Chapter 16: Gains and Losses

Knoll’s mice servants handed Merlize her bow.

“Finally!” She hugged her golden bow and quiver like a long-lost relic.

“Larson, when we get out of here, I want you to go out with me.” Nyatalia pulled his arm.

A radar within Larson’s mind flashed red. “On a date?”

Nyatalia interlaced her fingers behind her back while twisting her foot. “Unless you have other plans…”

“Larson, can I talk to you in private?” Merlize swiped him away from Nyatalia.

The other complained. “Hey, no fair!”

“It’s my turn!” She eyed her as if lava coated her pupils.

Nyatalia crossed her arms as the other whisked him away. When Merlize felt they were in a safe distance from everyone, they stopped in their tracks. She shoved Larson in a slightly dark corner of the room.

“What do you want to talk about?” Larson had a sinking feeling inside his chest.

She pressed her index fingers together and twisted her torso sideways. “A lot of things.”

“Like…?” A lump journeyed down his throat.