Foreboding, p.19
Foreboding, page 19
part #2 of The Black Eyed Witch Series
Lithia attacked as well and stabbed her sword several times at Sam’s neck. Loud squishing sounds echoed through the cave as all three pounded at him.
Soon, Sam drew his last breath and sank onto the floor. Ronan screamed as he pulled on Sam’s head. The sound of crunching of bone and sound of torn flesh echoed through the cave. A loud crunch and Ronan finally held the head in his hands. He lifted it over his head and smashed it on the ground. The head exploded as brains, skull pieces and flesh splattered all over the ground. He sunk to his knees, exhausted, huffing as he looked at Lithia. She threw herself at him, crying in joy. Regardless of being covered in blood, they kissed each other frantically. Ashley smiled satisfactorily as she sat on the body.
Chapter 41
“Are you really considering accepting Chris’s offer?” asked Natalie.
“Not much of a choice, do I? And weren’t you satisfied with it?”
“More to deceive him. I have to admit, it’s fair and generous but I feel bad about the witches who stood up to us and want to continue getting contracts.”
“I know we worked hard on it and that you mean well, but the decision has been made by every king. It’s not like we can get rid of them. Again. Ronan and Lithia can get married and live here, same as any other witch.”
Natalie was silent for a moment as she stared at a wall. Gordon wasn’t sure what she was thinking about.
“I’m not understanding why you feel to object to this?” he asked her.
“Do you think I’m being too generous? Too kind to everyone?” she finally responded.
“We have been honest with each other since we have met. Yes, there are moments I think you are being too nice. Part of me is blaming myself for taking your advice to give in to these haters and get rid of the witches.”
Natalie opened her mouth but Gordon raised his hand, “I know why you did it but I should have stood my ground. We both saw what happened. However, I’m still surprised that you authorized eliminating more leaders while I was asleep.”
“The cells were full, too many threats directed mainly at us. The witches explained to me why they should be killed since they had not only broken the rules but threatened us. Since my kindness brought this upon us, I knew that showing them mercy will do nothing. I hate having blood on my hands but I had to face the facts. I was wrong in thinking that everyone has good in them, to be forgiving. I mean, I could walk among them for years and no one ever wished to harm me. Then this happened.” She pointed towards the town.
“Now look what happened to you. You lost your position as the king of Ausran. Because of me.” Natalie began to cry.
“You only advised me and I thought that you may be right because you were constantly with them. Listening to them, speaking to them. No one could have seen this happen. Especially here.” Gordon sat next to her and lay a comforting hand around her. She wiped her tears away with her sleeve.
“And if you think I’m mad at you: no, I’m not. You gave me three beautiful children I love dearly. And to be honest, I’m actually glad I can return to being a simple king. Granted, a shame about the witches but this way I can spend more time with you and the children and focus only on this city. Chris will make a good king. As paranoid as he is at times.”
Natalie chuckled while she wiped her tears away. She pressed herself to him, her head resting on his shoulder.
“Come,” he said, “let’s sign this scroll and give it back to him. We have the day for ourselves and have a stroll in the gardens with the kids. Well, if they want to that is.”
Chapter 42
Lithia was glad to walk out of that cave. Knowing now that she was herself and not being controlled by Sam. She quickly healed Ronan’s big cut on his face.
“How long was I gone?” asked Lithia after she recovered from healing Ronan.
“Your birthday is next week. Sounds like they really confused you,” answered Ronan.
“They did. He used it most likely every day on me. I guess. I can’t tell. However, there were times I thought I may have become accustomed to it as I could recall some parts. That’s when I thought I could use it to escape but Sam knew about our healing ability and stopped using it for a short period. Then he began again and I can’t recollect anything besides waking up in the cave.”
“Did you know that Sam could get this big?” asked Ashley.
“No, I didn’t. But he certainly was smarter than any we have faced. Even the ones that decided not to eat humans.”
“Must be a rare breed. Most likely in hiding. Yellow blood, purple skin? Unbelievably strong. He would have smashed us. But his blood stank. I have fought so many monsters in my life but none of them had such horrendous reeking blood.”
“Me too.”
Both looked at Ronan. He took a small step back and looked questionably at them.
“You did remarkably well. I honestly thought he would kill you instantly. Looks like feeding you our slime really helped you,” praised Ashley.
“Shit. I must give it to you,” panicked Lithia and began gurgling up her slime. Ashley stopped her. “Relax. During your absence, I dared to give him mine.”
Lithia was amazed. She thought that only hers could be fed to him as she started it but looks like any of her kind could.
“Thank you. But it looks like I have to keep feeding him. He needs to be able to heal himself.”
“Maybe. He is certainly stronger than we thought. Faster too. But his eyes haven’t changed much. His pupils are bigger but not covering up his entire iris. I am wondering if it changes him to be more like us.”
“I do feel good. But I still need to rest. However, not daily. Also I eat much less,” stated Ronan.
“We will see. Let's go back home. Being kept captive in this cave for a second time is not something I want to relive again.
“By the way, where is Alice?”
Ashley and Ronan were silent and Lithia thought the worst. She gasped in shock and looked pitiful at Ashley.
“No, no, nothing like that,” said Ashley.
“She ran away, just before we came here,” said Ronan.
“She kissed him while he was sleeping. We both faced her about it and she decided to leave us, stating that she can’t let go of him,” explained Ashley as she sunk her head.
“Oh, no. And I thought she finally got over him. That it was a simple crush. Looks like her feelings for him were stronger than we thought. We could have used her earlier. Where do you think she may have gone to?” asked Lithia.
“She said not to look for her but I hope she will return to Levra.”
“What a mess. Naguals controlling us, towns have been nearly annihilated, we are hated even more. How is Levra anyway?”
“Gordon managed to get it back again. Many witches returned. What happened after we have left to search for you, we have no idea,” explained Ronan.
“How did you know where to find me?”
“We didn’t. We searched around at several towns and villages. In the end, we just sniffed out some Naguals, asked very nicely and they told us that you were in a cave we would not look for. I could only think of this one. Good thing, Ashley sensed the Walnors. We followed the carriage and he led us directly to you,” said Ronan.
“Thank you. When I realized where I was, I thought you will never find me and either be killed by them or being controlled by these fucking Naguals. They even told me that I killed you but I did not want to believe it.”
“He was very persistent,” said Ashley, “he forced us to keep moving days without break. Eventually, I had to stop him to get his thoughts back. Should have done it earlier but he didn’t want to listen.”
“Thank you. Both of you.”
Lithia looked at the barrels, sensed the Walnors in them and kicked and pushed them all over. The fish flapped on the ground, slowly suffocating until the majority stopped moving. Only a few twitched and kept breathing who were in a small puddle.
“Fucking Walnors,” snarled Lithia, “I hope we have put a stop to this.”
“Not to be an ass but I think they were not the only ones who used them,” said Ashley.
“Then we find and kill them all,” snarled Lithia.
“Lithia?” said Ronan as he motioned with his hands, “calm down. It’s over now. We go back to Levra, stay there for a while and come up with a plan before we travel blindly all over the land to find them. I don’t want you to make the same mistake as I did when I began to search for you. Besides, your birthday is coming up.”
Lithia was about to snap at him but decided to close her eyes, take a deep breath and look at him. He was right. She is not the only witch who can sense and track Naguals.
Being freed, she could not deny how overwhelmed she was on seeing him. Once back in Levra, she wanted to take a break from all of this and be together with Ronan. For a moment she thought she would be depressed or scared after the ordeal she went through, but now seeing Ronan, all of it simply disappeared. If it was a side effect of the poison but she could not tell. All Lithia cared for now, was being together with Ronan.
“Let’s get the fuck away from here,” she said.
Chapter 43
Lithia was amazed at how much Ronan has changed. He felt comfortable riding at full speed and didn’t need to recover as he usually would. They stayed overnight in a town to freshen up and to rest. Lithia snuggled up to Ronan. Feeling his warm body on hers. She rested her head on his chest, arms around him and squeezed as soon he moved. Not letting go of him. Didn’t want to be separated from him again.
Ashley kept an eye out for Alice in hope she may return and if not, hoped she would be in Levra waiting for her.
Within four days they finally arrived at Levra and were surprised to see how active the city has become. Witches among guards patrolled the streets. The residents looked at them and occasionally waved.
Once at the castle doors, a witch approached them and told them to see the king. Lithia held Ronan’s hand as they wandered to the throne room. Ashley has asked a few witches and maidens if Alice has arrived but none of them have seen her. Lithia saw how worried and depressed Ashley was as her head sunk. Tears shined from her eyes.
“Maybe she wants to surprise you and requested not to tell you?” said Lithia, in hope it may cheer her up. Ashley kept following them but remained silent. Not addressing Lithia’s remark.
As they entered the throne room, they stared at a bearded man who sat in the throne, with several knights, royal guards and witches. All three froze and glared at the unknown man.
“Where is Gordon?” asked Lithia.
“Ah, you must be Lithia, Ronan and-. I’m sorry, forgive my blunt introduction. I’m Chris. I am only temporarily stationed here. Gordon is still the king of Levra but not of Ausran. And no more contracts. You will be briefed at a later stage but I like to know, did you stop the Naguals?”
The room was silent as Lithia was processing the sudden information. Several footsteps echoed through the room and Gordon arrived together with Natalie.
“I’m so glad to see you,” said Gordon, “Lithia? I’m happy to see you alive. I can’t lie, my wife and I feared the worst. Where is Alice?”
“Alice ran away because she still could not get over Ronan. But tell me, what the fuck happened?” said Lithia.
“In short: I was abdicated because I allowed these riots to happen. I should have never given in to their demands,” said Gordon smiling.
Lithia was confused as to why Gordon would smile about it. She looked at Ronan and Ashley. Both with the same expression.
“It’s actually fine. I have more time now to be with my family, witches are still welcome here but no more contracts. That’s something we are still not thrilled about but Chris here, is the new king of Ausran and it is not only his but also the request of the other kings to seize these operations.”
“That sucks in a way. I mean, you and Natalie worked so hard on getting it up and running,” stated Lithia.
“Yes, we are fully aware of it, but because of this, it gave the Naguals a reason to use it against you. While we have gotten this city under control, there are still many who fear you as some claim your kind are killing humans in every town and city. I hope you have put a stop to this,” said Chris.
Ashley stepped forward. “To be honest: no, it’s not over. We have eliminated the ones who have captured her. They had a huge amount of Walnors they used to experiment on her. It appeared that only one Nagual was creating the poison.”
“You think that there are many more who would use your kind to kill humans?”
“Possibly. We may have slowed them down but it would not surprise me that there are few out there.”
“Then we immediately put out a land wide search. Every witch you come across should be informed and hopefully seek and eliminate any Naguals who spread fear and deal with Walnors.”
Chris nodded his head and they immediately left, then he looked at Lithia. “You three? You take a well-deserved rest. You look exhausted. And I was told about something big coming up. Dismissed.”
Lithia was agitated what this big thing is everyone appeared to know about but her. She knew that Ronan wanted to surprise her and did it very well by teasing her. But she had to confront him. “What is this big thing everyone, but me knows about?”
“You will see. Only a few more days,” he said smiling.
Lithia looked around and everyone just grinned or whispered to the nearest person. Even Gordon and Natalie grinned.
Ashley only cracked half a smile and Lithia could tell by her unraised eyebrows that Ashley couldn’t stop thinking about Alice. “It’s Alice, isn’t it?”
“Yes. I still hope she will return. Otherwise, I will join the others and search for her. I don’t care if she told me it's over and doesn’t want me to look for her. For the moment, I will stay as I am tired and I don’t want to miss out on the big surprise.”
Lithia could not deny that she is exhausted as well but very thrilled to be in Levra again. She took Ronan's hand and went straight for their room.
Chapter 44
Ronan prepared a nice bath with lavender, rosemary and added some white and red petals for decoration. Then lid several candles and shut the curtains. She sat in a chair in the living room, resting while she watched him.
He began to undress and Lithia looked surprised at his body still covered in scars. She thought they would disappear after being exposed to their slime. The only changes she noticed how much stronger he had become. His pupils were bigger but she was delighted it didn’t cover his blue eyes entirely. After all these years, she was thrilled to look at them and most of all he doesn’t need to rest as much as he usually did.
She sods off the thoughts when Ronan looked at her and held his hand out. She got undressed and admired the ambience he had created when she entered the room. The water reflected the candlelight. The floating herbs and petals gave it a relaxed feeling.
She closed the door behind her and took his hand. Gently he guided her to the tub. She could not hide her smile for the effort Ronan put in to make her feel comfortable. While there were moments she was terrified in the cave surrounded by Naguals who could kill her at any time, she found herself surprisingly scarred by the whole ordeal. She could not explain why and wasn’t eager to find out anytime soon. She was happy to be out and be together with her friends and the man she loved.
The water felt warm and the fragrance of the added herbs drilled through her nostrils. She took several deep breaths, enjoying the smell compared to the cave.
“Feeling better I hope,” said Ronan as he took a cloth, dipped it in the water and gently scrubbed her face. She took his hand that cleaned her and pressed her cheek on it. Ronan smiled warmly and continued scrubbing her.
She cuddled up to him and rested her head on his shoulders. He stroker her arm and kissed her face.
“Thank you. Let’s ignore everyone who knocks on the door.”
“Works for me.”
They gave each other a quick kiss and continued resting in the tub.
The water cooled off, and the candles reached their ends. Lithia stepped out of the tub and grabbed a towel. Ronan stepped out as well, and she flung playfully her towel at him while some water still ran down her legs, leaving a small puddle on the floor. He tossed the towel on the floor after he dried himself partly off while staring at her.
She pulled him close that their bodies clashed and drilled her tongue into this mouth. She felt how his tongue entangled with hers. Then she guided him to the bed. She lay on the mattress and Ronan climbed on top of her. They kissed passionately as her fingers glided all over his back. He moved his hips, rubbing against her and she gasped quietly in surprise and enjoyment. She closed her eyes as he kissed her throat, his wet tongue descended towards her breasts. He submerged one, and she moaned in pleasure as his tongue circled around her nipple.
Soon, she felt his tongue on her stomach and she put her arms over her head, grabbing the frame. The sensation grew as he kept descending until he was between her legs. She could not help but let out a loud gasped of surprise, eyes wide open as he continued. Moaned in delight.
The pressure grew. Her grip tightened, and the frame cracked. Her moaning became louder until she reached her climax. She panted while Ronan lay next to her. Lithia soon got her breath back and guided Ronan on top of her. The sensation was astonishing, and she wanted to feel him inside her. Her hand glided down as she kissed him and inserted it inside her. He moved his hips delicately, allowing her to feel every thrust.
Lithia pressed his head next to hers and moaned delightfully into his ear while she felt his warm breath on her neck. She clamped her legs around him, feeling more of him inside. She soon reached her climax and muffled her orgasm on his shoulder.
Shortly, his breathing accelerated and got louder. She was ready to embrace him. He finally reached his climax and grunted on her neck until he stopped moving. Lithia kissed his cheek as she pressed his body on hers. Ronan was about to remove himself but she tightened her grip and whispered in his ear to stay like this.
