From The Ashes

Chapter Eighteen

I'd been running through the pack lands for so long that dusk was beginning to settle over the land around me.

My lungs burned from over-exertion and my muscles ached painfully. Sienna had finally stopped growling in my mind, and I knew that, for now, her anger had subsided, so I decided to turn back toward the castle.

Aside from the accidental thunder storm I had called upon earlier, I'd managed to keep my powers in check. The wind had blown a little harder than normal today, but I didn't cause a tornado so I took it as a win.

As I grew nearer to the castle, I began to slow my pace. I knew I was in no shape to see anyone tonight, so I opted for skipping dinner. Just as I was about to break through the thick foliage of the forest, I heard a twig snap behind me. 

Instantly, my hackles rose and my ears peeled back. I whipped my head around and surveyed my surroundings, but saw nothing.

I stuck my snout in the air, trying to pick up a scent, but not catching one.

It crossed my mind that maybe Valen or Von had followed me out here, but if that was the case, they would have made their presence known by now. I let out a warning growl, but received no response.

I turned my snout to the dirt and began searching. Something about this didn't feel right. 

I let my nose guide me deeper into the woods, picking up the faintest scent on the ground. It seemed familiar but I couldn't place where I remembered it from.

Finally, I came to a small stream where the scent was washed away with the flowing water. I huffed in annoyance, but scanned my surroundings. I was deeper into the forest than I'd ever been before, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being stalked.

I turned in a slow circle, still seeing nothing. The light was fading fast, and though the eerie feeling wouldn't subside, I knew I needed to get out of there.

I turned in the direction I came and sprinted off. Just before I crossed the forest line again, I looked back and I could have sworn I saw a pair of yellow eyes watching me. 

Later that night, I was lounging on my bed when there was a small knock on my door. I knew right away it was Aislinn. I thought for a moment before deciding to let her in. Aislinn stood in the middle of my room and stared at the ground while I waited for her to say something. 

"Are you okay?" she finally asked. 

I nodded my head. 

"It's just.. you were gone for such a long time. I was worried something happened to you. And when you weren't at dinner.." she trailed off. I sighed. 

"Aislinn, I'm fine." She finally glanced up and looked into my eyes. 

"I'm sorry, Indigo. I knew it was wrong, and I should have said something. I'm sorry." I paused for a moment before smiling at her. 

"It's okay, Aislinn. I forgive you. I was very angry at you guys, but I understand you can't just disobey the king. Plus, he's going to be my king soon, too. So I better get used to it. Come here," I told her while holding my arms out. She rushed into them and hugged me tight. 

"There is something I need to tell you, though."

She looked back up to me with concern in her eyes and I relayed the mysterious encounter I'd had in the woods. She thought for a moment before mind-linking King Ruben to let him know. 

"He said he's going to increase security tomorrow for the ball. He already seems on edge to me, but he won't elaborate on why." I let out a sigh of relief.