151 Whats not plant food (1/2)
Isha ran her hands down the front of her brightly colored pant suit. When she was sure her outfit was once again pristine, she glanced around. Her gaze fell on Ry. ”Really?! You had to up-chuck in the plant of all places. What did it ever do to you?”
”The plant, nothing. Your reckless magic, EVERYTHING!” Ry barked out between gags.
She crossed her plump arms across her full chest. ”There's nothing wrong with my magic, it's you who is too weak to handle it.” She bit out indignantly. After letting out a irritated huff as the man once again threw up in the plant, she turned her attention to Russ. ”Come puppy, there are some things you should know before we enter the courts. I'll explain it all on our way to your room. Your bags have already been sent ahead.” She didn't wait to see if he was following, instead, she sauntered down the long corridor.
Russ's eyes moved around the magnificent surroundings. It resembled the halls leading to an upscale executive penthouse in some expensive city. ”I didn't expect the place to be so…” He searched for a word to explain it but couldn't come up with any.
Isha laughed, ”Expansive? Yes, the structure you see from the outside is glamoured. Some of the oldest magic in the world can be found here. That is why the gods demand that such powerful creatures make up the council.” She let out a heavy sigh. ”It's just a pain since we also must stay here the majority of the time.”
”You have to protect it?” Russ asked.
Isha nodded. ”Yes, there are many creatures who would love to find a way to utilize the powers here… humans included. We guard the area along with handling any creature brought before the courts.” She arched a brow. ”Every member is capable of taking down any beast that walks through these gates. Know that much before you enter the court today.” She sent him a pointed look before moving on to the next topic. ”Today the courts simply want to evaluate your growth and development into an alpha. It will be primarily a physical test. If I had to guess, I'd say they will have you going up against Ry. This should be easy enough for you since you've fought both twins at the same time.”
Russ huffed out a worried laugh, ”But I haven't won against either of them.”
Understanding dawned and the corner of Russ's lips twitched up in a half smile. ”So, you're saying I may actually be able to kick his big ass today? Hell yea! About damn time!” He chuckled.
”Don't bet on it, pup.” Ry's gravelly voice called out from behind them.
Isha laughed, ”The way you are looking, I'd say the boy will have no problem whatsoever taking your sorry ass down.”
”Sorry ass? What the hell have I done to you?” Ry growled still holding his stomach.
She arched a brow. ”You just threw up in an old friend of mine, isn't that enough?”
Ry paled, ”Your friend?”
Isha fought the smile curving her lips. ”Yes, my friend. The council had her moved here about ten years ago. The humans were planning to level the area to put in a subdivision or shopping mall.” She shrugged. ”Who knows with the humans.”
”They 'were' going to?” Russ asked as they made their way down a corridor lined with heavy wooden doors, each with beautifully detailed etching engraved into each.
Isha laughed, ”Reminded of one of his many misplaced loves, Apollo decided to… rectify the situation… with the help of his sister of course.” She sent Ry a meaningful look. Her triumph came as a deeper wave of green and something else… hurt… longing… settled over Orion.
”Seems the best way to survive the love of either of them.” He grumbled. He cracked his neck and flexed his fingers as if remembering a time when he'd been forced to remain in a form that wasn't human.
Isha caught the questioning look on Russ's face as his gaze moved back and forth between Ry and herself. She sighed, ”There's nothing quite like spending a surplus of time away from a loved one. No matter the emotions they feel during their separation, once together again… well those built up emotions have to go somewhere.”
Russ narrowed his eyes, ”Why do I get a feeling you're not referring to Ry or that damn bush?”
She shrugged, ”It was an all-inclusive statement.” Before he could press her farther, she pulled open one of the massive doors. ”This will be your rooms.” She didn't bother letting them enter first, instead, as soon as Russ was close enough to the massive wooden door, she released it and made her way inside. She began explaining the living quarters as soon as Ry was inside. ”These are the shared living quarters. The bedrooms are just down that hallway past the kitchen.” She followed Russ's eyes to the glass doors by the seating area. ”Those lead out to the balcony. There are wards in place out there as well. No one can come or go by way of their ledges.”