Foreboding, p.23
Foreboding, page 23
part #2 of The Black Eyed Witch Series
The streets ran red with blood from witches, guards, knights and Plokams, with bodies parts from torn torsos, guts, legs and arms spread all over the street. It splattered even the walls with blood and few bodies stuck out of them, indicating that they were forced nearly through the wall by a powerful being.
Ashley and the other witch looked around them, mouths wide open as they stepped over the bodies. More splashing sounds under their feet.
“I never saw them being this savage. Did the Nagual do this with these Walnors?” said the witch.
“Unfortunately yes. They must have planned it for some time. Using us to distract from their real intention. What I like to know is; how the fuck an entire army of them could waltz up to here without anyone noticing? I thought they sent out scouts all over Ausran.”
“I was one of them. Every town I entered in my assigned area, none of them reported anything about Ingens within their vicinity.”
“We better hurry and see how the king is doing. Hopefully, he and many others escaped.”
Both rushed towards the castle but it was crawling with Ingens and several Plokams. Parts of the castle were smashed and few screams could be heard from the inside. A woman with a little girl ran outside. Most likely in panic in hope the castle would hold back the brutal invaders. They were quickly caught up by the Plokams as they grabbed them with their tentacles. Both were lifted up in the air, torn into few pieces and guided into their mouths, crunching loudly as they munched on the bodies.
Ashley could only hope that many made it out of the city and Gordon and his family too. There was nothing she and the other witch could do. Too many of their colleagues and humans had died defending this city.
Levra had fallen.
Chapter 51
Ronan and Lithia had several encounters with haters and a small amount of Naguals on their journey to Asran. Some townspeople addressed them if the rumours were true about a royal guard and a black-eyed witch getting married. While several were excited, others were less thrilled. Ronan and Lithia didn’t care and ignored them.
In less than a week, they finally entered Asran. They rode calmly on an empty road. Lithia jerked her head over to Ronan, and could tell how much he enjoyed himself. The vegetation was different from that of Ausran. Seeing bamboos covering a massive land and as tall as a castle, was indeed a sight to behold. Different chirping sounds of birds echoed through the forest as the sun tried to shine through the early morning white clouds. The greenish tint in the myst gave it an ominous, yet calming ambience.
Her lover, her best friend, her joy of life she never dreamed of getting was right beside her. Ever she has gotten married to him, her attraction grew more than in the five years they have been together. Whatever the reason was, she could not explain.
She stretched her arm out when he turned his head in her direction. He took it and smiled warmly. Lithia felt as a tingling sensation, crawling in her stomach that her cheeks turned red. Ronan undeniably noticed it as he addressed her with a grin. “Ever we have gotten married, you have been like this. As if we have been dating a couple of times.”
“You know how much I wanted to be with a human male. Being married to one is above my hopes.”
“So I have noticed.”
“Remember when I asked you if you’d like to have a quiet life?”
Ronan nodded.
“Now that we are married, would you still like to?” she asked?
“One day. In a few years but not now. Yes, I have given it some thought. I think we should do the odd contract to get some money in and move away from Levra. We are simple people and don’t need much. We have to see if we stay in Ausran or come here instead.”
“That is partly the reason why we are here. Of course, lots would have changed since I was last here. Part of me still likes to see the castle I was trained at.”
“Isn’t it far north?”
“Yes. Would take us another month. But now that you can handle our speed on a horse, traversing has been much more pleasant.”
“Aw, so now I’m not that fragile human you fell in love with,” he said with a snarky tone, grinning as he leaned forward.
“Even if I would not feed you my slime, I would be by your side to the end of your time. Regardless of how wrinkled you would have looked.”
“Thank you, wife.”
A pinch of joy filled her as blood travelled for a heartbeat faster into her head whenever he called her that.
She moved closer that their horses touched each other, leaned to her side and kissed him.
They reached a big town named Lampo. The streets were full of market stands and the smell of herbs and spices drilled in Lithia’s nostrils. The buildings were in good shape made out of solid rocks and the curved roofs gave it a unique appearance compared to the rather triangular roof throughout Ausran.
People did not seem to care who rode past them. Several came at them, trying to sell their stuff but her and Ronan declined as they waved their hands.
Finally, they reached an inn, took their gear and entered. A very young and beautiful woman greeted them. Lithia quickly glanced at Ronan who grinned at the young woman. She growled loud enough for him to hear it.
He either ignored her or was distracted by the woman.
“A room for two please and someone to take care of the horses,” he said and paid the required amount.
Once in the room, Lithia snarled at him, “she is pretty isn’t she?”
“She is but too young.”
“Hm,” she snarled and turned her head away from him, chin upwards in disgust of him looking at another woman.
“Oh, I love it when my wife gets jealous,” he clapped his hands in joy and smiled, showing his teeth like a playful child.
She couldn't help it but feel her blood pouring into her head again when he said ‘wife’.
Before he could put his gear aside, she dropped hers, leaving a loud thud behind as it hit the floor and immediately locked her lips on his. His eyes opened wide in surprise as she drove her tongue inside. When she drew her head back, a stream of saliva stretched between them. Ronan gasped as if he would have held his breath.
Lithia shoved him to bed and frantically removed her trousers but kept her black tunic on. Then she went for his trousers and undid the buttons and pulled them down to his knees.
Ronan remained silent as she radically forced herself on him and rubbed against it until he erected.
The fire began to grow in her body, moving her hips quickly that the wooden bed squeaked loudly. Lithia panted heavily and looked at Ronan, who clenched his teeth together, head tilted far back, his throat muscles tightened as if he tried to withstand to scream. But she wanted him to yell out when he came and accelerated.
The fire grew hotter and hotter until it reached the point she could not withstand it any longer and moaned loudly as she reached her climax. Ronan soon began to pant louder and louder and finally, her fire has been extinguished as he roared. She sunk on him, panting heavily in satisfaction.
“Shit, Lithia,” he said between breaths, “you were really eager.”
She chuckled and kissed him hastily. “Wanted to make sure I’m still with you.”
“Right,” Ronan responded with uncertainty.
They finally got their breath back, and she rolled over, still holding him in her arms. She felt that he wanted to get up but gripped him harder and cuddled up to him. “Please stay. Let us rest for now,” she purred in his ear.
Chapter 52
It was late afternoon, and the sun shone its warm beams upon the land. Ronan and Lithia walked casually through the streets of Lampo. The people stared awkwardly as they saw them holding hands.
They rarely held hands in public since the majority of the time they were on contracts. But now, as they are on leave, she finally could do so and was not shy about it either to show that she is in a relationship with a human. Better even, married.
She glared at Ronan and saw a smirked expression of amusement. Most likely thinking the same.
“When was the last time we could hold each other’s hands in public? Levra does not count,” asked Lithia in excitement.
“I think that was a really long time ago. Whenever we left Levra to visit another town or city, we were on duty.”
“Exactly. But now we can.” She rested her head on his upper arm, smiling.
“I have to admit; getting more stares than before is inviting more trouble but we both knew that this would happen. I mean, already on our way here we had few attacks. What I think would be nice is, if we don’t have to wear our armour all the time. But what can we do? Your kind is generally being feared. And I being a royal guard doesn't make it any easier either.”
She could see that his stare aimed downwards and turned expressionless. He looked at her, gave her a weak smile and said, “I’m sorry. I shouldn't have said that. You were so happy a moment ago and took it from you.”
She could not deny that he had a point. Just alone her appearance people feared. One glance at her black eyes and they either get embraced, disregarded or shunned. Ronan usually liked to avoid confrontations as much as he could and feared now that one day he may have enough and leave her because of the unwanted attention he got because of her.
“But how many would know you are a royal guard if you don’t wear your armour? I have black eyes that stick out like a sore thumb. Even in my own land.”
“Word spreads quickly. Like you, we make enemies. Doesn’t matter how hard you try to be liked by the public, there are people out there who dislike you just for knowing you are a royal guard. You know the scars I have on my body? This big one on my stomach was when I decided not to wear it on my day off in a different town.”
“Yes, I remember you telling me this.”
“In Levra, we could do it but we mostly avoided the city part since we have a nice big garden to wander around.
“So the ‘not wearing armour’ was not directed at you. Just a general thought that even us being married, we should not fear to be attacked.”
Lithia sighed in relief. Ronan chuckled. “You feared that I would leave you because of you.”
“Yes. I do.”
“I married you, didn’t I? Perfectly aware with whom I’m dealing with. That was part of the five years I wanted to make sure I could accept the humiliation.”
More people glared at them. Some even cringe in disgust. Ronan raised a brow and glared back at them, giving a half-smile. They quickly looked away.
“You know? For the five years we have been together, I actually never thought your position as a royal guard is similar to us. You save people and yet you are being shunned because you are different.”
Ronan chuckled. “You know? I actually never thought of it that way either. Has to be that everyone talks about witches and humans being different and you begin to see it that way too.”
“Yes, I still can’t believe it that you were a hunter. Glad you saw through the lies.”
“Yes, a past that can’t be undone. But because of you, I saw the truth, and it changed me for the better.”
She got lost in his stare as he touched her hand with his other one.
They walked for some time before they decided to eat at an inn. Ronan wanted to eat meals he hadn’t had from the last time he was here.
The inn was nearly full, and many fell silent when they entered. Ronan and Lithia ignored them and waltzed to a free table and sat down. Soon, the loud talking resumed, and the glares turned away from them. An elderly woman came up and spoke in a native tongue at Lithia. Lithia responded back in the native tongue as well and ordered honey water and noodles for Ronan and dumpling for herself.
Ronan raised a brow as the woman walked away. “Ehm, you do know I don’t speak your language?”
Lithia chuckled and smiled cunningly at him. “Don’t worry. You will like what I have ordered for you.”
Ronan smirked. “Good. When we should head to Euran, I will do the same to you.”
“One day. We have time.”
They sat there silently, scanning the room. It was a decent-sized room that could take in over thirty people. Well-lit but reeked after sweaty men and women who must have finished their hard labour and wanted to unwind. It felt humid inside and they wondered why they didn't bother to open some windows. Lithia still saw the occasional glare at them. The ones near them stood up and left. She shook her head as a smile crept over her.
Their food and honey-water finally arrived. The woman particularly looked at Ronan and Lithia wondered why the sudden interest. It wasn’t a lustful smile but a cunning one. Ronan didn’t seem to care as he ignored her and stirred his noodles around with the provided chopsticks. The woman's eyes grew bigger, and the smile disappeared as she saw him clamp a few noodles between them and insert them in his mouth.
“Humpf,” the woman remarked and walked away.
Lithia chuckled as she took a dumpling and blew at it.
“How cute. She thought I didn’t know how to handle chopsticks. Well, the noodles are pretty good. How are your dumplings?”
“Not bad either. I expected better.”
As they ate their meal, two middle-aged men approached them. Both were clean dressed and shaved. Lithia grunted quietly and tilted her head slightly upwards, knowing what drama would occur. Ronan rolled his eyes. Also, knowing why they came. The inn fell silent.
“Let me guess,” said Lithia without looking at them in their native language, “our kind is not allowed to be here.”
“Leave,” said one of them and pointed to the door. Trying to look intimidating with his brows folded deep between his eyes.
Ronan continued eating but she could see that he was ready to fight and knew exactly what was being said.
“Yeah, once we finish eating, we will leave,” responded Lithia cold.
“Now,” he commanded.
“Are we causing any trouble? No. We are eating here.”
The man grabbed Lithia by the arm but Ronan suddenly had the man at his throat in the air. He gasped as this friend staggered backwards at the sudden reaction from Ronan.
“You understand me?” asked Ronan calmly.
The man managed to nod.
“Good. Now listen carefully. We are trying to enjoy ourselves. We didn’t threaten or intimidate anyone. The other people here either don’t care or pretend they don't care. Either way works for me as long they leave us alone and we leave them alone. It’s that simple. But if you attempt to harm us, I will kill you and there is nothing you can do about it because harming a royal guard in this land is as illegal as in Ausran, Amran and even in Euran.
“And if you try to harm or touch my wife again, not only will she kill you with ease but I will make you suffer for it first. Now fuck off.”
He threw him towards the door, rolling on the floor before he hit the wall. He screamed as he stood up, opened the door and dashed out. His friend in awe looked at Ronan.
“What? You want me to show you the door too?”
The man ran into a table as he stared at him. The glasses wobbled so violently that the men who were seated there had to grab them before it tilted over. They protested as the panicked man ran through the open door.
Lithia gently laid her hand on his shoulder. “It’s alright. You can calm down,” she said with a soothing tone.
“Fucking idiots,” he snarled and sat down. He took the chopsticks and ate rapidly. The people slowly looked away and spoke softly this time.
Lithia still hoped that Ronan would not leave her if these incidents continued. But she was proud of him that he continued to protect her and did not shy to mention that she is his wife. As if he was proud of it.
She smiled at him and Ronan looked at her.
“Sorry. I guess I lost it a bit. I know you can look after yourself but being married, I still feel like I need to protect you.”
“And I’m happy you do. This proves to me you care and that is all I can ask of you.”
He began to eat slower and cracked a smile.
Chapter 53
The following day Ronan and Lithia wandered around Lampo. The comforting warm beams of the sun and the mild breeze sprinkled on their face.
They walked past a stool with various colourful dresses. The excited woman greeted them as Lithia showed interest in a dark-red coloured silk sheni dress with golden stitching patterns of flowers across the dress. It had short sleeves, and the skirt reached almost to the floor. Lithia picked it up and held it on her, admiring herself as she stared down.
“What do you think?” she asked Ronan.
Ronan smirked and she could tell that he tried to imagine her wearing it.
“The dress is made of silk. Very good quality,” said the woman to Lithia.
“You already looked beautiful in a wedding dress. Seeing you now in these gets my approval.”
“Why do I have the feeling that there is more to it than me wearing it?” responded Lithia with a cocked smile and turned her head slightly still looking at him.
“How much?” asked Ronan the woman as he reached for his moneybag.
The woman took the money she asked for and then carefully folded the sheni and put a red ribbon around it.
“Maybe I should wear it on your birthday. This should get you very excited,” said Lithia chuckling.
“That would be a nice present. Looking forward to unwrapping it.” He looked at her with a lustful smile.
“You seem to like to unwrap me a lot.” Smirked Lithia.
They interlocked their arms together, smiling as they walked down the busy street. They ate some dumplings and noodles at a stand. It tasted average but the man who cooked them did not ask for much.
It was late afternoon and they had returned to the inn. Lithia laid the sheni on the table and looked smiling at Ronan, who removed his armour and swung his arms in circles.
