Alia's lips curled into a mischievous smile as she slowly rose to her feet, her hand instinctively resting on the handle of the whip coiled at her waist. Leona and Talon mirrored her, their senses heightened, as the sound of approaching hoofbeats filled the air, growing louder by the second.
The trio exchanged wary glances, and within moments, four horses came thundering into view, their riders clad in matching white armor with gleaming longswords hanging from their sides. They rode with purpose, their disciplined movements betraying their military precision. As they drew nearer and noticed Leona and her companions, they slowed their pace and dismounted gracefully, every action a testament to their training. The leader of the group, a man with a commanding presence, stepped forward, addressing them with a calm, steady voice.
"Fear not, travelers. We are soldiers of the Empire, dispatched on a mission to the palace near the edge of the Dark Forest."
Leona's eyes flicked over their armor, quickly assessing the situation. She recognized the insignia on the leader's shoulder plate, a green emblem that marked him as a commander of the Empire's elite forces. Satisfied, she offered a courteous nod.
"Greetings, soldiers of the Empire. We are from Joy City, sent on a similar mission by our city lord. Is there anything we can assist you with?"
The commander's brow furrowed momentarily as he processed Leona's words. Joy City, an independent entity on the Empire's border, was known for its strategic position near the Dark Forest. Although Joy City maintained a neutral stance, its lord, Allen, had earned a reputation for being a shrewd and resourceful leader. Over the years, the city had maintained amicable relations with the Empire, carefully navigating the political landscape by appeasing Imperial officials without becoming a direct ally or foe.
The commander exhaled softly, the tension in his posture easing. "We were delayed in receiving the news, which forced us to travel through the night. We intend to rest here and continue to the palace at first light. As fate would have it, Joy City and the Empire have always enjoyed a peaceful relationship. Why don't we journey together tomorrow and provide support for each other?"
Leona exchanged a glance with Alia, seeking her input. After a brief pause, Alia nodded, her gaze sharp but thoughtful.
"Very well, but for safety, let's keep some distance. You may set up camp a little further from us, and we'll leave together in the morning."
The commander hesitated for a fraction of a second, clearly surprised that the woman who looked more like an assassin than a diplomat was calling the shots. Nevertheless, he found her suggestion reasonable. "Agreed," he said, signaling his men to begin setting up their tents for the night.
Returning to the campfire, Alia sat down with a sigh, her whip now resting beside her. "It seems you'll have to postpone you sparring session for tonight. Leona, Talon, you two take the first watch. I'll join Talon for the second half. Sorry, Talon, but it looks like you'll be working overtime tonight."
Talon, ever the steady presence, chuckled softly. "No problem. As a werewolf, I'm more comfortable staying alert at night. I can rest in the carriage during the day."
Alia smiled appreciatively before continuing, "Also, keep an eye on those soldiers. They seem to be from the Empire, but it doesn't hurt to be cautious."
Leona and Talon nodded in agreement as Alia retreated to her tent for some rest. Left alone by the campfire, Leona and Talon settled into a comfortable silence, the crackling of the flames and the soft rustle of leaves in the night breeze their only companions.
After a while, Leona broke the quiet with a compliment. "You know, Talon, your agility is quite impressive. I've seen few who can handle close combat as skillfully as you do."
Talon, modest as always, gave a slight nod. "And your swordsmanship, Leona… it's something else. The power you can muster with a single strike is astounding."
Leona grinned, pleased by the praise. "Thank you, big guy. I didn't think you'd be one for compliments."
Talon's usual stoic demeanor softened slightly as he returned her smile. "Just stating the truth. I'd be honored if we could spar again sometime."
Leona's grin widened, and for the first time in a while, Talon noticed how her smile seemed to light up the night. Under the firelight, her features took on a certain softness that made her seem even more captivating. Their conversation flowed easily, drifting from combat techniques to shared experiences, and gradually, the connection between them deepened, unspoken yet undeniable.
Hours passed, and the moon rose high in the sky. Alia, now refreshed, emerged from her tent with a playful look in her eyes. She glanced at the pair sitting by the fire and teased, "Did I come out too early? Should I go back to bed and give you two some more time alone?"
For a brief moment, Leona, normally so composed and confident, flushed a deep shade of red. "You must be dreaming, Alia. I'm exhausted. Goodnight." She hastily excused herself, retreating to her tent, but not before casting a quick glance over her shoulder at Talon.
Alia, watching the scene unfold, raised an eyebrow in surprise. Her teasing had been lighthearted, but Leona's reaction suggested that there might actually be something more beneath the surface. She couldn't help but wonder how deep Leona's feelings for Talon went.
Once Leona disappeared, Alia turned to Talon, who was still sitting by the fire, his expression unreadable. With a wry grin, Talon quipped, "You know, sometimes I wonder if you're even human."
The fire crackled between them, the night wrapping around them like a blanket of silence.
Upon hearing Talon's question, Alia felt a jolt in her heart, thinking, "Has he discovered something?" For a brief moment, doubt and suspicion flickered through her mind.
However, as a vampire noble, Alia possessed extraordinary composure. She immediately regained her calm and smiled as she replied, "Talon, what are you speculating?"