Aloura, a journey of the Dimensions Book 1

Tides of Heartache

It turned out running with the waves wasn't easy. Each stride my horse took thrust me deeper into confusion and regret. I had foolishly let my heartache dictate my actions. My mind hadn’t even contemplated the difficulties of navigating the churning waters until it was far too late. Frustration simmered within me as I turned toward the shoreline, guiding my horse towards the sandy ground. Away from the relentless pull of the sea.

The waves were slightly smaller nearer the shore, providing me a rare moment of control. I settled into an easy pace, though I had no real grasp of how long we’d been galloping. Time blurred in the wild dance of my despair. I felt guilty for pushing my loyal steed who, no doubt, needed a break.

Scanning the shoreline, my eyes landed on a rocky cove where a few thin blades of grass poked through. Not the lush pasture I wished for, but it would serve as a natural pen for my exhausted horse. “Hang in there, girl,” I murmured as I directed her into the cove. The grass was barely enough to sustain her, but it was something.

“Water…” I realized suddenly. Seawater would only dehydrate her. I hopped down, my feet sinking into the cool sand as I paced the small cove. The formation of the rocks loomed like guardians, while patches of vegetation seemed to chatter amongst themselves, mocking my plight. Leaning against the smooth surface, my thoughts spiraled.

Had Ryker not been so quick to judge, had his words not cut deep, I wouldn’t be here—lost and drowning in my own self-pity. Now, guilt taunted me for having taken this noble animal away from a safe place. Leaning against the rocks, I felt my power stir within me, begging for release.

With a flicker of determination, I surrendered to the tug of my magic. It reached out into the stone, burrowing deeper until I recognized it—fresh water. “Holy hell,” I breathed out, a spark of hope igniting within me. I envisioned pulling it upwards, and as I focused, I felt it shift beneath the surface. Suddenly, the sound of trickling water broke my concentration.

I cupped my hand instinctively as the water began to flow over the rocks. Clean, clear, and refreshing. “Thank you,” I whispered to the universe as I drank, sharing a little with my horse, who stepped forward eagerly to drink herself. “Good girl,” I said softly, leaning my head against her.

Curiosity found me rummaging through the saddle bags attached to her. Chances were they were empty— but who knows what could be inside? But to my relief, I discovered a thoughtfully wrapped bundle containing cheese, bread, dried meat, apples, and a small canteen full of water. My stomach grumbled in appreciation for the unexpected bounty.

The second bag revealed a cloak—thick and warm—a flint and striker, a small knife, a pouch of herbs, and a tin of paste. My heart swelled with gratitude. Whoever had equipped my horse had thought to at least stow the basics.

I bit into an apple, savoring the crispness before offering the leftover core to my horse. She nuzzled me in thanks, and, for a fleeting moment, I felt a bond growing between us. “Easy to please, aren’t you?” I chuckled, feeling a flicker of joy amid my worries.

I made the decision to gather wood from the shoreline, collecting driftwood and dried moss. Memories of family camping trips from a life that felt more like a dream now, washed over me, specifically a lesson from my father: stay put, build a shelter, find water, and food, then build a fire.

Staring at my meager pile of kindling, I knew it wouldn’t last the night. Tying the reins back over my horse’s head, I mounted her, venturing out of the temporary safety of the cove. My gaze was drawn to several small tide pools harboring crabs. I pulled the knife from the satchel, driven by the thought of a warm meal and knowing that what had been packed on my horse could be all I had as an emergency supply. “Looks like dinner’s crab legs tonight,” I said to my horse, while trying to keep my spirits high.

Exhilarated and now with a bundle of wood in one hand and skewers of crabs in the other, we returned to our little cove. As I laid the wood down, I began scraping flint against the tinder. My heart raced with anticipation; I needed this fire to help me feel safe again.

After several tries, I coaxed a flicker into a lively flame. The warmth reached for me, wrapping me in comfort as I sat and watched the sunset. But as night began to weave its dark tapestry over the sky, worries invaded my peaceful moment. What was I going to do? Would Ryker search for me, or would he simply abandon me? Would Andi and Lacy inquire about my absence? What would happen if they found me? If Ryker found me?

The horse let out an unexpected chuff, interrupting my tumultuous thoughts. Her ears flicked back and forth, betraying a nervous energy. Fear snaked its way into my chest. Grabbing the dagger with shaky fingers, I rested back into the shadows, letting the cloak conceal me.

A figure emerged from the darkness—a woman with an air of confidence. Her movement graceful yet lethal.

“I know you’re here, Your Majesty,” she called, her voice clear and steady. “I’m not going to force you to do anything, but you should know I’m not letting you out of my sight. You’re my queen now, and I will ensure your safety.”

My heart skipped as she stepped into the firelight. Karianna. I hadnt spoken to her but she had been in the room the night i had been attacked, she gave off an air laden with loyalty and a hint of danger. There was something intimidating about her presence, yet I sensed her fierce dedication to me.

“Your crabs are nearly cooked,” she said, turning her attention to my meager meal. “Leave them much longer, and they’ll burn.”

The growl from my stomach reminded me of my hunger as I stepped further into the light, taking my place beside her. I pulled the now-cooked crabs off the makeshift spit and offered her one. Without hesitation, she snapped it in half, carving out the sweet meat, and we settled into an uneasy but companionable silence.

“Im sorry you were sent to find me,” I managed, breaking the awkward quiet. “How did you even track me?”

“It wasn’t easy, considering you fled towards the water. My blood connects me to magic—it allows me to locate other magic users. I recognized your power signature and started up the coast casting outward until I picked up on it.”

I marveled at the revelation. “I didn’t know it could work over distances. That’s incredible.”

Karianna tilted her head, studying me with an intensity that made my heart race.

“Your Majesty, may I ask you something?”

“Sure, why not?” I replied, feigning indifference while my pulse quickened with worry.

Her gaze felt heavy as she leaned closer, the fire’s light flickering shadows across her face. Her brows drew together as she studied my face. The intensity of it made my heart race.

Finally she spoke, " I hope it doesn't offend, but how does a princess who has lived in a castle and is said to be one of the most spoiled, pampered, antisocial, and rude princess's turn a full round about showing a sweet, kind, caring compassion and the ability for outdoor survival? Not to mention magically inclined when the whole world knows she was tested and no one has ever sensed a hint of power?"