Kyan’s pov:I stepped through the trees, trying to keep my footing light and my eyes on anything that seemed like an unnatural snap of a branch, footsteps in the mud or a scent to pick up on, as Zekan and twelve others did the same. I’ve been doing this tracking every day since I got here, some even twice a day, and now it was starting to piss me off. I was starting to really believe we were tracking nothing, just paranoia that someone or something was lurking out here and it just coming down to a new family of foxes or badgers… something as ridiculous as that!I just wanted an answer! Something meaningless and stupid, so I could report it back to my father and be on my way back to Shelter Island! That human girl from Bluebay was constantly bugging me, the image of her face trying to pop its way into my head and her scent was fucking everywhere! It didn’t help that the new girl my father was babysitting used soaps that reminded me of the scent. Every day I’m out searching the forests
Ellie's POV:“You’re definitely not consuming as much food as you first did!” Talon noticed as he smirked, while we ate our lunch together in his quarters.I swallowed my mouthful of cheese and biscuit before I could answer. “I think I ate more than I ever have in my life!” I grinned.“Well, you look far healthier than you did when I saw you sitting all alone on the floor!” His smile grew as he cut off a slice of beef for himself.“All alone?” I chuckled. “Course I was. I don’t think anyone would have wanted to join me, sitting on a hard cold floor!”. “At least now, you have your very own chair to sit in, is it comfy enough?” He asked as he nodded over to the black velvet chair I'd come to spend most of my day in.&ldq
Kyan’s POV:As we carried on with our search after four hours of being out here, I could tell the guys and Kiko were all growing weary of being out here and missing the gathering. Some of their families were here to visit and as much as I couldn’t be bothered with it, I knew they wanted to be there. Fuck it! I thought as I whistled loudly for them all to trace back to me.As soon as they were all in front of me, waiting for further instructions, I decided to be done with our search. “Come on, let’s go back and you can all join the party”. “Really?” Kiko asked, looking excited, and the others had widened eyes in anticipation.“Yes, you should all be there. We can do another search tomorrow”. “But what about Lord Talon? Wouldn’t he be angry to know we’ve returned alr
Ellie’s POV:I was actually enjoying the evening so far, which I didn’t think would be possible in the slightest when Talon convinced me to come. I found myself listening to every word Lyle and Johnny said when they spoke of their home and the island they come from. Apart from the constant daggers from Lyra every time I laughed at one of their jokes or answered a question, I chose to ignore her. I knew she wouldn’t dare treat me the way she used to in front of Talon.But they were both friendly with lots of tales to tell and were more than happy to relay them to the four of us as they kept us hooked with all the mischief they got themselves into.“Kyan, you came, why don’t you join us?” I suddenly heard Talon call out and my whole body stiffened. Shit, shit, shit… don’t come over, don’t come over! &ldquo
I awoke the following morning, my dry tongue practically stuck to the roof of my mouth, not being able to find one drop of saliva. Then I felt the thudding of my head, the consequence of all the red wine I drank last night. I sat on the edge of my bed trying to get my bearings as I felt like my whole body was swaying on its own accord. I pushed myself up off the bed and stumbled like a deer across the floor, when I looked down at myself to see I was only wearing my underwear. That’s when I vaguely remembered pulling my dress and shoes off last night and just flopping onto my bed.Just as I was scrambling to get my pyjama’s on, I could hear voices coming from outside my room. I tiptoed over to the door and pressed my ear against it, my mouth still dry like sandpaper and my throat itching to be drenched with water. But as always, my curiosity was too stubborn to move away from the door.“Where did you find it?”
Two days later: When I first opened my drapes this morning, my heart leapt with joy as the brightness of the fresh fallen snow covered the grass and treetops of the palace gardens and the forest. But that smile I had soon vanished, because for the first time in my life, I wouldn’t be able to go out for that winter snow walk or do any of the things I love most this time of year. Me and Talon ate our breakfast as usual as he scoured through a black leather book and once I was done eating, I found myself standing at the large window, looking out and thinking of all that I’d be doing if I was at home. My mum would always bring out the fluffy woollen blankets and drape them on the couch, she’d buy us all new slippers and thick robes. If there were ever children playing a snowball fight, I wouldn’t hesitate to join in on the fun. Whatever scraps of food we had, I’d leave them all over our yard and walk to the bottom of the hills for the animals that were in desperate search of food
“I hear you went outside today in the gardens!” Michelle said with a quizzical brow after I told her of my request for bird seed. Talon had asked me to inform her as both she and Stuart were head of the kitchen and supplies. Anything requested, went through them to order. I did, with Talon and I think four others that were just guarding or something, but it was nice. It felt good to be outside of these walls for once!”. “So, does this mean we’ll see more of you? It feels like you’re always hiding away in Talon’s suite”. “Mmm, we’ll see. As much as I’m getting to know everyone a bit better, there’s still a lot of it that feels….. well….. surreal! You know? I still feel like I’m trying to wrap my head around this whole different version of my life, and everything I ever knew and was taught”. “Yes, I do know, and I also know it takes time to find your feet and your place here. I didn’t mean to rush you. I’ve just been here for so long now I forget what it was first like.
Kyans POV: One week later. I was supposed to be researching more into the dagger that was found, yet here I am staring out the window at her, like a weird, perverted stalker! I was more intrigued at how she managed to get my father out to the gardens for the second time. He always seemed to find more peace in his quarters, but out there… he was smiling, he looked calm, he even seemed to be enjoying himself as she handed him another bird feeder to hang in a nearby tree. It seemed like a ridiculous thing to do, but also just… warming! Something so simple, something we’ve never once done before. Now seeing her do it, it just seems so logical and humble to give the little creatures a helping hand. I watched as her hair slightly waved whenever there was a gentle breeze, and I could hear her laugh and see her smile whilst she looked so at ease with my father. There was no hesitation from her as she took hold of his arm, no wariness or fear. Every time she laughed, it awakened my