Beneath The Water (Complete)

Twenty-Eight

"So, let me get this straight? You took on the Duke's men and survived, but then forgot to take a bath so you almost died?"

"A tad bit extreme, but yes," I said to Mylo as we sat around the firepit. The redness from my skin was quickly fading as the second-degree burn healed itself and now I was shivering. Maya had made a fire for us using her magic and I stayed as close as possible to keep myself from shivering.

The world around us was starting to come alive from the smallest insect waking up in the rising sun, to the Elves who had my screams as their alarm clock. None of them seemed mad, just made sure I was okay before they went to work on one thing or another. Kane was constantly being asked for his opinion and he was running around the camp to help out. He sat down when he could, but trying to get everything organized was taking a lot of his attention.

I watched as Kane spoke to two Elves, barely focusing on Mylo's rambling. "You know it is weird having a human bossing the Elves around. Don't you think it should be you, it's your revolution and you're the royal one here." He pointed out as he followed my gaze back.

I didn't bother to reply, so Thalian spoke for me. "Leena was never the leading type," he was starting to explain.

"And Kane is," I added in as I shook my head. "He is a good man, someone who always helps those in need. He cares for everyone here, probably knows all of their names by now and I-"

"Thalian, Mylo, come give me a hand?" Kane called out as he nodding to the Elves he was talking to and they walked off.

Mylo groaned as he stood and muttered something inaudible under his breath and walked off in a huff. He certainly didn't seem thrilled about helping out, but Thalian didn't complain as he too stood up and dusted himself off. I sighed as I shifted closer to the fire and looked down, "What were you saying?" Maya asked softly as she glanced at me.

I couldn't help but smile, she was a sweet girl. "Just saying how amazing Kane is." I had plans for revenge and all he wanted was to help the people. I wouldn't want anyone else leading us.

Maya's eye wandered to Kane and I noticed her smile, her cheeks becoming rosy. "He really does seems like a really wonderful guy," she agreed and stared as Kane and the boys huddled together and started to discuss whatever Kane needed him for. "But his name is Ethan, right?"

"Do you have a crush on Ethan, by any chance?"

Maya's eyes went wide and her cheeks grew more red, "No! I-I-" She stuttered to stutter and stumble over her own words. I smirked and watched her struggling to convince me of her lies. "...He's just cute," she finally whispered and she averted her eyes.

Glancing between Maya and Kane, I couldn't help but smile at the idea. "I guess he is. He is also single," I added in and winked at her.

My teasing wasn't helping her redness, "He is? I mean, you two aren't...?"

"Are not what?" I taunted before putting her out of her misery and shook my head. "Just friends. I think I am a bit too weird for his likings, I have freaked him out one too many times." I admitted with a small laugh.

Maya blinked and shook her head, "Weird? Do you think I'm too weird for him?"

That came out wrong. I reached out and put my hand over her's, "Never," I said seriously.

I couldn't offer her more reassurance because she pulled back her hand and clutched it against her chest, "Your hands are so cold!"

Shrugging, I brought my knees closer to my chest. "Ya, it takes a bit for my body to get adjusted again. It is like recovering from a bad flu," I told her.

Maya looked almost sad as she looked down and started to play with her hair over the burnt side of her face. "It's all my fault that you got hurt, I'm sorry."

I frowned as I moved closer to her, careful not to touch her with my bare skin as I wrapped an arm around her. "It is not your fault," I said to her gently and I attempted to catch her eye. "You and your brother helped me, I jumped in front of that sword because I knew if I did not, you would be dead. I would rather have a bruise than have to bury you." It wasn't an overly happy thought, but the truth was I jumped without thinking. If I had to do it all over again, I would have made the same decision.

She sniffled and looked up at me, "Really?" She whispered.

"Of course you silly goose, you are a gorgeous girl who is amazingly talented." I complimented her.

She frowned once again and shook her head, "I ain't gorgeous," she objected.

I reluctantly reached a hand out and brushed her hair back from her face and tucked it behind her ear. "Of course you are, why would you be?" I could hear the guys walking back as Mylo whine about "it" being too heavy. "Kane, tell Maya she is beautiful."

All three guys stopped talking and Kane's hesitated as he looked between the two of he. Maya elbowed me in the side and pulled away, "Don't be rude!" She attempted to defend him.

Kane shook his head and walked over, "No, Leena's right, Maya. You're gorgeous, how would that ever be a question?" He smiled at her, playing along perfectly and her cheeks warmed up as he sat down beside her. "Your smile could light up the night and those eyes? Don't even get me started!"

"My eyes?" She echoed and covered her mouth as she beamed.

"Careful there sis, Leena might get jealous if you try to steal her man," Mylo joked as he sat down beside me.

Kane's gaze immediately landed on Mylo, "Leena and I?" He couldn't stop himself from laughing nervously, "You know how old she is right?" There was a collective "ooh" and I put my hand over my heart as I laughed. "No, no, that's not what I meant!"

"Ouch, that's gotta hurt," Mylo was laughing.

"What does that make me then? Hm, Ethan?" Thalian said, he too was grinning.

Maya was laughing too, but she did her best to try to hide it. "No! I just meant, for like-" Kane was failing miserably.

Waving him off, I shook my head, "It is okay, at my old age it isn't like I heard you anyways," I said with a wink. That made everyone start laughing all over again and Kane's cheeks heat up as he groaned.