Chapter 76 - The Mark (1/2)

The question startled him. He wasn't expecting such a blunt question, and while Rhys knew he was growing soft because of her. The last thing he needed though was for other people to know that. It's bad enough that Kazuya is love struck twenty-four-seven. ”Calm down,” he muttered quietly. Thankfully Kazuya wasn't prying more and seemed to end it at that. But the damage had been done already.

He has to be the calm and rational one; otherwise they would have to abort the mission. As these thoughts ran through his mind, he suddenly hears a scream. Not just any cry, it came from the female side of the baths. His eyes widened in alarm, recognizing that voice, 'Lyn!!'

Kazuya had already gotten to his feet.

Rhys called out, ”Find the innkeeper,” to Kazuya before he headed in the direction of the sound. Once he was outside, Rhys cursed it would be easier if he broke the wall. Ignoring the looks of the females about to enter the baths, he made his way inside the female baths.

It was quiet, so Rhys assumed Lyn was already done taking her bath. But it was weird that he didn't hear her footsteps.

”Rhys?” he turned the doorknob and opened the door to reveal the place filled in steam. ”Hey, monkey! Did the shower eat you?”

The moment he entered, steam-filled his vision. It's a bath with steaming water, that was only natural. But Rhys immediately felt something was wrong and pulled out a brush from his bag. Sure enough, no sooner had he done, so he sees small creatures forming in the smoke. 'Snow Wolves,' huh? Indeed, with them practically on Snow Kingdom grounds. It's only natural to see this sight.

Rhys scanned the place and saw a female figure crouched in a ball shape, as she hugged her body with her hands. Rhys slowly made his way over before he bent down and softly called out, ”Lyn?”

”Stay aw-,” her sentence fell short when she saw him, ”Rhys.”

He quickly pulled her to her feet, ”What's wrong? What--,” he paused when he caught a glimpse of the girls exposed skin. On the right-hand side of her shoulder, there was a mark, vines, and a single petal. Rhys frowned when he recognized it, he looked towards her hand and saw that the mark there had stretched outwards. 'So, it's time,' it shouldn't surprise him too much. Ever since he was briefed on this situation, Rhys knew it would happen, eventually. But this is too soon.

Rhys scanned the room; there were no traces of the wolves from earlier and yet he didn't let his guard down. But first thing is; first, he turned to the weak girl, she could barely stand up.

”W-what…”

Rhys placed a hand on Lyn's forehead, Rhys felt his hands grow hot, and he cursed, ”Damn,” she really is sick, ”You're burning!”

Lyn tilted her head confused, ”Huh? I'm on fire?”

Rhys rolled his eyes, why is she being oblivious now of all times? ”Let me take you away from here.”

”No wait,” Lyn tried to stand up, and she managed to succeed. But, Rhys could see her struggle, ”I can walk,” it was a lie - indeed no sooner as she said that Lyn stumbled forward. But before she could hit the ground, Rhys grabbed her arm and carried her in his arms.

”Shut up,” he scolded, ”You're so stubborn. You never listen to what I say,” if Lyn were just an obedient woman though. He most likely wouldn't have fallen for her in the first place. Rhys wrapped his cloak around her bare frame, ”Hold on tightly to me.”

”Rhys, where's Kazuya? Kazuya?” the girl's voice was weak and devoid of complete strength.