Vireya's POV
When next I opened my eyes, I was in an unfamiliar surroundings.
My vision was foggy and I could barely make out what I was seeing. The air had the smell of herbs and something else mixed with it, it smelt like magic but I couldn't be sure.
"Don't get up so quickly." A female voice said. "You hit your head when you fell, be careful."
The moment she said those words, the pain in my head registered. "Ow," I groaned, and sat up, rubbing my forehead.
"I healed you with magic, but your body is still very weak." The woman continued. "Your body is frail, Princess. You have to be careful before you damage yourself further."
Princess? She must be mocking me. If she thinks it's funny, she's mistaken.
I looked around me, blinking to clear my eyes. I was in what looked like a Healer. I couldn't tell what time it was, or how long I had been out for. I looked down to find I was still in that starry dress.
What happened? The last thing I remember was passing out…why did I pass out?
"Drink this." Someone came up in front of me, holding out a bowl of steaming hot liquid. I looked up. A lycan, dressed in the dark green garb of a healer. One of her horns was chipped and looked about to collapse.
Ah, so even lycans have needs for Healers.
I reached out shakily and took the bowl. "T-thank you,"
She nodded. "Once you're done, there's—"
She didn't get to finish.
I spat out the liquid I had drank, grimacing at the bitter taste. "Ew! That tastes horrible!"
"What did you do?!" She gasped, snatching the rest of t from me. "Do you know how expensive these herbs are?! Why did you spit it out?! For goodness sake, I have no idea why his majesty have them to you!"
My heart dropped. And it wasn't from her scolding.
"His m-majesty?"
She glared at me. "You silly girl! You don't know what you've just done."
"That's okay, Gale. I'm sure the hunter will learn in due time." A familiar voice said from the door. Sylien walked in, a soft smile on his features. He turned to me and waved. "How are you? You're stronger now, aren't you? Good. Get up, we have places to be."
He didn't even let me speak.
I wasn't okay. My head hurt and my entire body felt like I was beaten up in my sleep.
But the last thing I wanted was to show any further signs of weakness. As if passing out in front of a hall full of lycans wasn't weakness enough.
My cheeks warmed, and I slowly stood up from the bed. I felt dizzy, like I would faint again. Vomit rose in my throat. But I grabbed the bed and steadied myself.
"My lord, pardon me. But she's not healed enough to get out of bed." Healer Gale said.
Is she worried about me?
However, Sylien laughed. "King Draven's orders, Gale. Not mine."
My heart paused beating. King Draven…that was his name. I fainted in front of him. I'm a lycan hunter, and yet I fainted at the sight of a lycan. My father will be rolling in his grave right now, ashamed on my behalf. And my brothers will be laughing.
The image was enough to make me clench my fists. Even though they're gone, I must continue to make my family proud. I failed them in life, I can't fail them in death too.
"Let's go." I said to Sylien. There was no point delaying the inevitable.
Gale sighed. She blocked my path and pushed the bowl in my hand. "Drink it! Whatever is coming for you can't be good."
Don't panic, Vireya. Stay calm. You can handle whatever it is.
I muttered my thanks and took the bowl. With great difficulty, I swallowed all the mixture. I handed the bowl back, swallowing a gag. Then, I followed Sylien.
"You brought embarrassment to his Majesty," Sylien said as we left the Healer. "You caused commotion in his birthday banquet."
"I didn't know it was his birthday," I said bitterly. I caused commotion? They attacked my home on my birthday too. Killed my family and kidnapped me.
Who caused more commotion?
Lycans. Throughout history they always believe they're righteous and the rest of us are the bad ones.
"Here's a word of advice, little hunter," Sylien paused in front of a large, towering black door. He stepped back, putting distance between us. That way I was able to meet his eyes.
"What advice could a lycan possible have for me?" I asked.
"There. That pride of yours. Get rid of it." He said. His eyes narrowed and whatever mask of kindness he wore was gone. "You're not in your pack anymore. You're in Maellys. Your foolish werewolf pride will kill you before this land does."
I raised my chin up, my spine straightening. "You mean to say I should keep my head down and accept my reality?"
Whatever Gale put in that horrible tasting water must be incredible. I felt strength returning to me, my soul magic beginning to surge through my veins.
Sylien's brows shot up half an inch. Something in his eyes moved, like a candle interrupted by a small breeze. Even his horns flickered. Silence stretched between us for a few seconds. Then he smiled. "Let's go." He said, turning and pushing the door open.
Did he notice?
It doesn't matter. I'll do it now and—
A gust of cold wind blew into my face. Snowflakes settled into my hair, and all over my body. I shivered, hugging my arms in an attempt to generate heat.
"What…what is that?"
The black door led outside the palace.
Beyond it, all I could see was white. Blinding, brilliant white. Snow fell, and winds howled.
Winter.
How is it winter? All the accounts said that the lycan lands never experienced winter. They all spoke about eternal spring and summer, endless abundance, and bountiful harvests.
My teeth began chattering.
It's cold. It's too cold out here. I feel like I'm freezing and it's been barely ten seconds!
Sylien stepped out, his robes and hair billowing in the harsh wind behind him. He turned to me, extending a hand. "Come on, little hunter."
It finally made sense.
Why there were so many fires inside. Why it was unnaturally warm. Why the lycans all wore beautiful silks but thick fur coats at the same time. Why they were all so pale.
"I'm not dressed for this weather!" I called out to Sylien.
"I know. Hurry up, or we'll be late."
"I'm not going!" I took a step back. "You want me to die out there!" I turned and made a run for it.
I didn't take two steps before Sylien caught up with me. He grabbed the back of my neck, his grip impossible to break out of.
"Put me down!" I screamed, thrashing and attacking him with my fists. "Sylien!"
"You've caused enough trouble already," he said with a deep sigh.
The next thing I knew, he tossed me outside into the snow. I scrambled to my feet, my eyes focused on the door. Right before my eyes, it slammed shut without anyone touching it.
Sylien stood before me, his eyes reflecting the lifeless winter all around me. The cold bit my exposed arms and legs, like a million fire ants.
My magic stirred. I heard my mother's voice in my head, gently telling me how to use my magic to make sure I didn't waste it. I concentrated on it, conjuring the most dangerous spell I knew in my head.
I'm going to kill him. Sylien will be my first lycan kill. I'll take his horns myself.
I forced myself to my feet, my knees buckling and close to knocking against each other. Before I could fire a spell at Sylien, a huge gust of wind slammed into me from the side, knocking me off my feet and into the snow.
"You took your time," a deep voice chuckled. "Did it die?"
"No, my king. As you can see," Sylien replied.
The king!
I turned to the side.
My jaw dropped as a shocked gasp left my lips.
There was the king, seated on a massive furry beast that looked a cross between a wolf and a lion. King Draven was terrifying! Backdropped against the stark white background, with his dark hair, sturdy build, and massive horns he looked like a creature of hell.
Behind him were three other lycans on similar , but smaller beasts.
King Draven looked at me. It took all my self control not to look away. The beast huffed, its breath forming thick plumes of smoke. Glowing red eyes snapped on me and it snarled. Kind Draven shushed it, petting the back of its head, and it immediately fell silent.
"You're a hunter." The King said. He wasn't asking.
I nodded. "I…I am."
"What do you hunt?"
Is he being serious?
"L-lycans." I said.
He stared at me, his liquid eyes scanning me from top to bottom. When they met mine, he was grinning. Sharp fangs showed through his grin, sending shivers running up the back of my head.
"Show me." He said. "Released into these woods are seven of these beasts. Show me how great of a hunter you are, princess." He spat the last word like it was filth.
S-seven?!
I looked at the beast he was mounted on. It had to be at four six feet tall and larger than five horses put together.
He wants me to kill seven of these things?! In my clothes?! In this winter?!
He steered his beast in the direction of the forest and paused. "Ah, that reminds me." He spun on me.
The beast approached me, head lowered, eyes stalking. I took steps back till I slammed into Sylien. He grabbed my arms, holding me firmly in place, till the King's beast was up in my face, hot rancid breath puffing against my cheeks.
Tears burned my eyes and I squeezed my eyes shut, praying for all this to be over soon!
King Draven chuckled. Like my discomfort brought him great joy. "What color do you bleed, princess?"