Chapter 8. Journey

Farah's restlessness grew as the hours passed, her body aching from the prolonged horseback ride. Her bladder, in particular, protested with increasing urgency. Despite her embarrassment, she finally mustered the courage to speak up, fearing a more humiliating outcome if she didn't.

"I need to relieve myself," she announced, her chin held high in an attempt to salvage some dignity.

Kael's smirk was immediate, his voice dripping with mockery. "Very well, my lady," he said, his tone taunting her further.

He dismounted the horse and reached up to assist Farah down. With a nod, he pointed toward a sparse bush nearby. "Go take care of your business over there."

Farah's defiance flared. "You can't tell me what to do, and I need you to turn your back to me."

Kael's smirk never wavered. "I will, but don't even think about trying anything silly, or you'll find yourself taking an unplanned swim in the river." With that, he turned his back to her.

Farah quickly took care of her needs and felt a wave of relief wash over her. However, she required something to clean up with, and her face burned with embarrassment as she mustered the courage to ask, "I need water, and don't you dare turn around."

Kael's smirk grew wider as he enjoyed the princess's distress. He tossed his leftover bottle of water in her direction without turning around.

Farah used the water to clean up and attempted to seize the opportunity to sneak away. However, Kael's instincts were on high alert, and he sensed her intentions. He swung around, his eyes locking onto hers. "We should get going."

Kael lifted Farah onto the horse, and in a swift motion, she seized the reins and spurred the horse into a gallop, leaving Kael momentarily bewildered. A sly grin spread across his face. "If she likes being chased, I'd be happy to oblige." He watched her disappear into the distance, a sense of anticipation building within him. Little did she know what lay ahead.

Farah rode like her life depended on it, her heart racing with anticipation. She expected Kael to give chase, but instead, he remained eerily calm, watching her flee. Perhaps he knew he couldn't catch up, so he didn't bother. The black stallion thundered across the terrain, Farah urging it on, desperate to escape Kael's clutches.

Just as she thought she'd left him far behind, the horse suddenly halted, rearing up on its hind legs and sending Farah tumbling to the ground. A massive, dark shape materialized before the stallion, sending it into a panicked frenzy.

Farah's body ached all over, and she was convinced that some of her bones were broken. But her physical pain was eclipsed by the terror of facing the massive black wolf that now stood before her. She let out a blood-curdling scream, and the horse, startled by her cry, bolted away, abandoning her to the mercy of the wolf.

But in a shocking turn of events, the wolf didn't attack her. Instead, it took off after the fleeing horse, and within moments, both were out of sight. Farah breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to have escaped the wolf's clutches. She knew she had to get out of there as quickly as possible, before the wolf returned to make her its next meal.

Gingerly, Farah stood up, wincing in pain as she put weight on her battered body. Just as she was about to take a step forward, the sound of galloping hooves made her spin around. Her eyes widened as she saw Kael riding towards her on the same horse that had abandoned her just moments before. Where was the wolf? she wondered, her mind racing with questions.

Kael smirked, clearly amused by Farah's disheveled state. "My lady, did you enjoy the little rollercoaster ride?" he teased, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Farah's anger boiled over. "You bastard! You put me through that horror, and now you're mocking me? How dare you!" She glared at him, her eyes darting around nervously, fearful the wolf might return.

Kael's grin widened. "Perhaps I should leave you to find your way back. I'm sure you'll enjoy the walk." He taunted, his voice laced with amusement.

Farah's expression transformed from anger to desperation. "No, don't leave me like this! Please, don't dare do that!" She begged, her voice trembling with fear.

Kael chuckled. "So, you'd like to ride with me?" He teased again, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Farah's face twisted in frustration. "Like I have a choice after you kidnapped me from my home?" She screamed at him.

Kael hopped down from the horse, his movements fluid and effortless. "Alright, flower, no need to scream," he said, his voice low and soothing. He carefully lifted Farah onto the horse and climbed up behind her, his arms wrapping around her waist to hold her in place. He was ready for her next move, his eyes glinting with anticipation.

Farah's thoughts swirled with anxiety as they rode in silence. What did Kael plan to do with her? Where was he taking her? Fear gripped her heart, intensified by the stranger's indifference. Would he sell her or worse? She prayed silently, yearning for her father to find her soon.

Kael, meanwhile, couldn't tear his gaze away from the beauty before him. Farah's scent lingered in his mind, driving his wolf to the brink of madness. He fought the overwhelming urge to claim her then and there, knowing he needed to wait. Patience was key.

As he inhaled her scent again, his wolf calmed, content in the presence of its mate.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape, Kael finally broke the silence. "We'll be stopping soon," he said, his deep voice low and husky.

Farah's heart skipped a beat as she wondered what lay ahead. Would she be safe? Would she ever see her family again?

Kael's gaze drifted back to her, his eyes burning with an intensity that made her shiver. She felt like he could see right through her, to the very soul.

The horse's hooves echoed through the stillness as they approached a dense thicket of trees. Kael expertly navigated the horse through the underbrush, and they emerged into a secluded clearing.

A small cabin stood in the center, Farah's eyes widened as Kael dismounted and reached up to lift her down.

"Welcome to our temporary home," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Farah's heart sank. Temporary home? What did he mean? And what lay in store for her?.