Danna

She sat on Seshi’s back staring down Cole.

“You will be delicious,” Seshi said, his tongue flicking out of his mouth.

“Danna,” Cole said, he was shaking. She smirked at that. “Please, don’t.”

“Do you remember the night you came to me?” She asked. Cole stared at her. “My father hadn’t even been dead a month. I was scared and lonely, and you told me I had two choices, I could come with you or you would buy my house and make me.” He swallowed. “Did you think I wanted you? Did you think I liked being held down and treated like your toy?”

Fear filled his eyes and Danna could practically taste it, she thought of how fear had become so flat for her, she barely felt it, like she barely felt it when he hit her, hurt her while he took his pleasure, but his fear was potent, and she realized what she was feeling was coming through her bond with Seshi.

“I wanted to take care of you,” he said.

“You wanted to own me,” she shouted. “And you had finally found my price. If you run now, disappear, you can live.” Seshi growled. “I mean it, I won’t chase you, but I never want to see your face again.” He then and Seshi let out a large flame just as her was out. Then he flew off and they landed further out where Prior and Nika were waiting.

“He’s still alive,” Nika said with a frown. Danna nodded.

“Yes, but how did you know?” Danna said.

“She’s the Priestess of Amina,” Prior explained, “Death is kind of her whole thing.”

“Oh,” Danna said, she dismounted.

“She was merciful,” Seshi said, “I have an honorable rider,” he nudged her. Danna pressed her forehead to his nose, and then she looked at Prior. He looked curiously at her.

“So,” Nika said, “are we going to Dovetail? Is that how it’s going to work.” Danna nodded.

“I have to do some things first.” Danna said. Prior nodded. “Can we go in the morning?”

“Of course,” he nodded. “Tell Tanner I’ll see him in a little while to settle my bill.” She smiled gently and hopped on Seshi’s back, they flew out to the small homestead, and they settled.

“Danna?” Tanner walked out. “What the hell?” She swallowed.

“Lord Seshi, this is Tanner,” she said. Her friend looked at her and then at Seshi.

“I am glad to meet a friend of Danna’s,” Seshi bowed. Tanner swallowed and an older woman walked out. Danna smiled at Tanner’s mother.

“Ah,” she said. “I’m glad you embraced it, Danna.”

“Thank you, Mama Asa,” Danna said softly. “I’m leaving.” Tanner smiled then.

“Good,” he said. “We’ll take care of your father.” She hugged him tightly. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” she said. She jumped up on Seshi and they flew off. It was time to go.