Chapter 169: A call from Hunter.

Zyra threw her head back and laughed loudly. "Well, what can I say? I’m just a quick learner. I have one of those brains that sees something once and I remember it." She lied, and continued on, believing in her own lies. "I am a genius. If you add the extraordinary strength and speed I was born with, I am practically the best human specimen in existence."

[Host, have some shame.] Beauty laughed.

But Zyra had no shame, and she continued. "I am faster than a car, faster than a horse, faster than any mutated beast. If I had wings, I would be he tyrant of the skies." She smiled at Bianca slyly, "Little one, don’t feel bad because I am better. Some people are just born awesome."

Bianca sneered. "What little one? I am older than you!" Before she could complain about the unfairness, a crisp ringing sound interrupted them. Zyra’s link band was beeping A video call was coming in from Hunter.

Her heart skipped a tiny beat. She quickly motioned for Bianca to quiet down, walked over to a nearby stone bench, and sat down before accepting the call.

His face appeared. The first thing Zyra saw wasn’t Hunter, but the background. It looked like a traditional village from many centuries ago.

"Can you see the village clearly?" Hunter’s deep voice came through the speaker. His hand was moving around, along with the rest of his body, capturing the scenery.

Zyra looked closely at his surroundings, a soft smile automatically forming on her face. It was not a developed place, but it looked like a peaceful, bustling community. Children were running around playing with wooden toys, smoke rose softly from small chimneys, and people were chatting happily.

"Yes, I can see it," Zyra nodded warmly. "It looks lovely." In the back of her mind she thought, it looks vulnerable and defenseless.

Hunter turned the screen back to himself. His handsome face appeared, looking a little tired but relieved. "So far, everything is calm. The villagers are very friendly except for one kid named Koji, Our people have settled in well, but they are already muttering about wanting to come home. I’ll make sure to report in every three hours at least."

"Good," Zyra said, her eyes softening as she looked at him. "Stay safe." A thought crossed her mind, that maybe she should tell him to return with the villagers. They had enough room in their shelter to take in at least five hundred people. But, she dismissed the thought quickly. It was best to wait and see if such a step was needed.

Then, Hunter’s expression shifted. A small, worried frown appeared between his brows as he leaned closer to the screen. "How is your training session going with Bianca? She isn’t being too rough with you, is she?"

Ha! Zyra wanted to laugh. Bianca was far gentler than him, if she had to chose a trainer she would go with Bianca any day, any time. There was rest time, gossip time and snack time between their training sessions. And NO WHISTLE!!

Before Zyra could answer, Bianca popped her head into the frame from behind Zyra, yelling at the screen, "Rough?! Are you kidding me?! Your wife just beat me using my own floating steps move! She learns everything after seeing it only once. It’s like she is supernatural or something."

Hunter smiled, he knew that Beauty was helping. Never the less, a chuckle came from his lips. A look of deep pride flooded his eyes. "Is that so? I’m impressed. I’m really proud of you, Zyra."

Zyra crossed her arms, trying to hide the blush creeping up her neck. She smirked at the screen. "Well, don’t get too proud. You won’t be feeling so happy when I beat you up next."

Hunter chuckled again, his eyes twinkling with affection. "Is that a challenge? I am eagerly waiting for that day."

"Tell me about this Koji, what happened?" Zyra asked. "If you are clashing with the locals, then just come home. The bandits were already attacking them before Vince and Daniel got involved."

Hunter shook his head, "Every community has that guy that thinks that he knows it all. We have Achilles, they have Koji."

Zyra nodded, "Got it."

Suddenly, the mood shifted. Hunter unconsciously raised his hand and touched his lips with his fingers.

The moment his fingers brushed his mouth, Zyra froze. The memory of their kiss rushed back into her mind__ the brief warmth of his lips, the quiet stillness of that moment.

On the other side of the screen, Hunter seemed to remember it too. His eyes widened slightly, his hand freezing on his lips. His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard.

Silence stretched between them over the call. The air suddenly felt thick and hot.

"What is happening here," Bianca asked, "are you two already missing each other?"

"Uh__ cough!" Hunter cleared his throat awkwardly, his cheeks turning a light shade of red. "I, uh__ I actually have to go now. Some village leaders are coming over."

"Oh. Okay," Zyra said, her voice dropping an octave as she suddenly found her shoes very interesting.

"Yeah__ so__ you hang up," Hunter said, letting out a stiff, nervous laugh.

"No, you hang up from your end." Zyra replied quickly, fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve.

"No, really, you hang up."

"You called me, Hunter. You hang up."

"I’ll hang up after you do__"

They went back and forth like two love sick teenagers for one whole minute, for no reason at all. It was less romantic and more competitive.

Suddenly, a hand reached from behind Zyra and aggressively swiped left, ending the call.

Zyra snapped her head around, glaring at Bianca with a look that clearly said: Why on earth would you do that?!

Bianca rolled her eyes so hard it looked painful. She placed her hands on her hips and scoffed, "Because neither of you was ever going to do it! Have some mercy on me, will you? I am painfully single!"

Zyra burst out laughing, the awkward tension completely vanishing. "Alright, fine, you single dog. I’m going to go check on Snowy because Squirrel did not return."

As they began walking down the dirt path toward the pavilion, Bianca’s teasing smile faded into something softer and more genuine. She looked sideways at Zyra.

"You know," Bianca said softly, her voice filled with warmth, "it’s really nice seeing Hunter happy for once."

Zyra tilted her head, curious. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, he has had a hard life." Bianca said, bumping her shoulder playfully against Zyra’s. "He should have won at life, being a high-born. One from a...." She stopped and sighed. "He will have to tell you about his life on his own. I don’t want him thinking I overstepped my bounds. Just know that I am glad he has you now." ℴ

Zyra looked down at her hands, a small, tender smile touching her lips as they walked together into the evening sun. Going forth, me and Hunter will have to play better as a married couple, she thought. I wonder what happened in his past?