Chapter 25

ANA

Awet, sandpapery lick on her toes jolted Ana awake. Startled, she yanked her foot back, heart hammering. A tiny oalnt, unfazed, tilted its head inquisitively. A giggle escaped her lips as the creature, reminiscent of a living rock, flopped down beside her. Reaching out, she stroked its rough hide, amusement and affection warring within her.

"What brings such joy this morning?" Quinn's deep voice rumbled from behind her. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her close.

Turning into his embrace, she inhaled his familiar scent. "Everything," she sighed, gazing at the sun dappling the lush vista with gold. "You, this place, these oalnts." The verdant landscape teemed with the otherworldly creatures, their presence adding a touch of bizarre charm to the scene. Sometimes, life can surprise you with extraordinary moments—unplanned, unexpected, yet perfect in their simplicity.

"Did you see Zach's seductive pose?" Luke's voice broke the silence, laced with amusement. "Quite the oalnt harem he's acquired!"

Zach scoffed. "They're simply roaming their territory. Ignore him."

"Ignore me? Impossible!" Luke roared with laughter.

Quinn addressed the group. "Time to move. The gnome cave awaits."

Sebastian distributed the leviathan eyes. The eerie yellow orbs still glowed faintly despite the creature's demise. They felt heavy, with a smooth, almost rubbery texture.

"How do we get our backs and wings?" Ana looked at Quinn.

"We form a circle," Quinn explained, stepping closer. "Each gargoyle applies the eye goo to the back of the one in front." He gripped her hand. "I shall do yours."

Though desired, the thought of his touch sent a pleasant shiver down her spine, but not under these circumstances.

"One short," Sebastian announced, holding up an empty pouch. "I'll share with Luke."

"Luke, stand behind me," Quinn said.

Luke grumbled under his breath as Zach, with a mischievous grin, maneuvered in front of Ana.

"Wait," Ana blurted, a sudden concern dawning on her. "If you're invisible, how can I follow you?"

Quinn plucked a vibrant purple flower. "Follow this," he instructed, his touch lingering on hers for a comforting moment.

"Ready?" Quinn scanned their faces, his own etched with apprehension. The group mumbled half-hearted affirmations, mirroring Ana's unease.

"Remember," he continued, "a thick coat is essential. One, two, three…"

A repugnant plop echoed as Ana opened the giant eye. Despite the leviathan's stench, the orb itself was curiously odorless. As she dug her hands in, a surge of disgust rose in her throat. Ignoring the urge to retch, she smeared the goo over her skin, hair, and clothes, the slime a cold, slippery sensation.

After applying the ooze to Zach's back and wings, Quinn's touch lingered on her form, igniting a spark within her. Biting her lip to quell the rising lust, she accidentally ingested some of the goo. The unexpected sweetness of caramel surprised her. The flavor tantalized her, and she yearned for more. Resisting the desire, she savored the fleeting sample, a bizarre curiosity about the leviathan's complete taste flickering in her mind.

After their weapons and gear were covered, Sebastian stepped forward. "Here." He offered his pouch. "Let's not waste any."

Ana deposited hers and turned as Quinn grasped her hand, the vibrant flower gripped in his other. Then, with a blink, he vanished.

Fear sent prickles down her throat. The thought of being invisible was terrifying. Magic, in general, was a daunting concept. It was powerful, unpredictable, and honestly, a little unsettling. Quinn's reassuring squeeze on her hand provided a grounding force. Taking deep breaths, she calmed the rising panic, clinging to his word of ‘temporary.'

"I'm here," Quinn whispered, offering her support. The purple flower hovered before her, the constant reminder of her lover.

Reaching out to his cheek, her finger ended up lodged in his nose. "Oh, I'm so sorry!" she squeaked, retracting her hand. A strangled sound, somewhere between a groan and a snort, erupted from him. Laughter bubbled up in her chest.

The bloom moved, accompanied by the rhythmic whoosh of unseen wings. "Time to fly," Quinn said.

She nodded, a pointless gesture, then muttered a soft, "Okay."

With a powerful thrust, she launched herself into the air. The earth dwindled beneath her as she followed the spectral flower. They skimmed low, hugging the mountainside, weaving beneath patrolling gargoyles.

The atmosphere crackled with electric energy, carrying the scent of rain as they ascended the mountain's slope. Dark figures circled the fortress, while below, the ground turned treacherous, with jagged rocks and shrubs scattered about. The first raindrops splattered against her face. Then, the bloom changed course, guiding them toward a cluster of bushes nestled under a rocky ledge. Directly above, the castle loomed, casting an ominous shadow.

Darkness descended as the clouds swallowed the remaining light. A torrent created a thick curtain that obscured their vision. The downpour's roar intensified, washing away their invisibility. Suddenly, lightning split the heavens, followed by a deafening crack of thunder. In that brilliant flash, she caught sight of him, her handsome king, droplets cascading down his face, his chiseled features and powerful build clearly visible.

Just as quickly as he appeared, he dove into the bushes, and she followed suit, brushing against the damp foliage. Emerging on the other side, she found herself sprawled on the cave's cold, dusty floor. Coughing, she waved away the thick cloud of dust.

Glowing mushrooms cast an ethereal light within the cavern. Quinn kneeled over her, water dripping down his hard body. If it weren't for the eye goo smeared over his form, she would want to lick each drop… she recalled their caramel flavor and wet her lips.

"Are you hurt?" he asked, pulling her out of her thoughts.

"No, I—" she stopped at Quinn, putting a finger to her mouth. Voices sounded on the other side of the bushes.

"What are you doing?" one unknown voice asked.

"I thought I saw movement," said another unfamiliar voice.

"Nothing more than night birds spooked by the storm," a third voice scoffed, laced with annoyance. "Move along before we're caught lagging."

"What's happening?" Ana whispered, straining to see the speakers.

Quinn whispered next to her ear, "Luke, Zack, and Sebastian are scouting the cave. Those voices belong to Gregor's guards."

The flapping of wings sounded the soldiers' departure. Quinn's warriors lumbered into view soon after; their invisibility patchily washed away. Zach sported a peculiar one-legged gait, Luke's arm flickered with fleeting stripes, and Sebastian had a gaping hole where his chest should be.

"Safe for now," Luke grunted with a nod.

Quinn rose, offering a hand to Ana. She clasped it and stood. The ragged group moved in unison, Quinn leading the way, followed by his motley crew. Their heavy footsteps echoed through the cavern, bouncing off the rough walls. Dust swirled around their feet as they descended, the tunnel stretching out before them like a dark, hungry maw.

As they went further, the distant bleats of livestock mingled with the earthy scent of manure. Delving deeper, the farm sounds faded, replaced by a bright light emerging from ahead. Laughter and lively chatter grew louder with every step, culminating in a vast chamber teeming with activity.

A refreshing wave of clean air greeted Ana as she entered. The gnomes' homes, meticulously carved into the walls, rose in a series of levels on both sides, resembling an organic extension of the cave itself.

A central area bustled. Some engaged in playful games, others diligently worked, while still others enjoyed meals on picnic blankets and stone tables. An open field offered recreation, its center marked by an overflowing basket of boomerangs. Cages filled with pacing and fluttering creatures lined the far wall. In the heart stood a pedestal flanked by enigmatic busts.

A flourishing garden, bursting with vibrant greens, fiery reds, and cheerful yellows, thrived near the back wall, a testament to the gnomes' appreciation for life. The real magic of the cavern, however, was its illumination. The gnomes utilized a network of bioluminescent fungi. These glowing organisms nurtured a bright glow that bathed the cave in an otherworldly light.

The savory aroma of roasted meats caused Ana's stomach to growl. Amidst a crowd of gnomes, a red hat stood out like a beacon, drawing her attention.

The gnome with the hat stopped before them and bowed. "Your presence honors us, your Highness. I've heard the sad news, and my heart goes out to you." He gestured toward one of the stone tables. "Please come and sit. Eat with us." He stroked his neatly trimmed beard and mustache. "I'm sure you're hungry."

"Thank you, Chief Orry. We appreciate your hospitality." Quinn returned a bow.

"It's the least we can do. You have shown us so much kindness." Orry placed his hand to his heart. "I don't think we could ever repay you."

"Before we eat, I must introduce you to my queen." Quinn pulled Ana in front of him. "This is Queen Ana." He leaned down to her ear and said, "Orry is the chief of the gnomes."

"I'm happy to meet you," the wee man said with a bow.

"The pleasure is mine," she replied, returning the gesture.

Straightening his posture, Quinn's voice resonated with urgency. "Unfortunately, our time is limited. We request your assistance."

"Anything you need, my lord. But please, rest and enjoy a meal first. You and your party look tired and hungry. Then, we talk." Orry turned to a nearby gnome who scurried off upon receiving a hushed instruction.

A gnome escorted them to a table adorned with colorful linens.

"Please sit," Orry said, yet he remained standing.

"Are you going to join us?" Ana looked at him.

"Yes, I'm waitin' for my wife." Orry smiled.

After a short while, gnomes with trays laden with food arrived. Tilda followed behind, balancing a bundle and favoring a sling on her arm.

Ana stumbled out of her seat. "Tilda! Are you okay?" She tenderly gripped the gnome's shoulders, looking her over.

"Just a few bruises, Ma'am." The female gnome's battered face looked painful.

"I was so worried," Ana said.

"My herbal skills can fix most ailments," Tilda placed the bundle on the table. "The pain was much worse before." She placed a hand on Ana's, her eyes filled with regret. "I wish I could have done more for you, Ma'am."

The chief shook his head. "You nearly got yourself killed, and you think it wasn't enough?"

Tilda crossed her arms and huffed. "They took her away, so yes."

"That is one of the many reasons I love you." Orry held out his hand, his fingers intertwining with hers as he led her to the table. The gargoyles remained standing until she sat. "My wife can be forgetful of her safety."

"Your wife?" Ana widened her eyes in disbelief as her jaw dropped. The weight of her selfishness felt suddenly heavy. Here she was, consumed by her problems, and she had never gotten to truly know Tilda, who had tirelessly served her. Shame burned in her gut.

"As does my mate," Quinn said. Ana's heart skipped a beat as Quinn's genuine smile lit up his face.

"I brought these for you." Looking at Ana, Tilda cocked her head, then raised an eyebrow. "Looks like you can use them."

"Thank you," Ana exclaimed, relief washing over her. She eagerly accepted the bundle, unwrapping it to reveal cargo shorts and a t-shirt—nearly identical to the ones she'd worn before transforming, but modified for wings and a tail. A wide grin stretched across her face. "These are perfect! I could hug you… but I won't. I don't want to hurt you." She leaned down and kissed Tilda's cheek, then clutched the garments to her chest. "Where can I change?" she practically vibrated with anticipation.

Tilda chuckled. "I understand. Follow me." She led the way deeper into the cavern.

Ana's spirits soared. The prospect of dry, decent clothes and a return to normalcy, however temporary, was a welcome change. The gnomes bustled around them, their cheerful chatter and industrious nature a stark contrast to the grim events that had brought them here. As they walked, Ana couldn't help but steal glances at Quinn. Seeing him amidst the gnomes, the tension easing from his broad shoulders, a flicker of hope ignited within her.