“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,
My head twisted left as I heard the sound of heavy stone grappling with the solid ground. I had never heard anything quite like that sound. Interesting, I wonder what it could be. “I haven’t heard the kingdom gates open since the day we found you, I am curious as to why they are opening it now after all these years” Roghd stated openly. The gates. The kingdom was opening. Secretly, I had been preparing for this day. I wanted nothing more than to sneak back into the guarded walls and find the vengeance I so deserved. I have spent countless days and more sleepless nights than I could count dreaming of the day I would face Dekk again and watch the life drain from his eyes just as he forced me to witness the very same of my family. I knew at that moment, I had to go back. I was so eternally grateful for the newfound family I had found in Jace and Roghd but I had to go back. How could I leave them? I had to protect Jace. I couldn’t abandon him after he and his father risked their ver
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 my
I jolted awake realizing that I must have slipped into a sleep. I sat up and rubbed my eyes. Looking around I saw I was still alone, instead of the sun shining in through the window, I found a soft glow lighting only a small sliver of the rooms’ floor. A moment later Vycer appeared out of the shadow that darkened one corner of the room. “Feeling better, darling?” he softly asked I just looked at him. Was he there the entire time I slept? How did I not hear the door open? “May I leave?” I asked. He smiled gently and walked towards me. My gods, this man was what dreams were made of. I felt so nauseous even thinking that but my body would not listen to reason. I felt shivers run the length of my body and my jaw tighten. I couldn’t let him see my body’s desire. I need to get out of here. Before I could realize what was happening his large, rough hand was cupped around the base of my chin, tilting my eyes to him, as his other arm wrapped around my waist, dangerously low. His finge
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
I jolted awake realizing that I must have slipped into a sleep. I sat up and rubbed my eyes. Looking around I saw I was still alone, instead of the sun shining in through the window, I found a soft glow lighting only a small sliver of the rooms’ floor. A moment later Vycer appeared out of the shadow that darkened one corner of the room. “Feeling better, darling?” he softly asked I just looked at him. Was he there the entire time I slept? How did I not hear the door open? “May I leave?” I asked. He smiled gently and walked towards me. My gods, this man was what dreams were made of. I felt so nauseous even thinking that but my body would not listen to reason. I felt shivers run the length of my body and my jaw tighten. I couldn’t let him see my body’s desire. I need to get out of here. Before I could realize what was happening his large, rough hand was cupped around the base of my chin, tilting my eyes to him, as his other arm wrapped around my waist, dangerously low. His finge
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 my
My head twisted left as I heard the sound of heavy stone grappling with the solid ground. I had never heard anything quite like that sound. Interesting, I wonder what it could be. “I haven’t heard the kingdom gates open since the day we found you, I am curious as to why they are opening it now after all these years” Roghd stated openly. The gates. The kingdom was opening. Secretly, I had been preparing for this day. I wanted nothing more than to sneak back into the guarded walls and find the vengeance I so deserved. I have spent countless days and more sleepless nights than I could count dreaming of the day I would face Dekk again and watch the life drain from his eyes just as he forced me to witness the very same of my family. I knew at that moment, I had to go back. I was so eternally grateful for the newfound family I had found in Jace and Roghd but I had to go back. How could I leave them? I had to protect Jace. I couldn’t abandon him after he and his father risked their ver
“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,