Beneath the Armour: An Elven Desire

Chapter 20

The squad left early the next morning, setting out before the sun had even begun to rise, the world still cloaked in darkness. Fay’s body ached from the previous day’s exertions, and she was grateful for her horse, the rhythmic motion offering a welcome relief from the exhaustion that clung to her muscles. She couldn’t imagine enduring another long walk on foot, especially after everything they had faced.

Sighing, she allowed her gaze to wander over the landscape as they rode. The trees and bushes blurred past her, their shapes shifting in the dim light, while the dragon-infested mountain shrank behind them, a looming reminder of the danger they had narrowly escaped. As the sun began to rise, casting a soft glow across the horizon, Fay felt a mix of relief and trepidation settle in her chest.

Her attention shifted to the soldiers around her, noting the varying expressions they directed her way. Some looked at her with anger, their eyes narrowing as if she were an intruder in their midst. Others smiled or waved, a few offering gestures of camaraderie. But it was the darker looks that unsettled her the most, the ones that seemed to linger a moment too long, filled with something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. She had begun to notice that those unsettling stares were becoming increasingly common among the men, and it made her feel uneasy.

Fay made a point to stay close to Drake, Drax, and Wyatt, their presence providing a semblance of safety in the midst of the tension. Yet, even with them nearby, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was still vulnerable. The shadows of doubt loomed over her, and she found herself glancing around more often, hoping to catch a glimpse of kindness rather than hostility.

But it was Drake’s gaze that intrigued her the most. She had seen that same dark look in his eyes, a flicker of something primal that sent a thrill through her. Instead of fear, it excited her, igniting a spark of something she hadn’t fully acknowledged before. There was a depth to his gaze that suggested a protective instinct, but also a possessiveness that was new and intoxicating.

Fay's heart raced at the thought, and she couldn’t help but wonder what it all meant. Did he see her as a warrior, an ally, or was there something deeper at play? The mix of emotions swirling within her left her feeling both exhilarated and cautious.

With the dragon-infested mountain fading into the distance, Fay took a deep breath, steeling herself for the human kingdom.

The squad traveled throughout the day, the sun dipping lower in the sky as dusk settled over the land. They finally arrived at a small clearing nestled within a dense forest. The air was cool and fragrant, filled with the scent of pine and earth. The men quickly set to work erecting tents, their movements efficient and practiced. Fay took it upon herself to collect some edible plants, her hands deftly searching for berries and greens among the underbrush.

As she gathered, her eyes caught sight of Drake, who was holding a bow and preparing to venture into the thicker part of the forest with a few other men. A wave of excitement surged through her, and she quickly pocketed the small berries she had found before hurrying toward him. “Drake, are you going hunting?” she asked eagerly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Drake looked at her, surprise flickering across his features. “Yes, some fresh meat would do us all some good,” he replied, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

The thrill of the prospect ignited a spark in Fay. “Could I hunt with you?” she whispered, her heart racing at the thought.

She noticed the annoyance etched on the faces of the other soldiers, but she chose to ignore them, focusing entirely on Drake. His hesitation made her pulse quicken. “I know how to hunt. It was my parents’ profession back home,” she rushed out, hoping to convey her earnestness.

Drake frowned slightly, contemplating her request. After a tense moment, he nodded. “Okay, let’s go.”

Fay gasped in shock as he handed her his bow and quiver, the weight of the equipment feeling familiar and empowering. Without hesitation, she followed him into the forest, her heart pounding with exhilaration.

“Commander, you can’t be serious,” one of the soldiers groaned, disbelief creeping into his tone.

Drake smirked, his confidence shining through as he replied, “Let’s split into pairs. You and Henry, Beau and Track. I’ll go with the elf. Let’s see who wins.”

The other men exchanged glances, grinning at the prospect of competition. With a burst of energy, they raced off in different directions, eager to prove their skills.

Fay could hardly contain her excitement as she fell into step beside Drake. The forest enveloped them, the sounds of nature filling the air—the rustle of leaves, the distant calls of birds, and the soft crunch of twigs beneath their feet. She felt a rush of adrenaline, the thrill of the hunt coursing through her veins.

“Stick close to me,” Drake instructed, his tone serious yet encouraging. Fay nodded, her determination solidifying. She would show them all what she was capable of, not just as an elf but as a hunter in her own right.

As they ventured deeper into the woods, Fay’s senses heightened. Every sound became amplified, every movement a potential opportunity. Fay walked alongside Drake, her heart racing with anticipation. After a few minutes of silence and no signs of wildlife, Drake’s frustration began to show, his brow furrowing as he scanned the underbrush.

Feeling a sudden urge to take the lead, Fay hesitated before lightly grabbing Drake’s arm, her fingers brushing against his skin. She ignored the shiver that ran down her spin as she felt his heat beneath her finger tips.“Drake, look here,” she said, her voice eager. “The leaves have been trodden on, and the berries just here are disturbed. I believe we should go this way.”

Drake paused, his frown softening as he examined the signs she pointed out. He nodded slowly, though a hint of skepticism lingered. Fay felt a thrill of excitement surge within her. “Not all elves possess exceptional magical abilities,” she continued, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “My mother could smell gooseberries from a distance—sounds trivial, I know. But my father had something else: he called it ‘keen sight.’ He could see all the disturbances in the wilderness, which made him the best hunter. While I inherited my abilities in healing, he taught me to notice the smaller details in nature.”

Drake listened intently, captivated by her openness. “Your father was wise to teach you these skills,” he replied quietly, admiration lacing his words.

“Indeed,” Fay said, a soft smile playing on her lips. “But even so, none could match his prowess. He used to say I was getting close to his skill, but I suspect he was just humoring me.” The warmth of her memories filled her eyes, and Drake couldn’t help but be drawn in.

“My village was straightforward and shared knowledge freely. We embraced our abilities and taught what we could to others, no matter how simple those abilities seemed. It’s different in the real world, where everyone seems so... so...” Fay’s voice trailed off, her brow furrowing as she searched for the right word.

“Greedy,” Drake finished for her, his tone steady yet filled with understanding.

Fay glanced at him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of appreciation and surprise. She nodded, and in that moment, Drake braced himself for the genuine smile that lit up her face. It was radiant, and it struck him like a wave of warmth, igniting a deep-seated desire within him. He felt an unmistakable pull toward her, a rush that made his pulse quicken and a heat coil in his belly. But alongside that heat came a rush of desire, crashing over him like a tsunami. The sudden intensity of his arousal caught him off guard, his erection straining against his pants as the realization sank in that they were alone, a fair distance from anyone else. He fought to regain his composure, to focus on the hunt rather than the overwhelming attraction he felt for her. But as they moved through the forest, the proximity between them felt electric, the air thick with unspoken tension.

As she spoke, his gaze drifted to her lips—lush, pink, and inviting. He barely registered her words, entranced by the way her mouth moved. His breath hitched when she swept her tongue out to moisten her lips, a subtle gesture that sent a jolt through him, making his heart race.

Drake’s eyes traveled further, taking in the curve of her hips as she moved in front of him, each sway igniting a fire in his chest. He swallowed hard, trying to regain control. Focus, he chided himself. Get your thoughts together, Drake.

Just then, Fay let out a soft gasp, pulling him from his reverie. He snapped his attention back to her, only to see her crouched low, her expression shifting to one of fierce concentration. She was watching something in the underbrush, her body poised with anticipation.

Drake crept forward, his curiosity piqued, and his heart raced when he spotted a large buck grazing nearby. The thrill of the hunt overshadowed his earlier desires, grounding him in the moment.

Fay moved with graceful precision, nocking an arrow to the string of his bow. She drew back, focused and steady, before releasing the arrow. It flew through the air with deadly accuracy, striking the buck right in the eye. The animal dropped, and Fay let out a quiet breath, a triumphant smile breaking across her face. “See! Told you I was good,” she beamed, the exhilaration of the hunt shining in her eyes.

Drake felt a rush of admiration, his heart pounding as he watched her approach the fallen buck. “Everything you do drives me crazy,” he murmured to himself, unable to look away. Her skill and confidence intensified his feelings, making it difficult to think straight.

“Come on, Drake! I’ll need help getting him back to camp,” she called out, her voice inviting and playful, drawing him closer.

Drake clenched his fists, desperately trying to focus on the task at hand as he moved to help her. As they pulled the buck toward camp, Fay hummed a soft tune, her voice weaving through the trees like a spell. Each note resonated with the rhythm of the forest, and Drake felt a warmth spreading through him, a mixture of admiration and an unquenchable longing.