The Enchanting Rapture (#1)

Chapter 6

  Annika   

     "How... how do you know where the Soul Summits are from here?" Annika questioned hesitantly as she gazed at the overcast. The rolling dull clouds sifted silently, brushing into one another, snuffing out the day's illuminating light. Annika knew why the sky acted so, it was connecting to her fear of being discovered. 

     "It's common knowledge that the Soul Summits is a neutral and respected area of territory between the lands," Soren responded lowly as he marched on, heavy boots crunching against the forest floor. Annika studied his thickly muscled back as she followed behind. Being so tall, one of his steps in a slow pace kept Annika racing and out of breath. 

     "Respected," Annika muttered. 

     "You don't agree?"

     Annika gazed curiously at Soren. He'd been so quiet thus far, it was shocking he continued the conversation as he did. But she wouldn't oppose it. Annika craved to speak with Soren.

     "I remember a happy time, and then not so happy," she found herself saying, "that is why I am here... I suppose, Si-oren." Talking so much felt great, to have someone wishing to speak with her felt even better. 

     He made a deep sound of acknowledgement. 

     "You ever been there?" If Annika were to ask a question without being spoken to while she was a slave, more likely than most she would've been struck in the face. Not anymore.

     He shook his head, rustling his beautiful locks. Annika suddenly got excited. "I recall the beauty. I hope it still is, Si-Soren." He gave no response, causing Annika to frown. Had she said something wrong?

     Soren suddenly halted his determined steps. He threw his had up in signal. Annika quieted. 

     "There's a road somewhere north," he informed as he switched directions, "it isn't far."

     "Why-"

     "It'll lead to a town, we need you to rest. Jadris may have healed your body, but she sure has not replenished your energy." Annika didn't argue. Though she couldn't help but feel as if she were a heavy piece of intrusive lead around his ankle. 

     Nonsense, Annika told herself, he knows of my condition and what he was getting himself into when he accepted my offer. The track of thought brought close to no console. 

     "You don't want to go home," Soren commented suddenly as they continued on in the different direction, "yet you speak as though you unwillingly left." 

     They both gave into a time of silence after his words. Annika knew Soren desired a response, but the tired female came up blank. 

     "What about you? What about your home?" Annika dared to inquire. She'd be wise to not light his temper in any way, yet Annika couldn't control her curiosity anymore than she could stop admiring the tempting Soren.

     She awaited as Soren stayed silent for a while, brewing over Annika's possibly intrusive question.

     "I do not have a home, Annika," he answered placidly in his deeply masculine voice, giving no hint of emotion. She was nearly distracted by how wonderful her name sounded coming from him. No one had called her Annika in years. A swell of emotion puffed against her chest at the realization, urging her eyes to moisten. She swallowed and decided to focus on his response.

     "No home," Annika muttered, "everyone has a home, at least at one point in time?" 

     "I cannot disagree," Soren admitted as he continued to scan their surroundings, "but it does not matter anymore."