Chapter 9:
A Dweller Named Sprout
Cory had incited the Omniscient Oak Tree to provide its tenth answer in the last thousand years and every creature of the jungle seemed to instinctively know this. The moment the burning five-word message had appeared etched into the bark, the jungle sprang to life. Wild cats growled, birds squeaked, the leaves of every nearby tree rustled. The air grew inexpl
Chapter 10: The Fearsome FiveThe lily-white tiger sniffed the tiny man in Cory's open palm curiously. After a few long moments, during which Blaython deliberated and Sprout sweated nervously, the magnanimous tiger decided to befriend the tiny dweller. Blaython confirmed this friendship with an enthusiastic lick that left Sprout drenched but relieved.
Chapter 11:King Magnus and Madame GrosseCory awoke to a sea of deep blue and vibrant gold. The colours danced before her weary eyes twisting around each other forming a kaleidoscope image. She watched the images sparkle. She was in a room where everything sparkled. It took her several minutes to piece the fragments of her memories together.
Chapter 12:The FeastThe feast was held in the courtyard after dusk. The long tables lining the four-sided expanse were draped in blue silk with gold embroideries and overladen with a variety of dishes. The familiar smells of freshly baked rolls, steamed fish and roasted chickens intermingled with the more exotic aromas of spiced wild meat and rare cheeses. An oval table had been placed at the centre of the courtyard. It was a highly visible spot and therefore a place of prominence.
Chapter 13: The FarewellThere was a silence so heavy Cory felt it pressing down on her resolve. She almost wanted to beg Hayden to stay the night now but she fought the urge as that would ruin her plan. Her heart swelled. She was so moved by his gesture. He meant to care for her no matter what, even after death if need be. She waited hoping he would say yes and hold her tonight and also needing him to say no and leave her be.“I want that,” murmured Hayden into her hair.He inhaled her scent deeply and held her close.“I want that more than anything,” he said, chuckling sadly.He pressed his forehead to hers, their noses brushing. He locked eyes with her.“But I don’t want you feeling like you owe me affection in exchange for any of this,” he said, gesturing towards the deed.“I don’t,” she said
Chapter 14: Maiden’s ScentWhen Cory’s barrel was unceremoniously thrown into a horse-drawn cart, she awoke with a throbbing headache. The barrel had been placed on its side so that Cory’s only option was to lie on her side as well, adopting a foetal position. She could hear Hayden’s voice instructing the men to move out. The quest party was small. There were just eight men, including Hayden and Titan. King Magnus had chosen the most skilled warriors he could find. Cory knew each of them had undoubtedly killed dozens if not hundreds of men in battle, but Stormbringers were not men. They were great beasts born of magical means and it would take magic not muscle to eradicate them.Hayden led the men out of the kingdom’s walls amid cheering from the castles residents who had gathered outside to send them off. His father was amongst them. He looked solemn and regarded Hayden with merely a curt nod of approval. On
Chapter 15: The Fire Weapons“You are an Enchantress. A Natural one. Born of magic not simply trained to harness it. A mere night spectre cannot stand up to you,” said Sprout, his tiny chest swelling with pride.Cory closed her eyes. The swirl of energy was in her mind this time not her hands. She concentrated her thoughts. She broke the barrel, shattering it to splinters. She stood up unharmed, Sprout on her shoulder. She was vaguely aware of Hayden’s flabbergasted expression. Blaython, being in the know, gave a happy snarl. She smiled at the tiger, trying to avoid locking eyes with Hayden who was probably furious after the initial confusion.Cory turned her eyes to Largo. She was seeing him for the first time. The gargantuan night spectre lifted the other side of his hat to glare at her with both his madly twitching eyes. He jeered at her, his skin stretching backwards to reveal his jagged-toothed smile. One of
Chapter 16: The Alpha Prince’s MarkHayden had them up bright and early despite the limited sleep they had all gotten.“Prince Hayden, the warriors and Lady Corinna are all a bit tired,” said Titan cautiously, trying not to directly disagree with the Alpha Prince. “But perhaps, we might retire earlier today than we did yesterday,” suggested Titan.“We will need to,” agreed Hayden. “We will reach the Dale of the Doppelgängers by tomorrow. So tonight we need sufficient rest to secure the first Fire Weapon tomorrow,” announced the Prince.Smoke and Mirrors, the twins, looked excited about the prospect of attaining the first weapon already. The other wolves looked apprehensive, especially Titan. Sprout was pensive and Cory was just shocked that Titan had called her a “Lady” as if she were a noble and seemed to know her full first name. Prince Hayden
Chapter 17: The Veil“Immortal?” Said Cory.She stared into the Prince’s bright blue eyes. The silence was heavy.“Yes,” he said softly.“I…how is that possible?” She asked.She had heard of a select few humans being made immortal by werewolves or vampires or even talented witches and wizards. This only happened if the immortal in question intended to keep said human forever as a consort. Hayden spoke to her slowly and evenly as if he were lulling her to sleep with his words.“All you have to do is just relax. I’ll extend my canines and bite your neck, leaving a mark, a permanent one and through this mark I will give you some of my essence, granting you immortality and possibly other gifts, although that is rare,” said Hayden.She listened as if spellbound. She had so many questions.“Hayden, what of your mate? Your fated Luna?