Chapter 3: Blood Bath

The clearing was silent. Heavy, suffocating silence enveloped them all, punctuated only by the soft, uneven breathing of three battered souls. Kaelis knelt amidst the blood and ruin, his gaze hollow, haunted by the horrors he'd seen himself commit; Espen stood stiffly, battered and bloodied, her pride wounded far deeper than her physical scars. Slightly embarrassed because she lost the fight against Orenn. Handling the defeat in her mind basically tormented her.

'Making me look like some damsel in distress, waiting to be saved. What a joke..'

Ness—still towering protectively in his muscular feline form—looked between them anxiously, ears flattened, tail flicking nervously.

Slowly, the hulking feline shrunk back into his familiar small cat form, shaking his dark fur as if to brush off the tension. He leaped gracefully between Espen and Kaelis, glancing from one grim face to another, whiskers twitching nervously.

"Well," Ness began awkwardly, voice overly cheerful and forced, "at least we won't have to deal with Orenn's annoying ass anymore, right? I mean, seriously, can you imagine having to hear her pretentious lectures again?"

He paused, grinning hopefully. Silence greeted him.

"Ah, come on you two," Ness persisted stubbornly, his tail swishing in exaggerated excitement. "Look at the bright side—no more White Brigade Guild chasing us endlessly through the woods! No more Hunters constantly spoiling our good moods. Ha, right? Kaelis did us a favor..right?"

Still, only silence. Kaelis' hands were shaking, and he didn't blink. His mind lost within the events that just fucked him up.

Ness cleared his throat loudly, puffing up his fur dramatically. "Fine, you gloomy bastards—at least now we don't have to listen to Orenn drone on and on about Apostles and ascending to godhood. You've got to admit, listening to her was worse than being tortured."

Kaelis snorted softly, a faint smirk twitching reluctantly at his lips. Espen quickly turned her head away, but Ness caught the briefest flicker of amusement in her crimson eyes.

"HAHA! I saw that!" Ness crowed triumphantly, bouncing on his paws. "I knew you'd laugh eventually, Espen. Even you can't resist my charm."

Espen shot him a murderous glare, quickly regaining her composure. "Don't flatter yourself, rat. I wasn't laughing."

Kaelis slowly rose to his feet, brushing off the blood and dirt as best he could, forcing himself to appear calm and collected. Inside, his heart still raced chaotically, anxiety and horror swirling beneath his carefully constructed facade. But he refused to show weakness—not in front of these two, especially not Espen. He didn't want to be pitied, or felt bad for. So he hid his true emotions within him. This was always the case, even back on earth, something his ex-wife always scoffed at him for. He straightened his posture, adopting a confident demeanor, his voice steady and determined despite the turmoil inside.

'Put it away…'

"Alright, enough jokes," Kaelis said sharply, crimson eyes narrowing slightly. "Espen, what the hell is going on? Tell me everything. I want to know about this world—Kalhalla, right? Explain your weird magic… Kenda, witches, Hunters, Gods, Demons. Everything."

Espen hesitated, crimson eyes guarded as she studied him closely. She sighed softly, tension visibly easing from her shoulders. "You're demanding explanations from me? Look at us, Kaelis—we're barely standing. Before I tell you anything, we need to tend to our wounds first."

Espen turned away slightly, staring thoughtfully into the distance. "Throughout Kalhalla, there are hundreds of Well Springs—rare pools formed from the blood of a fallen healing goddess, slain in the ancient war between Gods and Demons many years ago. That war shaped Kalhalla itself; their bodies, blood, and bones forming the very foundations and landscapes we walk upon. Most springs are hidden, almost impossible to find. Explorers and adventurers spend their entire lives searching for even one."

She paused, a faint sadness flickering behind her eyes. "But Maela showed me a map. She knew exactly where each spring was. We'll heal there, and then… when I feel ready… I'll explain everything."

Espen fell into silence, her thoughts turbulent. She glanced towards Kaelis, her gaze softening slightly despite herself. 'He did save me… possessed or not. I've never owed a human anything before. Do I thank him? No—I can't. He's human. Humans only betray. Yet, that crest… the Dark Star Crest he bore…' Her mind flashed to Maela's rituals, the same crest emblazoned upon altars, candles, runes—her mentor desperately communing with the darkest powers of Hell itself. 'Kaelis, who are you?'

Suddenly, a massive shadow obscured the suns above, a rush of wind heralding the arrival of Espen's personal transport—Hael, the giant shadow-covered crow. Hael landed gracefully nearby, folding enormous wings elegantly around her sleek, obsidian-black body. Her emerald eyes glittered mischievously, immediately locking onto Kaelis.

"Oh my," Hael purred seductively, stepping closer and gently brushing her feathered wing against Kaelis's torso, her voice dripping with barely concealed hunger. "Espen, dear, you've brought me such a perfect morsel. I've never seen a human quite so… delectable."

Kaelis recoiled, disgust and confusion twisting his features. "Whoa, hold on! Did your bird seriously just flirt with me? I'm not bird food!"

Hael chuckled softly, circling him hungrily. "Oh, darling, I'd savor every bite."

"Buzz off, crow." Kaelis folded his arms.

Espen rolled her eyes dramatically, irritation flashing in her dark gaze. She strode forward swiftly, grabbing Kaelis firmly by the ear and pulling him away from Hael's eager advances. "Back off, Hael. This human is mine."

Hael cocked her head teasingly, emerald eyes glittering. "Yours, Espen? How possessive you've become. Finally found yourself a mate?"

Espen's eyes widened in shock and embarrassment. "No. Don't be absurd. He's… he's my property, nothing more."

Hael chuckled knowingly, stepping closer again. "Well, property can be shared—"

Before Hael finished, Ness leaped between them dramatically, fur standing on end, tail lashing aggressively. "Absolutely not! Kaelis is off-limits if Espen said so. Damn vulture."

Hael eyed Ness disdainfully, feigning pity. "Aw, poor kitten. Did those mean Hunters rough you up again? You look absolutely dreadful—covered in blood, fur all matted. Must've been humiliating losing yet another fight."

Ness bristled furiously. "I did NOT lose a fight, you oversized poultry! I heroically saved everyone here!"

"Definitely find that hard to believe."

Kaelis said, "Ness did save me…so without him, we probably wouldn't be alive."

Hael grinned, "Well if that's the case, then I guess Ness DID save you."

Hael laughed musically, batting Ness playfully with her wing, sparking a comedic wrestling match between them. Espen sighed deeply, pressing fingers to her temples, exasperation evident.

Kaelis stood awkwardly beside Espen, silently watching the comedic chaos unfold. He turned slowly, suddenly realizing how close Espen was standing. Their eyes met directly, for a brief, charged moment. Espen's breath caught sharply, panic surged, and she quickly shoved him away roughly.

"How dare you look me in the eyes, human!" Espen snapped defensively, stepping back swiftly. "Know your place."

Kaelis scowled slightly, irritation flickering beneath his carefully controlled mask. "Huh?! YOU LOOKED AT ME FIRST, fool! What's your deal?!"

"My problem," Espen retorted icily, "is you. Your arrogance, your disrespect—"

"My disrespect?" Kaelis interrupted incredulously, voice rising slightly. "I'M THE MOST RESPECTFUL ONE HERE!"

"No. I am. Get that through your head."

They stood glaring fiercely at one another, tension crackling visibly between them. Yet beneath the anger, beneath their stubborn pride, something deeper lingered—an uncertain, unspoken bond neither could admit nor fully understand.

Nearby, Ness and Hael paused mid-fight, exchanging amused glances. Ness chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Those two are hopeless."

Hael smiled knowingly, eyes gleaming mischievously. "Indeed. This journey just got far more interesting."

Above, the three suns blazed brilliantly, illuminating a chaotic yet strangely comforting scene—a witch, a human, a cat, and a crow bound together by fate, secrets, and powers beyond comprehension.

Kaelis clung tightly to Hael's sleek obsidian feathers, the wind roaring around him as they soared high above the vast and mystical continent of Yarfan. The giant crow's wings beat rhythmically, each powerful stroke sending ripples of shadow and mist trailing behind her like smoke, painting strange patterns in the sky. Beside him, Espen sat poised and dignified, her gaze fixed forward, expression guarded as ever. Hael herself appeared utterly content, her emerald eyes gleaming mischievously as she carried Ness by the tail, the small cat thrashing and snarling indignantly in her beak.

"Release me at once!!" Ness spat angrily, paws flailing uselessly in midair. "When we land, you and I will settle this once and for all!"

Hael chuckled softly, voice musical yet dripping with mockery. "Oh, kitten, don't threaten me with a good time."

Ness growled furiously, ears flattened against his head as he twisted uselessly. "Kaelis! Espen! A little help, please?"

Kaelis glanced over, raising an eyebrow at Ness's indignation. Before he could offer assistance, Hael's silky feathers brushed gently against his cheek, her soothing, seductive voice echoing softly, "Are you comfortable, my dear Kaelis? Perhaps I can carry you somewhere… cozier?"

Espen's eyes flashed dangerously, and she swiftly smacked Hael's wing aside, glaring fiercely at the mischievous crow. "Keep your feathers to yourself, Hael. Stop harassing my property."

Hael let out an exaggerated sigh, laughter twinkling in her emerald eyes. "So possessive, Espen. Are you sure you're not developing feelings for our dear human?"

Espen slightly scoffed, "Ridiculous."

'I would never catch feelings for some human.'

Kaelis chuckled quietly, turning his gaze downward as the breathtaking kingdom of Varnhalin unfolded beneath them. The land stretched endlessly, a tapestry of rich emerald forests shimmering with strange violet and turquoise leaves, crystalline rivers pulsing gently with silver currents, and sprawling golden plains dotted with towering, luminous flowers that seemed to glow softly in the afternoon sunlight. Mountains rose majestically in the distance, their snow-capped peaks glittering, veins of deep amethyst running along their stone faces.

'I can't talk much right now. Everything that happened…it's still messing with me. I would've hoped this was a dream. And it got to the point where I want to find out about why I'm in this world, and go back to earth. I can't stand this feeling, this feeling like I'm not in control. And no, it's not because of Espen, but this power…that man on the throne who clenched me with his big ass shadowy hands. What else am I capable of? I hate the fact that I feel like a puppet to him, like I was a puppet to all of my problems on earth. I wanna control this power, survive, and maybe find a way back. I really don't wanna lose myself like I did before..fuck that.'

His breath caught slightly; this world was unlike anything he'd ever imagined. Strange, winged beasts glided gracefully through the sky, their bodies long and serpentine, rainbow-colored scales catching the sun's rays like living prisms. Below, enormous deer-like creatures, crowned with sprawling antlers that burned softly with ghostly blue flames, grazed peacefully on fields of luminous grass.

"Espen," Kaelis began, tearing his gaze reluctantly from the surreal beauty, "I heard this continent, Yarfan, has three kingdoms, right? Vjosgard, Indreth, and Varnhalin—what's their story?"

Espen hesitated briefly, as if carefully selecting her words. "Vjosgard, Indreth, and Varnhalin have warred and schemed against one another for centuries, each kingdom vastly different yet equally dangerous. Vjosgard, the Blooded Throne in the north, thrives on endless conflict and war. They choose their High King through brutal combat and settle disputes only by bloodshed. Strength is their only law."

Kaelis's eyes widened slightly, intrigued. "Sounds ruthless."

Espen nodded grimly. "It is. Then there's Indreth to the west—the Kingdom of Silver and Shadows. They're ruled by intrigue, gold, and daggers in the dark. Their king hides in a palace of mirrors, rarely seen, protected by assassins and spies. Power there is bought, not earned."

"And Varnhalin?" Kaelis asked, glancing down again at the lush kingdom beneath him.

Espen's gaze softened slightly, tinged with reluctant respect. "Varnhalin is the Stagborn Kingdom, land of honor and knights. They uphold chivalry, loyalty, and martial prowess above all else. Their warriors swear blood oaths to their king, silent guardians who never speak once they've pledged their lives."

Kaelis leaned in closer, curiosity burning fiercely in his eyes. "Then why did these three completely different kingdoms band together against Maela?"

Espen's jaw tightened slightly, bitterness flickering behind her eyes. "Because Maela threatened something far bigger than kingdoms—she targeted the Apostles themselves. Maela and I call them False Angels. The kingdoms were already fearful of her, since they knew the Apostles were weary of her and her abilities."

"Apostles?" Kaelis echoed thoughtfully. "I heard some of those Hunters talking about them. They claimed the Apostles could make them ascend to godhood. Doesn't that sound super crazy?"

Espen nodded grimly, her eyes darkening. "It's true, in a way. The Apostles manipulate soul Kenda—an incredibly rare and powerful form of magic. They promise mortals godhood, immortality, ascension. But it's not that simple. They use these promises to control kingdoms, manipulate wars, and shape Kalhalla itself."

Kaelis frowned deeply, considering her words carefully. "So… Maela made them her target? Why exactly? What did she do that pissed everyone off so much?"

Espen hesitated, her expression guarded, conflicted. "First off, she's a witch. Second, Maela believed the Apostles were false gods, frauds exploiting humanity. She spent her life exposing and fighting them, disrupting their plans, breaking their hold over rulers and kingdoms. She became their most wanted enemy, hunted by every kingdom's champions and guilds. When Maela vanished, they came after me—her apprentice."

Kaelis studied her closely, sensing the pain and bitterness beneath her cold exterior. "There's more to this, isn't there? Something deeper you're not telling me."

'She's withholding a lot from me…every piece of information I get about this world is crucial at this point.' His mind wondered.

Espen turned away slightly, voice quiet yet firm. "When I feel ready, Kaelis. Patience."

Kaelis grinned faintly, leaning back casually. "Fine. Take your time."

Espen scowled, but secretly felt grateful he didn't press further.

Behind them, Hael released Ness briefly, the cat landing indignantly beside Espen, hissing furiously. Hael glanced back, voice suddenly serious. "Ness, tell me—did any of the White Brigade Guild survive?"

Ness shook himself, fur bristling. "No. Kaelis… took care of them all. But you're worried other guilds will come, aren't you?"

Hael nodded slowly, emerald eyes flickering uneasily. "Of course they will. Nowhere is safe within this continent. And there's no doubt word about Espen has reached other continents as well. Espen's bounty keeps rising daily. More guilds will come eventually. I say…we build our own kingdom! And let Kaelis be king, and I'm the queen!"

Espen squealed, "No! Not happening!"

Ness sighed, glancing toward Kaelis thoughtfully. 

'This kid..it sucks to see him deal with this alone. But I won't pry into his business unless he wants to talk. Man, the way I thought all of that was so heroic! I'm becoming a badass.'

Hael chuckled softly, eyes gleaming mischievously once more. "I sense a dark, delicious power from him—it only makes me want him more."

Ness rolled his eyes dramatically. "Of course. You have no shame."

Kaelis felt Espen's gaze upon him again, turning to meet her crimson eyes curiously. "Espen, you mentioned earlier that remnants of gods and demons remain here from their ancient war. Like Well Springs. What exactly are they?"

Espen's expression softened faintly, as if appreciating his genuine curiosity. "They're pools of divine blood infused with powerful healing Kenda. After the great war between gods and demons, their bodies formed the very earth we walk on; their blood pooled into these rare springs. Maela taught me their locations, hidden across Kalhalla."

Kaelis smiled faintly, leaning closer. 

'I should ease our minds a little. Mostly for my sake, to keep me distracted.'

"You know, Espen—it's nice just talking like this. Normal conversations, no threats or insults—it's refreshing."

Espen's cheeks flushed faintly, eyes narrowing defensively. "Do you think you can just have a normal conversation with me and get away with it?!"

Kaelis snorted softly, smirking playfully. "IT INVOLVES THE MISSION! IT'S IMPORTANT TO IT!"

Hael and Ness agreed at the same time, "I mean, it does."

Kaelis pointed at them with a grin, "HAHA! See?! They get it!"

Hael brushed against Kaelis, saying, "Since you said I get it, maybe you can get it—?"

Kaelis backed away, squealing like a girl.

Espen huffed quietly, but her eyes softened despite herself, warmth flickering briefly behind the walls she'd built around her heart.

The sky around them deepened into vibrant shades of violet, red, and gold as the three suns descended gracefully toward the horizon. Strange glowing insects, like tiny floating stars, rose from the forests below, drifting serenely upward in a luminous dance. The air grew cool, fragrant with blossoms and the promise of mystery, as Hael carried them forward, bound by fate and secrets deeper than any imagined.

The sun had set fully by the time Hael's massive wings beat downward, sending a swirl of dust and dead leaves scattering around the clearing. Kaelis's eyes widened slightly as he took in their destination—a grim, desolate place utterly devoid of the beauty he'd glimpsed earlier. 

"The hell..? I thought it would be super pretty here or some mystical stuff going on. Place is a dump."

The Well Spring lay nestled within a deep, rocky hollow, ringed by twisted, skeletal trees whose branches clawed desperately toward the darkening sky like skeletal fingers begging for mercy. The air was heavy with the scent of decay, a faint metallic tang lingering ominously beneath it.

At the heart of the clearing stood the grotesque remains of what had once been a divine being—a massive heart, easily twice Kaelis's height, encased in jagged stone and tangled veins of rot. The organ pulsed weakly, each sluggish beat sending rivulets of luminous red fluid trickling into a shallow pool below. Just beyond it lay the shattered shaft of a spear—once pristine silver, now tarnished and blackened by years of neglect. Espen stepped forward, her crimson eyes unreadable as she studied the fallen goddess's relics silently.

"This is it," Espen murmured quietly, leaping gracefully from Hael's back and landing lightly on the cracked earth. "I claim this Well Spring. Kaelis, Hael, Ness—go find somewhere to camp nearby. Once I'm done, Kaelis can take a turn."

Kaelis hesitated slightly, glancing down at himself. "My wounds… healed when I was in that… horrid state," he admitted quietly, voice tinged with lingering dread and shame.

'Clear your head, Kaelis.'

Espen turned back sharply, eyes narrowing slightly. "That doesn't matter. You're still tainted. The goddess's blood isn't just about physical healing—it calms the soul And we both know you desperately need that." Her voice softened slightly, almost reluctantly. "I know you're hiding whatever dark shit is swirling around in your head right now, laughing it off, pretending you're fine. I know, because… I'm guilty of it too. I despise being pitied, loathe anyone telling me what's wrong with me—"

Espen stopped abruptly, eyes widening slightly as she realized how much she'd inadvertently revealed. Her jaw tightened, shame burning fiercely in her chest, and she silently berated herself: 'Stupid. Why did you tell him that? You betrayed yourself, Espen. You can't.'

Before Kaelis could respond, Ness quickly leaped up, grabbing his leg and dragging him comically away. "Don't worry, Espen! We'll find the perfect camping spot! No need for awkward conversations!" Ness chirped loudly, pulling Kaelis forcefully behind him.

Hael added, "Yep! And I'm gonna have my way with him!"

Espen scoffed at Hael, "YOU BETTER NOT! I'LL COOK YOU!"

Espen watched them disappear into the gloom, shoulders sagging slightly as she sighed deeply. Turning back to the Well Spring, she raised one delicate hand, shadows swirling gently at her fingertips. "Wall formation.." she whispered softly, her voice resonating with quiet power.

Darkness surged forth, forming an opaque wall of shadows around the spring. But the barrier flickered unsteadily, strings of darkness wavering and faltering. Espen scowled slightly, frustration flickering across her face as she clenched her fist tighter. "I don't have time for this," she muttered sharply, her eyes blazing fiercely. Gathering her willpower, she steadied herself, breathing deeply until finally, the shadows solidified into an impenetrable curtain around her.

'Please just work..'

Now alone, Espen's rigid posture softened gradually. Her fingers brushed gently against the fastenings of her dark gown, slowly unclasping each delicate silver hook. The fabric slipped smoothly from her shoulders, pooling gracefully around her bare feet. Her pale skin gleamed softly in the faint crimson glow of the Well Spring, her slender form sculpted with elegant, feminine curves.

Upon her back sprawled an intricate, striking tattoo—a black dragon, its sinuous body twisting and coiling sensually across her skin. The dragon's scales shimmered vividly with shades of deep emerald green and blood-red, its eyes blazing fiercely with captured fury. Yet beneath its beauty lingered imperfections—scars and jagged lines marred the design, evidence of struggle long past, the evidence of when Espen tried to break free from getting the tattoo, and the scars coming from them constantly messing up on it.

Espen's fingers brushed hesitantly along the old wounds, memories surging painfully within her mind—her younger self screaming, sobbing desperately as the tattoo was forced upon her, marking her as something she never asked to become.

'Marked before by humans, and marked now to a human..what are the odds?'

Espen slowly stepped forward, descending gracefully into the Well Spring. The blood of the fallen goddess enveloped her gently, warm and viscous, its healing essence seeping gradually into her aching flesh. A soft, sensual sigh escaped her lips, tension melting slowly from her muscles as she leaned back, allowing the divine fluid to wash away her pain.

Her thoughts drifted unavoidably toward Kaelis—why had she revealed so much to him? Espen frowned slightly, sinking deeper into the spring. She hadn't opened up to anyone since Maela disappeared. Had loneliness pushed her to confide in him so foolishly? Was desperation for companionship, for someone who understood her, all it took to break down her carefully constructed walls? Espen's jaw tightened bitterly, frustrated and confused by her own vulnerability.

She didn't have romantic feelings for Kaelis—such trivial sentiments had no place in her brutal, chaotic life—but something deeper, something unsettling, lingered stubbornly in her heart. Perhaps it was simply the Mark of Bondage, that cursed symbol binding them inexplicably together. She still didn't understand why she'd been chosen as Kaelis's wife, why fate had cruelly entwined their destinies. Espen's fingers absently traced the faint mark upon her hand, confusion and frustration churning within her.

Shaking off her troubling thoughts, Espen focused on the sensation of the goddess's blood caressing her body, her skin tingling pleasurably as the fluid soaked into every wound, every bruise, every scar. She tilted her head back slowly, allowing the healing magic to cascade sensuously through her long, dark hair, blood droplets trickling gently down her collarbone, tracing paths along her curves.

Her hands moved gracefully across her bare body, washing away dirt and dried blood, fingertips gently massaging aching muscles. She sighed softly, eyelids fluttering closed as sensations of warmth, comfort, and luxurious relaxation enveloped her. The Well Spring's divine magic pulsed rhythmically around her, soothing both body and mind.

Espen allowed herself to linger within the warm embrace of the Well Spring, savoring the rare moment of peace and indulgence. Her slender form moved sensually through the crimson fluid, the goddess's blood swirling gently around her curves, wrapping her in an intimate, soothing embrace. Her breathing grew slow and even, tension gradually melting until only warmth, pleasure, and quiet tranquility remained.