Aestrea Against The World (VII)

"Yo~! Where were you, man?" James called out the moment Aestrea stepped out of the woods, looking a little more… frostbitten than usual.

CLAP!

Without warning, James slapped his hand against Aestrea's back with his usual enthusiasm.

CRACK!

"AGHHHH—!!" James howled, yanking his hand back as if he'd just smacked solid steel while being an ordinary human.

He stumbled in place, shaking his palm wildly, his face contorted in exaggerated pain.

"WHAT THE FUCK?! Why is your back so damn hard?! Are you made of dragon scales now?!"

Aestrea gave him a side glance, his glowing crimson eyes were calm as ever.

"Stop hitting people without warning."

James clutched his wrist, half-laughing, half-crying. "That wasn't a back! That was a mountain! I think I heard my bones cry!"

Derek, who had been sipping from a flask nearby, snorted.