13. THE GIRL IN THE WOODS
Chapter thirteen
THE GIRL IN THE WOODS
The Lantern Festival was everything Aekeira had imagined it would be. Standing beside Amie in the crowded square, she watched in awe as hundreds of lanterns ascended into the twilight sky.
Each glowing orb carried wishes and dreams, transforming the square into a canvas of light and color. The laughter and excited chatter of the people were infectious, a chorus of "oohs" and "ahhs" rippled through the air.
Aekeira's heart was filled with joy. Now she understood the allure of Urekai festivals.
Yet, beneath the euphoria, she worried whenever her thoughts drifted to Em.
This morning, whispers of what happened the previous night had reached her ears. Em's daring act of serving the king's dinner, a maid going into full heat, and the chaos it unleashed upon the unbonded males of the fortress.
Aekeira had found it hard to believe, but not as hard as she had found Em's confession about how intimate she had gotten with the grand king.
"Too dangerous, Emeriel! What were you thinking?" Aekeira hissed reproachfully. She had wanted to grab Em by the shoulders and shake some sense into her. To protect her from her own reckless heart. "What if he found out? Are you that eager to lose your life?"
"I try to fight it, but it's so hard. I wish to be near him, always,” Em had said in a soft, broken whisper. “My heart aches for him. I yearn for him, like fire in my blood. Crave him... so much. You would not understand, Aekeira."
The fight had drained out of Aekeira. Because she really was beginning to understand.
Who was she to preach caution and self-control when her own thoughts constantly returned to Lord Vladya?
The warmth that bloomed in her belly at the mere thought of him was unavoidable. Undeniable.
Memories of their sexual intimacy and bloodfeeding flickered through her mind, raising goosebumps along her skin.
"Aekeira?" Amie nudged her. "You're lost in your own world again. And why that secret smile?"
"It's nothing.” Aekeira quickly composed herself, her cheeks flushing as her gaze returned to the kaleidoscope of lights above. "The festival is simply breathtaking."
"Is it not?" Amie sighed, her eyes sparkling with joy. "I have never seen slaves so happy."
"Uh-huh."
Lord Vladya had carried her. Cradled her in his arms through the woods.
She remembered the feel of those strong arms encircling her, lifting her in the woods. Those piercing gray eyes staring down at her as if she was all that mattered at that moment.
What are you doing, Aekeira? Do NOT read into it. This is Lord Vladya we're talking about, remember? He would sooner kill a human than care for one. Do NOT do that to yourself, you idiot.
The memory of his touch lingered... like a ghost of warmness refusing to fade.
"Look, It's Hansel. He is coming this way," Amie said in a hushed tone.
Hansel approached them with his shy smile and dimpled cheeks. "Hi. Have you not floated your lantern yet?"
Aekeira shook her head, clutching the delicate paper orb protectively. "Not yet. I'm not ready to let it go."
Hansel's smile widened. "Lanterns will float till morning. You can take your time."
Amie shot Aekeira a knowing wink before disappearing into the crowd.
"You look pretty tonight." His gaze lingered on her gown.
"Thanks." Aekeira smoothed down the simple fabric. It was nothing fancy, but it was a far cry from the drab slave uniforms they usually wore.
"Where is your brother?" Hansel asked, glancing around.
"He's... with another group," Aekeira lied.
Em was dressed as a princess, attending the festival with Lord Herod, and it warmed Aekeira's heart.
Em might hide it well, but she knew her sister longed for the freedom to express her femininity. To think that Em had to see herself as completely male to the extent she referred to herself as one, even in private, was exceedingly heartbreaking.
Aekeira was just glad Em was finally getting the chance to express the part of herself that had been suppressed for so long.
"That's good, that's good," Hansel stammered, his gaze fixed on his feet. He shifted nervously, a blush creeping up his neck. "Would you like to... maybe take a walk?"
"Uhmm..." Aekeira hesitated, the invitation hanging between them. She knew his intentions, and the last thing she wanted was to lead him on.
“Just to walk and talk, I promise.” He looked at her with such earnest hope, his eyes pleading.
Maybe it's better to focus on a friendship with a human your own age rather than a hopeless infatuation with an ancient Urekai lord thousands of years older who would never return your affections.
"Alright," she agreed, a tentative smile gracing her lips.
Hansel's face lit up, his dimples deepening. "Thank you so much!"
Together, they strolled through the festival.
Emeriel and Lord Herod strolled beneath the moonlit sky, their lanterns casting soft lights on the cobblestone path.
As they passed, heads bowed, and curious eyes followed.
"They are surprised," Lord Herod remarked with a gentle laugh. "I have not been seen with a female since Vera's passing. Most often, it's Ezra, my bloodhost, by my side."
Emeriel glanced around, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Everyone adores you, My Lord. And why wouldn't they? You're the kindest Urekai I know."
He chuckled. "You flatter me."
They reached a crowded square, its air filled with music and laughter. Urekai commoners gathered under a canopy of glowing lanterns, the women swaying and singing in unison as the men watched with adoration.
"Many find love on nights like these," Lord Herod mused. "Some will return home with a bond after the seven-day bonding ritual, while others will carry a broken heart."
Emeriel only half-heard his words, her thoughts drifting to the grand king.
Lately, he had dominated her thoughts so much that any moment he wasn’t in her mind felt strangely empty.
Last night had been terrifying. Yet the memory of his touch... the passion in his eyes... they had been in her mind all day. His kisses had left her weak in the knees.
"Emeriel?"
Lord Herod’s voice pulled her back to reality. He had stopped walking, his brow furrowed with concern. "You have been lost in thought all day. It's not healthy to dwell on things, little one. What troubles you?"
"I'm fine, My Lord," she gave a forced smile to mask her inner turmoil.
"No, you’re not—" Before he could press further, a graceful Urekai woman approached them, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
"Blessed night, My Lord," she greeted, bowing. "I saw you from afar and could not resist saying hello."
Lord Herod smiled warmly. "Orin, it's good to see you. How are you faring?"
"Well, thanks to your family's generosity, My Lord." Orin's gaze shifted to Emeriel.
"Orin," Lord Herod began, "allow me to introduce Princess Galilea. And Leah—" he turned to Emeriel "—this is Orin, our family's esteemed healer."
Both females exchanged a respectful bow—Orin's gesture acknowledging Emeriel's royal status, and Emeriel's a simple acknowledgment of the introduction. Orin's eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"This reminds me," Lord Herod began, addressing Orin, "I intended to send for you tomorrow, but since we've crossed paths, perhaps you could assist me with something?"
Orin nodded eagerly. "Of course, My Lord. My daughter carries my medicine bag just across the street. I rarely venture out without it, in case of emergencies. How may I be of service?"
"I need you to assess Galilea for her full heat. It will be her first, and we must know the day to prepare accordingly."
Orin's breath caught. "A Syren?"
She turned to Emeriel, her gaze filled with newfound respect and a genuine smile. "I am so happy for you, Lord Herod. I have been worried that you would not be able to move on from Lady Vera. It warms my heart to see you making an effort."
Amusement danced in Lord Herod's eyes. "Indeed, I am making an effort, so worry not, dear Orin. Where would be a suitable place for this assessment? Must we return to my home?"
Orin practically bounced with excitement. "No, no, that's too far. My home is much closer, My Lord, as you well know."
"That I do." he nodded.
"I shall fetch my bag at once. I'll be back in a moment," Orin said, her voice filled with anticipation as she hurried away.
As Aekeira and Hansel ventured further into the woods, the crowds thinned, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the chirping of crickets.
Hansel opened up, sharing stories of his life in Urai—he was born here—his deceased mother and his father, who toiled in the minefields.
In turn, Aekeira spoke of her life with Emeriel before their arrival in this land.
The conversation flowed easily, and Aekeira found herself enjoying Hansel's company. He was kind, gentle, and genuinely interested in her words.
Suddenly, Hansel stopped short. "We have to go back," he said, his voice tinged with worry. "We're too deep into the woods."
Aekeira nodded in agreement, her gaze sweeping the dense underbrush and towering trees. The absence of other festival goers was a clear indication that they had strayed off the beaten path.
"Urekai hunt in these parts," Hansel whispered, his eyes scanning the shadows. "It wouldn't be safe to encounter them in their beast forms."
They turned to retrace their steps, their lanterns bobbing in the darkness. The silence of the woods was shattered by the sound of coarse laughter.
"Well, well, well," a gruff voice sneered. "Look what we have here, boys. A pretty little bird."
Aekeira whirled around, alarmed as a group of men emerged from the trees.
Humans. Slaves, like them, but older. Harder.
"Look, man, we don't want any trouble," Hansel said cautiously, squeezing her hand.
"Oh, but we do," the apparent leader stepped forward. He was a burly man with a menacing grin, eyes glinting with malice even through the darkness.
He gestured to a hulking figure behind him, who lunged at Hansel, shoving him violently to the ground.
Hansel sprawled on the ground, his face contorted in pain.
The leader's gaze raked over Aekeira, lingering on her curves with a hunger that made her skin crawl. "We'll take the girl. Haven't had a pretty one like her in ages."
Aekeira's heart hammered in her chest. Without a second thought, she turned and fled, her legs pumping as she dodged between trees and fallen logs.
"Someone's eager," the leader taunted, his laughter echoing through the woods. "Come on, boys, let's have some fun!"
The men gave chase, their heavy footsteps pounding behind her. Aekeira pushed herself harder.
But she was no match for their speed and stamina. Within moments, they were upon her, their hands grabbing at her clothes, their breath hot on her skin.
She struggled fiercely, kicking and scratching, but they were too strong. One of them lifted her off her feet and slammed her against a tree, the rough bark biting into her back.
"Feisty," the leader purred, his fingers tracing a path along her jawline. "I like that."
Their hands roamed her body, invasive and violating.
Aekeira's breath came in ragged gasps, her eyes darting frantically for any sign of escape.
"Wait," one of the men hissed, alarmed. "Who's that?"
Several hands paused, their attention drawn to a figure lurking in the shadows.
A tall, slender silhouette, partially obscured by the darkness, yet unmistakably there.
Aekeira's gaze followed theirs and her heart leaped to her throat.
Even cloaked in darkness, that stature, that regal bearing, the flowing robe, and the cascade of long hair were unmistakable.
Grand Lord Vladya.