No Long Goodbyes

~Chapter 80~

"I thought Nimaro would be with you," Baas remarked as Mae opened the gate and stepped into the courtyard.

"No, I asked him to go be with Jasper. We said everything we needed to say; No reason for long goodbyes."

Baas raised his brows to her. "Right. The color in your cheeks and messy hair tells me everything I need to know."

Mae grimaced and swept her hands back through her hair, plucking several tiny pieces of moss from the ends.

"Spare me the judgement. Even I'm entitled to one last hoorah before returning to the surface, and my potential end. If Omb doesn't kill me on the spot, Valgbey might just get the opportunity to try."

"Omb aside, he won't succeed," he replied as she greeted Hidai, rubbing at his muzzle and scratching his chin.

"I'm glad you're optimistic."