Wild One

“Come on, Dyce, we have to hurry. They are gaining on us!” I whispered between shallow breaths. How could this have happened to us? I have to get him to safety. We don’t have the time to devise a plan or figure out a strategy. Our parents' guards were closing in behind us; pushing us to keep running in the direction of the balcony. I knew we couldn't get stuck out there but every time I tried to move my brother and I around a corner we were met with full grown demons in royal armor charging us. I’ve not ever looked into eyes that were such deep yellow they reminded me of a curious cat playing with its food. I snapped back into reality, realizing that we were just mere steps from the balcony. I couldn’t stop us. I started screaming. Begging to let my brother be set free. I stretched my arms out and had Dyce stand behind me. I wouldn’t let them hurt him. He was all I had left. Not him, please, not him. Take me. One of the demons stretched out a fraile gaseous arm. It was strange,

Roghd crouched and began packing a small sack with a few seeds, some dried berries, salves made from herbs found throughout the forest, supplies to make a fire, and an extra set of clothes. He handed me the bag, his midnight eyes gave me a loving look saying everything words could not. I hugged him. “I love you.” “Blessed be” he softly stroked my hair I turned to Jace. He didn’t meet my eyes but he moved close to me and wrapped his arms around me. “You saved me. You’re the reason I woke up every morning. I will always think of you, bud. Be well and take care of your dad, okay?” He gave me one short but clear nod. Inching my way to the gates from out of the tree line I realized I was holding my breath. I had no idea how I would approach the gates. Did I need to identify myself? Will they recognize Bryt as the name of the former princess? Or would they think it just a coincidence? What should I call myself? I really didn’t think this through at all. But I was already making m

As we descended the dark stairs I was amazed that he continued to hold my hand in his. I wouldn’t even dare to admit to myself that I liked the feel of his cool fingers wrapped around mine. The cool touch reminded me of laying down in the morning grass, full of dew. Cool, refreshing, invigorating. I shook my head. Snap out of it, Bryt. Honestly. Anyway, what did he mean when he said that my father arranged this. Wanted this. I’ve never met this man. What is going on?“What did you mean when you said, my father wanted this?” I asked in the most neutral tone I could muster. “That will all come in time. You are special, my darling. There is no one in the world like you, let alone this kingdom, and together we will restore it to the glory it deserves. That you deserve. Now, come, let’s go see father.” And with that his pace quickened and I struggled to keep up. He moved gracefully. Effortless, as if floating above the ground. I was mesmerized by him. Watching him from behind, he wore sem

Vycer moved forward, trying to be mindful of Bryt's shorter gait. How could he convince her what she believed she knew to be true was not. If he had been in her shoes he wouldn't have believed it either. If someone that he knew to be his enemy was trying to tarnish his family's name...his thoughts trailed off as they came to a T in the castle. To the left was Bryt's room. To the right, a spare room Vyver had decided he would stay in until Bryt was ready to enter their shared quarters in the central tower of the castle. But he wouldn't rush her. She deserved the space. He was all to familiar how much deeper emotional wounds run. To expierence all the physical suffering in the world cannot compare to the depth of sorrow one can feel when they have been betrayed or when a loved one is taken from them. Vycer knew that pain well. The eternal blur life turns out to be once your choice is taken from you. He wouldn't do that to her. He couldn't take her choice. At least, she needed to believe

Did he forget that I used to live here? So, I play along and stride forward. This will be an easy endevor and if I am honest with myself I was exceptionally excited to embarrass him. It frustrated me that he thought me so little of me that he was convinced I was unable to make my way to the dinning hall. I stepped forward, Vycer's hands locked into mine. I hated that feeling. The feeling of interlaced fingers. Every part of my body wanted to rip my hand from his yet, I also found the warmth of his palms soothing, settling. So much different from the icy embrace that he sported just a day earlier. It very much reminded me of Jace. How he, and his people, always felt warm. It didn't matter what group of Wild Ones I encountered on my travels because they all emitted the same warmth. As if they could channel the heat of the sun into their hands. I had never met anyone who could embrace such a warmth while also being capable of such a deep chill. I shook my head. Stay focused. Alert