by Ally Miller
"Speak," Braunis told him, waiting to hear what he had to say in front of everyone.
"The woman I love, Layla, is the reason we are gathered here today to embark on this new alliance. I feel it is the perfect time to ask of you, Lord Braunis, to allow, if she will accept me, for us to be married in the ways of the Arkuns; joined forever. I do not ever wish to leave her side." Kraordis bowed low as Layla felt her jaw drop to the ground. He was asking to marry her? A wife was not something she thought she would ever be, but she found that the idea of belonging to Kraordis forever; being linked to him in an unbreakable bond, warmed her heart like nothing else.
"Layla, do you wish to join with Commander Kraordis in marriage?" Braunis asked, looking to Layla in curiosity. The answer was clear.
Layla looked right at Kraordis with tears welling up in her eyes; this time of joy. "I do."
THE END
Bonus 20 of 30
Red wolf
Description
Kiera knew that going into the forest alone was a bad idea, but as she walks around, she gets lost, then attacked by a mysterious creature. Knowing that death is near, she braces for the worst, but is soon saved by two mysterious creatures, the rumored red wolf she’s heard about.
However, when she wakes up, she’s certainly not around wolves anymore, but instead two attractive men. Immediately, the sparks begin to fly, and she soon begins to realize her thoughts are driving her both to her curiosity about these men and a need for something more. But of course, these two are hiding a secret, and with the legend of the red wolf at the helm of her thoughts, Kiera knows there is a connection to that legend and these two men. But will they let her know the truth before it’s too late, and will they let her in on what’s going on?
Chapter 1
“Where am I?” I asked myself as I stepped along the pathway. I could’ve sworn that this was the correct path. I mean, it’s not like I was going in circles or anything, but something about this felt like it was off. I looked around, the moonlight of the night showing the pathway. It was the only light that I had, one that wasn’t going to do me a lot of justice unless I got out of here soon.
This was what I got for being a nature photographer it seemed. I should have known by now to have headed back, but I really wanted to see if the red wolf rumor was true. Then again, maybe it was just some stupid pipe dream, something I followed simply because it was the right thing to do. I continued trudging forward, the cold night air chilling my bones. I needed to find something, anything to help me get back on the right path.
I heard a rustling in the bushes. When I looked about, there was nothing, absolutely nothing there. I began to wonder if I was imagining things, and soon, I started to shake my head.
“I can’t be imaging it. There is something out there,” I muttered to myself. Was it the red wolf, or was it something else? As I continued forward, I heard it again, whipping around to potentially get a view of whatever it was. I hoped it was some small animal that found its way here, but there was that part of me that knew it wasn’t the case.
However, what happened next stunned me. I was immediately attacked from behind, claws digging into my skin. I cried out, feeling the trickle of blood already. Damn he got deep. I fell to the ground, my golden blonde hair in front of my face. I tried to scramble forward, but it was no use. The creature had me and I was stuck here. Would this be the end? Or was it going to be the beginning of whatever would happen next? I didn’t sense anyone about and I knew that calling out for help was only going to make matters worse.
The only place around was some billionaire’s mansion. I didn’t know who it was, but if he had this hanging as close as he did to me, then I didn’t want to take my chances.
I felt the mouth of this mysterious creature right against my own. It was a bear. I noticed it finally after coming to. The daze I felt when I got bit seemed to loom over me and I could feel my body growing hazy as my consciousness slipped away. I began to hope for something, anything that could save me from whatever the hell was going to happen next.
That mouth was right near my neck. It was dangerously close to biting there, snapping the tendons and killing me. I wondered if I’d make it out alive, but I doubted it. I guess this was my way to go. I knew being a nature photographer did pose quite the heavy risk, but this was insane. This was completely and utterly insane.
I started to feel my consciousness slip away as I felt my body lose all of its strength. This was it. At least I’d be unconscious when this beast decided to devour me. I then felt something hit right up against the bear, startling my body from its clutches. I felt my body thump to the ground, causing me to let out a hiss of pain, but then, unconsciousness screamed against every single tendon, making it hard for me to even pull my head forward.
However, my ears still worked. I heard screams, almost as if the beast was being torn apart by whatever it was that saved me. But I wondered if this person was friend or foe? I wasn’t totally sure. When I heard the sound of the beast’s dying wail, I struggled to get up, to thank whoever it was that saved me. Of course, was it worth it to thank them? They could be here to kill me in the same light, but there was something within me that spoke otherwise, especially regarding that. However, I couldn’t keep my eyes open, or my body up, so I passed out.
Maybe I would die here. I don’t want to think so, but that’s what was at the forefront of my mind as I lay there, unconscious and unsure of where I would end up. There was a presence near me, and I struggled to flutter my eyes open, but it was no use. I prepared for the sweet release of death, and soon, the creature grabbed me. I braced myself, knowing this could be the end of it all. Instead of it killing me, I was pulled somewhere, almost dragged to a new location. I was then carried almost in a bridal-style by whoever it was that did this. I mean, deep down I did thank them for what they did, but I also had no idea just what this person or creature was capable of. Would it kill me? Or would I live to tell the tale.
The only thing I did know was that when I did open my eyes, a gasp emitted from my mouth. This was what I was looking for, the creature that I had yearned to spot, only to avoid it up until this time.
I was being carried by the red wolf, whatever this creature was. I knew this would be quite the story, if I did manage to get out of this alive and with all of my limbs intact. There wasn’t much I could do, as the darkness of my consciousness seeped away, leaving me almost dead to the world in this mysterious creature’s arms.
Chapter 2
I woke up shortly after my rest, or at least that’s what I called it. I thought I was dead, or at least that’s what I expected. I realized I was in a perfectly made room, with velvety sheets, a beautiful high ceiling and furniture that looked more expensive than the type I was used to.
“Where the hell am I?” I asked.
“You’re awake. That’s relieving. I didn’t think you would make it, especially with how close to death you were,” a voice said.
I looked, seeing that it was a mysterious man. He was about my age, with sandy blonde hair, green eyes and he wore a perfectly pressed tux. I looked at him, my face contorted into that of confusion more than anything.
“Where am I?” I asked.
“You’re at Master Richard’s home. I’m Spencer, his head butler and servant,” he said.
I extended my hand, awkwardly looking at him. Damn he was cute. “Kiera,” I told him.
“Well Kiera, I’m glad you’re alive. I made sure that you were taken care of. Seems you got attacked by a bear and the wounds were deep,” he said.
I tried to move, noticing that it didn’t hurt. “Yeah, but it doesn’t hurt,” I said.
“I’m an apothecary, along with being the head butler here. For master, I make a variety of concoctions, some of them including healing ones,” he said to me.
I listened to this, but in all honesty, I felt like there was something more.
“Where is your master? I have a few questions,” I said.
�
��About what? He is still sleeping, so I don’t assume he’ll be up for a while,” he told me.
I blushed, trying my hardest to figure out what to say.
“About what I saw last night. I could’ve sworn I was taken in by a red wolf,” I told him.
He looked at me, his face almost changing on instinct. Was there something he knew that I didn’t. Finally, he shook his head, looking at me directly.
“You’re making that up. You know that’s a legend just as well as I do,” he said.
“Right. But I could’ve sworn I saw it,” I said.
“You probably were just seeing things since you were right at death’s door. Don’t think any more of it, for it’s probably that,” he insisted.
I wanted to believe that, but in all honesty, something about that seemed very wrong. However, I didn’t question it.
“So you’re his butler. This is that rich dude that lives right along the edge of the forest, right? Doesn’t he worry about the animals?” I asked.
“I do, but I have quite the security as well in case something happens,” a voice said.
I looked up, and Spencer immediately smiled.
“There you are master,” he said.
“Hello Spencer. It seems our little guest is up,” he said.
“Yeah. Sorry about that. I’m Kiera,” I said to him.
“Richard. But I’m sure he informed you of that,” he told me.
“Yeah he did. So you live alone here? I thought you had other servants,” I said.
“I have a couple, but Spencer is the only live-in servant. He’s been my right-hand man since the beginning, since I moved out here and put my business remotely,” he said.
I knew his business was in computers and other stuff, which shocked me since the signal out here is poor.
“Well, it seems you’ve done well,” I said.
“Naturally. Now might I ask you a question?” he offered.
I blushed, trying my hardest to figure out what to say to him next. I finally nodded, looking in his eyes.
“Shoot,” I said.
“What were you doing in the forest? It’s dangerous at night,” he said.
“I got lost. I was supposed to take a different way, but I didn’t know until it was too late. One thing led to another, and I was attacked. I could’ve sworn I was saved by a red wolf, who I was looking for, but I guess that was my imagination,” I said.
Now I knew something was fishy. Immediately, Richard’s shoulders stiffened at those words.
“You said you’re looking for the red wolf?” he asked.
“Yeah. I’m a nature photographer. I thought maybe being a bit curious would help, but I guess that wasn’t the case,” I said.
“It’s best not to meddle in those affairs. The red wolf is a myth, a legend and I suggest you don’t get too close to it, for your life might be in danger as the legend says,” he insisted.
That’s right. If you did see the red wolf, there was a chance you’d die. I shook my head, thinking that it was nothing more than crazy talk.
“I don’t fear death,” I said.
“I don’t fear it either, but that doesn’t mean I suggest you follow that pathway. It’s only going to hurt you Kiera, especially if you get too curious,” he said to me.
I looked to Spencer, who smiled weakly. Richard was an attractive man, about five years older than me. He had a poise that screamed he had money and a look in his eyes that also begged for something else. I didn’t know why, but something about this man intrigued me, making me wonder if there was more to this than what met the eye. But he was so insistent upon not telling me about whatever it was he was hiding, and avoiding the subject of the red wolf. I simply nodded, staring at him.
“Very well sir,” I said.
“It’s for your own good not to get involved,” he told me.
“Right. Well thank you for taking care of me.”
“Naturally. Once you’re well, I’ll escort you back to the visitor’s center. There, I suggest that you head back, and don’t try to go and find out more about that red wolf. He’s a legend for a reason,” he said.
I listened to this, taking his advice and heeding it. “Right,” I said.
“Besides, it’s better to not sweat that small stuff. You seem like an interesting girl,” Richard said.
“Thank you,” I replied.
I spent the next few days recovering, talking to the two attractive men a lot. I really wanted to come back, but I didn’t know how possible that would be, and with the way he warned me of whatever was happening, I had a feeling that whatever he was hiding was something that would explain it all, and he wasn’t too keen on telling everyone just yet. I kept those thoughts to myself, hoping that he’d tell me later.
The time spent at the mansion was nice. I wanted to stick around. Not only that, I totally caught Spencer and Richard looking at me, eyeing my body with a look of something that I couldn’t put my finger on. I mean, I didn’t mind being looked at like that from them, but it was obvious they wanted to say something, but refused to do so. Maybe they would tell me when the time was right. I could only hope.
Once I recovered, Richard took me back to the visitor’s center. Sure enough, my car was still there.
“Thank God. I almost thought they’d tow me,” I said.
“I let them know the situation. Now be safe,” he said.
“Right. Thank you for everything. I mean, both you and Spencer are so interesting. I’d love to get to know you better,” I said. I knew I was obviously implying something more, but he simply frowned.
“It’s best you run along, don’t get involved and live your life. This isn’t made for someone like you. The legend is something you wouldn’t understand, and I don’t think I’d have the heart to tell you everything,” he said.
The cryptic words struck a nerve in me, but I simply nodded. “Very well,” I said. I left the car, heading to my own, thankful that I remembered my keys. I guess the mysterious beast that almost killed me didn’t care for them. While I wanted to let go of that curiosity, it was hard to, and soon, I felt an urge to learn more what this man was hiding, what he was holding back and the truth behind it all. I feared it was something larger than what I expected, but there was also that inexplicable urge to learn the truth and to get the answers.
Chapter 3
I went back home, heading to my computer to do a write up over what happened. I said I didn’t get to see the red wolf, but I guess that was something that would be saved for next time. If there ever was a next time.
I tried to get my mind off the whole situation, especially with how suspicious both Spender and Richard were acting. I mean, I didn’t understand why they hid the truth from me, about who they were. Something seemed off, and I want to go back and find out.
I tried to ignore the feeling that I should dig into this, but at the same time, I knew I couldn’t keep doing this. I wanted to know if my feelings were correct, if there was something more there.
I went back to the visitor’s center about a week later. The guard in front of the park looked at me, confusion spreading across his face.
“Weren’t you just here?” he asked me.
“Yeah. I have another assignment to do,” I explained to him. That was only kind of a lie. I did have to take a few photos of some plants, so I used that as a means to get in. Of course, I wasn’t going to leave for a while, but I guessed the only way to find out was to hopefully experience that once again.
The guard looked me over, eyeing me to see if there was anything else. However, he sighed.
“Fair enough. Have a nice day,” he said to me.
I smiled at him with a beaming grin, excited that it was so easy. I walked past, heading down the pathway, trying my hardest to figure out where it was that I got attacked at. I couldn’t really put my finger on it, but I guess I would find out. I really didn’t want to experience the throes of death again, but hopefully that wouldn’t be the case.
I wan
dered around once more, the edge of nightfall obvious, when I saw it. I knew my eyes weren’t deceiving me. I could’ve sworn It was the red wolf, right there before my eyes. I got moving, following the creature, when I noticed it started to go somewhere else.
“What are you doing?” I asked myself. I knew that this creature could be dangerous, but there was almost an inherent desire within my body to see this through to the end. I began to look at what might happen, and soon, I followed the wolf as best as I could. I twisted through the forest, looking to see just where this wolf was taking me.
It was then when I saw another one. He was a beautiful snow-white wolf, and it appeared that the two of them knew one another. They morphed, and that’s when I saw it.
It was Richard and Spencer. They were the wolves.
“Did you see any more bears around?” Richard asked.
“No sir. I believe we scared them away. However, I did notice a girl around,” Spencer said.
Immediately, Richard stiffened.
“You don’t think it’s her, do you?” he asked Spencer with concern.
“No master. I believe it’s probably just some animal. Maybe I’m seeing things. But we can’t let her tell others about our secret. It’s personal,” he said.
“Indeed. It’s a shame that she’s a great woman. If she actually left us alone and let our secret stay safe, I’d be fine with letting her in,” Richard said.
“Yeah. I mean, I feel the same way. She’s a good girl, just meddles in the affairs of other people far too much,” Spender said.
“That is correct.”
I felt my heart start to rush forward as I heard this. They actually liked me, but that was the reason? I mean, it explained a whole lot, that’s for sure. But how did I approach this? I began to wonder if it was even wise to do so.
However, I heard something run into me, pushing me into the clearing. I screamed out, falling in front of them with a thud.
