Page 48 of Immortal Origins
Ambrose did her best to match his stride but Akadian was almost a head taller than her and she had to keep a jogging pace just to keep up with his brisk walk. They passed through the corridors, early rays of the morning sun peeking out in the distance. The sky turned from hues of royal blue to a lighter blue, while a pink and yellow halo lay on the horizon.
“Like what?” she huffed between breaths.
“Besides the usual unicorn or shadow panther?” he asked.
“Those aren’t bad enough?” She plaited her hair back as they walked so it wouldn’t hang in her face.
“That’s not even close to the worst of it,” he muttered, brow furrowed.
“Tell me.” What could possibly be more terrifying than adragon?
They approached the entrance courtyard and the silhouettes of five figures stood waiting for them. Akadian slowed his pace and lowered his tone. “There are things in those woods. Horrible, ancient creatures the gods created long ago. Things that can trick you and play with your mind. Ones that twist your darkest fears and use them to drive you mad. Hunters that can disorient you and tear you apart before you can do anything tostop it.” He paused and pulled her to the side of the hallway. “There are even things that can steal your soul. They feed on your mana force, claiming it for their own so it can never pass on to the afterlife. It’s theirs forever and the more they eat, the longer they live and the stronger they become. Some of them areveryold.”
“Is that all?” she joked nervously.
“Not even close. Alkijin. Nasty creatures and a pack hunter that’s made of and wields shadows. They can’t exist where light does so don’t leave the campsite at night and whatever you do, don’t walk away from the fire.” He tilted his chin down and stared at her with a softness that made her wish he was even closer. The concern on his face almost gave her pause. Almost. He grabbed her hand like he was afraid of it but gave her fingers a light squeeze. Electricity hummed in her stomach as she memorized the way his fingers felt holding hers, even as gently as he did. Like the ghost of a touch that wasn’t fully there, before he pulled his hand away and she was left with only the memory. Her feelings had become so mixed when faced with the prince. Some moments, he seemed so distant and lost in his own thoughts, but he’d softened to her over the weeks in a way that made her heart skip a beat. A softness he seemed to save just for her. She didn’t understand how someone could be so hot and cold all at once. It confused…and excited her. “Just don’t leave my side or the group, okay? You’ll be safe as long as we stick together. I promise, I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Her heart picked up as she looked at him. She bit her bottom lip to keep it from trembling as his words soaked in and found a home in the back of her mind. Anticipation buzzed through her veins and as she avoided looking at him, she told herself the fire she felt was from fear… Nothing else. Which wasn’t entirely a lie. What other kinds of monsters existed? That she was blind to living in the palace? What horrors did the gods create for no other reason than they could? It didn’t surprise her, but it did remind her the world she lived in was more dangerous than she could’ve ever imagined. Even through its cruelty, she’d lived a sheltered life inside the palace.
She had to get her hands on a sword as soon as she could. She doubtedshe’d make it very far without one.
She gave him a reassuring nod as she met his eye. “Okay.”
They turned their attention towards the five beings waiting for them and made their way to greet them. From the distance and early morning light, she could just make out their faces the closer they got. She only recognized two of them. Danthan from her Magick lessons and an elven fae with a short stocky build, a red beard that matched wild hair that formed a ring around his head and a shining bald spot on top. He had a battle axe slung over his shoulder almost the size of him. She didn’t know his name but he’d been one of the fire mages who had performed the last night of the Harvest Festival. One was a woman years older than Ambrose, but she couldn’t have been more than thirty. Her tanned skin was dry and rough, her face marked with a scar above her right eyebrow that would’ve taken her eye had it been an inch lower, and dark, short-cropped hair that she pushed back and out of her face. She didn’t smile as they approached and from the early wrinkle lines displaying on her face it didn’t appear as though she ever had.
The last two however, stood out among the group the most. Two men of identical height and appearance, with deep brown skin and hair. One had a smile that could light up a room, while the other couldn’t be bothered not to scowl. The only difference on them aside from their facial expressions were the scars that covered their bodies. They wore a mixture or metal and leather armor and each had a large sword at his side.
Twins!Identical ones no less.
Ambrose was surprised to see them more than anything.
“They’re not wearing dragon leather,” she noted, taking in each warrior and mage.
“They’re custom-made and hard to come across. Don’t let the palace fool you, dragon leather is exceptionally expensive and most can’t afford it, so they opt for other forms of armor and protection. To have something that would fit your whole body could cost more than most make in an entire harvest season.”
Custom-made?She remembered how well the leather stretched in herhand.
“Yes, yours as well,” he noted as he saw the expression on her face. “All dragon leather is custom-made so there’s no waste. I had yours tailored yesterday.” He straightened as they reached the waiting party.
“Ambrose!” Danthan waved, smiling wide as he bounced on the balls of his feet. He’d been so helpful during her lessons she really did need to thank him properly when she got the chance.
She eagerly returned his smile. “Danthan, I’m surprised to see you here.”
“You didn’t hear?” He puffed his chest and a piece of his blond hair dangled on his forehead. Dressed in leather pants and a light brown tunic, he bore a silver chest plate for protection and leather shoes made for long journeys. Comfortable, yet practical. Very Danthan. “I got my calling, I’m a healer now! I’ll be here to make sure no one gets too banged up while we’re out there.”
Her smile grew and she threw a hand up, which he met with the palm of his own. “That’s amazing, congratulations! I knew it would come for you soon. When did that happen? Your parents must be so happy.”
“Just a few days ago.” He nodded proudly. “I sent word to them in Nazuria, I’m sure I’ll receive their reply when we get back. My dad should officially name me as heir.” His smile grew from ear to ear. “I’m sure they’ll call on me for the celebration ceremony, will you come as my guest?”
“If I live that long.” She knew she had no intention of being in the Capital when he got that letter, but she was happy for him nonetheless. Danthan was kind and fair. He would make a great Governor. She gave him an encouraging smile. “I’m glad you’re here, thanks for doing this.”
“What are friends for?” he told her. “Besides, I’m dying to see what you can do outside of our lessons, I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”
“Ambrose.” Akadian pointed at the short red-haired fae. “Meet Felius. One of the best fire mages in the Capital and a hell of an arm with an axe.” Felius gave her a wide-toothed grin and bowed his head. Akadian then gestured to the dark-haired and almond-eyed woman. “This one is Podara. A hunter who can do things with a knife you don’t want to even imagine.” The woman gave her a sharp dip of the chin as her only greeting. Attachedto her sides and hips were lines of daggers. Ambrose assumed they didn’t stop with the ones she could see. “And these two are Oryon and Eurus. Two of the most decorated knights outside the guard. All hand-picked for a special set of skills that should make this trip successful.”
“You’re twins!” Ambrose blurted out.
“Yes ma’am, last time I checked.” The one named Oryon with the bright smile bowed slightly at the waist to her. “I heard you are too. Fraternal. Actually, we’ve heard a lot about you, you’re kind of becoming famous in the Capital.”
