Chapter 297
Clementine:
“Okay, everyone, be careful. Make sure you don’t fight with each other. Just remember your main goal is to defeat the ogres and clear that area. They’ve overrun the city so badly that if they reach the station, it’ll be difficult for us to send trains or crusaders there in the future,” Mr. Rick announced as we headed toward the train station.
I was excited, to be honest. At least once I was in action, I’d feel like I wasn’t completely useless.
When everyone boarded the train, I noticed Zian hesitating to get on. He lingered until the last moment, and then, with no other choice, climbed aboard.
Once seated, he clasped his hands between his knees, head lowered. When he finally lifted his eyes to meet mine, I saw the tight clench in his jaw.
I smiled at him, trying to appear innocent, but my smile faded when my mates began to gather around me.
It felt strange. I thought they’d remember what happened yesterday, how they had tried to attack me for Oriana.
Haiden sat beside me on the same bench, while Yorick and Troy took the seats across.
“Listen, we know things aren’t really going well between us,” Yorick began, his hands clasped together, elbows resting on his knees as he leaned forward. “But since we’re headed north, we wanted to say that we should act professionally p>
I was taken aback. If anything, they were the ones who had been childish.
I leaned back, crossed one leg over the other, and noticed how closely they watched every movement I made.
“Yeah? So Oriana’s not around, and now you decide to say that?” I replied. “Because you’d never dare say anything like that in front of her p>
I wanted to remind them that the only reason they could even talk to me now was because Oriana was in another carriage.
She had them so tightly bound that they wouldn’t even speak to me in her presence.
“That’s not it. She’s not controlling us, if that’s what you’re trying to say,” Troy said, his tone calm but defensive.
“Anyway, that’s not the point. Let’s not start another argument,” Haiden cut in, gesturing with his hand for us to settle down. “The point is, the North is unpredictable, and we should stick together. We’re not asking for your help, but if you ever need it, we’ll be there p>
That was all he said before standing up and moving to another bench, his gaze fixed on the window.
Yorick followed, while Troy stayed seated.
He rested his elbow against the window and pressed a finger to his lip, his eyes still locked on me.
I tried to ignore it for the first few minutes, but eventually it became too much, and I stared right back at him.
He smiled slightly, shaking his head in disbelief before speaking.
“You’ll be our priority. At least, you’ll be mine p>
That was all he said before turning away. I could have reminded him that it wasn’t true, that I didn’t even care anymore, but I stayed quiet.
The closer we got to the North, the more anxious I felt.
The minute the station arrived, I noticed Zian sprinting away, so I rushed after him.
“Where the fuck is she going? Why is she so obsessed with Zian all of a sudden?” I heard Troy complain as the three of them stood in a circle, expecting me to stay with them.
But I couldn’t. I had to go after Zian. I knew he was up to no good.
“Why do you guys care where she’s headed? Isn’t it better if she’s not around us? She’s unpredictable p>
Of course, the moment Oriana jumped out of her carriage, she started spreading her usual hatred toward me.
But I was already gone, pacing after Zian.
“What the fuck is wrong with you? Leave me alone!” He finally stopped, turned around, and yelled.
I shook my head.
“I’m really scared in the North, so I decided to stick around with you,” I teased, smirking as he narrowed his eyes at me.
“You know we’re supposed to kill the ogres, right? And we each need at least six flags from their skin—from their arms. I don’t know if I can do it, but it seems like you always find a way when you’re in the North,” I said, taunting him and hinting at the fact that last time, he hadn’t exactly followed the rules.
I knew something was off. Ever since Miss Rue showed me the other door and explained that lurkers were usually stationed up North, it all made sense.
Someone had helped Zian get the coal that time, and my bet was on the lurker with the mole under his eye.
“And what makes you think I’ll help you?” he asked, hands resting on his hips.
“Wow, you’re so rude. I’m your mate. Come on, you marked me,” I shot back, watching his fists tighten.
“Stay away from me, Clementine, or I won’t hesitate to throw you to the ogres. You hear me?” He jabbed a finger at me, warning me to back off.
I pretended to look scared and hurt as he turned and started walking away again.
“Besides, if you think you can chase after me, then be it. I’m going for a walk in the North. Let’s just say you won’t be getting your share of flags if you stick with me,” he said, striding ahead briskly.
I slowed down, realizing he wasn’t wrong. I needed my flags first. I could torture him later.
I could follow him for a while, but eventually, I had to focus on my own task.
Before long, he was gone, disappearing into the distance.
When I finally slowed, the others caught up. We had arrived in the town of Fleshmingos.
Each of us had been given a small slip of paper with directions to the ogre city.
“Oh my god, why is she here?” Oriana groaned as they reached me.
“Ignore her. We should focus on the mission,” Troy said.
Once we entered the North, the three looked massive. And it seemed Oriana hadn’t been wrong.
The others were weirdly gathered around her, moving as if they were a wall, guarding her every step.