Deception

As the rest of the patrol filed away, the two guards beckoned us out of the alley. "Come along. With the demons so close, it's not safe after dark, so stay close."

"The demons?" Jessia asked, her eyes wide with feigned fear. "Are they really going to attack?"

"That's what we believe," Tom said, giving her a bright smile. "They haven't spared a single city in their march yet, but don't worry, little lady, we'll take care of them."

She smiled back, fluttering her eyelids. "I didn't know we had such tall, strong soldiers protecting us. I feel safer already."

I couldn't help but suppress a groan, feeling the urge to roll my eyes. At least this charade had given me an excuse to lean on Luke. Not that I cared that it was Luke, specifically, but I didn't have to carry myself around. If hearing her flirt with a few guards was the cost, then I'd happily pay it.