In the palace.
Ray marched to the kitchens where Bella and some servants conducted their afternoon duties. On getting there, he spotted Kai already talking to Bella. The other servants ran out in fear.
"Where is she?!" The shark beastman questioned, his voice terrifyingly cold.
Bella huddled in a corner, tears brimming in her eyes as she tried to make herself as small as possible while Kai towered over her.
"She…t-the expedition! That's…that's where…"
"And you thought it was a good idea?! With the general half mad and bent on hurting her?!"
"I tried to stop her but—"
Kai grabbed Bella by her collar and yanked her close. "Where is the expedition?"
Ray rushed forward and grabbed Kai's arm. "Let her go, you're scaring her."
Bella shivered, biting back tears and silently praying they'd leave her alone.
Kai turned to Ray, his blue eyes dark with anger and something else. With a loud sigh, he let go of Bella. She wasted no time running out of the kitchen.
