The Awakening

Chapter Four

No farewells were exchanged as Balor ushered Avelon out of the manor. Balor had rushed- as though he was eager to explore her by getting her back to her new home- or prison. The thought had Avelon's stomach churning.

Avelon's parents had gladly handed her over, without so much as a second glance or second guess. The whole situation had sent shockwaves of pain through Avelon's heart. The abrupt, and almost too willing, removal of her from her parent's life had been a bit too much for her to process. She knew her parents had never particularly expressed their love for her, but she was their daughter for Gods sake! Shaking the downward spiral before it consumed her, she instead focussed on what was awaiting her.

Various horses were outside, fully saddled for the trek to Teine which would take at least a fortnight. Avelon instantly noticed that Balor did not travel alone and that many of the unknown faces inside the manor were his own guards and henchmen. No servants accompanied him.

Without showing her reluctance, Avelon mounted the horse assigned to her. The henchmen had lifter her as though she weighed nothing- being handled so easily had made her uncomfortable and vulnerable.

Thankfully, no male had accompanied her on the mare and no shackles were placed on her. Avelon made sure to thank whatever goddess was watching over her, for the small mercy- Assuming absentmindedly that the second she would step out of line her good luck would instantly run out.

A whistle drew her gaze forward to where Balor was motioning the horses forward. Her horse, a stunningly black mare, was tied from the mouth to the end of Balor's horse- a type of subtle shackle she supposed. Silently Avelon patted the mare whilst leaning down to whisper in the mares ear.

"You are too beautiful to be shackled to that." Avelon's eyes trailed back to Balor. The mare neighed as if agreeing which had Avelon smirking.

Amidst her racing thoughts and straining heart, she remained quiet and pliant- she had wanted to wait until Balor showed his hand. She needed to ascertain what type of person he was before she tried anything.

They had continued walking for what felt like hours with no one uttering a word- except for Balor barking simple instructions. Altthough the silence had frustrated her, there was no way Avelon would strike up a conversation. She had no intention of getting the know the people who found pleasure in fae trade. So instead, she studied the landscape around her. She had always liked exploring Uisce with Fallon. The vastness of its rivers and greenery had made her feel at peace. Ironically, she was never too fond of the water itself. The depts and unknown territory of it had her steering far away. Discovering what lay hidden beneath the surfaces of Uisce waters had always been low on her list of priorities. Avelon explored as much as possible, however it had never been enough- she had never ventured too far away from her home. The unknown had excited her just as much as it had frightened her.

Rolling her eyes, she glanced ahead of her- studying Balor's back. His attention was solely focused on the path ahead. He had paid no attention to Avelon and she had preferred it that way. She found herself worrying about what man he was. Obviously not a good one seeing as he literally bough her, but how bad?

"Avelon" Avelon's eyes widened in surprise at the mention of her name.

"I can feel you staring daggers into my back, girl. What is it you want?" The previous charm and smoothness in his voice had vanished. Only calculated coldness remained.

"I, uh, was wondering some things." Avelon started, quickly averting her gaze to her hands, "What do you have planned for me?" She uttered and felt her heart rate quicken slightly.

Balor pulled at the bridle of his horse, slowing down slightly to fall into step with Avelon. She straightened and bravely looked towards him. His black eyes had made her insides turn to lead. They held no warmth. Smirking, as if he could feel the effect he had on her, Balor licked his lips before answering.