POV: Narus
Location: Louxven, Dyonger.
Moments after in Syreene's apartment
--------------------------
A canteen for his hot temper, Narus would gladly supply. Shuffling through a stack of hard covers on Syreene's desk, the priest could feel Cabil's fumes running alongside him like a bonfire ready to burst. Letting out a heavy sigh, he studied the alignment of family frames along the back of her study corner. The two siblings seemed so inseparable—her smiles, warm and soothing, were enough to brighten anyone's day. And there, he was actually smirking in this one, rather uncannily than cheerful, but he wouldn't expect anything more from Cabil. Her foster father, the man he left her with—he would never forget his face. He caressed the photo, stroking her image with a soft touch before the memories of his collapse pierced through.
"HEY! Are you searching or jacking off in there?" the pyro fired, standing beneath the threshold of his sister's room.
Narus jumped, face flushed, looking over to the foul-mouthed prune. "I beg your pardon?"
"Get out of her room and do some actual searching!"
He settled her photo, and then walked past Cabil with his chin up high. "I'll have you know that action is strictly forbidden, not to mention shameful under the laws of the Brotherhood." He followed Cabil into the living room and watched him frantically rummage through couch cushions. "What are we looking for, exactly?"
"Ugh, anything! A trace of… of, a ransom letter… a note, something left beh—"
"—It doesn't seem a struggle took place in the apartment. And if you are certain she didn't run off, perhaps outside is the best place to look."
From the rear side of the complex, the two continued their search. Nightfall, a time where the stars welcomed the demonic commune and took pity on civilians foolish enough to trek among them. Narus turned to Cabil, furrowing his brow to his impulse of a nasty habit. The fumes puffed out a thick disperse as Cabil tipped the bud away from his lips. Narus was sure the man was rattled inside, even so.
"Not the healthiest way to cope with your stress," Narus commented.
"How about you mind your own business, priest?"
"You're the one who wanted me to accompany you this evening."
"Call me desperate."
"I'm sure she is fine," he reassured as they advanced into the thicker areas of the park. "Syreene is—"
"—My sister, who has very little combat skills, and who can barely use a compass let alone a map. She's out there somewhere. Sy's never been out for this long. If she was still pissed, that little pain in my ass would have just disappeared to her friend's house for a couple hours."
"Did you reach out to this friend of hers?"
He scoffed, "Don't you think I would have exhausted all of my options before coming to you? You're more like a last resort. Sixteen hours ago. That was the last time I saw her."
"Does this friend live close by?"
"We're nearing her place now."
"Try to keep a clear, positive mind, Cabil. Don't assume t—" He came to an abrupt stop, his senses triggered. His nostrils twitched, the scent faint but transferable. Pointing his nose south, he moved Cabil to follow suit. "This way."
----
Interested in subbing to my newsletter? Getting exclusive early access to upcoming books? Or maybe following some behind the scenes of my book cover drawing process? Then consider becoming a patron! Enjoy the perks of supporting what I do, and the books I love providing to you, my patrons!
Pa treon: https://www.pa treon.com/andreyalombardi
Psst... want the full book quicker? Sign up here! https://BookHip.com/VVTWBKN