The Brute Man

Illyria's POV

   The waterfalls dragged me to the bottom of the river, where it was calmer. I surfaced and took a big gulp of air. I was alive, my tears mixed with the water on my face as I sobbed uncontrollably.

    My family, my friends and even all those other innocent guests might be dead. I reached the shore and held on to it, trying to keep myself afloat while catching my breath.

    As I tried to keep it together, I could see my whole dress had been ruined. My hair was wet and tangled, my face must be a mess and my feet were bloodied and bruised. I crawled until I found a tree to lean my back against as I studied my wounds. I was tired, hungry and alone.

    All I could hear was the soft hoot of the owls on the trees and the loud howls of the wolves at a distance. My eyes were closing by themselves when I suddenly heard the sound of leaves rustle. I tried to stand up, afraid and alert, feeling my legs turn into jelly from all the running. 

    Were the wolves near? Did those blood hungry beasts find me?

    “Please, God. Help me. Don't let them find me" I said in a silent prayer. The footsteps were getting closer, my heart pounded in my chest as I tried to hide behind the tree, but I knew I was doomed.

    Running was not an option at the time.

    “Whoever you are, please stay away!" I yelled while I picked a long branch from the ground, knowing fully well it won’t do much to protect me. My minute of bravery was cut short when the tall silhouette of a man showed up in the dark. 

    “Please, don't hurt me" my voice came out as a whisper, as fear wouldn't let me speak clearly. The man was silent. He just stood there, staring at me.

    All I could notice were two big, golden orbs on his face, and I assumed those were his eyes. They were just like Cassius' red ones. Is he one of them? 

    I wanted to run, but my feet were sore and my body wouldn't move.

   “What are you doing here? This is private property" I heard him snarl, and his deep voice penetrated through my soul. I tried to move back slowly, but to my unfortunate luck, he grabbed me and threw me over his strong shoulders.

    Did he think he was carrying a dead animal? I was uncomfortable and in pain and he was being a brute, carrying me like I was nothing.

    “Let me down, you jerk! Who do you think you are?"

    I forgot about my fear as I tried to yell at him as loud as I could, but I had no energy left. More tears streamed down my cheeks at the precarious situation I found myself in. I lost everyone and now I might end up being a prisoner to this man. Who knows what he would do to me?

    He took me deeper into the woods where there was a quaint village. Kids were running around, and women were walking with baskets full of delicious bread. The smell had my stomach growling, but this beast didn't seem to notice or even care.

    “Could you please, let me down?" I begged, but it was falling in deaf ears. I looked up at the people staring back at us. Some of them smiled, others were curious. The kids waved at me, and I waved back with a soft smile.

    “A new human is coming!" I could hear one of them running inside a house, excitedly. 

   

    ‘A new human? Are they planning on eating me here?' I thought to myself. In a swift motion, I got loose from the man's arms and took off running. I didn't care where my feet took me, as long as it was far away from here. I would not be food for these people.

    I ran into a dead end, fearing once again for my life. The crowd gathered in front of me, looking with curious eyes as I slid down against the wall, holding my knees against my chest. 

    “Don't come any closer, please just go away!" I sobbed as the man who took me, walked between the crowd. I could see him clearly now. His big muscles made him seem like a viking, his torso was bare, showing a strong chest and well built abs, his black hair shone with the lights of the torches illuminating the village. I could see a strong jawline, covered by a light stubble and those gray eyes were rare and beautiful.

    “Do you think running away will save you?" he said, kneeling down in front of me. His strong musky scent hit my nostrils, making me clench my thighs together. I could see him inhale my arousal and a smirk showed on his face. Pervert.

    “If it means I get to run away from everyone, then yes," my voice came out as a high pitch, showing how frightened I was. 

    “I am sorry, lovely lady. But there won't be any escape from here. You trespassed this land, and there is a punishment,” he replied as he grabbed me by the hand and dragged me towards the crowd. 

    “I didn’t mean to. I was trying to escape from these monsters. They were chasing me, making me end up in the river. Please, listen to me!” I tried to make him stop, but it was in vain. 

    Doing the unthinkable, I bit him in the arm, causing him to let out a loud snarl and grab me by the nape of the neck.

    “Don't you know who I am?” I asked, hoping this would make him stop. He did, but just to look at me with those golden eyes again. He pulled me close to him, where there was only an inch of space in between our faces.

    “I don't know who you are, nor do I care. I am protecting this village from intruders and I am taking you to my leader. He will know what to do with you,” he seethed and resumed the walk towards a big stone castle on a hill. 

    I looked back, everyone had resumed their labors, not caring what could happen to an innocent woman like me. We reached the castle entrance, and I looked around to see guards standing still with sharp wooden spears in their hands. 

    “Well, Duchess Abbot. You will see my leader in a few minutes,” he mentioned.

    “How do you know my name? I thought you said you didn't know who I am,” I asked, goosebumps raising again on my arms. 

    “Do you know who I am?” he asked, as another smirk showed on his face. This man was a jerk. Too my unfortunate luck, he was handsome, and it’s a shame. That attitude of his will not get him a girlfriend. 

    “I just lied. I watch over this woods. Of course I know everything there is to know.” 

    I hugged myself, trying to think of happy moments. There were none left. So much for my happy birthday. The guards opened the large, oak wood doors and we went into a big hall decorated with medieval paintings and statues.

    “Do you guys believe in a modern life? How long has this place been here?” I asked, not knowing how much I offended him until he turned around and snarled at me once again, making me stop on my tracks.

    “Not another word” he threatened. We kept walking until I saw a big room, two golden seats in the front with velvet cushions. 

    The double oak doors at the end opened, as a man and a woman entered, assuming they were the leaders. Now I was going to have a panic attack. This was it for me, I was in a lot of trouble.