Her eyes widened, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a glimpse of inky black long hair.
“You,” I sneered. “Why are you doing this?” I saw the question in Callisa’s eyes and gave the barest of nods, confirming her suspicions. I dared not move further, feeling the sharp edge of his blade against my throat.
“Iridin,” she spat acidicly.
“Ah, I see our mercenary has found you.” A croaking voice said from behind me. Callisa scowled, and finally, a man in purple robes entered my view.
“They don’t have to know,” I whispered frantically. I was met with silence. The man who had just approached smirked at my panic, his short brown hair was scruffy, and his brown eyes were bloodshot. Despite his unkempt appearance, he radiated smugness.
At his nod, the man behind me moved the knife closer, and I felt the warm trickle of blood as it ran down my throat. Callisa snapped the arrow several inches away from where it protruded from her skin and groaned, brushing her hair out of her face. She looked to me upon hearing my indrawn breath, paling at the sight of my blood and the pain racking her body.
Gods, how quickly can she heal?
I swallowed carefully, my breaths began coming faster, and I could feel a pressure building in my chest. They were going to take us, take Callisa, and the others would have no idea. They could torture us, kill us. Oh, gods, this is all my fault. My heart was pounding faster and faster, as Callisa’s eyes grew large and wary. A sudden curse rang out behind me as Iridin propelled himself backwards, and a large flash illuminated the clearing before everything went dark.
CHAPTER 11
I woke slowly, eyes blinking open to a brightly lit room. I furrowed my brow, moving my limbs and examining the space around me. I was resting on an ornate wooden canopy bed with ivory detailing and vines climbing the sides. Mossy bark covered the walls, and glowing balls of light were floating near the ceiling. Drapes of violet cloth covered the large windows next to the bed, hiding the stormy sky.
I pushed the covers back, frowning at my state of undress: only a sheer blue nightgown and white undergarments. I wonder who dressed me? “Gods above,” I muttered, running the thin fabric through my fingers.
Memories of the forest came rushing back to me, the arrows in Callisa, the blade at my throat, the flash of light. Jackknifing up in bed, I frantically looked for Callisa, hoping to make sure she was okay. Not only was I in unfamiliar surroundings with no idea how I’d gotten there, but she didn’t seem to be there with me.
“Dryads,” a deep voice echoed throughout the room. “The dryads dressed you.”
I jolted, letting out a small noise of surprise at the intrusion. Craning my neck back, I darted my eyes around the room, searching for the source of the voice. A figure emerged from the bark of the wall as if it weren’t even there. His hair fell to his shoulders, a deep earthy brown. Strong matching brows arched haughtily over glowing golden eyes, looking mischievously in my direction.
I clutched the sheets to my chest, narrowing my eyes at the intruder. “The dryads have not inhabited these woods for years.”
“Funny, that. Mine do.”
My eyes widened, taking in his green robes and small onyx-colored horns that curled towards the back of his head.
“No,” I breathed.
“Corsin,” he said smugly, extending a soft pale hand in my direction. I shook it absentmindedly as I ran over facts in my head.
“God,” I said faintly, feeling sweat bead on my forehead. Despite my past recurring interactions with Sinaia, it still felt monumental, my meeting with another higher being.
“Of the forests,” Corsin said with a smirk and a tawny eyebrow raised.
“What, how-” Just then, Callisa came rushing in, crying my name and throwing herself into my arms.
“You’re awake! I was so worried.” She muttered, fussing over my hair and clothes.
I cocked my head at Corsin, the god of the forests, in confusion.
“I found you unconscious on the forest floor.” He explained. “Callisa had several wounds, and you were seemingly unhurt but unconscious all the same.”
“Your neck wound healed.” Callisa’s eyes were wide. “That display of power was incredible; it would seem that we know what your gift is!”
“That was me?” I said incredulously.
“Yes, Aeryn. I’ve never seen anything like it, even when we were at full power.”
“What exactly was it?”
Corsin cleared his throat. “Moon bolt.”
I was speechless. “Will it always be like that?”
Callisa took a seat on the bed next to my hip and swung her hair behind her shoulders. “I would reckon that burst was triggered by the situation in which we found ourselves. There’s no telling if it will always be that strong, or if it was because your gift was dying to be set free.”
I picked at the hem of my shift and bit my lip. “What does this mean?” I had never wanted this life, to murder and run and just survive. Now I had an offensive power, when I had been envisioning something tame.
“We’ll figure it out. We can discuss it with the others,” she said kindly. Corsin shifted from foot to foot, reminding me of his presence in the room.
Suddenly it hit me. “Are the others here? Are they okay?”
“They are not here,” she said softly. “Do not forget Aeryn, as mortal as we may appear, as young as we may look, we are dangerous beings.” She patted my arm gently. “The others are just fine. We are going to the estate to hopefully meet them there.”
“I am coming.” Corsin had a firm set to his mouth, and his words may have come out quietly, but they rang with authority.
I cocked my head, but Callisa just nodded like she had been expecting that same comment.
Later, she mouthed behind his back, and I nodded in understanding. She gripped my hand between hers and said softly, “I’m glad you’re okay. Get ready, and we can leave at daybreak.”
I glanced at Corsin to see if he agreed. I fidgeted in contemplation, but he just nodded succinctly and spun on his heel, verdant robes swirling as he exited my chambers.
Callisa gave me a conspiratorial smile, and I gave her my best in response, trying my best not to be overwhelmed by the circumstances.
I was unprepared for what I saw upon exiting the room. Winding hallways with beautiful women dressed in various cloaks and shifts. They giggled, sending me shy smiles, some ducking behind others. One woman’s hair was a brilliant blue, her dark skin gleamed under the low lighting, and her green dress almost shone. Some were older, some younger, some sipping tonics, and some twirling their hair between their fingers.
I navigated forwards, determined to find an exit. I happened upon Callisa at the turn of a bark-covered hall, the balls of light along the walls highlighting her blonde hair and pale eyes. She was speaking with a dryad, laughing loudly.
“Callisa,” I greeted her.
"What are you here for, little one?" The dryad turned her attention onto me.
"I woke here," I told her, fiddling with my dress. "I was hurt, and Corsin helped me."
She raised an ethereal hand, sparks trailing behind her. "Corsin helps all wounded animals," she said softly.
I was at a loss for what to say. "What is your name?" I hoped I was following dryad etiquette; I had honestly never anticipated meeting one.
Her dress swirled around her ankles as she took a step toward us.
She smiled kindly, baring a hint of fang. I almost stepped back, almost. But I looked at her painted blue eyes, her swirling gown, and the kindness in her voice and stayed.
"No fear, little one. This is a sanctuary, and you are not a threat." Malice flashed in her eyes at the end, showing me what she could be capable of if need be.
"Daphniae," she gave a small bow, holding her bangled arm to her chest.
"You live here, Daphniae?" Callisa asked.
"I congregate here with my sisters, but we have homes in the trees nearby."
"It must b
e nice," I said wistfully.
"In its way, yes." She smiled. "Come along, I believe Corsin wanted to see you. But first..."
"Yes?" I asked quizzically.
"I have a gift for you," she smiled. "For the bringer of new days."
I frowned while Callisa blanched.
"I'm not- what?" I asked.
"Take it, little one. It will bring you luck."
"Thank you, Daphniae." I allowed her to drape a locket over my head and picked it up to examine it when she was finished. It was a beautiful gold color, engraved with swirls and flowers.
"It's stunning," I breathed. "Thank you." I tried to open it, but it did not move.
Daphniae rested her hand on mine, her blue curtain of hair falling around us as she leaned in.
"It will not open," she whispered. "Take good care of it."
"I will," I promised her.
"Good," she beamed. Her otherworldliness showed in her smile, her face brightened with the movement, her tiny fangs showing, and her pointed ears exposed. "Now, come along."
I turned to Callisa. “Just how are you so amazing at making friends?”
She winked, swishing her pink skirts playfully and smirking. Callisa preferred to wear loose skirts whenever possible. I imagined that after so many years in the same uniform, I would be aching for expression as well. She liked bright skirts, dresses, and head scarfs. Though she rarely got to wear them as we traveled, too concerned with being a target and needing full use of her body when she fought. It was nice to see her enjoying herself in this magical sanctuary.
We walked the halls, gawking at the beautiful architecture until we reached the main entrance. A staircase extended upwards, with ivy-covered banisters and mossy steps. Every inch of Corsin’s home seemed like it was being reclaimed by nature, embraced by the elements. I trailed my fingers along one of the floating balls of light. The texture was soft, not hard like I was expecting.
“Like them?” A deep voice rang out from behind me. I jumped, ignoring Callisa’s free-spirited laugh and raising a chastising eyebrow towards Corsin.
“Yes, very much,” I said softly, stroking the unique texture one last time and admiring the embryo of light inside.
“Our dryads generate them; they do not require any external source of power,” he proudly stated.
“That’s amazing,” Callisa breathed.
He turned a coy smile her way, and instead of receiving one in return, she gave him a small frown. I swallowed my laugh and turned on my heel towards the door. “Ready to go?”
“Yes,” he nodded.
“Rumors say that you have not left the tree in thousands of years.” I phrased it as a question, hoping he would confirm or deny.
“The rumors would be right. I had no reasons to leave before.” He watched a passing dryad with a grimace. “I will not let any more of my creations disappear.”
Daphniae nodded at Corsin once, turning to smile at us in the doorway. “I wish you a good journey, daughter of retribution.”
We exited through the wide wooden doors, stepping back into reality.
CHAPTER 12
Several days of traveling passed, several days of wondering whether Azael - whether everyone - was alright. Callisa was as cheerful and kind as ever; Corsin was both quiet and introspective.
He examined the surrounding forest with a calculating eye, making disgruntled noises at the wilting foliage. It had been so long that he had been outside his home that everything fascinated him, captivated him. He was entranced by the red leaves preparing for the harvest season, the crisp bite to the air with the delicious scents drifting from distant cottages. We skirted around the town where we had been exposed and walked in the opposite direction from the cottage I had rented—hours and hours of walking. We had been silent, turning our attention toward traversing the distance as fast as possible rather than conversation. I was parched and had used the last of my canteen an hour ago. “Callisa, how are you on water?”
She took her canteen in hand and tipped it over with a wry smile, one drip fell to the ground. I smiled, “alright, I heard a stream a ways back. I’ll make the trip.”
I began making my way from the gathering of trees to the winding river in the distance. The walk was calming, and solitary. The leaves crunched under my feet with every step I took. I tilted my head back to feel the sunlight on my face, to better hear the wind as it streamed through the tree branches and whistled along past me.
"A child of nature," someone whispered as I watched the river bubble in the distance.
I paused. Holy gods, I thought, panicking to myself. I jerked my head left, then right, but saw no one. No way am I going for another river trip to escape anyone.
I approached the water, walking out onto the rocky bank and kneeling to gaze into its depths. It was a murky color, tinted darker from the rocks at the bottom. I let the frigid water drift through my cupped hands and splashed my face with it; I had been so tired as of late. The fresh stream water was just what I needed to wake myself up. I shivered from the feel of the breeze against my wet face, wiping the excess water with my sleeve.
"Hello child," a voice sounded out.
I shrieked, losing my balance, and falling backward in an ungainly sprawl. Fortunately, I hit rocks, instead of the frigid water, but it was a shock all the same.
A dark head breached the surface in front of me. A woman's face emerged from the water, followed by the upper half of her body. A sheer light covering draped over her breasts, just barely concealing them from view. Her face was stunning, all angles and symmetry, large green eyes and full lips. She had high, carved cheekbones, and her hair shimmered in the light in an otherworldly manner. Her ears were webbed, and copious amounts of jewelry hung from them, some even brushing her shoulders with their length.
She smiled, "oh dear one. I'm so happy to finally meet you!"
My jaw dropped. "Who-" I squeaked, "are you?"
"My name is Silvaria Anahita Potamides, but you can call me Silva."
"The town... it's named after you?"
"I had a run-in with the founder four thousand years ago. I must have made quite the impression," she giggled.
"Is… there something you need from me?" I ventured to ask. Was I going to die? Had I disturbed her peace in some way? "I can leave and never come back, I promise." I had never seen anyone so beautiful, but I knew behind her stunning exterior lay a formidable creature.
"No, child. I do not come as vengeance. I have a gift for you."
My brows furrowed. "A gift? I feel like it's a bad omen to take from a naiad."
She laughed, high and clear, a pure tinkling sound. "It is freely given, cross my heart." She drew one long fingernail over the drenched fabric covering her heart.
"What might it be?" I asked curiously, kneeling closer to the water. She bobbed up and down slightly with the waves, her sheer dress trailing around her. I saw something moving under the water near her but did not dare look.
"Here," she whispered. She had me cup my hands, and set her webbed ones above them. A tiny pearl dropped into my palms. It was a brilliant opalescent color, polished and clean.
"It's stunning... but why?"
"Why, child? Why do the leaves fall in the cold season, or transform in the harvest? Why do the waters flow from the rivers to the ground or the sea?"
No answer from the cryptic naiad I see.
"I need not give anything in return?” I asked cautiously.
“Does the rain thank the sky for its release?” she smiled widely, baring small white fangs. Her hair shimmered as she moved, a mass of silky dark waves.
Thank you," I made sure to convey my gratefulness for her gift and hid my confusion at her riddles.
Her face softened. "It is my pleasure, daughter of retribution."
I frowned, opening my mouth to speak, but just as quickly as she came, she disappeared, diving back into the water with a splash.
I shook off my hesitancy, quickly finishing gathering water and headi
ng back to the group. As I walked, I debated telling the others, but something about it felt sacred, personal. I will keep it to myself; for now, I compromised. I set the pearl in my pocket and rolled it between my fingers, playing with it absentmindedly. What an odd meeting, I thought to myself. Would anyone believe me if I told them the naiad gifted me something? Or would I seem insane for taking it, for believing I interacted with one at all?
I believed the latter.
Soon we left the Gwynoan forest behind, trekking through various farmland and marshes. Sleeping was easy enough, someone was always awake to keep watch, and we worked in shifts. Corsin pulled just as many as Callisa or me, determined not to let his status impact his workload. It raised my opinion of him, having as many sleepless nights as we did. We did not run into anyone, although I remained on edge that we would be found again. Powerful beings may have surrounded me, but I felt particularly vulnerable after the last attack. I kept picturing that woman’s face, the halo of blood around her chest and her unseeing eyes.
I sunk into the grass as we set up for the night, resting my aching feet. I had been training for several hours every morning with Callisa and Corsin, using my blades, fists, and legs. I was determined to never find myself at the mercy of another with a knife to my throat, determined not to let my training fall through due to circumstances. I had come into the situation helpless and scared, but I would not leave it that way.
It was interesting watching Corsin fight; he transformed from a quiet, introspective being into a challenging, unyielding, pillar of force. He moved fluidly, flying through stances and striking without warning. His horns glowed in the morning light, emphasizing his otherness. I was grateful to be learning from them both. Although, I missed Elias. His gruff, no-nonsense attitude; his reluctant praise, and tough love. The way the corner of his mouth turned up when I fell on my back as if he were trying his hardest not to smile. I missed Carwyn’s dry humor and Bastien’s brilliant smile. Azael… I shook my head, focusing on the current moment. I would see my friends soon enough.
Daughter of Retribution (Crescent Queen Book 1) Page 10