Chapter 71

"What's wrong Katrienair?" Julian asked. He's asked that countless times during our journey. The young boy who rode with us just had a questioning look on his face. I could read his thoughts, he was worried and I sent to him at intervals that everything is alright. As for Julian, I wish he could just stop thinking. I feel so guilty for ignoring him but it's just the best. We stopped under a tree shade to rest, considering the fact that Azazel might be exhausted from the long hard ride.

Julian fetched water from a nearby pond while we settled under the tree's shade. Azazel consumed the water in haste.

"You were that the dehydrated and you didn't say a word?"I asked him.

"I'm sorry Milady. I didn't want to bother you."

He begged.

Luna playfully wriggled around him. At first, I thought he'd be afraid. He should be-- Luna is a grown wolf, but he wasn't. He teased her ears with his hands.

"You are not afraid of her?"I asked, trying to create a conversation with him. The silence was just too awkward for me to bear. 

"I can't be. I love animals. I live with them all my life." How sweet? He embraced his poor life with such pride. Who would have loved to be treated like an animal instead of human that he is.

"Well, I should inform you that it's a four days journey and you won't be returning to the castle until we find the others."

"I'm honored Sire."He bowed.

We were silent. I could not help but steal glances at Julian at intervals. His expression was cold and blank. What is he thinking? I just reassured myself that I was doing the right thing.

"We'd better get going before the sun sets." He later announced.

*

When the night came, we were at the northern province of the territory. Unlike the first, it was a populated area and we found a tarvern to lodge in for the night.

Before going to bed, we decided to have lunch. The thing is we have not eaten since the journey began. We ain't humans so hunger means literally nothing to us.

It was really awkward that every single person in the bar had something to say about us. More stupid that the ladies especially were the ones behaving funny. They were ogling at Julian from every direction. He's handsome right?

Tsk...

But all that only made my angrier. Hei, it's not jealousy, it's... Something else. 

We ate in somber silence. The hostess who came to clear our table, got me off the hook. I felt like I've endured enough, this is too much. She bent forward and made her face brush his like she cleared the table. She whispered an apology but Julian didn't seem to be there. I felt my face start to burn and I knew I had to leave. Self control has never been my thing. I left the table-- to clear my head or rather to hide my weakness. I wandered aimlessly along the aisle, lost in thoughts. Unconsciously, I bumped into a lady. She's a bit taller than I am but was dressed in a staff's uniform.

"I'm so sorry." She said before I could bring myself to apologize. Something, something happened when we bumped into each other. I felt... something. Like the world stopped for a moment and my heart too. I took time to study her features. She was a beauty to behold, though her black hair looked like she hasn't washed for years. Her skin was white and pale and her lips had no color. But she was stunning. She'd be mistaken for the queen of the coast if she gets some royal dress on.

"If you would excuse me ma'am." I was standing on the way, little wonder.

I moved away but found myself but found myself not letting her go.

"Hei."I gasped. "Wait!"

She arched her brow, confused.

"You work here?"

"Yes ma'am."She said. "Is there anything you'd like me to do for you?"

Then I noticed something on her wrist -- the Pearls. I brought out my drawings immediately. She might be the one but she looks older than the girl I see in my dreams, even older than I am. As soon as she sighted the drawings, her eyes flew open in shock.

"Oh my...Who drew that?!" A little smile was playing around her cheek, a fun sight to behold I must confess. She was proud that someone has drawn her.

"Is that you?"

"Of course!"She said. "How come? How did you get it?!"

I sighed. I've found yet another, though I never expected someone older.

"Can I see you somewhere more private?"

She blinked her eye continuously. "I don't think I know you. Why should I? By the way, I'd like to go now. I'm keeping a customer waiting."

I held out my necklace for her to see. "We are not strangers. You've got pearls too."

She laughed. "You could be a spy. Don't think I'll believe that. Never."

I thoughtfor a while.

"You know Alistair?"

She retraced her steps backwards like she's just heard the most shocking news of her life.

"What did you say?"

"You know Alistair, right?"

With a worried look on her face, she dragged me to a secret passage, then whispered.

"Alistair...did you say Alistair?"

I nodded.

"Well, you need to leave this place as soonas possible or you'llget caught. Gush! How did you even get in?!"

"I won't be caught . Will you just listen to me?"

She was looking too agitated.

"You dreamer!" She swore. "You dress in an army's coat and think you won't get caught? You don'tknow this people."

"And about Alistair. Never mention her name outside again. She's caged in the demons dungeon. You'll cause her more hurt by mentioning her name."

I wanted to ask why but it seemed to be the wrong time for random questions and she was already leaving.

"Wait!" I held her back again." What if I say I came to take you out of here."

She had a very serious look on. "Forget me. It's not worth it. Just leave. You won't like to be caught."

"What do you do here?"

"A..."She bit her lip. "A slave."

"You do not belong here. You know that right?"

"I belong to nowhere."

A man's roar came. "How dare you keep your customer waiting?! Where the hell are you?!"

She dashed out, I ran behind her.

"Hei! I didn't get your name"

"You might never!"She yelled back.

*

My curiosity led on. I followed her to the room. She had fear written all over her face when she entered. Then I knew something was wrong. What does she do here? I stood at the door for war while. I could hear a man's voice, then her gasps. When I could no longer bear it, I broke into the room. There, chained to the bed was a lat, and the man, ugly and robust, stood over her. Instead of being shocked, he was grinning widely when he saw me and the lady only gave me a pitiful look.

"Wow, so I'm having two for the night." He smiled. "Beck really knows how to make me feel good."

He came closer to me, held my wrist. I instantly gave him a kick in his groin. He definitely does not know who he's messing with. I didn't intend to kill him but I could not stop beating him. When I was sure he was weak, I reached out to the lady and broke her chain. I was almost done when I felt hard metal strike my back. I slumped to the ground, blood gushed out of my head.

"I warned you!" That was the only thing I heard before blackness evaded me.

Then I knew I was going to die.