Book Two: Chapter 79

“Give. Us. What?” Orion leaned close, one hand going to a knife strapped to his human waist. Mike could see the fire behind those green eyes, a spark that was looking to grab hold of any kindling.

“...a moment to fix my shoes? I just need to tighten the laces because they got wet.” He tried to smile, his heart pounding in his chest. “I’m afraid that humans are rather reliant on our footwear.”

Several moments went by, and Orion’s hand finally moved away from his knife. “Make it fast. We must return before the sun falls.”

“You’re the boss.” Maintaining eye contact, he stepped back and knelt down to pull a large glop of mud out of his shoe with one hand, his other hand going to the pouch on his waist which was now hidden by Zel’s coat. By feel, he could tell which vial was which, and he slid one out, then quickly undid his laces and re-tied them while palming it. Wiping his fingers on his pants, he stood and grabbed Zel’s hand, pressing it into her palm. “I’m ready,”