Chapter 7

The rain hits me in all directions.

I run.

Away from him.

Raine.

My mind in is denial as I sprint, my emotions flaring out of control.

"I see you! Over here! I'm waving my hand! Holy shit Kalypso is raining hellfire on this mountain, I also received updates that ships from the Gaya Empire and closing in, but they can't come too close due to the hurricane. These orgs are screwed, man!"

I can still hear his yell of rage echo in my head making me sprint faster.

I'm running blindly, trying not to get hit by falling rocks as explosions wrack this horrid mountain. My mind is in fight or flight mode. I scream as a large boulder smashes right beside me, making me almost fall off the mountain side.

I wave my arms to regain my balance, breathing hard.

I curse and do a Hail Mary, my eyes seeing out into the black, angry ocean. The waves smashing against the mountain side violently. This is probably a level ten on the danger scales.

"Keep your life-lines handy! I'm permitted to use one on your behalf! Don't get smashed, run faster woman! Poseidon's army is here!"

I look behind me, knowing Raine will be hot on my tail if I don't move fast. I heard him yell when I left, this man is not just going to let me get way. Raine is the eye of this storm, and I'm caught in the middle.

I see Steven and I run up to him, breathing hard, my eyes flinching from another bright lightning strike. "Shit!" I look around. "We need to get out of here," I say and catch my breath, "Like right now, Steven!"

"Company," Steven says as he squints through the rain to the cliff's edge and points.

I gasp, seeing vampire looking people climbing up and over the edge with sleek weapons. "Oh shit," I murmur. "Who are they?!"

"Nymphs," Steven says. "Poseidon's and Kalypso's army."

They look like vampires.

I can see the sharp canines even in the darkness.

"Pull your hood down, show that you're not an Org!" Steven orders and lowers his hood.

I follow Steven and see them make their way to us, weapons raised.

We both hold our hands up.

"Madness," I whisper, my heart pounding.

I just sexually frustrated a dangerous nymph with razor sharp canines. Fan-fuckin-tastic. I shiver, glancing in the direction I came, praying I don't see Raine. I need time to collect my thoughts, to get my fake storyline in order. I need to prep, I'm not ready yet. I know Raine will want to report me to Brayja, so I need to be ready.

I curse, wondering if the other players are having as hard as a time as me.

I seriously doubt it.

Steven clears his throat. "Gaya Empire!"

I see a nymph solider walk up to us and I notice that half his skin on this neck is bluish green, but it's slowly fading to skin color. They look human, but you can tell they are not. They seem to be leaner and almost elegant like an elven race. Not like brute warriors, but like magical creatures.

I think that when I reflect on this experience, when I'm not scared shitless, I will appreciate this in awe.

I glance at Steven, just realizing I have no idea what my alias is. "My name?" I hiss though my teeth as rain pelts me in the face, soaking my hair.

"Oh right," he smiles nervously at the nymph, who is eyes us suspiciously, some sort of gun aimed at us with a spear on its end. Steven clears his throat and speaks to them, "Daphine Laromedia, fiancé to Brayja of Gaya."

My name is Daphine?

Crazy how FGI can just create a life like this, like I have always been this Daphine Valkyrie.

The nymph's eyes widen.

I can feel my body shake with impatience, begging this man to take me away before Raine breaks free. Please...

The man turns to yell at him men, lighting reflecting off his wet skin.

I expel a breath, shivering.

Steven and I glance at each other as sounds of explosions get more frequent. I can hear echoes of Orgs yelling their battle cries making me tense. The nymph looks back to us. "Come with us quickly, we have recused Brayja already. You will a company us until the weather passes. You will be our guests." He slightly bows to me, holding out his hand. "Brayja has already informed us that you were to be saved and located."

I almost forgot that I'm from royal blood and engaged to the up and coming king of the Gaya Empire. A real smile spreads across my face for the first time since being here as I think of all the riches waiting for me.

Finally, time to get off this horrid mountain and to start my fantasy.

The future queen has arrived.

Mierda.

Raine.

I'll deal with that later.

**

Pinch me.

Is this really happening?

I'm living my wildest dream.

I take a steady breath as I gaze around my room with ten servants running around me, assisting me with every single need as if I were already queen.

My skin is perfectly scented, my body is luscious and smooth, and my makeup is sultry. I bathed in hot water perfumed with the smell of tropical fruits. I have not had the pleasure of a mirror on hellish Org mountain, so it's a shock to see my new eye color. Swirling red with blue and purple outer tones. I take another calming breath as I feel hands on my gown, being slightly adjusted. I look mouthwatering, goddess level. Brayja is going to lose his mind when he sees me. I have seen the other two contenders for Brayja's hand, and to my benefit, they can't compete with an FGI agent.

We just too damn hot.

Ouch.

But my eye color is a bad shock.

The color is very rare, because my talent is rare. Which means Raine will most likely recognize them if he was observant in the dungeon. If, in fact, he is still searching for me. There could be a chance that he's not and I will get off the hook. I'm horrible at running bad scenarios through my head, obsessing. I bet that boy has women at his feet night and day.

I mean, I know he had his hand up my skirts, but that's hardly anything to fuss over, right?

Right.

I'm not married yet.

I sniff.

Closing my eyes, I bite my lip, praying this Raine guy does not make my life a living hell. When I'm ready, I must go to Brayja, who is in the main hall.

He requested he see me at once.

I'm curious to see him when he is not dungeon dirty. He could be a real catch, and I could pretend to be head over hills for him.

I tilt my head as I gaze in the golden rimmed mirror. They pierced my nose; the glittering nose ring a sign of royalty. I'm draped in golden jewels and I'm wearing a stunning headpiece that compliments my jet-black hair. Even my fingers have glittering jewels adored on them making me feel like a Goddess of wealth and beauty.

This is unreal.

I was transported to this stunning underwater city in their Atlantean submarine; the palace being made mostly out of glass or some transparent material. I met up with other Valkyries from the Gaya Empire, taking me back into their protection while the Org war is happening.

The enormous hall is a great dome, probably a hundred stories high. I feel like I'm in some enchanted aquarium, seeing foreign sea life swimming through the massive glass panes. It's out of a magical ocean fantasy.

Each room has a ramp that disappears into the ocean, like a water doorway. They also have normal doors with halls just like any other palace if you're not a nymph, I guess. Air pressure I'm assuming keeps the water from flooding in and drowning this magical place. I did dip my feet into the cool water, seeing the aqua sea splashing up on the marble incline. I didn't go any further because Steven said there are tons of sea creatures out there that have very sharp teeth.

So, I will postpone my ocean swim and not get eaten on my first day here.

I shiver.

I raise my chin to all my servants. "Leave me please," I say in an commanding tone, and almost laugh.

This is so wild.

I hear Steven stoner-laugh behind me gaining looks from the other servants. What? They never seen a chubby pothead garbed in golden chains, looking like a love guru, before?

It's a first for me too.

Once they all leave, I turn to him. "Look at me! We have to talk."

He sits up, chains clanking together. "Thank god they left. I need a smoke; I'm losing my mystic talents."

I glare at him. "I think your mystic talents just landed me in some deep shit, Steven!"

He lights his blunt, frowning. "What you mean?"

I can barely contain my rage. "Pierce, the wise ol' Pierce, was wrong! I'm so screwed!" I close my eyes, starting to panic. My house of cards is starting to come down.

"Pierce is never wrong."

"It was in Raine's cell all along, you moron!"

Well, I was technically the moron.

But still, he should have known.

He laughs, smoke coming out of his mouth. "Ooohh, that's why Pierce told me to tell you, sorry. His little mistake."

"What!?" I yell then look around, lowering my voice. "What? A little mistake?"

Steven shrugs and frowns at me. "So what? It's not like you made out with the dude."

I stare at him, face heating.

Defining silence.

He starts coughing, eyes wide. "No. W-way."

I bite my lip and feel a crash of embarrassment. "This is so bad," I whisper, "I sang Ricky Martin to him, Steven! I didn't think it mattered because he was supposed to be mentally challenged!"

"No. Way."

I hold up my hand. "I also told him that I'm from another F-ing planet when I was high off your strong ass weed. And," I take a breath, "all sorts of other dumb shit like being an agent."

"Nooo. Wayyyy."

I groan at this part. "He also made it to third base with me."

Steven's mouth drops. "NOOO. WAY." He takes another hit. "Duuuude. You took advantage of a guy with little mental capabilities ?!"

"He was not slow, obviously! It was Raine! Not Eluno!" I shriek in my defense.

He is laughing now, smoke coming out of his mouth in fast puffs. "But you didn't know that at the time!" he is laughing more. "How embarrassing!"

I cross my arms. "He seemed smart, because he was," I mutter.

A woman enters with half her face covered with lovely silks bows in front of me . Steven thankfully shuts up, but I can still hear him snorting. "Prince Brayja asks your whereabouts, Daphine of Gaya."

I'm in a mess.

My nerves take flight.

"Of course," I say and give Steven a pleading look.

My golden gown sparkles as I walk towards the guards, Pierce adjusting it to fit my curves deliciously. The material is waterproof apparently, but it feels like purest of satins.

My fantasy is short lived, though.

I now wish my breasts didn't look mouthwatering in the dipping neckline, and I wish the glittering jewels didn't make my caramel skin look luscious. I should stay in the shadows till Raine moves on, not draw his attention.

I'm not playing this game smartly, I'm almost on strike three.

**

This underwater palace is Gothically stunning. Like underwater vampires, dressed in their dark beauty. Everything is silver and the color of gunmetal when the Valkyries are the opposite, golden riches galore.

I am in awe.

My eyes are wide, I think I have maybe blinked once. The great hall has hundreds of people in it, but mostly nymphs. You can tell them from the Valkyries from their pale skin and gothic appeal.

In the center of the hall is a massive ramp leading down into the deep blue ocean.

So bizarre but remarkable.

Fishes and whales can be seen through the towering glass dome.

Nymph guards dive into the water and some emerge with full clothing on, dripping wet. But their clothing seems to dry within seconds. Small submarine vehicles emerge also, carrying Valkyries. It's incredible to see this all in real life.

It's like a massive doorway into the palace.

Steven nudges me. "Go sit next to the other two fiancés. Up on the platform, do you see? Brayja is to your left, ogling at you with his mouth open. "

I notice a lot of stares directed my way.

I feel a flash of intense nerves.

I nod, seeing the platform for royalty, dark metal chairs with red rubies imbedded into them. The craftsmanship is astonishing here. I look to my left and see Brayja walking up to me, holding out his hands. I instantly recognize him.

There he is.

My future husband.

I raise my chin.

He looks handsome with his finely manicured goatee and brown slicked back hair. He is giving off definite Jude Law vibes. Brayja wears white breeches and a golden overcoat fit for Buda. Rings on every finger, and in his slightly pointed ears.

"Daphine, my holiness, you are a vision. And here I was not looking forward to having my marriage arranged." He says and brings my sparking hand to his lips. His voice is slightly higher than I remember, but still nice.

I can do this.

"I'm so glad you're not in the horrors of being held captive," I say carefully, easily playing the part of the seductress, beckoning him with my eyes. "You were so brave."

He makes a sound, his gaze traveling over my face. "I could stare into your eyes all day, stunning creature you are. It's a surprise we have never actually met before this, our families being relatively close. My mother has informed me that you lived up North, which is why our paths never crossed until now," he murmurs, kissing my wrist. "I'm so glad you did not slip past me. And, my dear, I will correct you if I may. You were brave, not I."

He keeps kissing my wrist, smelling it even.

Brayja continues as his gaze moves over my body. "You have shown me your true colors, breaking into a dangerous place just to see about my health," he says, beaming at me, his hazel gaze intent. He likes what he sees, pausing at my breasts, a lot. "Later on, my mother would love to speak with you. She will be arriving tomorrow."

I totally have this in the bag.

I smile and nod.

Brayja leads me up to the other women like I'm already queen, who openly glare at me, and I sit down. Sorry girls, but the game is over.

He's mine.

"Hey, your boy Raine is coming. Still can't believe you got dirty with him!" Steven says. "Just keep your head down, you hussy." He laughs. "By the way, I'm super high right now. This chick in front of me has like three heads and five eyes...creeping me out."

"No, no, no," I breathe, forgetting about Raine.

The hairs on the back of my neck raise and I feel a wave of nerves.

"Aye, Raine finally shows!" I hear Brayja say to the men around him. He leaves to wherever he sees Raine.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.

My pulse pounds, and I feel faint.

Camila do not overreact.

My gaze slowly raises, and I see a group of men emerge from the massive ramp and every bone in my body knows. I swallow and feel my pulse beat against my neck with an axe.

Raine Syrinx, son of Kalypso, I hear someone announce.

People cheer like he is some celebrity, rushing over to him.

I don't clap, my mouth just hangs open for heartbeats. It's like watching the Rockstar finally emerge onto the stage. Raine rises fully out of the water soaking...wet. The droplets run down each hard ripple of his wet shirt tantalizing every female who sees. He is big, muscular, and darkly sexy. I sensed that in the dungeon, which ultimately made me make dumb choices.

That animalistic fire gaze will haunt me, the way he looked at me while I let him touch me.

Stop.

This obsessing cannot escalate.

I look away for a second and see other women eyeing like candy, giggling.

"Raine!" I hear Brayja yell and walk up to him. "Someone told me you had a better cell than I had!"

"Yea, because Raine made it to third base in his," Steven chimes in with a snort. "Dang, homeboy is huuuge—I really hope you did not piss this dude off."

Mierda.

"Shut it," I hiss. "Get out of my head."

They start talking like long lost buddies.

I take a steady breath; I can get through this.

He's easily double the size of Brayja, a body dressed in all black clothing. His thigh alone is the size of Brayja's two legs put together. But he is not bulky, but strangely elegant like an Olympic swimmer.

He looks dangerous.

Powerful.

This is not going to be easy.

Brayja's best friend just happens to be some sex god who just happened to get me off in a dark dungeon, after being tortured for a week.

Ehem.

Without even trying.

I hear a commotion and I look up seeing Raine inspecting Brayja's servants very intently. Looking at each face like he was looking for a hidden criminal. I suck in a breath. "Steven. He's looking for me," I whisper in fear.

"Yeah, no shit. The Dude must have liked third base. Nice job, you just made this complicated."

I'm holding my breath, watching Raine grab each females' face to inspect them. Brayja laughs and points in my direction.

Oh no...

Raine's gaze snaps in my direction and I can't breathe.

I look down.

Heart pounding.

I hear, "Raine, we have already located the maiden stranded on the mountain. She is my future wife, astonishingly enough..." Brayja says right in front of me and his voice trails off in the fog of my mind. He is talking me up to Raine, and all I can hear is the rushing of my ears.

Soon to be wife.

I force myself to look up and our gazes collide, hard.

I can't speak.

Raine's fire eyes look shocked they sear my face. His chest his moving up and down and his gaze lowers to my body, not hiding his absolute shock.

Did he think I was just a slave girl?

Brayja laughs and slaps him on the back. "I finally have something the mighty Raine wants! I shall celebrate tonight! Stunning creature, right? Can you believe that this is the first time I'm meeting her? I tell you Riane, it's love at first sight," he murmurs as his gaze lands on mine, and I think he actually means it.

I want to groan.

Love at first sight.

Raine coolly regards me, jaw clenching. "She is stunning Brayja, congratulations," he finally says in a dangerous voice, an accent that has me squeezing my legs together. His gaze slides over my body again and a small smile flickers over his lips as his gaze meets mine.

The smile is something you'd see on a hunter, a predator. "Yes, we shall celebrate. I look forward to hearing more about your chosen wife, Brayja. I must see for myself if she is worthy." He winks at Brayja causing him to laugh.

I shiver.

I'm in trouble.

Raine looks back at me before he leaves. "Until we met again," he all but hisses.

I feel a flush wash over my face.

I hear Brayja whisper. "Don't worry, he's always like that. He will warm up to you."

That's what I'm scared of.

Mierda.