by Julie Eads
Having no clue as to where I was going to go or how I was going to survive in the thick pine forest that surrounded me, I froze mid-step. How could I have possibly known what I was surrounded by? I hadn’t seen anything other than darkness for days! Putting the thoughts out of my mind I knew there wasn’t time for me to contemplate anything further as I heard a car driving up what sounded like a gravel road, recognizing the sound of rocks as they pounded against the aluminum body of the vehicle.
Sprinting forward I made my way into the woods. It was as if I was being directed to go deeper and deeper into the trees. As I ran I could feel the twigs and branches breaking beneath the weight of my feet but I continued running. Somehow I didn’t run into anything or fall over, which seemed bizarre as I had barely been able to make my way to my own bathroom back at the castle without falling flat on my face. It was then I realized that something was calling out to me. I didn’t care what it was, for in that moment I knew I just had to get away as fast as I could.
Chapter 15
My captors would have discovered I was missing by now and would probably be out tracking me. I wasn’t sure what they were capable of seeing as how they had teleported me and brought my father back from the dead. The sudden image of his grinning face as he had stabbed the blade into me flooded my vision causing tears to run down my cheeks. I had definitely seen something that day. But as gruesome and brutal as that memory was it was still beautiful because at last I was able to see something other than the darkness.
Abruptly I came to a stop, trying to catch my breath. My chest was burning from the cool air and my feet hurt as I wasn’t wearing shoes. Then I heard foot steps behind me and turning slowly I had a strange feeling. Somehow, I knew it was someone I shouldn’t be frightened of.
“Please don’t be afraid,” I heard a male voice whisper. “I won’t hurt you,” he reassured me.
I don’t know why but I felt I should trust him. As he approached the sound of leaves and twigs crunching beneath his feet echoed through the quietness of the woods. Gently I felt him place a hand on my shoulder and I felt familiar warmth spread through my body.
“You can’t see,” he stated more than questioned and I sensed his pity, the same feeling everyone else felt for me, which I hated. Being blind was not something I loved, but the worst part was the sympathy everyone smothered me with.
Trying to look in his direction, I said, “You led me here!” Not sure how I could know that it was this man, standing here in the middle of nowhere, who had called me into the forest.
“I did,” he stated simply.
“Why?” I asked, “Not that I don’t appreciate it but I just need to understand how you did it?”
“It was my spirit animal that led you. It spoke to something deep within you; therefore I cannot take all the credit. Plus, it was your animal spirit that followed mine,” the man replied.
My heart beat loudly in my ears. I had never heard of such a thing, besides I hadn’t even had my animal ritual nor chosen my animal. “That is impossible,” I told him, “I haven’t even had my animal ceremony yet! It is supposed to be in a couple of weeks but then I was kidnapped by my murderous father.” I tried to stop my rambling, quickly apologizing as I had no clue as to why I was telling him any of this. “Who are you?” I asked, not believing that I hadn’t asked him up until now; it seemed like the most basic question and I had asked everything but that.
“My name is Salvador. I live just a few miles from here. I heard, or more felt, something pulling me to the woods and that is when I met you. I realized what had happened when I felt the transformation and was led to you by my animal” he explained.
“Thank you,” was all I could say as I still had no clue as to how any of this could have happened but it had; but I was sure as hell happy that it had. I knew I would have been dead if he hadn’t helped me. “I need to get back to the palace,” I blurted out, feeling guilt creep into my core. Not once had I thought about my home or family, who were probably scared to death and looking for me.
“Wait, are you the missing Princess,” he asked; his casual demeanor changing in an instance and causing him to start speaking more formal and polite.
“You have heard of me?” I asked, shocked by his question. I had heard that there were Pacu living in the mountains surrounding the palace but I had never thought I would meet one of them. When I had asked my father why they didn’t live within the village he just told me that some people prefer not to conform to normal society, but liked to live in the old manner they were used to. Perhaps this Salvador was one of them. Is he was then I felt blessed that it was him who had found me and not my captors.
“I have a cabin about a mile up the creek. We will stay there tonight then I will take you back to the palace in the morning. It is a six hour hike down the mountain and I am afraid it is near impossible in the dark. Besides with your condition we will need more time to get you down there,” Salvador stated, matter of factually.
“You don’t have a car then?” I asked, surprised to hear that he really did live the old fashioned way.
“No,” he replied simply, before taking my hand in his large rough one and leading me along a small gravel path.
By the time we reached his cabin I was tired and just happy to sit and relax in a warm safe place. Sitting in the chair that Sal, which is what I have decided to call him, I felt grateful when he handed me a warm blanket and a steaming hot bowl of soup. Not sure what kind it was I didn’t care as the warm broth slipped down my welcoming throat making me thankful as I couldn’t remember the last time I had eaten anything but it must have been a while because I was starving. Gladly I drank two more bowls of the nourishing food before sitting back and feeling comfortably relaxed in front of the crackling fire with the smell of burning oak filling the cabin which wasn’t an over bearing smell; it was nice.
“So why do you live all the way out here?” I knew it was rude to ask but I couldn’t help myself.
“It’s just a personal choice. My animal and I feel more at home surrounded by the forest,” he replied; no animosity sounding in his voice by the question.
“Don’t you think it’s strange that my animal called to yours? I have heard of people meeting and their animals connecting but we both know that hasn’t happened in a long time,” and I let out an awkward giggle, feeling uncomfortable by having brought the subject up.
“I don’t know,” he said, “Maybe it was because we sensed you were in trouble and needed help.” It was a logical explanation yet it still felt as if there was something he wasn’t telling me.
Despite that I felt I could have sat by the welcoming warmth of the fire and talked to him all night. There was so much I wanted to ask him as I hadn’t been this intrigued by someone since, well, since I had met Declan. ‘Stop it,’ I thought, ‘I can’t let my mind wander; it is too painful to think of him right now.’
Disappointment flooded into me when Sal brought another blanket then led me to a small couch saying, “It’s not much, and I apologize for that Princess, but it will only be until the morning.” For some reason I hated the way he had said princess; there seemed to be such condescension in his voice. Shortly afterwards Sal left the room abruptly and I had the feeling that I wouldn’t see him again until morning. Lying haphazardly across the small couch I was surprised at how quickly I fell asleep.
It was the first night I dreamt but, only the second time I dreamed something other than evil darkness. I also knew I would never admit to anyone what it had been about as I would be too embarrassed to do so.
I was pulled from dwelling on the dream when Sal’s deep gruff voice filled the room. “I trust you slept well,” he asked as he handed me a plate full of eggs and toast. My face grew red as I shook my head in response at how I had slept; I didn’t want to talk about it, especially to him. Sitting down beside me with a thud he let a haughty laugh escape. And despite myself I couldn’t fight the smile that slowly spread across my face as I thanked him for the brea
kfast; all the while trying to rid my mind of the images filling my head.
“You had the same dream,” Sal suddenly said. Surprised, I dropped the plate on the floor hearing the glass shatter around my feet. As I reached down to pick up the pieces I cut my hand against a broken piece; another thing to add to the list of things I shouldn’t attempt to do without eye sight. Embarrassed, I tried to make a joke as Sal jumped to his feet, returning seconds later with some sort of soft towel to press against my hand.
Although I had tried to ignore the question that had caused me to drop and break the plate I blurted out, “Yes! I did dream,” and I put my head in my palms, rubbing my eyes being careful not to move the cloth wrapped around the cut on my hand.
I could sense Sal pacing the floor. “I am so sorry princess. I was hoping that I could get you out of here sooner, so that you wouldn’t have to be subjected to my animal thoughts,” he stressed.
“Wait? What are you talking about Sal? What does your animal have to do with anything?” I asked suddenly worried by his demeanor.
Taking a deep breath he replied, “Princess, I am cursed. That is why I live up here all alone. I chose my spirit animal poorly and now I have to live with the choice.”
I was confused. “What the hell are you talking about Sal?” I asked him.
Reluctantly he replied, “My animal wants a mate so badly that he tries to convince any female I come into contact with that they are in love with me,” and he hung his head in deep shame.
Suddenly I felt a lot better as it dawned on me that I hadn’t had a vivid love making dream about another man because I wanted someone else other than Declan. It was because Sal’s animal was so restless without a mate; it would do anything to get one. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. How would he find true love if every girl he was around was tricked into thinking they loved him. “I am so sorry,” was all I could manage to say, “That is why he led me here; he thought I could be your mate?” Sal didn’t say anything as I knew that was the reason, and even though it was a sad situation, I was still grateful as he had saved my life.
“What is your spirit animal? Is it a mountain Lion?” I asked, “I note living in the mountains feels more like home to you.” After all it made perfect sense to me but it didn’t make Sal’s predicament any less difficult. Although I knew he might not accept my help, I knew I was going to try and help him when we got back to the castle; maybe Willow would know what to do.
Not long afterwards we set off. Sal hadn’t been lying when he had told me it was a long hike down the mountain. Throughout the journey I could sense his spirit animal; it was restless and it kept trying to pull me towards him by sending images of yellow, beckoning eyes, just as it had in the dream. As I now knew what was causing the urges, I was able to tolerate and resist easily.
The closer we got to the village the more I could sense where I was. The smell of freshly baked bread from the local bakery lingered on the air. Finally Sal told me we still had about a mile to go It had been eight hours since we had left the cabin we walked nonstop, other than to take two bathroom breaks and a few stops for water. All of a sudden Sal stopped, right in front of me, and before I could stop myself I slammed into his back.
“I am sorry Princess,” he said. “Please, you have to listen to me,” he pleaded, sounding as if he was out of breath and struggling to get the words out. “You have to run! Just go straight forwards! Don’t stop.” I didn’t understand what was happening until I heard Sal let out a loud shriek, then I knew he wasn’t there anymore for he had transformed into his animal spirit, the mountain lion.
I realized as if he had spoken the words out loud himself, that the Lion would never let me leave the mountain. It was sick and restless; convinced that I could still be his mate!
Hoping I still had a good enough head start to make it I set off, but a blind girl running from a mountain lion isn’t exactly a fair race. I slipped and tripped several times before finally feeling my feet hitting level ground. On and on I ran, screaming with my arms outspread, hoping the men at the gate would hear me; sure enough they did! They also saw Sal running after me and I knew that unless I did something quickly they would kill him. They didn’t know that there was an innocent man under those long claws slashing the air around me or the long sharp teeth waiting to dig into my skin and drag me back up the mountain. I knew I had to save him.
Suddenly I was met by familiar arms. It was Knoll who picked me up and kissing me on my cheek he declared as he spun me around, “It’s so good to have you home. Have you been hurt?”
“No, I’m fine,” I reassured him, trying to get his attention to the situation at hand. “Don’t let them kill him!” I said pointing in the direction of where the yelling and screaming was coming from.
“But Mina he is dangerous,” declared Knoll.
“But you don’t understand Knoll; please don’t hurt him, he can’t help it!” I pleaded for him to trust me and being the good man he was he rushed to the office and grabbing a tranquilizer gun he managed to shoot the mountain lion; reassuring me he was fine.
Relieved I didn’t know where they took Sal but at least he was alive and for now that had to be good enough. Quickly I explained what had happened from the start until the moment I had come running and screaming into Knoll’s arms. For the moment I was kept in the guards building next to the gate as it was the safest place for me; surrounded by the valleys strongest guardians. Sitting on the fluffy deep blue couch I remembered the last time I had been here. As I sat I couldn’t help but to relive my odd experience with Sal. I couldn’t imagine getting sick from not having a mate.
Finally Knoll returned and sitting down next to me he said, “It was a good thing you saved him you know?” I nodded my head, just feeling relieved that Knoll had trusted me enough to take matters into his own hands. “It is truly sad when a spirit animal goes crazy,” he said sighing at the thought.
Despite his kind words I asked him, “I can’t help but worry. What is going to happen to Sal now?”
Placing his hand on mine Knoll explained, “There are a few options. Either we lock him up for the remainder of his life or we try to remove his animal, which is painful and could cause him to die. The other way is to find him a willing mate which will ease his animal and allow him to live in peace.”
“Well then, that is just what we have to do; find him a mate. Besides I can’t see how any of those other options are even viable,” I stated seriously.
Knoll began to laugh and I almost cried as I had missed the sound so much. “I thought you would say that so I have a few people on it,” he responded and I sensed he was smiling at me.
As happy as I was to be with Knoll I was getting weary and wondered why my family or Declan hadn’t rushed to see me? “Where is everyone?” I questioned.
“They will be here soon Princess. They have been in town searching for you. We hadn’t even thought they would hide you so close, it was really rather genius,” he explained.
“Well, I think it was rather idiotic of them,” I spat out,
“I got away and that was partly thanks to Sal, so please make sure he finds a mate.” I had meant to say it in a more friendly way but it sounded like an order. ‘My first order as a princess.’ I thought to myself.
If Knoll sensed any difference in me, he didn’t say, just reassured me that he would do his best before excusing himself from the room. I knew I was safe now as every available guardian was either in the building or standing outside and a person would have to be crazy and carry a death wish to try and harm me here. With that in mind I lay down on the comfy sofa and slowly drifted to sleep. Thankfully this time, I didn’t have any odd dreams about romantic connections with a strange man and the darkness was more comforting than intrusive. When I woke up and stood to stretch I had a feeling of feeling more rested than I had in days.
“She is awake,” I heard someone call and finally I was standing surrounded by my family.
Liam welcomed me into his stron
g arms, hugging me tightly. “We have to stop meeting like this,” he joked, trying to ease the tension around me and I loved him that much more for it.
I think I was surprised even myself when I threw my arms around him tightly and declared, “I missed you Dad.”
He stopped squeezing me and resting his head on top of mine he declared, “Me too Mina Bear. I would have searched to the ends of the earth to find you.” I was about to tell him that I knew he would never give up on me, I found Eleanor pulling me into her arms.
Although she didn’t hold me tightly like Liam had but she made her motherly presence known. “I am so sorry we let this happen to you baby,” she said as she gently moved some hair off my face before letting me go and stepping back to allow the only other two people I was waiting to see.
Thankfully, the next one was my sister, who hugged me and then pushing me away to arm’s length she looked me over just to make sure I was really there. “I am so glad you are home,” she whispered as she grabbed my hand and placed it into someone else’s.
Familiar warmth surged through me and without him even speaking I knew who stood in front of me. You could say it was really by a process of elimination but still I would have known the lines that made up that hand anywhere. Quickly he pulled me into a deep passionate hug, holding me closely and stopping both of us from breathing for a moment. “I am so sorry,” he whispered next to my ear, “I was such a jerk. I should have never left you.”
Although I had been mad at the time now I was glad and happy. If he hadn’t left me alone then they would surely have killed him because he would never have let them take me. “I am just so glad to be home,” I told him. And as he gently lifted my chin I wished I could see his eyes as he bent down to kiss me. Only lightly, not wanting to start a full make out session in front of everyone, for which I was grateful as neither of us were big fans of PDA.