Page 69 of The Dragon's Gambit
“Is she someone that can be trusted? I don’t want someone dangerous going near our pack.” Brody, being the more logical one, was immediately suspicious.
“She’s very professional. If she’s paid to do a job, she will do it. Her orders will be to alert the Black Ice Pack of incoming demons, to protect Hunter and Chasen above all others, and to kill Abaas on sight.” Xander curled his lip in agitation when he said the half-demon’s name. “Come on, we can talk on the way down.” Xander led the way as they all followed him down the stairs.
Chelsie had been very quiet. She seemed to be remembering something. “This huntress … you aren’t talking about Freja, are you?”
“You’ve heard of her?” Xander looked at Chelsie curiously.
“But she’s ... but she’s a dhampir!” Chelsie couldn’t hide the intimidation in her voice. Reiya had thought she wasn’t afraid of anything, until now.
“And a very special one at that,” Lee added quietly.
“Why is she so special?” Brody asked as he inconspicuously rested a hand on Chelsie’s back, rubbing small, comforting circles on it.
“Because the human blood that she’s mixed with wasn’t from a regular human. Her mother was a witch who fell in love with a vampire. That’s why she’s so special. And because demons killedher parents, she has an extreme bloodlust for them.” Xander opened the door at the bottom of the stairs and waited in the hall for everyone to descend.
“She’s dangerous, which is why I insisted on being here when she arrived.” Lee kept a protective hand on Reiya as they walked to the main hall.
Reiya was taking in all the information. She felt sorry for Freja. She had lost her family, and everyone was afraid of her. In a way, it reminded her of her mother and how her pack had feared her just because she was different.
“The huntress has arrived!” a voice announced. They stood in the great room and watched as a figure cloaked in black walked toward them. The clacking of her black combat boots echoed in the hall, and she radiated authority with each step. When she was a few feet away from them, she pulled the hooded cloak from her head and stared confidently in front of her. Under the cloak were a pair of daggers she kept at her side.
Reiya’s first impression was that this girl was beautiful. She had deep auburn-colored hair and intense green eyes. Her skin was very light, but her lips were a beautiful shade of pink. She looked to be the same age as Reiya and was about the same height. Honestly, Reiya wasn’t afraid of her. Instead, she felt drawn to the girl, so much that before she even knew it, she had walked up to her.
Lee carefully watched the two girls, his gaze a combination of curiosity and apprehension. He wanted to pull Reiya to his side, but they were now in a public area, and he didn’t know who might be watching them. He could feel the tension from the others, and he was right there with them, unsure of how he felt about Reiya being this close to the huntress. The huntress was well known for being cold and unfeeling. She was known to smile as she watched the life drain from her opponent’s eyes.
The two girls stared at each other. Reiya tilted her head to the side a bit, unsure what she was feeling, but there was something more to this girl. The girl lifted her hand out slightly and then looked at Reiya, waiting. Reiya reached her hand out and touched the girl’s outstretched hand. A warm light emanated from their hands and began to swirl around the two of them until it enveloped them in a barrier of light.
It was like they were in another dimension. Reiya glanced around at what looked like a solid bubble that had formed around them. She couldn’t see or hear anyone, just the girl in front of her. The huntress also looked around with wide-eyed interest. This was obviously something new for her as well.
“I’m Reiya.”
“Freja.” Her voice was light and sweet, not at all what Reiya was expecting.
“So, do you know what this is?” Reiya giggled and motioned at the bubble. Her other hand remained clasped with Freja’s.
Freja looked at the white bubble and back at Reiya. She was connected to this girl somehow. There was something drawing them to each other. This girl was warm and gentle, emitting a soothing aura. She felt like … home. She was curious about her. Why wasn’t this girl afraid of her, and what in the world was she? Her senses were picking up all sorts of things.
“Are you not afraid of me?” Freja asked beneath hooded eyes as she waited for the expected answer.
“No, I’m not. Strangely enough, I feel like you’re important to me.”
Reiya’s answer shocked her. They were both feeling some odd connection. She wasn’t afraid of her. Everyone was afraid of her. Everyone.
“What are you?” She tilted her head as she tried to analyze her more.
“I am the fairy princess. I’m also part werewolf, but you probably can’t sense that because she won’t show her stubborn self.” Reiya rolled her eyes in annoyance.
“Let me see.” Freja took a hand and placed it on Reiya’s head. Being part witch had always had its advantages. Freja’s mother was from one of the top covens before she broke away from them. She was actually next in line as their leader, but she threw everything away to be with the man she loved. No one approved of them being together, but for their love, they risked it all.
Freja pushed aside the thoughts of her parents as she explored Reiya’s mind. There was a barrier inside her, and ironically, it felt like the same barrier that was now surrounding them. Her wolf was put in a moon bubble. She looked up at Reiya curiously.
“We’re in a moon bubble, and it looks like your wolf is in one, too. For some reason, your wolf isn’t being allowed out. What in the world is the goddess up to?” Freja reached out and poked at the barrier, feeling mildly annoyed. She didn’t care much for the gods. It wasn’t like they cared about her either.
“She seems to have taken an unusual interest in my life lately.” Reiya frowned. “Why would she put us in one?”
“Why indeed. Whatever game she’s playing, there's a purpose behind it. A woman with her responsibilities doesn’t waste her time on pointless interference ... uuggh.” Freja winced and clutched her arm.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
