Chapter 8: Drifting apart
Author: DanTheLion
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

Nick shivered, feeling the warmth of her breath on his skin. He knew that she was just trying to manipulate him, but he couldn't help but feel a flicker of desire. He had to stay focused on the mission, no matter how tempting the distraction.

"We need to keep moving," he said, his voice cracking slightly. "Crowe is waiting for us."

Laureline walked after Nick, the tension between them thick enough to cut with a knife. Nick climbed onto Valor, his trusted griffin companion, and started to ride away. But Laureline had other plans. She leapt onto Valor behind Nick, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"Hey, hey!" Nick protested. "Valor is my griffin, not yours."

"So what?" Laureline shot back. "I'm sick of riding on this stupid magic carpet. Besides, Valor is big enough for the both of us."

Valor looked back and forth between his master and this new rider, clearly torn between the two. "Valor, who do you want to ride you?" Nick asked, his voice firm. "Me, your best buddy, or her, the medd
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