It wasn’t as welcoming as he had thought.

Timber brought them back on their base. Their camp was hidden by the two tall hills and giant trees. The people are busy doing their businesses, each has different roles. The others were adding more infrastructure to the old ruins of the temple with the use of earth magic.

One of his men held the leash of Liber. He looked over Alastor to asked permission and Alastor nodded but before that, they carried out their bags. Liber reluctantly followed the man to the stable.

The more pressing matter is that how they managed to get here without getting detected by the imperial guards or the nobles from the different areas. Their group is worrisome indeed. Well, that is none of his concern anymore. He knew Timber isn’t any other like mercenary, he is well known in the underground world.

Climbing the mossy cobblestones, Alastor’s eyes shifted, surreptitiously observing. These men are nothing like those he has met before. Other than that, hasn’t been anything caught on his attention which is odd. If he remembered correctly, Timber is a human trafficker

Well, a man can have different careers. He thought.

They took a wide turn and Timber showed them their room.

It wasn’t cozy, not dirty either. It’s considerably normal enough to sleep. Surprisingly the room has enough space with two beds on each side. It has a bathroom and a pair of towels.

“After you clean yourselves up, come outside, we’ll have a banquet.”

Timber shut off the door.

Alastor threw Caroline’s bag to her bed and he proceeded to the bathroom.

“Later gator,” Alastor said.

Caroline held his arm.

“Would it be nice if a woman bath first?”

“Caroline, I truly understand how stinky you are right now. I would love to let you use the bathroom first but I’m stinky too and we both know how many damn hours women use in the bathroom before they can fully exasperate themselves”

Caroline threw a cold glance at him.

“Well, I think it’s a good idea that you should rest. After all, you got yourself on a beatdown.”

Alastor snickered. “You know, I do not think I need it anymore. I had enough naps. Besides, there’s a banquet, can’t miss that.”

“You’re such a jerk, you know.”

Alastor acted as if he got shot in his heart. “Ohh, no, no. Is that what you really think it is? I’m offended. I mostly uphold gender equality with all my heart. So please, don’t misinterpret my treatment towards you.”

“Gender equality my ass.”

Caroline jumped on the bed and close her eyes while Alastor silently went to the bathroom.

He got in, turned on the water.

The spraying stinging cold water struck on his face and trickled down on his naked body. He laid his head down to fill his back and goes to rub his skin. He found his soap and began to rub on his skin.

He feels the mild and gentle bubbles cleansing his body. The sound of rushing water invigorates him. Alastor adjusted the pressure of the water but it is still cascading down his body.

His shampoo dropped on his hair and he began to rub it into his hair, bubbling.

Minutes passed, Alastor reach out for his clothes. He got out, rubbing the towel over his long hair. He wore his casual clothes. He wore boots, black combat pants, underneath his dark jacket are a deep blue shirt.

“Hey, your turn now,” Alastor called out to her.

Caroline instantly rose from her fetal position.

“Finally.” She declared

She whizzed past through him and locked the bathroom.

Alastor threw the towel on the basket and picked up his sword.

“Caroline, I’m gonna wait outside.”

He didn’t wait for a proper reply quickly went out. He sat down on the bench.

Alastor patiently waited for her. He closed his eyes and counted with a mumbling mouth.

10 mins…20 mins… 30 mins…

“Damn, that woman. How many minutes does it have to take to have a shower?”

Alastor knocked on the door.

“Caroline?”

There’s no reply. He knocked again. This time with more pressure.

“Are you done?”

Still no one.

Alastor shrugged his head and tilted the knob.

When he got inside, he saw her bareback. She’s in the middle of putting her dress on.

Caroline turned around when he felt someone’s presence. When her eyes met him, there’s an unbearing screech.

Alastor used his hands to blocked his eyes.

“I’m blind!”

Alastor has blasted away with Caroline’s wind magic. His back crashed against the wall.

He grunted as he stood.

“Damn, she got me good.”

A few moments later, Caroline finally get out.

She wore pants, pair of boots, and a maroon vest. There’s only silence between them as they walk out on the temple and the faint clamoring laughs from the people outside.

And there it is, the people are having the time of their life.

Timber saw them froze outside of the crowd. He stand and sharply whistled, beckoning them to come closer.

They sat down on the log of a tree as they watched flame in front of them roast the meat on the stick.

When it’s fried enough, a lady, younger than Caroline gave them each one of it.

Alastor stared at the food. His brooding eyes questioning.

“Don’t worry.” Timber spoke out. “We didn’t put a drug on it.”

“You better be.” Alastor coldly said.

Timber smirked. “Still with that punk attitude.”

“You can hardly blame me with my skeptic approach.”

“Yes, I know.”

Caroline interrupted. “Just what the hell happened between you guys? I’m so sorry, I haven’t formally made my name known. I’m Caroline.”

“The pleasure is mine.” Timber replied.

“Forget it, Caroline. It’s nothing important.” Alastor coldly responded.

“Your expression tells otherwise.” Caroline’s voice insisted. “I sense something between you two.”

“Alastor stop being a prick.”

“What the hell actually happened to the two of you?”

“We tried to kill each other.” Alastor hit her with a glance.

“Well… damn. I wasn’t expecting that part. ‘Guess you two had a rough patch.”

“You think so?” Timber asked. “Wait until you hear how he tried to settle the score with me.” He laughed. “The kid got some spunk.”

“So who won?”

“Me, obviously.” Alastor quickly replied.

“Because I let you.”

“About that…” Alastor glanced at him. “Why did you save us?”

“Because you’re just like us.”

Alastor raised a brow.

“You told me the same thing before, but even I don’t get it. What do you mean us?”

Timber looked at Caroline. “May I borrow your friend, miss Caroline?”

“Where are we going?” Alastor asked.

“Just out for a walk.”

“Ah-huh.”

Caroline was reluctant and held Alastor’s coat.

“Don’t worry you’ll be fine.” The Timber said. “We’re not that evil. They won’t hurt you. There is something I wanted to discuss with Mr. Alastor in private.”

Caroline let go of him. Alastor gave her a wink and stood, following Timber.