The Monster That Horrified Monsters [4]

[ZULA]

When they left the assembly grounds, they both portaled to the palace, only that Zaffuto didn't reach the palace with Liana. He was nowhere to be seen when the portal closed behind her. 

At first, she was scared for him, until she felt the pull in the distance, and the stench of blood filled her nose – the cruel reminder that he had left her and to do what he always did best. He had marked her and left her on the same night. 

Perhaps Liana should have expected this, given the way that he was always out and about. However, she had hoped that this night would be different – surely it wasn't too much for her to ask of him, right?

He was her Erasthai and she was well within her rights to seek him out on a night like this. They were supposed to consummate their bond and yet the barbarian was nowhere to be seen. But was that why Liana was seeking him out?