𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐄 | 𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐍 | (𝟏)

𝒗 | 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒕

𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

...✵...

🐉 | 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐀 | 🐉

I picked up the pale green skirt of my dress and moved further through the forest. The chirping birds mingled with the distant roars of dragons, a constant reminder of the dangers that lurked nearby. I glanced up briefly before quickening my pace, knowing I couldn't afford to linger. I had to find the flowers for Wren before Lady Mileva discovered where I had gone.

Dropping to my knees with a sigh, my dress flowed around me as I reached out to grab the flowers.

At the base of a towering tree were midnight ruffles, so purple they appeared black as night. I smiled, gathering my skirts into my lap and picking the flowers. Holding one up to the sunlight streaming through the branches, I marveled at the different shades of purple that came alive in each petal.

A rustling sound broke my focus. I quickly placed the flowers into my sack and rose to my full height, my heart pounding loudly in my ears. My eyes widened as Merlin burst through the brush, heading straight for me. He grabbed my hand and pulled me along.

"Run, Carena. Don't ask. Run," Merlin urged, his voice frantic.

I nodded, gripping his hand tighter as we fled deeper into the forest. I glanced back, catching sight of a creature with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion rushing towards us. It let out a screech, sending a shiver down my spine.

We ran, the forest blurring around us. I could hear Merlin's labored breathing, his fatigue evident. Suddenly, he tripped over a rock, and we both fell to the ground.

I lifted my head to see Merlin grabbing my hand again, his eyes fixed on the beast chasing us. The creature rose on its hind legs and released another screech, claws slashing toward my head. I flinched, but the sound of clashing metal rang out above me. I turned to see a man with a sword pushing the beast back with a shout.

Merlin pulled me up as I stared at the man with shoulder-length dark brown hair, landing a blow on the beast's shoulder. His blade shattered, and he dropped the useless weapon, turning to us as the beast stalked closer.

"Run. Run," the man shouted, grabbing Merlin's arm and pulling him away.

I stood my ground as the beast approached, growling in warning. I lifted my head and held my hands out to the side, feeling eyes on me from behind. "Shhh. It's okay."

"Carena!" Merlin yelled in fear. "Run!"

I stared into the beast's yellow eyes as it marched towards me until it was only a few breaths away.

"I won't hurt you," I whispered.

It stared at me, its gaze traveling over my body from head to toe. The beast paused, its eyes fixed on my birthmark under my collarbone before shifting to my necklace that had fallen out of my dress. Then, slowly, it lowered its head to the ground.