Page 34 of Urban Gladiator

I hoped my passage through the forest would go unnoticed.

However, I had entered jinn territory. And I also had to keep a wary eye out for orcs, ogres, giants, dragons, necromancers, vampires, dark witches, and griffins. Then there could be the occasional wolf patrol.

So no biggie. I could handle this easy peasy.

I snorted as I hiked at top speed through the forest. It was already midday by the time I added a few more miles under my belt. At least the weather was cooperative. But mother nature could change her tune at any moment and blanket the area with a blizzard.

Keeping a brisk pace, I warily searched my surroundings. I wasn’t expecting an attack. And that was usually when they came. My feet ached by midafternoon.

Thirsty and exhausted from the hike, I stopped by a bubbling stream for a drink of water and to rest my aching feet. I only needed fifteen minutes to rest and check my bearings. I’d made progress, but not enough. Mayhap I needed to try the wings again. But my energy was too low. I knew it even as I thought it.

The water was crystal clear, and it hit my parched throat like the sweetest wine. I could turn it into wine if I wanted, but I needed hydration.

Scooping up more in the cup I conjured, I drank deeply. My stomach rumbled for sustenance beyond the water. I snapped my fingers, and a small, warm loaf of bread appeared in my hand.

I tore a hunk off and almost swooned at the taste. There was nothing quite like bread fresh out of the oven.

I only asked for one small loaf. Later tonight, I would need something more substantial if I was going to have any chance of completing my journey to the outside world. I stored the rest in my pocket for later and took a final swig of water in the cup before sending the cup back into the ether.

“Neat trick, Beauty.”

My head shot up. Fear slithered along my spine. I searched in the direction of where the male voice originated. And sucked in a ragged breath.

Leaning against a tree on the opposite side of the pond was a jinn. I’d read about them but had never met one before. And he was a handsome devil. He had pale blue skin marked with symbols in a darker blue. His sculpted chest was bare and packed with muscles, leading to washboard abs. His muscular legs were encased in black leather pants. Black boots covered his feet. His head was bald, and the crown had more symbols tattooed on his skin. A dark slash of inky brows framed eyes that glowed an unearthly blue.

Uneasy dealing with a new to me supernatural being, I replied, “Ah, thanks. I’ll be on my way.”

He cocked his head, his blue eyes caressing my form with blatant interest. “It’s been ages since I’ve had any dealings with a witch. Are you a good witch or a bad witch? Who am I kidding, your aura is too bright to be anything but a good witch.” He left his post near the oak tree and floated over the pond until he stood before me.

“I’ve never met a jinn before.” I stepped back, preparing myself to fight my way out of this if necessary.

“Is that so? Allow me to introduce myself.” He performed a half bow. “I’m Ansel, and at your service, Beauty.”

“Why are you calling me that? Wouldn’t you prefer to call me by my name?”

“Because one so fair should always know how their beauty strikes through the heart and leaves a mark.” He pressed a palm over his heart.

I blushed at his over-the-top comment. It was silly to get worked up, but this creature was flirting with me. After Rowan’s caustic and derogatory comments, it was a breath of fresh air. “Ah, thank you, Ansel. I really need to keep moving.”

“What’s the rush? I’m sure you could use a heartier meal than that loaf of bread.”

“Just how long were you watching me?” The fact that I hadn’t been aware of him unsettled me. Just what were his powers beyond the ability to float above the ground?

“Long enough to know I’m enchanted by your beauty.”

“I really need to be moving on.”

“Surely you could stop for a meal. I’m sure your body, small though it may be, could use more nourishment. Come, have a fine meal in my encampment, just over that hill.”

“I’m not sure. It’s just . . .” I glanced over my shoulder briefly and then back at Ansel.

“Are you being followed? Let me help you, Beauty.”

“I don’t want to put you out. My scent would lead him directly to your doorstep.”

Ansel’s smile grew brighter. “Let me carry you then, Beauty. My encampment is far enough away that it will take them some time to figure out where you’re at.”

While I debated with myself, my stomach grumbled at the thought of an actual meal. And having a gap in my scent wouldn’t hurt either. I assessed him more closely. He was right, and I was being paranoid. Besides, I doubted Rowan had found a witch to douse the flame easily. I had time to stop for a brief meal with an intriguing stranger.

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