Timeless (Timeless Book 1)

9

A woman placed her hand on the rough surface of the glittering walls that held her in. Sadness filled her gaze as she looked through to the broken images of outside. The clear walls only held the freedom she once had. Sadness became anger as she narrowed her red eyes at a bird that was flying around in the sky, scattered images of covering the walls like hundreds of mirrors. The bird seemed to be teasing her with its own freedom. 

How could her father do this to her?

She had done nothing wrong. Why would he lock her away like this? If she had been able to get a clear answer out of him that day, she would know. Unfortunately, he was hysterical as he shoved her into this tower he had created so suddenly behind her. She could remember the ground shaking violently beneath her feet, scaring her so much that she had flown high into the air to escape falling into a crack. Her heart had pounded in her chest, feeling as if it would leap out. Watching the tower come out of the ground had made her watch in awe, unable to move as she stared. 

She shook the memory away. Right now, she needed to focus on getting some sleep. It was getting late and the moon was almost high. Her father might be visiting in the morning with the woman he had told her about. It confused her so. Why lock her away and then go on to love another woman? What about her mother? His wife? Did something happen between them? Did she not know something important?

Was her mother dead? 

No! she thought, scolding herself for even thinking such a horrid thought. She couldn't be dead! Her mother was just as powerful as her father and almost impossible to defeat. She had never lost a battle and she was the only one known to have defeated her father. Which was why he fell in love with her that day. They told her that at some point, the battle became a game and they showed off their battle moves, turning into it more and more into a dance of deadly power. 

She smiled at the thought. Perhaps she might find a love like theirs one day. Casting a glance at the scattered moon, enjoying the rainbow of colors filling her room, she sat on her bed. The large bed was made for her by the guards and they would bring her fresh clothes along with food and water. At least her care hadn't been forgotten. Maybe she could seduce one of the guards? No, it wouldn't work. They were often telling her stories about the families they so dearly loved. 

They may be brutal and heartless fighters but they cared for each other and their families like any person. 

A yell of agony and anguish caught her attention as she lay down. She quickly sat up again. Had her father take his anger out on the giants guarding her door? They had done nothing wrong as far as she could tell. Her wide eyes stayed on the enchanted wooden door, watching it, waiting for it to open and reveal her terrifying father's hideous form. After what seemed like hours, there was a faint audible click of the lock being turned with the key the giants had. The door swung open and she flinched, expecting an angry father. 

Instead, she saw an old man. Confused, she gave the man a double take. They stared at each other for a moment, taking in the other. The old man's blue eyes were bright and gleaming with anger. She grew annoyed. "How did you take out my guards?" she demanded, grabbing the blade on her bedside table. The silver blade shone with the moonlight and colors, dazzling the man for a brief moment. She stood and pointed the sword at him. "Speak!" Her voice was filled with authority. 

The old man smirked as he shut the door. "Oh, I'll speak." She watched as he became a shadow, the mass swirling and pulsing as if it were boiling liquid. It didn't take long before it was gone and a handsome young man stood before her. She was shocked as recognition took hold. "Cian!" she gasped. What did a warrior god need with her? She put herself on guard. "You're here to kill me, aren't you?" she growled, her pupils narrowing like a cat's. 

Cian shook his head. "No, far from that. I'm here to take you away from here."

"How?" she snapped. "I am trapped here by my damnable father! There are giants patrolling this tower!" She swung her sword, the air whistling where it swiped. "How did you even get by them like that?"

"I made them think that I was sent by your father to deliver some gifts. The giants aren't very smart, are they?"

"Did you have proof?"

He nodded, still smirking. He was looking her over, enjoying the fiery woman before him. Perhaps she could do more than be a hostage. 

She caught his wandering gaze. "Hands off!" she growled, ready to cut his head off. "Or else!" 

He started forward. "But wouldn't you prefer some fun before you leave? Your father isn't here to stop you. Besides, I'm sure a beautiful woman like you has yet to find a suitor because of this situation."

She lowered her sword. He was right. He was the first man she had seen in such a long time. She could easily spite her father by going to bed with this man and leaving with him. It would show him that she couldn't be locked away forever. Or perhaps she was going crazy? Oh, well. It wouldn't hurt to have some fun anyway. She was a grown woman. She deserved this after having her spirit put down. 

As soon as I get out of here, she thought, I'll send Delano after you, Father.