The bright morning light slowly rises above the treetops. As the day begins, the temperature increases. This country was subjugated by suffocating summer heat. And it would last some time...
Heinrich yawns deeply and straightens up. He rubs his eyes gently. "Heinrich," Annora says again. Heinrich mutters. "What"? Annora grabs his chin and moves his gaze to Rogue. Heinrich's mouth opens wide. "Did they?" Godfrey wonders. "No," Wolfgang responds. "If they had, I would have heard it," he replies as he pulls his trousers up. Godfrey exhales a sigh of relief. Rogue, who is still sleeping, is unconscious of his brothers and sisters' watchful stares. Alana's delicate hands lay in his firm grip. As she pressed herself onto his lap, his arm is delicately wrapped over her ribcage. Warm and secure. His nude chest is so near to her back that she can feel the pounding of his heart. Somehow they managed to switch bedsides during the night. Godfrey murmurs "Rogue" and rubs over his head. Alana abruptly awakens. Godfrey massages her arm softly. "Please forgive me, but it is best if you two wake up before he walks in," Godfrey says. Uncertain Alana examines her hand, which is hidden in Rogue's hand. What happened? She fell asleep on the bed's edge. Rogue was lying on his back against the wall. When did they make the switch? She snatches her hand away from his, startling Rogue. He moans, draws back his arm, and rolls onto the floor. "Fuck," he curses as he continues to lie on his back for a few seconds. Heinrich laughs while helping his brother up. "I'm guessing you slept well," he quips. Rogue mumbles something beneath his breath. Alana creeps up, drowsy. Rogue mumbles "I'm sorry" as he pulls her to her feet. "No, I'm sorry," she says quietly. Rogue removes his hands politely and begins clothing himself while Alana takes her spot on the floor once more.
Annora curses, "Come on Thedon." She shakes Thedon's body once more. "No," he says, hiding beneath the blankets. Annora sighs and rushes to the closet."Idiot," Wolfgang mutters as he pulls Thedon out of bed by his hair. "Aah," Thedon exclaims as he collapses to the ground. "Get up," Wolfgang commands. "Wolf" Godfrey growls angrily. Stubborn Thedon remains on the floor under his blankets. Wolfgang growls and makes his way to the closet. When Hate opens the door, Alana is enraged. The source of her anguish...The monster, his piercing gaze made her feel small and frail once more. Alana slowly collects her power as the creature points its finger at her. Her legs wobble as she approaches him. Only when Alana is pushed against his chest does he begin to give commands; "Godfrey, Albrecht. Hall. Wolf, Vengeance." Wolfgang rises obediently. As he passes, he bumps up to Alana's shoulder. Alana grunts softly. His heavy chain mail has darkened her flesh once again. Hate smirks amused as he watches the young thief. "Thedon" screams Hate. Thedon's gentle voice is heard from under the thick cover. As Alana attempts to hold back her laughter, Hate gives her a warning glance."Don't be stupid, you wouldn't be any fun if you were dead would you," he says. "Go to Alexi. "Yes, Thedon responds. His voice is tinged with fear. "NOW!" yells Hate, leading Thedon to leap from behind the blankets. He puts Alana in front of him arrogantly. Her body trembles as she attempts to figure out what he's going to do next. Her gaze is drawn to the massive ring of keys dangling from his belt. "Don't even think about it," he hisses through his teeth. Her gaze swiftly moves. Her gaze is now drawn to his long, pointed blade. "Not that either," he says, threateningly. She raises her eyes to him. How did he accomplish this? He didn't even look her in the eyes? His lips are curled in a wicked grin. She swallows and returns her gaze to the front of her. Her thoughts are drawn to Katinka. Is she hiding behind one of these doors? She must locate her before it is too late. But she is unable to escape him. He'd never tell her. She must locate her. How can she do it with the beast clutching her so tightly? She needs to figure out how to evade his grip once more. As she collapses to the ground, she lets out a faint groan. Hate stumbles over her, grunting. As he collapses, he lets out a harsh roar. "Alana?" he inquires. Alana gives no answer. As he brushes her hair away from her face, he lets out a sigh. "Alana, are you awake" he asks, checking her pulse. But Alana prevents him from doing so. She spits on his face indiscriminately. "What in the name of the Goddess?" he moans, wiping his spit. As he watches Alana crawl away, he yells, "You stupid whore." He clutches her leg, panic floods through her veins. "No," she says emphatically. Her muscles ache as Hate pulls her closer to him. He tightens his grip on her torso with his second arm. "Fuck," he exclaims as she burns the amulet into his hand. When she flees, adrenaline floods through her veins."That stupid mother of hers," he mutters to himself. Alana sprints through the corridors like a prey deer. His footsteps are echoing behind her. She knows deep down that her time is almost over. With each passing second, Hate comes closer. Alana knows she can't get away from him. "Please don't let it be Vengeance," she says as she opens the door. She quietly closes the door, scared to make a sound. Her heart is racing like a mad horse. She examines the room, unaware of the owner. The large room is just as luxurious as Desam's room. Dark blue drapes conceal the gold-colored bed. A deep blue carpet covers the marble floor. The fireplace, like the bed, is lavishly decorated and full of fine features. On the fireplace wall is a gold-colored clock. The room is completed by a massive gold cabinet, dresser, and chest. The warm wood-colored walls are adorned with numerous trinkets, undoubtedly stolen from wealthy individuals. This huge bedroom's luxury is unbelievable! Her nose picks up on the aroma of pine trees and cinnamon. A massive chandelier hangs over the big hardwood bed. For a little minute, her breath is caught. It's not possible!! She is tied to a wooden chair in the middle of the room. Katinka...
Her beautiful, flaming hair dangles in front of her face. Between her broken lips rests a thick rope. Tears droop beneath her bloodshot eyes. Colorful scars and bruises adorn her arms and jawline. The young lady seems taken aback. Perhaps even more than Alana."In the goddess' name! Katinka," Alana says. Katinka glances into her sister's eyes, shaking. That is not a possibility! What brings her here? How in the world did he win? Hate couldn't have gotten what he wanted. Why?! Everything she went through, everything she gave up, was for naught. Katinka's heart and mind are taken over by anger and grief. Everything she went through was to keep this from happening. Why has he won yet again?! "Alana," she moans. "It's okay, Katinka. "I'm getting you out of here," Alana says quietly. "What idiot made these knocks" she mutters to herself. In protest, her fingernails burn. Katinka beems; "Alana." Katinka squeaks once again. "I can't believe it, Katinka; I was afraid I'd lost you as well." "I've been missing you so much," Alana sniffles. "Alana, run," Katinka says softly. Alana raises her eyes to her sister. "No, not without you," she says flatly. "Alana, go," Katinka says quietly. She nods in the direction of the entrance. "Not again," Alana says quietly. "Alana" Katinka sounds through the ropes. Alana looks curiously over her shoulder. Her heart seemed to halt for a brief second. The boy she sorely missed leans against the door. The young man she used to love. Rodehanthe....The so-called blacksmith's lips are curved in a grin. Just a few days before, Katinka and Alana were making fun of the young boy's powerful arms. Is he now the one holding Katinka hostage? This is too much for Alana at the moment. She could deal with Mauger's treachery. At the very least... But Rodehanthe? He, on the other hand, shattered her heart. Her veins are filled with rage. She barely recognizes the boy in black leather.
"Hiya, long time no see," he laughs. He casually indicates Katinka. "Leave mah toy alone," he tells her. Alana asks angrily, "Toy? Are you serious?" she exclaims. "Don't be boring, Alana. Are you paying us a wee visit?" Rodehanthe laughs. Alana takes a step back, suspicious. She is fully aware that she will never be able to escape the pirate lad. Rodehanthe's face lights up with a wicked grin as she bumps against his dresser. Those pesky dimples! Alana, don't be such a fool. He's a jerk. All the unpleasant stuff are mixed in. Don't even consider his ridiculous dimples, foolish woman. Rodehanthe looks her in the eyes profoundly as he leans his massive body over her. He takes her hands in his and pulls her to him. "Nisniece," he says. "Excuse me," she says abruptly. Her mind feels like it's about to blow apart. What exactly did he just say? Isn't that impossible? Please don't let that be true. "Oh, hmm-mm you see. Hate is me big bruther," he says. "No," Alana says quietly. Rodehanthe leans against her shoulder. "Oh yes," he says in her ear. "And me bruther is no longer here to save you." Rodehanthe threatens. "Girl, you're in my room. And I do anything I want in my room," he giggles. Alana is trembling fiercely. All the warmth he once emanated feels like a distant memory. It was all a lie. Everything was a hoax. Hate had him planted in the village from the start. Mauger was correct. He has been keeping an eye on Alana since she was a newborn. Why? Why on earth did he feel the need to use him?! "Rodanthe please, don't tell me it was all an act," she says. Her voice is trembling. Rodanthe beams. "Of course not, Alana, it wasn't an act. I was just having fun. Do you get it..." Alana fights back tears. Of course, she understands him. He's every bit as bad as her father. What a lovely family she has! "Cruel game to play." "Hmm, perhaps. But I still like it," he chuckles. Alana summons every last ounce of bravery. "Please don't let me hurt you." Rodehanthe laughs. "Do you think I'm afraid of you?" he jokes. Alana is driven nuts by his thick accent. How could he possibly put on such a show? Not only for her? His parents. He most likely set fire to the barn himself. Sick monster. "I can do so much with you," he says softly into her ear. His strong arm moves across her throat as her back bumps against his chest. "Rod, I can't breathe," she grumbles quietly. "I could hurt you," he jokingly says. "I trusted you," she sobs angrily. Rodehanthe laughs. "Ask Katinka how much fun we had," he says in hushed tones. His right-hand moves across her hips and down to her stomach.
"Rodehanthe" sounds across the room abruptly. Rodehanthe lets out a long sigh. He understands the severe tone of voice. Of course. Who else than his brother? Alana's bottom lip quivers. Rodehanthe turns and looks at him... Rodanthe exaggerates a sigh. "We were just playing," he says in defense. Hate's eyes flash with rage."You have others to play with. You know the rules," Hate growls. For a brief time, it appears that even Rodehanthe is terrified. He quickly lets go of Alana. "Forgive me," Rodehanthe mumbles as he bends his head. Hate grips the boy's collar firmly. "Don't make the same mistake twice," he quietly says. He roughly releases Rodehanthe. He snatches Alana without saying anything else. "No," she says emphatically. "You're a beast. "I despise you," she yells, punching him on the jaw. Katinka's eyes widen. Why in the world did she do that?!Alana soon understands what she has done. Hate slowly turns his head back towards her. His black eyes are filled with rage. Alana can practically see the monsters deep within the man who used to be her father. Slowly, he exhales. Alana, on the other hand, breathes rapidly and erratically. Inside, she tries to swallow her nerves. He takes a hesitant step forward. Her eyes flood up with tears. What in the world did she do? He bends his head in her direction. His voice is deep and soothing. It's quieter as usual, more frightening. He tightens his hold on the linnen over her shoulders. "Don't ever do that again," he says quietly. She can feel his breath on her skin since he's so near. "Don't ever think you can get away with something like that," he growls. Tears stream down her cheeks. He viciously bites open her neck. "Please," she implores. As he draws the precious blood from her veins, she feels dizzy. Why in the world did she hit him? How could she be so daring? "Next time you challenge me, I have a special place for you," he says into her ear. "Please Hate," she implores. Hate lets forth a faint snarl. "Don't beg, little one," he cautions. "You won't like me if you beg," snorts he. "You sick psychotic beast," she wails. "You're not intimidating me," he shouts as he leads her out of the room. "Where are you taking me?!" "My room," he growls.
YOU ARE READING
𝕳𝖆𝖙𝖊 ⚜️𝕷𝖔𝖛𝖊 𝖎𝖘 𝖜𝖊𝖆𝖐𝖓𝖊𝖘𝖘
Fantasy**SECOND PART OF 4 BOOKS** They formerly enjoyed a prosperous life. A moment of happiness and safety. Those days are gone over. All they have left is faith that the chosen one would rise and lead them to safety. She, the chosen one, has been summon...