Chapter 23: The Other Liakalyn

I leaned in and kissed Lora again, and the petite half-elf giggled when I drew back. Jess looked positively pissed, and Fay looked amused.

“Really, Sebastian?” Jess scowled. I shrugged.

“Sorry. It was like... natural reflex.” I shrugged with a grin.

“Yeah, because he wants me more.” Lora teased, kissing my shoulder. She, unlike Jess, was petite. She came up to my nose, and had perky breasts so small she was almost flat-chested. She was slender and admittedly very beautiful. Except for that last part, she was Jess’ opposite in every way.

“I didn’t say that.” I argued, but Lora’s teasing silver and gold eyes held my gaze.

“We’ll talk later. Go **** the General.” Jess stalked off. Fay gave me a little half wave and hurried off after her. Lora gave me a bright smile.

“Ready to go?” she asked.

“Yup. I’m not an assassin, though.” I told her.

“Oh, I know, trust me.” Lora smirked. She set off down a grassy hill, and after a quick bow to the Prince, I followed her, definitely not noticing how heavenly her ass looked in her tight pants.

“So, what’s the plan?” I asked her, falling into step alongside the rogue.

“Well, we sneak in, kill the general, and sneak out. Seems pretty simple.” Lora grinned.

“Hm.” I said. Lora traced a finger along my jaw.

“What’s up with you and my sister?” she asked me.

“We’ve been in something of a committed relationship for a bit of time now. Nothing too serious, mostly just some fun.” I shrugged.

“I don’t think she knows that.” Lora commented helpfully.

“Yeah, well, I didn’t expect you to kiss me out of the blue. We’d just met.” I shrugged.

“You kissed back, handsome.” Lora teased.

“I guess I did, huh?” I sighed, and Lora touched my face gently, and I held her silver and gold gaze.

“If you want me, take me.” she purred, licking her lips. I leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the lips.

“I want you, Lora. But I need time to sort out my feelings first. And, we have a job to do.” I said.

“Ugh. You’re just like her. You’re both so righteous.” Lora said, and we set off again along the edge of the field, lurking in the trees unseen.

“Shut up.” I hissed urgently, and Lora’s gaze snapped to the orc guard patrolling idly. She plucked a dagger of her belt and with a casual flick of her hand, sent it flying into the orc’s neck. They choked and went down.

“Damn.” I mumbled. Lora winked.

“Pretty impressive, huh?” she flirted. I chuckled.

“Yeah, pretty impressive.” I admitted. Lora sauntered over to grab her dagger, and then we moved closer to the orc camp, still undetected. Lora and I crouched down behind a bush.

“Ok. I’ll cause a distraction over there. You sneak in and kill the general.” Lora said. She went to move but I grabbed her wrist and pulled her to me for a kiss. She kissed back eagerly, and it felt good. I wasn’t worrying about emotional attachment like I did with Jess and Fay. Lora was hot, so I kissed her. Easy.

“Good luck.” Lora smiled, and headed away. I heard something subtle, like a crunch of branches, and then stifled swearing. The orcs were off like a shot and I snuck towards the general’s tent as quickly as I could. I threw open the flap and found him talking with a black-haired young woman who had shining eyes the color of topaz, a rich orangey color. She was stacked as hell, and quite gorgeous.

“Who is this?” the young woman demanded.

“Intruder.” the orc growled. I snarled at him and drew Stormcaller. The orc recoiled and I lunged at him, blade outstretched. The tip kissed his throat before I was smashed into the ground without being touched. The raven-haired woman gave me a look.

“You are one of my former master’s ringwearers.” the woman commented. I blinked.

“Zahreem was your former master?” I asked, shocked.

“Yes. Odd you’re not groveling. Most of his ringwearers treat me as a higher power.” the woman squinted.

“I was **** to become one of his ringwearers. I hate him.” I said. The young woman pointed at my hand.

“Take off the ring.” she invited.

“I can’t, it’s stuck.” I said, but when I tugged on it, it came off smoothly.

“How?” I gasped.

“Zahreem is without his powers. I encountered a Lvl 50 paladin who helped me destroy the threat Zahreem posed. And then the idiot attempted to seduce me. I pretended like it had worked, joined him in bed, and then slit his throat.” the young woman told me. The erection she’d caused wavered, but stayed firm.

“I see. Who are you, exactly?” I asked.

“I am Thessalia. I was a nobody until Zahreem picked me up off the streets. He made me into a wretched woman who hates the world, and I hate him for it.” she snarled.

“How about Tessa? Thessalia’s kind of a mouthful, and I already know an Alia, so it’ll get kind of awkward.” I shrugged.

“What?” Thessalia asked, off-guard.

“Like, can I call you Tessa?” I asked.

“Whatever. Were you listening to my origins?” Tessa demanded.

“Yes. You were nothing, and then Zahreem gave you power and made you someone you don’t want to be.” I said. I pointed Stormcaller at Makhel.

“Hey. Why can’t I kill this guy?” I asked Tessa.

“I was working with him to overthrow the Sixth Realm. Zahreem was working on something big, something monstrous, but I don’t know what it is. We’ve been all over the Sixth Realm recently, so whatever it is must be happening here.” Tessa explained.

“I see. Well, I have a quest to kill this guy, and it’s pretty important.” I told Tessa. She laughed, a musical sound.

“Go ahead. If you tell me the name you were born with.” Tessa said.

“Why do you care?” I asked.

“True names have power in the worlds of dark magic. I was not born Thessalia, just as Zahreem was not born Zahreem.” Tessa said.

“Hold up, he picked that dumb-ass name?” I chuckled. Tessa grinned.

“I like you. Anyways, name?” she asked.

“Liam.” I said, and dove for the orc general, who Tessa helpfully froze. I rammed my sword into Makhel’s chest, and then removed the sword and walked casually away. Tessa stopped me. Holding up her hands, she let black mist swirl around her extended palms, until a super cool amulet sat on her palms.

It was a sleek oval of black glass hung on a chain of black steel.

“This is a summoning amulet. Should you ever need my aid, look into it, and tell me your location. I’ll be by your side soon.” Tessa offered me. I took it, confused.

“Why do you want to help me?” I asked.

“Because I fear Zahreem’s plans will continue, despite his powerlessness.” Tessa warned. I nodded.

“Understood.” I said, pulling the chain over my head, and letting the black glass rest on my chest.