by Alia Johnson
Odesha must have fallen asleep on the way. When he placed her on her bed, she barely stirred. He leaned down and whispered his vow, “Vo lo cos suti ba suta.”
Kunchok felt whole again, like a missing piece had found its way back to him. The reactions from Odesha’s eyes when she viewed the sky had made him satisfied that he had shared it with her. He had brought her out to see the lights that flowed after Ranna with the full moon high in the sky, hoping she would enjoy them like he did. He was right. The wonder shined bright in her eyes, her lips parted, watching them move. He had never brought another person there, so Dek’s surprised reaction to his request to come wasn’t unusual. Dek had cautioned Kunchok about the dangers of the ice with a small female, but Kunchok had taken precautions. He had smeared the oil of the orik’s feathers across him to keep the predators away. Something had made him want to go there, some feeling deep inside, and he wanted to figure out what that was. The tiny female had made the confusing feelings swirl inside him since he had first met her. He knew what she was to him, but did she know?
A deep, gnawing hunger awakened Odesha. Her eyes flew open when she heard her belly grumble. Her body felt sluggish. A sudden stab of pain reminded her she had used the ice yesterday to kill the cow beast. When she was younger the pain didn't bother her. She would play with the ice and her siblings in the courtyard at Merdi. Being free to have fun, to play with the magic was what she missed. Then the pain started slowly sapping her joy, the ice building up if she used magic. She withdrew into herself, blocking everyone out without thought.
Odesha thought of the night before. The lights she had watched with Kunchok and his kindness were something she would never forget. The musky smell of the orik was still on her tunic from Kunchok holding her. She jumped up to remove her shift, her hunger needing abated before she did anything, and scooped up snow left over in the bowl to clean herself. After pulling on a light blue gown with large beads sewn on the front, she moved the hanging hide in her doorway to the side to leave, when something on the ground caught her eye. A large piece of cooked meat sat on a clay plate in front of her room. She picked it up, looking around, but couldn't see anyone in the large hall. Who would bring her this? Boni? Kunchok? She snorted. Definitely not Sashi.
Odesha decided to knock on Fanni's hide. A loud yawn echoed from Fanni's mouth when she pushed her own hide to the side, this time, at least, fully dressed, her large tunic covering her from nape to knees. Motioning to the meat, Odesha inclined her head. Shrugging her shoulders, Fanni looked at the plate. The yeti scratched at her head, her furry face frowning in concentration. Fanni was not awake enough to understand what Odesha wanted her to do with the piece of meat.
Fanni mimed eating and instructed, “Yemi.”
So not from Fanni. Odesha decided to go along with the meat charade, not knowing how this tribe would react if she gulped down a large cup of blood in front of them.
Oh, the horror.
It really shouldn't matter if she drank blood, but it was hard to argue a point when she couldn't explain it. Smiling, Odesha pointed to her room. She pretended to want to enjoy her breakfast in private. Fanni nodded, yawning louder, and returned to bed with a wave. Odesha listened in the hall to make sure Fanni was asleep again. She walked to Dede's room, sliding the meat under the hide. She didn't smell any taint or poison on the meat. It should be safe for Dede to consume. She would need to go to the shed for blood. A desperate feeling took over as the hunger pains became overwhelming. She'd never bitten another being, it felt revolting to even consider it. Unless it was him.
Odesha shook those thoughts away quickly, not wanting temptation to catch hold. Her feet would take her to Kunchok of their own accord. How embarrassing would that be? Odesha shuddered. Great goddess, she couldn’t imagine. She left the keep quietly, the marketplace outside bustling with activity. Her head swiveled, trying to take all the new sights in. The stalls, easier to see in the dim light, were crafted out of snow trees and thick wood. Goods of all types were set out again. No payment was exchanged that she could see. The tribe must all work to help each other. Yeti visited each other, enjoying each other’s company. Some tribe members worked at their craft, absorbed in their task. She passed several tanners, a seamstress, and several large forges. The forge owner pounded iron weapons and armor with a giant hammer. The busy place was easy to get lost in, the taller yeti easy to hide behind and to sneak around. They didn't look down much.
Act like you belong, and you will, she thought. Straightening her back, she continued to her goal. The meat shed was easy to spot. It stood deserted on the outskirts of the market. A coppery smell flowed from it, overwhelming her senses. Belly growing with hunger, she checked the area to see if she was being followed. Her heart pounded loudly, the fear of being caught pulsed through her, but she couldn't detect any movement in or outside. Odesha ran inside and shut the door. Her panting breaths were loud in the quiet room. Her belly growled again, her feet taking her towards the back room. The meat from the cow beast she had killed hung in strips from the ceiling, drying throughout the night.
Under each strip were buckets used to catch and dispose of dripping blood. She sniffed the air deeply but couldn't detect any disease or sickness in the blood. The bleeding eyes of the cow beast had worried her, but maybe they were all born like that. The beast had seemed sightless, bearing down on the group of screaming children, moving on pure instinct. The meat could be considered a contribution to the tribe. But she had her own tribe to return to. People that depended on her. It looked like cow beast blood this morning, maybe it was vintage. She laughed at the joke and wished Vashti were there to laugh with her. Vashti would be proud of her for laughing again. Even if it was just with herself. In a yeti’s meat shed.
Odesha hefted the large bucket up to her mouth, struggling under its weight. The pains and aches she felt melted away when she took gulp after gulp. She laughed in delight, thankful the old blood went down easily. She lowered the empty bucket to the ground, when a large boom at the door made her whirl around in panic. Her heart felt like it was about to explode. The door slammed closed, the shed shaking as dust rained down, coating her. Odesha reached out for the wall, trying not to fall over.
Kunchok stood at the entrance, arms folded casually. His golden hair was bunched together, small bones were feathered throughout the locks, pronouncing him a leader to the tribe. His sharp eyes never left hers, his size dwarfing the doorway. The giant walked towards her, his loud steps pounded in the quiet of the room. Odesha was so overwhelmed by him she forgot to hold her breath.
When he reached her, it was too late.
Odesha's panting breaths easily brought in Kunchok's clean scent, free of the orik musk. The need for him coursed through her. Her knees buckled, almost sending her to the wooden floor. Eyes wild, unable to concentrate on her thoughts, Odesha tried to get control over the situation with no success. Kunchok stood before her with his dominant presence surrounding her. Odesha tried to hold her breath, hoping she could gather her thoughts.
She kept repeating to herself, is this how she fell to temptation? In a bloody meat shed?
Odesha's nipples peaked and a small trail of wetness began to moisten her thighs. His eyes glanced down her body, nostrils flared, and she knew…he could smell her just as she did him.
The yeti's face turned predatory, his pointed ears stood further on end, and she felt like the tables were turned. It was a new day and the sweet yeti from last night was gone. She was being hunted. And she was pretty sure she craved it, until his arms caged her in.
Then, she was sure.
Chapter 9
Odesha's body was locked, trembling. Kunchok's body pushed her harder against the wall. Once her back was against it, she braced herself to take a deep breath, the lack of adequate breathing burning her lungs. His thick scent hit her, and she moaned aloud. She slapped her hand across her mouth, her shock making her eyes widen in alarm. He reached up with his clawed hand and took her hand away. His other
hand he used to wipe the blood trickling down the side of her mouth. He held the blood up to study.
Odesha gasped, “Hellfire.” Kunchok's aqua eyes flicked back to hers. He didn’t understand her words, but he could understand she was worried. He turned to look at the animal strips and motioned to them, miming eating, his intense eyes not missing anything.
Was she still hungry after he had left the food for her this morning?
Not sure how to convey her abnormal feeding habits, she shook her head and placed her hand on her belly miming throwing up. It seemed the best way to show him, even though she thought it made her look ridiculous. She blushed hotly.
Pointing to the thick blood she hummed in enjoyment, rubbing her belly. She looked down in embarrassment, hoping he didn’t think less of her. Or toss her out in the snow to fend for herself. What did he think of her now? The need to bite, to mark returned, distracting her from the unspoken question. They continued to stand close together, her nose twitching. Why did he have to remove the musk today of all days? The feeling was unbearable at this point. Small shivers raced through her body, her pale face flushed. Unable to control her body, her gray eyes started to glisten silver, nails extending to hold her prey down.
Kunchok whipped around, walking to the other room, giving her a chance to take a deep breath. He brought back a clay cup held in his furred hands. He bent down to a bucket, scooping up blood with the cup to bring to Odesha. Blushing hotly, she absently felt it was an erotic moment to share blood with him watching, even if there was no biting. For him to know her secret.
Her embarrassment increased when he continued to stare at her, studying her reaction. His eyes narrowed, making her shiver in response. The tension in the room became unbearable to the point she finally caved in under the pressure. She brought the cup to her mouth to sip at the blood, moaning at the salty taste. She swiped her tongue out to lick a small drop of blood on the corner for her mouth, causing him to growl, fangs bared. Odesha couldn't bring herself to fear him. She felt safe with him. His ferocity made her want him more.
Freyja have mercy on them both. If he wanted the good, he would have to know the bad. Kunchok grunted harshly and slammed his arms on either side of her, the cup she held dropping to the floor. It shattered in tiny pieces but neither moved to collect them. His head tilted to the side, watching her reaction to his advance, and moved forward to nuzzle her neck. The soft texture of his white fur made her moan in pleasure, his sharp teeth gliding over her neck to taste. She had nuzzled him last night, but it hadn't felt like this.
His bestial voice growled, “Vo lo cos suti ba suta, Odesha.”
And all her restraint was gone.
Odesha's clawed hands rose up, grasping his hair, pulling back with all her strength. His head barely moved, but when his eyes met hers, they sharpened, nose flaring. She flashed her long fangs in aggression, her diamond-like eyes flashing in challenge. He bared his teeth in answer. She lunged forward, their lips connecting before he had a chance to move away. His astonished gaze slid closed. And that's when the fire scorched inside of her. The heat burned a different kind of pain than the ice had delivered in the past. It was consuming. She slid her lips over his, feeling his hard textures. She parted her lips to slide her tongue against his. And he growled deeply, taking control of her.
She moaned in response to his aggression, legs wrapping around him to hold tight. Her arms locked tightly around him. Their tongues dueled together, fighting for dominance, until she pulled away, breathless. His possessive eyes locked onto hers. Licking his lips, he savored her taste. It was her first kiss. It felt so natural with him, her instincts taking over when she tried to dominate him, but he overcame her, taking over the battle. Odesha released her grip from around Kunchok’s neck, dropping down to her feet to run outside, catching him by surprise. A roar of anger reached her, making her run faster.
Oh, Freyja what had she done?! Her first kiss. To someone she didn't even know, that could be her downfall. Her death.
Odesha ran until only endless snow was around her, the new blood making her strong. She reached up, feeling ice forming on her cheek, drawing away frozen tears.
The emotions tearing through her were confusing. The fire had started, she had given in to it already, she could feel it. The pain coursing through her wasn't because of the ice, it was because she was far from him. What would happen when she went home? She wouldn't survive if this continued. Happiness, embarrassment, and the unstoppable fire all raged inside her heart. Knowing she had a duty to go back home, but never wanting to leave his arms scared her. He was a leader to the hunters. A position he had worked hard for. How could she ask him to abandon his people for her?
We must always put others over ourselves, Mother had warned. Something Mother never did.
Mother paced in their room, agitated. Her black gown trailed behind her while she muttered to herself. Vashti and Odesha sat silently as they waited to begin their lessons. Suddenly she turned to them, her eyes silver in rage. She gritted out, “Let me tell you a story. Once upon a time there was a princess. She wanted more in life than salt and sorrow, so she made a deal with the devil. “Take me away,” the princess said. “But you are not my fire,” the devil said. “No, I am frozen. Your frozen queen. Together we will end the war.” But the devil warned her, “You may find the fire to melt your heart one day.” But the arrogant princess scoffed, “I need no fire. I have ice.” The devil held out his hand. The princess took his hand and they made the deal. “
Mother ripped her crown from her head, making the two girls gasp. She held it softly, watching the sapphires twinkle. She whispered softly, “Freeze your heart. Freeze your feelings. Don't let the fire melt you, my girls.” Queen Bera threw the crown across the room, leaving the two girls forever alone.
The cold stole Odesha’s breath at the memory, her frozen tears falling freely to the snow. Falling to her knees, pressing her face to the snow, she took deep breaths to pull the cold air inside.
Freeze your heart… Freeze your feelings… Don't let the fire melt… It will end you both…
But the fire had already begun. And it would rage until it was satisfied.
Against the snow, Odesha heard the crunch of footsteps approaching. Pushing herself up, she looked up in confusion, drying her face quickly…and noticed a human walking towards her through the endless snow. Odesha blinked her eyes repeatedly, trying to make the mirage disappear, but she was unsuccessful. She attempted to rub her eyes, wondering if she was hallucinating. Well she had done it. The cold had frozen her mind. It had finally happened, great goddess. Laughing hysterically, Odesha grabbed her side, watching the large plumed pirate with shocking orange, curly hair and big black boots continue to stomp towards her. The giant feather was blue, waving about as if it had a mind of its own.
The pirate stopped with hands on the pommel of her sword, leaned forward, and said with a muddied accent, “Alo! Sake pase?”
Stopping her maniacal laughing, Odesha pointed up towards the feathered lady. She asked, “How…how am I? You…you are from the Bijou!?” She had never visited Bijou, but many people on the outskirts of the forest came to court in Merdi to visit. Her father had said from his travels it reminded him of a giant swamp filled with a variety of deadly creatures. He passed through several times on the way from Merdi to Romule during the Blood War to negotiate the treaty with Bera.
“Oui! Oui! Mo du Bijou!”
The pirate's beautiful, warm face was hard to look away from, the cunning sharp in her eyes. “My name is Odesha from Antiqua. What are you doing here?” In the middle of nowhere, she added silently.
The stranger flipped her giant mane behind her. “Oooo smol, la nenaine here to help you parle vit Yeti.”
Odesha looked at her in exasperation and pointed out, “I am not a child, madam.” She added, “You are going to help me speak the language of the tribe?”
“Oui! Oui!”
Odesha froze with a sudden epiphany. She yelled, “You are
a swamp witch!” She remembered stories of the elusive swamp witches that lived in the Bijou forest. There were few left. The witch could bring her home. She could trick her. And she would never see Kunchok again.
The pirate's green eyes glinted with amusement as though she could read Odesha's racing thoughts. “Oui sorceire. Esmerelda.” She smiled, showing white teeth.
“Esmerelda, what would I have to give you for this boon?” Odesha might as well go along with this dream sorceress. She had heard of stranger things.
“Une chance parle en.” Esmerelda smiled larger.
“You want to speak with someone and if I let you, you will help me learn the language of the tribe?” Odesha repeated in confusion.
“Oui, Kunchok.” She nodded her head determinedly.
“Kunchok?” Odesha asked, sure that she had mistranslated. A hallucination wouldn't know of Kunchok, right? How did the witch know? She must have been watching her…
Esmerelda's mouth turned up in a slow smile, the accent gone. In perfect vampire tongue, she clarified, “Your hunter. Wouldn't you give anything for this chance with him?”
The words swirled in Odesha's head like a tornado, repeating over and over. Did she wish this? Mother had warned Odesha away from these feelings, ensuring she remained in this icy shell. Was she willing to bet her life to be with him? The witch was a trickster, Odesha reminded herself. The pirate changed as much as her accent. It couldn’t hurt to let Esmeralda speak to someone of her choice in the future, right? For Odesha to take this chance? To stay a little longer?
To finally be…free?
Anything for this chance to be with him, Odesha decided. Odesha's mind made up, she replied, “Oui, Esmerelda. I agree to your boon.”
Esmerelda smiled and clapped her black gloved hands together. It made the chains around her neck jiggle. She pulled out a small vial of blood from underneath her red shirt to hold it up for Odesha to see. “Bon appetite!”