The Scarlet Paladin

Claire was relieved to find their horses unharmed. Skittish, but safe. She gently pet their noses, glad to see them. At least she didn't have to walk anymore. She fed them sugar cubes and slid into the driver's seat, allowing Ursa to dismantle the camouflage.

It seemed that Ursa was the only one with any energy left.

Claire chuckled softly as the kids played with her. Seemed the kids had taken a liking to her as well. She would chase them around and play with them, bringing up their mood. A tender moment that distracted Claire.

Jasmine was recovering in the back, slouched from exhaustion. Ana passed out on top of her, falling asleep the moment her wounds finally closed. Elsie took over her sister's duties, brushing the sweat from Jasmine's brow and whispering to her as she drifted in and out.

Samira trailed behind them, her head hanging. Her tail dragged a little more than usual, like it bore the weight of her guilt. She controlled the people she loved, forced by that vile woman. She forced them to build that structure, neglect their own homes, and fuel Reyna's ventures. Her heart ached for all the time they'd lost.

Lily was walking beside her, practically vibrating with curiosity. Lamias weren't supposed to be like this. They were usually covered in scales and could only form basic sentences. So why was Samira different? Why could she use such potent magic too?

Samira couldn't help but giggle. Lily's intense eyes, her silent observations and the ogling. She could even feel her heart flutter when she complimented her. Samira couldn't help but smile hearing that Jasmine, Claire, and now Lily found her beautiful. It helped distract her.

But those were only temporary.

She knew she was dangerous. She knew what staying near the villagers could do to them. She just didn't want to leave them. Leave the one place that accepted her.

"So… like… " Lily asked, pushing up her glasses. "Where does snake start and where does woman start?"

Samira held back a laugh. These women were different. Their eyes wandered more than any she'd met before. All of them. She even caught the twins stealing glances at her. But not from fear or pure curiosity, but from lust. She could sense it radiating from them.

"Mmm, right where my legs would be," Samira teased. She hiked her skirt up, revealing the smooth transition from skin to scales. "I don't have a gap like humans, so…"

She left it to Lily's imagination. A little test to see how different these women were from others. She watched the heat bloom in Lily's face. Then she noticed it radiated from elsewhere. It intrigued Samira.

"Oh…" was all Lily could say. She pushed up her glasses, hiding the blush that formed. She adjusted her dress and fanned her face. "Um… sorry. I have a passive interest in these sorts of things… biology and monster physiology"

Lily blinked. Embarrassment washed over her after saying that. "Ahh.. sorry, not saying you're a monster! But the closest I've ever seen to you was one and I… I'm just biologically curious and didn't mean to imp-"

Samira finally burst into laughter, waving her hand to calm down. "It's okay. really. I understand how different I am. I don't even remember my parents or any of my family… so I have no idea what I really am."

Lily's curiosity was sparked upon hearing that. This woman had no idea what she was either. She formed dozens of questions and theories in a matter of seconds, but she stopped herself.

She took a moment to study Samira's expression. A mix of sorrow and joy. "They don't blame you."

They both looked at the kids in silence. A few of the girls were hanging off Ursa's arms as she flexed for them. Giggling filled the silence between them.

"Even the adults," Lily continued. "They asked about you before leaving. Wanted me to guarantee your safety and vouched for you. They thought we might hurt you just for being… different."

Samira held back her tears. It warmed the ache in her heart to hear that. But she was dangerous.

"I know… but…" Samira wiped the tears forming in her eyes. "I'm dangerous… if anyone else finds out about me or what I've done, they'll be executed for harboring me…"

"I don't know." Lily mused. "Look at the mess they ignored for half a year. How long ago did they request aid?"

Samira smiled weakly and she sighed deeply. "Still… I'm risking their safety…"

She glanced towards the children, who were safe now. The burden she'd held for half a year had finally lifted. But her heart still ached. "Part of me wants to request to leave with you gals… the other part wants to hide."

"You'd be signing up for a lot if you did…" Lily chuckled nervously."Claire was chosen by a Goddess. Tasked with spreading her influence."

Samira looked to the sky. "Goddess's chosen? I used to pray for someone like her… but they never came." She wiped another tear that formed. "I prayed for a lot. Answers. Mercy. Purpose. But nothing… Not until I stumbled upon this village."

"I know the feeling." Lily's tone dipped. She remembered losing Ryley. Praying for his return and Claire's smile back. "But… Claire's Goddess is new. She was just recently born… she has promise."

"Interesting." Samira thought for a moment. "I figured there was something different about all of you besides being romantically involved with each other."

Lily laughed nervously. "Yeahhh… We're very different from other parties. And champions…"

Samira let the conversation die there. She let the silence settle for a while, watching the children play. Their laughter would echo in her mind forever. She remembered each of them as babies. She wrapped scraped knees, mended fevers, and soothed their cries. And now she had to leave, for their sake.

"Lily." Samira said after several minutes of silence. She turned towards Lily with a heavy sigh. "I'm sorry."

Lily turned back to her, their eyes meeting. "For wha-"

That was her mistake. Samira's eyes shimmered with purple light, her magic flaring as she took control of Lily. Lily's eyes dilated, and she lost consciousness.

Lily blacked out. When she came to, she was hanging from the carriage, screaming from the top of her lungs. She blinked rapidly, embarrassment quickly taking over. She shook her head violently and glanced towards the back.

Samira was gone. She made her decision.

Lily's heart sank. She wanted to chase after her. She wanted to track her down, have Ursa follow her trail, and yell at her for just leaving. But the sun was setting soon and Samira had chosen this.

"Lily!?" Ursa shouted, pulling Lily's attention back. "What the fu- crap?"

Lily took a breath. She had to honor Samira's decision. She turned towards Ursa and put on her best fake smile.

"Just excited that we won the day!" She lie, her voice too chippy. "Couldn't contain my excitement."

Ursa just shook her head and mumbled under her breath. The kids stared at her for quite a while so Lily had to keep the act up. Inside, she was doing her best to keep her composure.

"I hope you find some sort of peace." She whispered behind that fake smile.