Sacrifice

They heard twigs and snow crunching behind them. Footfalls of boots. Sensing danger, their heads whipped in the direction, as Caleb's and Auril's hands went on their daggers sheathed in their belts. The noise came from the thicket of trees behind them.

Caleb came in front of Elize and shoved her behind him much to her irritation. "Who's there?" he said, his lips curled to show his fangs, his claws lengthening. They saw a woman emerging from behind a tree. Caleb's heart almost jumped out of its ribcage at the danger and his hand curled tightly around the hilt of his dagger.

Auril's mouth dropped to the floor. "Woah!" Gorgeous was an understatement for the woman. She was like one of the nymphs in the forest who used their beauty to beguile strangers for their needs, multiplied ten times. Everything about her luscious body was enticing. Her full lips, curves at the right place and beautiful red hair. She held an orb in her hand that she delicately pushed in the air to spread the light. And in that dim light, her complexion glowed.

"He is right, my liege," she said in a soft, cooing voice. She came to a stop right in front of Caleb and bowed to her waist. "I am Laurel, Your Highness." A man who had a striking resemblance, emerged from the coppice and stepped right beside her. He bowed to Caleb as well in a similar fashion.

"Urhan? What are you doing here?" Caleb asked, immediately recognizing the priest who officiated their wedding. He was bewildered that they had found him so far away from Ixoviya. Caleb dropped his hands from the dagger to his sides and seeing him, Auril did the same.

Urhan looked past him and bowed to their queen who was peering from the back "I was looking for you. We came to know that you were in the Fulshire forest."

"Looking for me?" Caleb narrowed his gaze. "Are things not okay in Ixoviya? Is there a threat?" His mind raced with a thousand scenarios post his mother's removal from the throne. He waved a hand in the air. A mist of his azure magic seeped from his palms. He allowed it to release and it dropped to his fingers.

"Oh no, no!" Urhan replied. He had crossed his line by his words. He had made the king feel dangerous. Not right. If the king wanted, he could burn him to ashes at this moment. His magic sang in his veins. Don't… "Everything is fine, my liege," he said in a calm voice. "We all at Ixoviya were far too concerned about your safety. Some councilmen had come to my place and expressed their concern. I wanted to send someone for yours and the queen's protection." He looked at his sister. "Laurel, my sister, was appointed by all of them to be with you till you come back. She is a trained warrior and will stay with you all the time."

Caleb frowned. "I don't need protection." The blue mist seeped back in his skin.

Relaxed, Urhan bowed again. "We know, Your Highness. But we are very bothered about you." He gave a flitting look to Elize.

Her cheeks became a pale pink with embarrassment. She knew that it was a jab on her that she wasn't with the king and that their king had come after her. But she chose to ignore it. Not her problem. She was anyway about to leave him and go.

Urhan continued, "Though I can't stay here since I have many duties in the kingdom, I will leave my sister with you."

Caleb was baffled. "I don't need help, Urhan. You can take her back," he said, glancing at Laurel. Her cheeks pinkened in response.

Urhan shook his head. "Your Highness, all of us at Ixoviya are very concerned about your safety. After all, you are the most powerful sorcerer in the world, and we want you back safely." Once again, his gaze flitted to the vampire who was too pale and looked sick. His sister was so much more beautiful than her. Laurel truly deserved the place of the queen of Ixoviya. Elize was just no comparison to Laurel.

Elize looked away showing complete disinterest in yet another jab he was throwing her way. She was immune to all this because she was clear about her destination—away from all of them. He could throw all the insults he wanted. They weren't going to stick to her.

Urhan continued, "If you will not allow Laurel to stay with you, I don't know what answer I would give to the councilmen. They will think that I am not interested in your safety. They might turn against me. Please accept my small request and let Laurel be with you. She is going to protect you with her life." He meant as if he was sacrificing his sister for him and for what others wanted.

The yellow orb of light came to float over Laurel and an expression of worry was etched on her face. Her eyebrows were slightly raised. One could see the gold dusting all around her eyes, till her temple. It only made the sorceress look stunning.

Caleb pursed his lips. He looked at Auril who he was going to help. He raked his hair with his fingers, messing his raven black hair, tousling them to the extent that Laurel stifled a gasp. Turning back to Elize, he asked her the silent question of approval, but she just shrugged. After a moment's pause, he said, "Okay… but she can leave whenever she wants…"

"Thank you so much, Your Highness," she said, dipping in a bow again, showing her appreciation that he allowed her to stay for the task.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Urhan too bowed again as his shoulders relaxed. "We all are tied to you for your protection. And it gives me immense pleasure to leave my sister here." He turned his head to see her. "Make me proud, Laurel."

She smiled in response. "I will, brother!" They both gave a knowing glance to each other.

"I will take my leave," Urhan said. He bowed again and then entered the thicket of trees where a portal of lights was sizzling, waiting for him.

Auril let out a low whistle. "Hello!" he said in a cheery voice to Laurel. "I am Auril."

She frowned and then greeted him gracefully. "I am Laurel. Nice to meet you." Her eyes flitted to Elize, and—