Everly~
Talon tightened his arm around me as he commanded the large animal beneath us to land. It tucked its massive wings at its sides as it came to a stop, huffing at the cloud of dust that had kicked up around us.
In one swift motion Talon swung his leg back and dismounted the beast effortlessly before moving to the restraints around my wrists. I glared at him as his hands worked to free me, knowing that nothing good awaited me in that camp.
With my hands free, Talon didn't wait for my permission or consent, he simply lifted me off the animal as if I were a small child. He could have dropped me on my feet like a sack of grain, but his hands lingered around my waist until I was sure-footed and steady.
I watched as he immediately turned his back to me and walked toward someone standing in the distance. At first I was confused as to why he would trust me to simply stand there and wait, but then again, where would I go? How far could I actually get? I was surrounded and my fate was sealed.
A breathtaking woman with dark skin, long black hair and crystal blue eyes stood just ahead of Talon. She was tall and slender and her beauty screamed immortality. Greeting Talon with a small downward tilt of her chin, the woman remained poised and calm as he leaned in close to her ear and spoke words that were meant only for her. Her eyes flicked toward me and a smile lifted the side of her cheek. Lifting one hand she motioned for me to join them and I had nothing more to lose by following the simple command.
My steps were cautious, but I refused to show the terror I felt in my heart. I couldn't let these barbarians know how truly intimidated I was.
"Brave little beauty." The woman purred at me as if she was proud.
Reaching for the tattered edges of my clothes, she inspected me with an expression that was a mixture of pity and humor, neither of which I enjoyed.
"This won't do at all." She muttered. "Come..." Giving dramatic pause, the woman waited for me to complete her command with my name.
I considered defying her and taking a vow of silence as protest, but ultimately decided against it.
"Everly." The word was soft, but had a slight edge to it that the woman seemed to enjoy.
"Everly." She repeated back, her grin growing wider. "Come with me."
Turning her back to me, the woman began walking toward a large wooden structure that looked to be a massive house. She didn't even look back to see if I was following her.
"Remember what I said." Talon yelled loudly. His command was met by a small hand gesture that the woman tossed over her shoulder.
I hesitated, my eyes still on Talon, watching to see if he was planning on sticking around. His stern expression never changed and he lifted his chin in the woman's direction, a nonverbal command for me to follow her.
It wasn't as if I had a choice. I could have refused or ran, but I was no match for Talon.
Letting out a deep sigh, I turned and followed the woman who was now very far from me. Feeling the need to jog in order to catch up, I picked up my pace until I was right behind her.
"You didn't tell me your name." I said as I caught my breath.
"Jade." Her voice was calm and even.
"You are a very lucky woman, you know." Jade continued as we approached the large house.
I scoffed at her statement, rubbing at the red angry skin on my wrists as a reminder that I was being held captive.
"Really? Forgive me if I don't see it that way." My voice was cold as ice and Jade seemed to find it amusing.
