His Sword and Her Magic (Book Two Of the Fae Series)

Chapter Ten and a Half

Oliver Pov:

I pushed open the door of my small cottage, an empty basket in my hand meant for berries. With yesterday's rain, I knew there wouldn't be many berries left the small animals hadn't stolen, but I needed some sort of food. I took a deep breath, but I couldn't tell if the scent on the wind was last night's drizzle or more rain today. 

It was better to assume it meant more rain today. I was tempted to turn around and return to my small home at the base of a large tree, but I knew I needed food. I sighed softly, running my fingers through my fluffy black hair, pulling my cloak over my shoulder. I would have a little while before the rain came and in that time I would be getting berries.

I waded through the muddy pathway, my sense of smell searching for the slightly sweet scent of berries. None were near me so I would have to venture further to actually find anything. Another sigh left my lips. I enjoyed exercising, but a trudge through the mud in unknown lands with a storm coming wasn't something I wanted to do.

I continued forwards anyways, a little smile appearing on my lips as a small rabbit tumbled through the wet grass. It had it's cheeks full and judging my the slightly pink color around it's mouth it had found some berries. That was a good sign, but I still couldn't smell any near besides the ones coming from the rabbit. How far had it come from in that direction?

I shrugged. I would try heading the way it had come. If it had found food, there was probably more, right? I pushed away the bushes, continuing forward for what felt like hours. Then, I finally found them. A large bushel of the berries was in front of me. My smile grew as I greedily snatched them from their stems, popping a few into my mouth.

A bit sour, but I couldn't complain, it was something to eat. Unfortunetly, there weren't many berries, but I could see more further ahead. It was like a small trail of berry bushes and I was going to follow it until my basket was full!

"Eep!" I yelped as a loud boom of thunder echoed through the sky. A covering of grey clouds was quick to follow, rain splattering against my cloak. I pulled up my hood, staring down at the berries in my hands. I had travelled far from my home, and I had to admit I wasn't sure what direction it was in.

I spun in a slow circle, but I had picked the bushes clean and couldn't tell which ones were berries and which ones were normal bushes! I took in a shakey breath, my scent trail quickly disappearing with the rainfall. I was lost. I took in a deep breath, taking a few steps forwards. Maybe this was the way back to my home.

I knew there was a human village nearby, the only human village in the sun court, so maybe I could go there. I gulped, pushing my way through the bushes. Another crack of thunder made me jump, my grip loosening on my basket. With wide eyes I watched the basket hit the ground, the berries spilling onto the floor.

"No, not my food," I mumbled, my voice barely heard above the loud splashing of raindrops against the leaves and grass around me. I crouched down, the water setting in and I couldn't help my shiver. I didn't have time to pick these up if I didn't want to freeze to death.

I stumbled to me feet, slipping slightly on the grass as I moved forwards. I hoped I was going in the right direction, my bottom lip shaking slightly. What if I didn't make it back? What if I died out here without replying my grandmother? I winced, dripping over a branch, my knees crashing into the muddy floor.

Then I caught an odd smell. Even through the rain the scent was obvious. It was sweet, my instincts focusing entirely on it. The village and my home didn't matter any more, only finding the source of the smell did. I forced myself up to my feet, stumbling towards it, practically blind with the rain. I could hear some movement ahead, my voice shaking as I asked.

"H-hello? W-who's there?" I asked, but no one answered. The sounds of movements continued until I could just barely make out a figure in front of me. He was tall, most of his body concealed by the cloak covering him. He was strong, his strength radiating from him. The sweet smell also came from him. I lifted my eyes, meeting his amber ones. "Mate..."

That's what he was. He was my mate, surprise registering in his eyes as he realized the fact as well. I bit the inside of my cheek. I had to go to him! I took a few steps forward, careful not to slip and make a fool of myself as I reached him, wrapping my arms around him. It took him another moment to gather himself as he hugged me in return. I found him. I found my mate.

"W-what's y-your name?" I asked, peeking up at him to admire his handsome face while he spoke.

"Apollo."