Her King Of Shadows

Chapter XXXVI.

She was running through the forest on her morning jog. She tried to do it very early before anyone woke up. She had a white t shirt on with black leggings. The edge of her black jogging shirt showed up around her neck. Her black hair was braided and fell on her back. It was cold but she was dressed lightly. Her cheeks were already red from the fresh morning air. The woods were beautiful. The smell of fresh rain and trees filled her lungs. She followed the trail as before, enjoying the quiet. But she suddenly stopped. Shana felt she wasn’t alone. Something was here also. There was no sound but she could feel the disturbance in the air. In the atmosphere of her environment. She caught her breath trying to hear if anybody was close. Maybe Einar was following her. But he would have no reason to hide. She turned around looking in all the directions while her heart started beating faster. Her reason told her to go back to the castle. The presence she felt wasn’t friendly. He pulled her fingers into fists ready to run or to fight back, and then she saw him. A large, grey wolf with brown eyes was watching her. Only 5 meters away from the place where she was standing. Shana stood motionless for a moment. She had never seen a wolf before. The animal growled at her. She could see the long teeth and the imminent danger. It would pounce on her any moment now. She took a step back but the animal followed her. Closing the distance slowly but threateningly. Desperately she looked around, not looking at the wolf anymore. But there was nowhere to hide. All the trees were too tall for her to climb. And here she was stuck in the woods with a wolf in front of her. She took another step back, hoping he would just go on his way. But he didn’t. He jumped at her. She raised her hands ready for impact. This is how her life would end. But then she heard a loud thump and the animal started wining. She opened her eyes, not wanting to see who saved her.

Araphel was standing in front of her. Facing the animal that was now lying on the ground after hitting the nearby tree. She had no idea what he did and how he managed to stop the beast. Part of her knew that she would never find out. His face turned to her and she realized he was saying something to her. But she had been so scared she wasn’t paying any attention. His hand was in front of her. He was waiting for her to grab it. Shana got up by herself, taking another step back. When she looked at the animal, it was already gone. Her heart was slowing down now. Her legs were still shaking but she could manage.

-Next time, bring someone with you.-Araphels voice was cold. She pushed her hair from her shoulder to her back.

-I didn’t know you had actual wolves in your forest.-she was shocked. There was something in her voice that made him look at her again.

-I have even worse beasts than that. In and around the castle.-he enjoyed scaring her even more. The black eyes looked at him.

-I know.-she whispered. She wanted to pass by him but he stood in front of her. She was hit with fresh snow and cold wind. It reminded her of something. A distant dream mixed with roses. There was a frown on her face but she couldn’t remember it again. It was gone. He was wearing jeans and a simple olive-colored sweatshirt. His hands were crossed in front of his chest just looking at her.

-Where were you going? Escaping again?-he mocked her. She stood her ground in front of him. She had to admit that he just saved her life. So she decided to play nice. Not to insult him or push him too much. She would leave that for another time.

-Can we go back to the castle? I'm thirsty.-she changed the subject. He was waiting for more from her. She looked at the ground. -I'm not sure from which direction I was coming. When that wolf came out, everything became a blur.-she admitted he was lost. Shana was expecting him to laugh. To mock her even more, he didn’t say a word. Dark eyes looked at her. She could swear they were not that dark all the time. Sometimes they were green as emeralds.

-Come.-he said, starting to walk. More slowly than usual. She followed him a little behind, trying not to walk next to him. But he would just stop and wait for her to catch up until she was next to him. The trail was wide enough to give them enough space.

-We are going to have breakfast in 20 minutes. Be ready.-he said when they saw the castle in the distance.

-I'm not really hungry. I'm just going to take a shower and have some food later.-she refused. She was still walking next to him.

-You didn’t come down for dinner last night and now you are refusing breakfast. I have spoken with Einar and he has not seen you eating in the entire week you have been here.-he stopped so abruptly that Shana bumped into him. Feeling the softness of his shirt on her cheek. She immediately pulled away before he had a chance to touch her.

-I didn’t realize you were all paying so much attention to me.-she said bitterly. He bent a little, making sure their eyes were on the same level. He had a feeling she was hiding something from him. Something was happening to her. And he didn’t like it. She was thinner than before. Her eyes and face were tired. There were black circles under her eyes.

-It's not the type of attention I would prefer to give to you, but it's better than nothing. So breakfast in 20.-he ordered. Shana waved her head. This is not going to happen. He wasn’t her leader. She didn’t have to listen to him.

-Shower as I said.-she used his way of talking. She could swear he smiled at her. Just a trace of a smile but it was there.

-Fine Shana. We will have a shower first. Then we will have breakfast. I need to make sure you are all cleaned up. Woods can be a dirty place and you have been running.-his voice was lower now. Eyes darker than ever before. He noticed how her body shook in a second. She knew he would really do that. He would come to her. And she hated herself for not being able to stop him. But it was the price she had to pay for her freedom.

-Twenty minutes is enough time. I won't be late.-she whispered. They kept walking back to the castle. When they approached the main gate she could feel his hand on her lower back. He pushed her a little as if thinking she would not enter. She moved away from him, going to her room.

She took a fast shower and changed her clothes into jeans and a white long-sleeved shirt. She left her hair braided and headed out of the door. She hurried towards the kitchen wanting to get a cup of coffee when Einar waved her to enter the dining room. Seth and Araphel were already there. He looked at his watch as if making sure it wasn’t more than 20 minutes he had given her. Shana ignored him and sat down on the empty seat away from him.

-Sit here.-he ordered the chair to the right of him. She looked at him ready for a fight. He had saved her life but he would not talk to her like a dog.

-I'm fine here.-she answered without any emotions. Seth took a deep breath as if to say that was the wrong answer. And now they will all pay.

-But I'm not. You sit here every time you are in this room.-he continued in his leader voice. Shana stood up, taking the opportunity.

-I will leave the room then.-it was the only thing she wanted to do right now. She stepped to the door but there was a crash behind her. She turned in fear to see the glass on the floor. He had thrown a glass at the wall. She looked at his eyes so dark like never before. His breathing was heavy. He was sitting on his chair but as if he was ready to jump.

-You will sit here. This is your last warning. Or you will never be able to sit again!-he screamed the last part. She looked at Seth as if wanting to confirm that this was really happening. He just nodded his head. Silently she went back and sat down without a word. A plate was brought to her with scrambled eggs, sausages, toast, and cheese. On the right side was a glass of orange juice and a glass of water. Everybody started eating. Shana looked at her plate, feeling the same taste of blood and metal in her mouth. Her stomach was twisting in agony. Her throat was getting dry and painful. She took a sip of water, trying hard to make herself eat something. All eyes were on her. She picked up a fork and put some food on it. But as she was bringing it to her mouth she stopped. She couldn’t do it. Even if she put a small piece of food in her mouth she knew she would be sick and vomit.

-EAT!-he screamed at her. Shana jumped in her chair from the force of his words. Her black eyes were filled with tears. She picked up the fork again, putting the food in her mouth. It tasted dry as paper. She forced herself to swallow it. Hoping and praying it will stay down. She didn’t have problems eating at the university. True, she didn’t eat much, but it was never like this. She took a bite of the toast, deeming it safe when her stomach just started convulsing. What will she do now? If she stood up he would break her legs. If she stayed she would vomit right there in front of everyone. Shana closed her eyes for a moment and tried to breathe more deeply. Willing for the pain to go away. But it never did. She put a hand on her mouth and ran to the door. She entered the nearest toilet and vomited in the sink. Letting the water run, she vomited again. Now there was just water coming out. There was nothing in her belly anyway. Then she vomited the third time and now there was blood. She sat on the floor, tears running down her cheeks from the strain in her throat and belly. She pushed her knees towards her chest, trying to relax. Staying close to the sink in case she was sick again. Closing her eyes, she tried to focus on her breathing. Her hair was damp from sweating. What was happening to her? Why was she reacting this way? There was a knock on the door but she ignored it. She didn’t want anybody right now. She will feel better in a while. The doors were opened. She raised her head and saw Araphel holding a glass of water in front of her.

-Drink this.-he ordered. She took a glass from him, not wanting to fight anymore. She didn’t have the energy. He noticed the blood in the sink but said nothing. She finished half the glass and put it on the floor next to her.

-Healer will see you up in your rooms.-he said. Her first reaction was to refuse, but she didn’t want to be screamed at again. She bowed her head again, knowing it was time to stand up. Go as far away from him as possible. Araphel watched her leave on shaky legs and a look of confusion on his face. He had no idea what could be wrong with her.