With delicate and gentle touches, a soft breeze caresses the ancient trees. The gentle morning light gracefully dries the fallen leaves. Raindrops gracefully descend from slender branches. Birds sing melodious songs as they soar through the azure sky. The serene woodland is magically transformed by a radiant golden glow. A beautiful work of art gradually emerges, bringing life and enchantment to the scene.
A pair of gray bunnies hop between the fallen branches. Sand cascades down the berms and slopes. The bashful clouds are reflected in dried dirt puddles. The storm had gradually dissipated, giving way to a beautiful spring day.
Alana's exhausted, burning eyes slowly open. Sunbeams filter through the canopy and caress her bleeding face. Warm blood flows down her legs. She is unable to stand due to a scorching agony in her back. Her head feels heavy, thudding like a drum. The witch queen's inky black gown was ripped here and there. Mud, blood, and other unidentified filth stains the lace. Her fractured wrist is bloated and coated in dried blood. Her right hand has a severe cut thats infected. Her lips are cracked and dry. A previous head wound had left a scar on her brow. Her hair has been tangled and splattered with different surfaces. The long trip had ripped apart her inner legs, letting blood splatter all over her legs. Her blue-yellow skin is adorned with burns. Her nose and right ear are dripping with blood. Her leg is filled with excruciating pain. Every breath she takes hurts her bruised ribs. Her hip appears to have been yanked out of their socket. Alana not only felt like a disaster, but she was. Her body is shattered. Her thoughts are troubled. Her eyes are filled with silver tears. Her heart is gripped by fear. Fear of impending suffering. Fear of death, in particular... How did this happen? Why does it have to end this way? She's getting closer, yet it seems so far away. Alana understands she would never have made it. She wasn't going to stand a chance.
She looks at the burnt stump to her right. Behind the dead tree, a terrible roar can be heard. Alana swallows. Her throat is rough and dry. A hungry jaguar approaches her gently. The slim creature licks its lips. Wishing for Alana's flesh. She trembles as she shuts her eyes. There is no one who can help her. Nobody will remember her or mourn her.
"Hate" she whispers as she can feel death his cold icy breath into her neck. A tear rolls from her eye as she whispers his name. Why she does not know. The mark on her wrist illuminates as his name leaves her lips. Her eyes briefly illuminate with a brilliant white light.
Alana blinks and opens her eyes again, surprised. A big black wolf charges in front of her. His bloodshot eyes dart past her. Alana's stomach rolls and twists. She'd rather throw up but Alana can't move. Her body has surrendered. The two predators growl and menace each other. The wolf cautiously navigates around Alana's injured body, ensuring her safety. Alana observes with gratitude as the wolf acts as her protector against the menacing jaguar.
The scavengers battle, whining, roaring, and snarling. The jaguar eventually gives up and retreats with its tail between its legs. The wolf celebrates by shaking its head. Alana looks at the enormous beast. What exactly is he waiting for? Why is he not attacking? Inhumanely, the wolf shudders. The dark beast is surrounded by black smoke. Alana's heartbeat quickens. Whereas not long ago The enormous wolf sat, now a young guy crouches. The shape-shifter...
The diamond-shaped face of the young man is shaved. His bottom heavy lips,, grin kindly. His short chocolate brown hair is combed to the right, exposing his sharp ears. Above his left eye, a small line in his hair can be seen. The left side of his hair is neatly shorter trimmed. His almond-shaped eyes are deep and piercing. At the very least, the left. His right eye has no pupil and is totally white. His left eye is a bright marigold yellow, with a crimson-red color encircling the pupil. A tiny, lengthy scar runs across his warm golden skin over his right eye, from his black arched brows to his powerful jawbones. A deep line adorns his jaws, accentuating his strong chin and jawline. His neck is inked in a dark color. A spiral goddess sign is drawn in the middle of his throat, with a perfectly completed pattern surrounding it. His powerful figure is dressed formally in a white blouse, black jacket, and tie. She'd never seen such outfits before. What is his background?
"How the mighty have fallen," he scoffs, wiping a hair out of her lips. A British accent runs through his deep voice. Alana appears to be the same age as the young male. But as he observes Alana, his gaze is filled with wisdom. "We haven't officially met yet: my name is Drakken," he adds as he softly caresses her. "Don't be afraid, help is on the way," he says. Quickly, he transforms into a dark raven. He caws and vanishes into the canopy.
Tormented, she takes deep, short breaths. She tries furiously to sit up. Her body burns. She falls again, this time with a crying scream. From head to toe, a scorching ache rages through her body. The teethmark of Hate illuminates again. Everything she'd battled for... All of the agony. All the tears, all the heartbreak... it was all for naught. She looks up at the swirling treetops, defeated. Before everything turns black, she catches a glimpse of Heinrich, who gently bends over her.
Alana slowly opens her eyes. A hazy vision appears in front of her. Her head rests against a strong chest, hidden under a black leather vest... Rogue...
Her aching muscles are scorched by two powerful arms. Her eyes gently shut once again. The steady sound of his heartbeat soothes her back to sleep. Alana slowly opens her eyes. A beautiful blue sky grins at her. Thedon, on her right, is bored and fiddling with Daydream's reins.
"Little one," he says soothingly. Heinrich grumbles angrily, "We have to move on." Godfrey's voice echoes to her left, calm as ever: "Wolf and Albrecht have not yet returned." "Where the hell did they go" Heinrich swears. "Calm down now, they're just collecting some fruit." Heinrich sighs and rolls his eyes. Alana glances at Godfrey, terrified. He gives her a kind smile. He carefully uncovers her legs. He whistles through his teeth.""Hate will not be satisfied," he jokingly says. Rogue silently offers him a bowl of water. "Do you think he would" he inquires. Godfrey turns to face him. "We're talking about Hate," he declares. "Disgusting pig," Rogue exclaims. Godfrey nods softly. He carefully wipes the blood from her face. When Alana whimpers, he abruptly pauses. Rogue concerned as never before, glances at her. "Inhale calmly," Godfrey says. Rogue inspects the tiny wound on Alana's ribcage. Alana shivers and gasps as Rogue's fingertips skim over her wound. Godfrey cleans the bite wounds on both sides of her neck with care."You can keep dabbing," Heinrich complains. Godfrey sighs. "I'm sorry," he says quietly as he wipes the blood from her face. Alana's eyes sparkle with tears. "Do it Rogue" Heinrich orders. Rogue sighs. He puts his hands before his mouth and imitates the call of an owl. Not long after a birdscall sounds through the trees.
It was him? It were them those sounds?! She heard it so much!! They were so close! So many times!!
Godfrey sighs and places his hand on her stomach. "Don't give up just yet," he says softly as her tired eyelids slowly shut. He pays attention to her respiration. Heinrich grumbles, "Where were you, damn it?" Albrecht laughs. "Wolf had to have blackberries," scoffs he. "You wanted those blackberries," Wolfgang complains. "And you couldn't wait an hour or two?" "I was hungry," Wolfgang complains. "You're always hungry," Godfrey sneers. Without responding, Wolfgang hurls a ripe pear towards Heinrich. He gives a nod. Heinrich approaches Alana in silence. Gently he drags Alana between his legs, her back against his powerful chest. Her head rests on his shoulder. "Eat," he says. He pushes the fruit to her broken lips. "Bite," he says quietly. Alana, on the other hand, does not have the power any more. Her teeth scuff on the pulp. Heinrich sighs and swears, "Oh come on." She shivers and puts her head on his sturdy shoulder once again. Heinrich pays attention to her sluggish, gasping breaths. He must take action! He grumbles as he chews off little pieces of the pear and stuffs them into her mouth. Godfrey gives them a kind grin."What" Heinrich mumbles, Godfrey grins as he shakes his head. "Pretty to see" he jokes eventually. Heinrich rolls his eyes. "You are pearing" shouts Thedon. Wolfgang slaps against the back of his head. Daydream shakes his sticky head uncomfortably and continues to graze. "I'm sorry, little one," he replies calmly. Heinrich stands up. "Godfrey, hold Alana, please," Godfrey gives a nod. "I really"...
Heinrich cries out in agony. A sharp dagger tip emerges from his sternum. The fatal wound is gushing with blood.
"Heinrich" exclaims Godfrey. Henrich gets caught in his arms. The dying youngster looks into Godfrey's eyes, desperate. Godfrey's eyes well up with tears. Heinrich spits blood after retching. Godfrey gently places Heinrich on the dry grass. Godfrey, enraged, glances at the forest edge.
A single knight appears from the bushes. "You," Godfrey yells angrily. "You killed my brother!!"As he charges toward the knight, adrenaline rushes through his veins. Wolfgang and Albrecht bravely follow their sibling. The youths, however, are no match for the skilled knight. Rogue stands guard in front of Alana and Thedon. In a rapid motion, the knight slits Godfrey's throat. Albricht is stunned and freezes. Taking advantage of the absence of the youngster, the knight smacks Albrecht on the floor. Wolfgang, enraged, leaps upon the knight's back. The youthful bandit strives in vain to bring the knight down. The knight groans angrily and collapses into the musty ground. Wolfgang groans loudly. His neck is broken as a result. Rogue rages against the crusader. Despite hurting the knight, the seasoned crusader kills him as well. Thedon takes a step back, terrified. He glances up, trembling, at the approaching knight. "Come on, thief," the knight yells. "Only my voice is nice, old man," Daydream breezes. You murdered them..." Thedon yells. He stares at Godfrey, who is struggling to breathe. With each futile try, blood drips from his wound. The knight watches Thedon intently. He yanks off Thedon's mask with a jerk. The knight's mouth widens. He seems defeated. He looks down at Thedon's fallen brothers. He yanks off Thedon's hood. The youngster's fluffy hair blows in the breeze. Thedon's dropped crêpe pink lips shudder. Tears stream down his cheeks. His sharp ears are covered behind his short oakwood colored curly hair. His dark, S-shaped brows furrow. His young age is revealed by his oval face,with a natural beige complexion.
"I apologize... I had no idea... you were so young. What are you doing here? Why are you doing such a thing?" Tears stream down his chiseled cheeks. "Come on, boy, we can save her." I can provide you with a nice life. Promise. "I'll train you." Thedon sighs and shakes his head. "Now boy, I'm sorry about your brothers, but we'll bury them together...You have my word on it." Bevent peers Thedon to the ground."Monster!" he yells. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you boys were just... kids. I... Please accompany me.' Thedon quickly shakes his head. "Why not?"
"Because he can't," an abrupt voice replies. The knight makes a hasty turn. He casts a deadly glance toward the seven demons. "You," he hisses, spitting on the dirt. "Come on, fight like a man." You are not deserving that surcoat! "None of you."Hate smiles. "I can do that," he says as he takes a step forward. "But what's the fun in that?" Hate steps forward. He outstretches his hand. The hero his skin begins to boil and tear. Alana shuts her eyes, trembling. The shouts of the knight's death reverberate throughout the fields. She slowly opens her eyes. Hate is huddled by her side. In her brilliant waters, his black eyes flame. Her whole body trembles with terror. It's peculiar. She is afraid, but she is also relieved that he has arrived. She knows she's going to die. Perhaps he's coming to save her? Hate is staring deeply at her. He gently rests his palm on her heated brow. "You called me" he whispers askingly.
Vengeance mutters and kicks Godfrey, "Hate he's alive... kinda." Hate turns his head and sighs. "Get up, maggots," he hisses quietly. The thieves rise one by one, crying and moaning. Hate stands up gently. He walks over to Thedon. He makes fun of the wailing robber. "Why are you crying like a baby" he says, slapping Thedon on the head. "My Lord," Godfrey coughs, "you may have forgotten, but Thedon is still a child. He is eleven years old." Hate gives Thedon a long glance before returning to Alana. He rests his fingers gently on her wounded carotid artery. "Vengeance!" Vengeance huddles near him. He turns to face Alana. Hate mumbles something incomprehensible. Vengeance nods. Alana is lifted by Hate. Alana sobs softly. Almost unhearable she whispers; "Hate." "Shh, it'll be fine," Hate whispers as he hands her to Godfrey. He fixes his gaze on her. She pleaded with him. Why? Her stolen jewellery from Mauger falls out of her clothing. Hate gradually elevates the necklace."Why do you have this" he inquires. Alana says something, but it's too quiet to hear. Hate slips the jewelry into his pocket. "Take her to the castle, we have something to do," he says, before vanishing with the other demons.
Godfrey turns to face Alana. She dangles helplessly in his arms. Alana's nose is teased by his beautiful aroma of fresh pine. She puts her head on his chest, exhausted. Alana shuts her eyes. "Come on girl" orders Albrecht. "I mean, you're a girl right" she askes Daydream as he snorts. "From this point of view he's clearly a dude" mumbles Rogue. Albrecht looks embarrassed down as his brothers laugh. Groaning Rogue hets up from the sand.
Heinrich shakes with Wolfgang. "Wolf! "Wolf, please get up." "What is it?" Albricht inquires. "I... I'm not sure," Heinrich shakes with his brother in fear. "Wolf!" Rogue approaches Wolfgang and touches his neck. "Fuck! His neck is still fractured." Heinrich mumbles incoherently as he raises his brother's dead corpse. "We have to carry him." "How many times has he died?" "This is his second time," Heinrich says quietly. "That cannot be the case. Hate... he must have forgotten about him." "I can't carry him," Henrich complains. "With me, you can," Rogue responds. "We can't afford the extra time." "She's dying," Albrecht laments. "Dream," Alana murmurs softly. Godfrey raises his head."Put him in the saddle" . Heinrich helps Rogue pull Wolfgang into the saddle. "I can't believe you wanted to leave him behind," Godfrey mutters. "I wanted to come back for him"! Godfrey sighs and continues walking. "She's ice cold," he complains. Heinrich drapes his cloak over her. Rogue takes off his vest, revealing a black blouse. He slips the coat over Alana's body gently. Alana shuts her eyes once again. She surrendered. Everything has been in vain. All of the fighting, all of the killing, all of the running, all of the anguish... From the corner of her eye, a glittering tear falls. "It's okay," Godfrey says quietly. He massages her arm softly. "How could Hate, forget Wolf," Albrecht bellows. Heinrich scoffs, "He's getting old." "Or he's spending too much time with Vengeance," Albrecht groans, continuing. Rogue stares at him with a grin. "What?" "Is that jealousy in your voice?" Heinrich mocks. Heinrich grins heartily as Albricht groans incoherently. "Stop arguing," Godfrey says sternly. "Heinrich, take her over," he instructs before abruptly stopping. Heinrich mumbles and wraps his arms around Alana. Alana groans gently as her head rests on Heinrich's powerful arm. "What is it" Heinrich speaks in hushed tones. Godfrey sighs and leans on Albrecht. He instantly turns around and spits out his stomach contents. "Wolf lifeless, you sick," Albrecht growls and continues. "Hate has done an excellent job once more." Godfrey shakes his head. He touches his chin with his short beard. "It's the berries' fault," Godfrey protests, pushing his wood-colored hair off his face. "I'm not sure. "I'm not feeling well, either," Rogue complains. "Give it some thought, gentlemen. We were killed. Dark magic returned us... It cannot be beneficial for our health. "I'm confident we'll feel better after a good night's sleep," Albrecht adds. Rogue nods. As Wolfgang's hand drops off the horse's muscular back, Thedon tenderly massages it. He examines the moss-green cowl that conceals Wolfgang's motionless face. Sobbing, he rubs his palm over his wet eyes, peering down the hill at the dark stronghold. "Come on," Albrecht mutters, continuing. "It is time..."
For the guys, the massive gate creaks open. Alana shivers with terror. As they reach the immaculate courtyard, a cold stings her body. In a haste, a young guy runs out of the stables. He waits patiently for Rogue to help Wolfgang off of the saddle. "Oof, little guy you need to eat less" he grunts as Wolfgang his body bumps against his. Godfrey rushes to his aid. Alana stares up in despair at Daydream... for the last time.
"I'm sorry Daydream." "No, it's you that must forgive me, little one. Don't be scared. Don't be worried, your discomfort will be gone shortly. I love you, but you're ready, and I'll miss you. And we'll see each other again. If lets me." His voice gradually fades.The gloomy castle doors slam shut behind the guys. The shadows generated by torches set on gold wall mounts are bleak. Heinrich pulls her up to the double doors. The well crafted doors are adorned with gold frames and door knockers. Albrecht unlocks the door after Heinrich takes a big breath.
YOU ARE READING
𝕳𝖆𝖙𝖊 ⚜️𝕷𝖔𝖛𝖊 𝖉𝖔𝖊𝖘𝖓'𝖙 𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖆 𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖈𝖊
Fantasy**THE FIRST BOOK** Once upon a time... That is how all fairytales start. However, this is not a fairy tale. This is not a tale of a fancy princess nor of a handsome prince on a white horse. This is his story. The story of Hate... Our beautiful land...