Page 17 of The Kingdom of Eternal Ice
Attack
*AZADEH*
Tynan gasps when a bubble of light engulfs us. “What is this?!” he breathes, his voice barely audible through the storm. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see him grasping Shayan’s arm, to hold him and pull him further down.
Ita’s eyes widen when the bubble stretches over us all until it has safely ‘tucked in’ everyone beneath it. Huge amounts of snow blow over us, and I am sure had we been without protection, this would have been our end.
Werewolves are not invincible, and being buried alive under so much snow… I don’t know if all of us would have made it.
The snowstorm passes as fast as it came, and the bubble gets smaller again until the light disappears inside me. As if I were a puppet and someone else pulled my strings, I let my eyes wander to the forest to search for the woman, but she isn’t there anymore, and I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad sign.
My attention returns to the little group as Shayan gives my arms a gentle squeeze. He looks at me, and in his eye, I can see both pride and gentleness. I hope it means he thinks I made the right decision.
“Was that you?” Ita asks into the silence, completely spellbound.
And here it comes. I already brace myself inwardly. At least I had a few hours without being judged and feared, but unfortunately, not too long for me to get used to it.
“I… yes,” I admit. “But I don’t know how it works. It happens by instincts and-“
“This is amazing!” Ita exclaims.
“You mean to say, you can produce a protective bubble and shield everyone from any danger?” Royan asks. “Ita is right, that’s incredible.”
“No surprise King Gillean is so excited to have you around and wants you to feel as comfortable and happy here as possible,” Ita agrees. “He clearly wants you to stay here.”
“You wouldn’t happen to be in search of a husband?” Tynan asks with a grin, just to be smacked by Royan. “What? I’m just asking and making her aware that here-” he gestures towards some of their warriors who come running towards us, “there are a few suitable options.” Tynan grins. “So, what do you think, princess?”
“I am afraid that’s not possible for now,” I say, feeling a bit flustered.
“No one will marry anyone,” Shayan huffs.
“But-”
“I’m starting to want to put you over my knee,” Royan growls at Tynan.
“You wouldn’t,” the other man glares.
“Dare me!”
“Alright guys,” Ita furrows her brows. “I think the princess has had enough of your antics.”
“I think so too,” Shayan says while pinning Tynan with a glare. Again, Tynan looks at him with a pitiful expression, truly like a lost pup.
I smile slightly as I stand up to follow them inside again. “I don’t know… they are kind of fun,” I say, making Tynan beam at me while Royan smiles.
“Don’t encourage them further,” Ita groans.
I wave at Royan, who stays behind, and he shows me a warm smile and a thumbs up. While I follow the others back to the town, it fully settles in that this was the first time I wasn’t shunned for my gift.
*ENDELLION*
Early in the morning, I take off to check on the pack houses that are spread around the town and its outskirts. Not everyone likes to live in the middle of the town, or rather, pack. Some prefer their privacy. The recent blizzard unfortunately did damage to some roofs, and we are trying to help the town and pack to build everything back.
My younger brother Nevyn accompanies me. Ever since he turned eighteen, he’s shown more and more interest in pack affairs.
“Thank you for taking me along, brother,” he says.
I look him over with a frown. “Just dress warmly, Nevyn.”
