NovelEnglishAs dawn broke, a semblance of normalcy replaced the grim tableau of the previous night.
June and Erik cleaned the bathroom and disposed of Terrence's body. They returned the apartment to its original state.
Erik and June found themselves in the kitchen, their bodies craving sustenance after the arduous task.
The fridge was a sad representation of the life Terrence lived. Terrence had filled it with alcohol and had little food within.
It seemed the man preferred liquid sustenance over solid meals. They scrounged up enough food to sate their hunger.
They feasted on leftover pasta, cold cuts, and a few slices of stale bread. The meal was far from gourmet, but after the grueling night, it tasted like a feast.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtErik reached for a bottle of whiskey, his hand pausing mid-air. He glanced at June, who shrugged in response. With a sigh, Erik grabbed the bottle and poured two glasses.
The amber liquid sloshed into the glasses, the powerful scent filling the kitchen.
Erik didn't really like alcohol, but the recent events made him consider trying again.
They raised their glasses in a silent toast before downing the fiery liquid.
It burned its way down their throats, igniting a warmth that spread through their bodies.
Erik swirled the remnants of the whiskey in his glass, his face twisting into a grimace.
"I did the right thing by avoiding this shit. I never understood people who drink this."
With a swift motion, he tossed the remaining liquid into the sink; the droplets splattering against the stainless steel. The sharp scent of the whiskey lingering in the air.
"It's okay. We have a lot of ground to cover, many people to find. In the meantime, we can stir up some trouble with the local mercenary guild and even the Crystal Cross Gang."
At the mention of the gang, June's eyebrows furrowed.
"Do you think they're here, too?"
Erik nodded, his gaze returning to the eggs before him. "It's likely," he said.
"Since both the mercenary guild and the Crystal Cross Gang work for the Blackguards, it is likely. "
June's gaze hardened. His hands clenched at his sides, knuckles turning white.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe remained silent for a few heartbeats. "If you're sure about this," he said, his voice steady but carrying an undertone of worry, "then I have no right to object to our stay."
Erik simply gave him a small nod of appreciation, his expression unreadable.
His attention returned to the eggs laid out before him, his hands resuming their meticulous work. "Once the eggs hatch, though," he said, "I'll need you to take care of them."
"You want me to manage thirty kids at once?" The tone of his voice reflected the hard task Erik was assigning him.
Erik's look was apologetic. "I'm afraid so. It's important that you keep them quiet and explain to them why."
June tilted his head, a frown creasing his forehead. "I don't know if I can do that. They will listen to you, but me? I don't think so. Shouldn't you tell them that?"
Erik sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I will tell them something, but I can't make sure they will do so. You have to make sure they do. Their kid phase won't last long."
Erik turned again to look at the clone, his gaze meeting his. "The clones will mature rapidly and they'll be as smart as us in no time. They'll need to understand the situation they're in, and why they must remain silent."
June took a deep breath. It was a lot to take in, a lot to do. He nodded after a moment, determination replacing the surprise in his eyes.
"Alright," he said, his voice firm. "I'll do it."
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