.
Styx could hear the dog’s occasional whine and sometimes the rattle of a cracking branch.
They rode on. Trying to appear calm.
Styx fell back a few steps to walk behind the horses. Guarding their backs.
“Almora?” Lon broke the extended silence. Taking the opportunity of some privacy to chat with her.
“Yes?”
“Promise me something?”
“Of course.” She waited for him to explain.
“If they attack. You won’t interfere. You’ll just get away.”
“Lonnix!” She cried appalled.
“I don’t want you hurt. You said you’d promise!”
“But-”
“This may be my last request. The last thing I ask of you...”
Drawing a shaky breath, she gave a reluctant nod.<
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