Before Aisha could demand answers, Skadi suddenly darted forward, nose twitching. She leaned in close, sniffing Cassius shamelessly.
"Skadi, what in the world are you doing?" Julie blinked. "Does he really smell that bad?"
"Of course not, Captain." Skadi giggled, rubbing her head against his arm affectionately. "Master smells like sweat, sure, but that's only natural after tossing so many bodies around. I was just making sure it's really him. His face is covered...but it's definitely Master."
Aisha exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Unbelievable…" She then stepped forward, her tone snapping with impatience.
"Enough games, Cassius. Tell us what this is. Why are you doing this? Why break their legs, why throw them in a pit? What's going on?"
Cassius tilted his head. Though the scarf hid his mouth, his smile could be felt, warm and playful.
"Isn't it obvious? I already told you last night."
Aisha froze, caught off guard. "…What?"
