Shadow Princess

Chapter Ten: The Sun Also Rises

A dark forest stretches out before them; storm clouds bubbled above it. Julius watches the outskirts of the clearing, checking behind them for their pursuers. Callista and Jacob are right behind him. He wonders what Callista sees. He knew that magic is used to keep the wall up between the mortal realm and the supernatural realm. The forest is still, besides the storm raging above it. He couldn't see where the guards were station, and if that's because they weren't on the side of the supernatural. Finally, a soft pulse of light enters the field, making Julius wince. Jacob gave a soft curse.

"Did that come from the forest or the storm?" Callista asks, her voice thick with sleep. Julius resisted the urge to look at her, to see her. The last day was hell, ignoring her and keeping his distance. He still heard Jacob making small talk, asking about her life. Julius felt like snapping the last twenty-four hours.

"It came from the portal to the Black Ley Forest," Jacob replies, answering her question. Julius felt his jaw jump in irritation. The fact that she will not be alive in three days makes him distance himself. He doesn't want to get to know her, to connect with her. Julius knew the words he said about her parents threw her, posed himself as the enemy. It is the only chance for himself to not break.

"We are going in the end portal, hopefully to avoid the guards on the other side. I have business to attend in Silver City," Julius explains, glancing over his shoulder to obtain the looks on their faces. Callista was breathtaking. Her humanness radiates out of her like a light bulb. Her silver-blue eyes were full of emotion, the one that truly struck him, is the one that fills her eyes. The loneliness and haunted. He knew what that felt like, the moment you are on your own. Jacob's green eyes held surprise.

"Silver City?" Jacob asks, his eyebrow raising in question. "Serious business?"

Julius shakes his head, turning back to looking at the Black Ley Forest. He saw the pulse of light, and knew that general area was where the portal is. He cocks his head, silently counting the moments between each pulse; knowing in between those moments are important. He turns toward the two behind him, already considering a plan. It is odd that Callista could see what they could, knowing the magic kept out humans. "We'll have to keep you under wraps. Humans are in dangerous territory once they cross. The portal usually helps keep humans out, but the last century more humans have crossed and ends up dead. I need you to be careful. I'm going to have you sit with me, to keep the scent of the human under ours. They won't detect it."

Callista looks wide-eyed as the words start to process. "So, I'm in danger, no matter what I do?"

Jacob nods and looks back at the portal. "Isn't there guards on the other side?" Julius nods. "Then why don't we just tell them we are for the King?"

Julius stares down Jacob until he looks back. "Yes, there are guards, but as I have said, I have business in Silver City. I need to go there without any distractions," he explains. Jacob looks at him steady and then nods.

"Alright, then let's get Callista on your horse," he mutters. Callista looks concerned, her heart racing a mile a minute. Julius felt his skin tighten and crawl as Jacob escorts Callista over. He keeps his eyes on the forest, where the portal is. His second in command helps Callista up on the horse, slinging her leg around to straddle the saddle. She leans back against him, her arm brushing his. His fingers tighten on the reign as he thinks about the last time, she was this close. Her hands are fisted together in her lap, are her legs tightens around the body of the saddle, to keep her steady. Callista is leaning against him, her heart beat pounding through her. He feels it vibrating through her, as his fingers turn white. Jacob settles beside them, his hands holding the reigns to his horse and Callista's. The pulse lit again, and Julius dug his heels into his horse. They went forward, the forest seems to part for them. Julius knew it was the portal, allowing them through, accepting the lives that was passing.