Sacrifice [BOOK 2]

Chapter 4

"And yet here I stand."

"I killed you Keturah. There was nothing left."

Keturah:"You couldn't kill me then, just like you can't kill me now. I know when death is coming for me and you are not my maker child."

Confusion still on my face as I look over to my birth mother for more answers.

"You are here for a reason. She warned me of your danger, just like she warned me of your father's plan to give you away. Who do you think bewitched the necklace I gave to you as a babe? Her power is much stronger than mine. She has saved you, more than I could have Winnie."

"I am not ungrateful for what Keturah has done for us, but how do you know she can be trusted? All she does is talk in riddles. She could have warned me and Xael not to go to the castle, but she didn't and now he is probably dead because of me!"

Keturah:"I did warn you my child. Remember my words. Hiding the truth will only cause heart break."

"My heart is not broken!"

Keturah:"Isn't it?"

I stand up enraged at the games these two women are playing. A force wraps around my small wrists, dragging me down back into my seat. The more I struggle the tighter it gets on my wrists.

"What the..."

Glancing down I notice the force that is keeping me down is vines, similar to the ones that I believed killed Keturah. Restrained in my chair I continue to struggle, screaming out in frustration.

"Winnie, Keturah can only see bits and pieces of the future. It is against everything she stands for to completely intervene on the future. More chaos can erupt then good. This was the most positive outcome, to have you here where you belong.

"I belong with my mate. Let me go back to him and explain everything. He needs to know I am alive and safe. He turns into another person when he lets his anger get the best of him."

"You need to train. The werewolf king will live without you. He has bigger problems then you missing. He needs to protect his people. Until I know you can actually handle your powers, you will not be going anywhere. A war is coming. You need to grow up and be ready for it."

With the wave of her hand the vines disappear. I immediately begin to rub my wrists, frowning at the purplish bruise beginning to form. A tiny bell rings and the door to the hall opens once again. Walking stiffly into the room is one of the tallest men I've ever seen. His hair is a shiny silver, pulled back tightly out of his face. With his chest bare, he wears a weird floor length skirt that is the same color as my ladies-in-waiting attire. Just like them he wears nothing on his feet only his ankles adorned with gold anklet chains. On his wrists are thick leather bracelets. He carries a stick that looks sharp at the end and is as tall as he is. He stops in front of mother, face cold and stern.

"Winnie this is Arel. He is a fierce warrior of our kingdom and a family friend. He will be your guardian and train you in the ways of our people, including teaching you how to fight. He will show you back to your room. Tomorrow he will guide you around the kingdom. It is up to him when you train. You both are dismissed."

Standing up abruptly, the chair behind me falls to the floor with a huge clang. As I pick up my dress to walk as fast as I can out of the room. Once in the hallway I let out a silent puff of air. Almost forgetting the freakish man next to me. Not knowing where to go I wait for him to start walking again, after looking down at me in confusion. Trying hard to keep up with him, I try not to stare at him, too much.

He is handsome, but in a strange way. He is not overly muscular. His skin is so golden, just like...

Arel:"Are you going to say something or continue to stare?"

Turning around he stands in front of me giving me a very intimidating look.

"I ... uhh. I wasn't."

Arel:"Sure."

He turns around continuing to walk. The silence follows us until we finally reach my room door. He stands directly in front of it, arms crossed, staring. I try not to make eye contact as I rock on the balls of my feet at the awkwardness of our interactions.

Arel: "You are afraid of me. Aren't you?"

"No, why would you think that?"

Arel:"Don't lie!"

His voice booms in the small hallway, causing me to cower in fear. Keeping my head down I reply.

"I am. You're not making it easy for me not to fear you."

A melodious sound echoes through the hall as I glance up to see Arel laughing uncontrollably. He stops before gently stroking my cheek. I flinch. He takes hold of my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes.

Arel:"You have nothing to be afraid of little princess. I will not hurt you. I am not interested in your title or your beautiful looks. I am here to help you find yourself. Also, if it makes you feel better, you should know I prefer the company of men in my bed. Have a good rest of your day princess. I will be around."

Dumbfounded, he lets go of my chin and walks in the opposite direction of my room, humming a familiar tune.

He is so weird.

Author's Note

So, thoughts? I have been super sick this past week, but even with a stuffy nose and a headache I had to give the people what they wanted right? Lol New chapter next Monday. Stay healthy everyone!