5. The dark realm

Violet waited a moment for the three men to completely disappear. Who are they? She thought.

They were clearly werewolves. Like herself. But they are not from low rank. The three men gave off an aura that made Violet shudder.

Or perhaps it's just because she's becoming more and more timid by the time. After so many years of not living in Lusevell, coming back here felt like a nightmare.

Lusevell has always been a haunting shadow and traumatized her. That was a time when two little girls become a victim of the war caused by the ruling and powerful clan.

That's why she couldn't help herself as soon as Isabelle told her that someone, who knows, had called her back here.

She had to find her twin wherever she was and the two of them would find a way out of here together.

The night wind blew and shook the leafy tree branches. In a dark lush corner of an enormous oak tree Violet felt something moving and watched her. Owl's voice chirped. She immediately run from there.

The girl did not have time to realize that eye of an owl was watching her, out of the branch, the bird flapped its wide wings and flew back to its master.

She didn't know how many hours she had been walking. Two or three maybe. She doesn't have a watch or a cell phone now.

The sky was still completely colored of black velvet dotted with blotches of yellowish sparkle from the stars. Her hunch was that it was still a long time before dawn but now her body couldn't even hold it up any longer.

Her legs were sore and shaking. Violet slumped to the soil right behind the trunk of a giant tree.

"Isabelle where are you right now.." she mumbled. Her head was spinning and her stomach hurt. Hungry.

"I won't be able to continue this journey through all the corners of this place if I faint from hunger" Annoyed, she grabbed a pebble and threw it carelessly.

Unfortunately again, Violet didn't even carry an ATM card or cash at all. She should have brought atleast a few money.

Even though she had entered a foreign realm filled with magic and the immortals, there was at least something she could offer for some warm bread and water.

Creatures here do not like to give freely and the rewards they ask for are not usually cheap."greedy creature" Violet grumbled. Her stomach was getting hungrier.

She forced her body to rise and walk again until her energy ran out.

*****

Finally when her ears catch some voices, she quickened her pace. In front of her as if a blessing, lay several folks and rows of buildings.

Violet had never imagined she would be this relieved to be reunited with the Lusevell creatures.

Without waiting any longer she approached the night market and arrived next to a roast beef stall.

She crouched down and slumped to the ground as dizziness struck and clouded her vision again.

Someone approached the girl, standing towering in front of her. "You're blocking the way"

She raised her head, Violet blinked. He is a guy. His posture is tall and slender with a very graceful facial structure. He gave Violet a gentle smile. For a moment Violet seemed bewitched.

"Did you hear me young lady?"

"i am sorry" she stood up for a moment "i didn't see"

"Come here, you look pale" Violet let him pull her into a stall "your palms are so cold too. You're sick"

Violet pulled her hand.

He tilted his head "I'm Maxon. What's your name? Where are you from?"

It's not safe to talk to strangers. But he could be of some help. After all, no one know her here "Violet. I... I'm from here"

Maxon was waiting for her next sentence

"I need a plate of food to continue my journey. Please"

There was a pause between them, Maxon's clear eyes flickered at her before the laughter finally overtook him. Even his laughter sounded melodious. "You should have said. You made me really worry"

"why are you worried about me? We don't even know each other"

He shrugged "You're a young girl curled up in pain in the crowd. A cart or a horse could have struck you and it seems like you won't move from your placen. Anyone who sees you will be worried"

"Oh..."

"Let's sit down. Your food will be here soon"

The stall was busy. They sat on a wooden bench. Some of the dishes that were still steaming were served by the waiter. Violet finished most of it in just a few minutes.

Across from her, Maxon watched her closely every time she scoops food and chews. her cheeks puffed up like a fish. A smile touched his lips.

When their eye contact finally met, heat ran down Violet's cheeks. "I.. will repay you for all of this"

"No need Violet, it's been a pay to see you really enjoying your food" Maxon reached for a teapot on the table between them "you must be thirsty, have a drink" He poured tea into a tiny cup and handed it to Violet.

"Thank you. You are.... very kind"

The contents of the cup puffed up steam. Her palms became warm. Violet paused just before the tip of the cup touched her lips

"what's wrong? Don't you like it? You want something?" Maxon blinked. 

He was already so kind. She was completely aware, she shouldn't accept drinks from strangers. Stupid. Just now that her stomach is full, her brain can finally able to think clearly. She had even devour the whole meal!

But Violet didn't want to hurt Maxon's feelings. This is a tavern after all, when did he have the chance to poison their food? Violet took a sip of her tea and then stood up. Maxon followed her

"Is dawn coming soon?"

Maxon shook his head "still a long time"

"Maxon I have to go now. I will remember you and your name, will you always be around here?"

He nodded.

"When I'm done with my business, I'll ask one of the maids to call you and repay your kindness. We will meet again here"

He nodded, but his expression turned slightly disappointed "but where are you going?"

"looking for someone"

"It's getting late. Lots of beasts and evil creatures roaming around when the moon is shining. Shall I take you to the lodging?"

Her brain gave the alarm faster. "No. I have to go now"

Lodging was not an option from the start. Violet walked out, but after a few steps her vision darkened, Maxon caught her body before she fainted and hit the floor.