Needed Only to Ask

“Ah. There you are, Little Ruby. I see you now.” The giant rubbed his chin thoughtfully. His eyes brightening at the rare beauty before him.

Her riot of red curls pouring over her shoulders.

The Witch, Almora, stared at her with widened eyes. Shocked that Nim would defend her.

As we all are. Disseus had no explanation for why Nim had done it.

“You’d rather die than go where they’d take you.” Nim whispered over her shoulder to Almora. Warning her to get further back and to escape these men.

And I’m not letting them take you. Disseus jaw tightened until the muscle ticked. His hands working in slow fists.

***

Disseus was strangely still. Just watching.

Lonnix watched him intently. Fingering the hilt of the sword at his hip. Waiting to follow whatever Disseus would do.

But they all stilled as Nim spoke again.

“If-if you don’t kill them, I’ll simply go with you and they’ll go back.” She gestured to all of them behind her. Lifting a palm in a motion to push them back.

She wants us to withdr