Ovelia's POV
The clearing fell into uneasy silence as Ace's group disappeared into the trees, their footsteps fading into the night. Only the occasional groan from the bound prisoners and the rustle of leaves disturbed the quiet. My fingers absently traced the outline of the fairy through my dress pocket, feeling the faint rise and fall of his tiny chest.
Khaleed's furious gaze burned into me, his duct-taped mouth working soundlessly. Even restrained, the human radiated hostility, his shoulders straining against the magic-suppressing chains that coiled around his torso like metallic serpents.
"Death would be too kind for him," I murmured, more to myself than Ann. The words tasted bitter. What punishment could possibly atone for betraying one's own village?
Ann's massive black form shifted beside me, her claws flexing unconsciously. "Justice will find its way," she rumbled. The moonlight caught the black streaks in her fur, making them gleam like polished onyx.
