Chapter 10

Willowyn was already having the time of her life. She ran around, picking flowers and plants, and showing them off to Kira. Her eyes were sparkling and she had the biggest smile on her face.

“This is amazing.” She said, sniffing a flower. “There’s so many different ones. I’ve never seen these before.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.” Kira said, smelling a similar flower.

“That’s the thing,” She shook her head. “Faun are not supposed to leave the village. But this is exactly the life I want to have.”

“And now you can,” Kira nodded.

“Hey, guys,” Seraphine called. “Let’s get going.”

“Coming,” Kira waved.

“Sorry.” Willowyn giggled.

“No worries,” I said, and the two of them ran up to catch up with us.

We returned back to the fork in the road that led us up to our Lureleaf detour and turned down the path with the sign that read ‘Sensluttia - many days away’.

As we walked down this new path I held back and looked at the collection of girls I was traveling with. My life had changed so much in such a short amount of time. I had a beautiful and powerful kitsune, a goblin warrior that was once an ogre, a mermaid who can walk on land, and a faun that was just looking for an adventure. I had a lovely group and the power to keep them happy and satisfied, and a quest from a fairy that could possibly change my life. I didn’t know what was ahead of us, or what dangers we would have to face, but as long as I had my girls by my side, I knew I could conquer anything.

“Whatcha thinking about, big fish?” Kira asked, slowing her pace to join me.

“Oh, just this life I have.” I smiled.

“Yeah,” She looked forward and watched the other three girls walking ahead of us. “Life has changed.”

“A bit,” I chuckled.

“But it’s the best life,” She grabbed my hand and squeezed. “And I can’t wait to see what happens next.”

“Me either,” I nodded.

“I wonder where we’re going,” Willowyn said while adjusting her quiver.

“Like the sign said, we’re heading to the city of Sensluttia.” I told her.

“Where the fairy told you to go?” Willowyn asked.

“Exactly.”

“What’s there?”

“I don’t think we’re really sure.” Seraphine spoke up. “She just told the human to go there.”

“I see.” Willowyn nodded. “I’m sure the answers will reveal themselves to us. It’s all part of the adventure.”

“That’s a good way to think about it.” I said, keeping my eyes on the path.

The five of us continued down the path, talking and laughing with each other. The trees were thick on both sides of the path, and the sound of the forest filled the air.

But as we continued to walk, the forest grew darker and the trees more dense. The sounds of the forest disappeared and were replaced by eerie silence that was only filled by the sound of wind rustling the leaves.

“Is it just me, or is the forest getting darker?” Seraphine asked.

“And quieter.” Sinthia added.

“I don’t like this.” Willowyn gripped her bow tighter.

“What’s that sound?” Kira asked, raising her head.

“Shh.” I said, holding out my arm.

There was the faint sound of a woman singing, and a light wind flowing through the trees. It was a distant sound that could only be heard when the wind blew the right way.

“Stay close.” I said and took a step forward.

I lead the girls off the path and through the trees. I followed the faint sound, and soon the singing was louder. The five of us crept along the path until the trees parted to reveal a lake. The lake was still and dark, with a small island in the center. On the island was a woman sitting by the water.

Her long black hair was pulled into a ponytail, held in place by a gold band. She also had a gold band around her neck and around each wrist, other wise she was completely unclothed. Her breasts were at least C-Cups and perky, and her body was petite and toned.

She was sitting by the lake with her legs crossed, looking down into the water, moving her hand through it slowly, causing ripples. The words of the song were lost, but her voice was haunting and sad.

The path continued around the lake, and I signaled the others to continue walking. As beautiful as the song was, something about this dark lake felt dangerous and we didn’t want to take the chance.

As we walked, I heard a branch crack below someone’s feet. The girl stopped singing and stood up.

“Hello?” She said and looked around, her ponytail swinging behind her.

“Keep walking.” I whispered, keeping my eyes on her.

“Is someone there?” She called out.

“Don’t answer her.” Sinthia whispered, pushing the others along.

The girl continued to look around the lake. She started walking in our direction and we picked up the pace. We kept our heads low and didn’t say a word, trying to remain unnoticed.

“Hello?” The girl called out. “Who’s there? Please come back.”

As we hurried along, Kira tripped over a root. She fell on the ground and yelped.

“Little fish.” I whispered and rushed back and helped her up.

“Sorry,” She said softly, wiping the dirt from her leg.

I looked back to the center of the lake and the girl was no longer on the island. I scanned the water, but there was no sight of her anywhere.

“Shit.” Seraphine muttered, seeing the lake was empty.

“Let’s hurry.” Sinthia pushed us on.

As we started to get moving again, a loud splash came from the water. We turned around and saw the girl jumping out of the water. Her lower half was now that of a snake, and her upper half was still bare, showing off her perky breasts. Her gold bands shined as she flew towards us with great speed.

“It’s a naga!” Serephine yelled.

Before any of us could react, the naga’s teeth dug into Kira’s arm and pulled her towards the water.