136

Grogginess clung to my senses as I gradually awakened, the world around me coming into focus. My head throbbed faintly, a lingering reminder of the ordeal I had faced. Blinking against the soft light filtering through an unfamiliar lattice window, I realized with a jolt that I was no longer on common ground.

Confusion clouded my thoughts until a sharp inhale brought my attention to the absence of pain in my leg. My hand instinctively sought the source of the pain, my fingers tracing the path the arrow had once carved through my flesh. But there was no trace of the grievous wound, only smooth skin beneath my touch. My heart raced, disbelief warring with awe as I marveled at the miracle that had occurred. The wound was gone, as if it had never existed.

A creak sounded, drawing my gaze to the doorway. A figure stood there, a silhouette against the soft glow of the room beyond. My breath caught as my eyes met his, the shape shifter whose home had become my unexpected sanctuary. His eyes, the colour of amber and forest leaves, held a mixture of relief and something else, a kindness I couldn’t quite comprehend.

He approached with cautious steps, bearing a tray laden with food. The aroma of warm bread and hearty stew wafted towards me, tantalizing my senses. I shifted slightly, popping myself up on my elbows, my gaze never leaving him. His features, ever so slightly shifting and changing, held an air of mystery that both intrigued and unsettled me.

“Good to see you awake,” he spoke softly, his voice like a gentle breeze rustling through leaves. He placed the tray on a nearby table and turned his gaze toward me, his expression a mix of concern and something I couldn’t quite decipher.

I shifted uneasily on the cot, my skepticism bubbling to the surface. “You healed me?”, I asked, my voice betraying a mixture of astonishment and caution.

He inclined his head, a small smile gracing his lips. “I did what I could do to mend your wound.”

My eyes narrowed as I regarded him. “Hmmm. Where am I?”

“You’re still in the kingdom so don’t worry.”

“That doesn’t answer my question, Mujin. Where am I?”

“My house, just like you wanted.”

I sat up in bed and peered outside the window, amazed to see trees. “You’re a liar,” I called out. “The Icelands doesn’t have trees.”

He laughed. “That’s where you’re wrong wolf. The Icelands is very large. This is the enchanted forest as the king likes to call it. In other words, it is home to shape shifters and abnormal supernaturals. There’s a nearby cave which is home to vraugmitas; humans who had been reluctantly changed to vampires. Beyond the cave are the hot springs and our fantastic waterfall. Rumours have it that if you want a child quickly, just have sex in the springs. Now, unlike the eastern side of the Icelands, this side doesn’t know snow. The weather never changes.”

That’s just wow. “How does one come here?”

“Through the black market. Your purchase one of Sven’s illicit goods, and if they like you, you gain access to the portal to this side.”

“Sven?”

“You don’t need to know.”

Okay then. “You said, eastern side.”

“I did. The western side of the Icelands is home to the noble Icelanders, royal family, slaves, servants and workers. The eastern side is for abominations like us. The scholars and priests of our great kingdom lives in the Northern side alongside the council members.”

“And what about the southern side?”

“You should eat wolf. You know, regain your strength.”

“I feel fine. What’s in the southern side Mujin?”

A flurry of footsteps could be heard and the door creaked open once more, revealing the prince’s face.

“Thank God, I found you!”, Sia exclaimed, walking over to me. I slinked backwards, a sign that I didn’t want him to come close. Sia ignored it and sat beside me, taking my hand in his. I tried to act calm so that Mujin wouldn’t suspect shit.

“My prince,” Mujin greeted, bowing swiftly.

“Are you hurt? Did he hurt you?”, he asked, examining me. I rolled my eyes. He didn’t care if I was hurt. He just wanted to know if the child was still alive.

“I’m fine.”

“Good. Now get up so we can go.”

“No.”

He blinked, confused. “No?”

“No. I am not going with you Sia.”

“What the fuck do you mean? I came out here to rescue you and….”

“I don’t care. I’m not going back there Sia, not when your mother the queen holds a deep hatred in her heart towards people like me.”

“What the fuck are you talking about? I like you and that’s enough. Now get up so that we can go!”, he shouted, pulling my arm. I slapped his hand.

“Don’t touch me! I said, I am not going with you and I mean it.”

Before I could protest. He throws me over his shoulder, his hand firmly on my butt.

Put me down! Sia, put me down at once!”

He chuckled. “If you really think that I would put you down, then you must be stupid,” he said, heading for the door.

“Help! Someone, anybody! Mujin, please!”

He smiled at me, but did nothing.

I sunk my claws into his neck and Sia yelped, dropping me. I fell to the ground with a thud, my body throbbing with pain.

Mujin rushed over to my side, turning me over gently. I moaned in pain.

“Sshhh, you will be fine.”

“My baby,” I murmur. “My baby.”

“Shit!”, Sia cursed as if seeming to realize what he just did. He rushed over to me, kneeling by my side.

“Fuck, Crinka, are you okay?”

“Don’t touch me!”, I snarl, scooting away from him. Fuck, why does it hurt so much?

“I’m taking you to the palace. Have Izal look at you,” he said, taking my hand.

“I said, don’t touch me!”, I yell, hot tears flowing down my cheeks. My back won’t stop throbbing and it’s like I am being stabbed over and over again in my abdomen.

“I have to get you to the palace.”

“I am not going anywhere with you. Leave me the fuck alone!”

“Crinka you need to…”

“Out! Get out! Get the fuck out!”

He pursed his lips and turned to Mujin. “I want her brought back to me before noon.”

“She is not an object my prince.”

Sia glared. “I want her in the palace before noon. Is that clear?”

“Yes, my prince.”

Sia walked out and I moaned loudly, wishing the pain would go away. Mujin cleared his throat.

“You should have told me that you were with child.”

“Did you really expect me to tell anyone I meet that I am pregnant?”

“No.”

“Good. Now, please can you help me? It hurts being on the floor.”

He carried me gently and placed me on his bed. “You should have gone with the prince Crinka, you know check if your child is still alive.”

I roll my eyes. “I didn’t know we are on a first name basis now, Mujin.”

”I’m serious Crinka.”

“Relax, I’m fine. It hurts a little but I am fine. I feel fine.”

“Crinka, you don’t understand,” he said, seriously. “I can smell it. The scent is strong, I worry for you.”

I blink, confused. “Smell what?”

His response came a moment later.

“Blood. I can smell blood Crinka.”