Falling into Mythica

Chapter Seven

VIDA’S POV

I stared at the large man grinning at me from behind his desk. I had the sudden urge to wipe that smug look off his face, but I knew there was nothing I could do against a massive Dragon man.

Tears blurred my vision and dripped from my eyes out of pure anger and frustration. I wiped furiously at them, mad that I let this man see how upset I was.

Kenneally came around my chair and squatted down in front of me. He took one of my hands in both of his; they were warm, and I once again found myself calming.

“Vida, the Elder Dragon didn’t say it was impossible, so don’t give up hope just yet if that is truly what you want.” He told me with a sad smile.

This man before me was really confusing. He says I am his soulmate, yet he is telling me to have hope that I can return home, which would mean him losing the other half of his soul, as he had described it at one point.

“Your mate is correct, human. I did not, in fact, say it couldn’t happen; I merely asked what you would do if it were not possible. Truth be told, I would need to look into the situation.” The elder dragon told me.

“I will consult with the other elders about your situation and get back to you when I know something. Where will you be staying until you hear back from me?” The Elder continued.

I had no idea what I was going to do, and I hadn’t really thought about the possibility of having to remain in this realm for a while. I looked at Kenneally, who was looking at me hopefully, and then I looked at Elida, who just shrugged.

“I don’t really feel comfortable going with Beta Kenneally to his kingdom, so I believe I should remain here in the Capital. Once I have found accommodations, I will let you know where I am staying.” I replied, not looking at Kenneally.

“You do realise that you will not be able to stay for free even though you are not from here. Are you prepared to work for your accommodation? That is if anyone is willing to have you.” The Elder asked.

“I am more than willing to work. In fact, I would enjoy it. I’ve always worked hard back in my realm; surely someone would give me a job here.” I said, sounding a little desperate.

“Very well, you go and find some accommodation and a job, and then you can let me know where to find you once I have spoken with the other elders. We are all very busy people, so it may take a while. Good luck, human.” The elder dragon said as he stood to his feet. I guess we were dismissed.

I also stood and walked toward the door. “Thank you for your time, Elder Dragon Kinryu,” I said and bowed in his direction. He just nodded in response and retreated through the door he had initially entered.

Neither Elida nor Kenneally said anything as we made our way out of the council offices and headed back towards the gate. My mind was racing as I tried to reconcile all that I had to do.

First, I had to try and find a job, and then I had to find accommodation. This was not going to be an easy process as I still wasn’t even sure what species here were safe to approach nor how to tell them apart.

I wandered aimlessly in the direction of the gate, and once we had passed through it and headed back towards the town, I stopped. I needed to know more about this place, but I also needed food, drink and shelter until I could find a job and proper accommodation.

“What are you thinking so hard about Vida?” Elida asked, fluttering up to me.

“Oh, I was just trying to work out what I needed to do first, and I realised that I know so little about your realm that I am not even sure which species are safe to reach out to, and which are best for me not to approach.” I sighed heavily.

“I also don’t even know what kinds of jobs are available here and whether or not I would even be able to work. I have no food, no shelter and, well, I’m completely overwhelmed right now,” I said and squatted now, hugging my knees as best I could, being a larger-than-average person.

I felt Elida land on my shoulder. “I will help you, Vida. We have come this far together, and I will not abandon you now.” She said as I sniffled back my tears.

“Nor will I leave you on your own. I still haven’t given up on trying to win you over. You are my mate, after all. My Alpha will understand me staying to help you out.” Kenneally said, squatting down in front of me.

“Well, thank you, but where will we stay until I find a job and accommodation?” I asked.

“I suppose we could always go back to the cabin we stayed at last night; however, that is a fair walk from town,” Elida said, trying to think of a solution.

“Or I could get us a house temporarily. I was planning to stay a while anyway as I was searching for my mate…” he stopped looking at me with a grin.

“And since I have found her and she needs to stay here for a while, it makes sense that I find accommodation that is suitable for us all. I am assuming that Your Highness Elida will be staying with us?” He said, this time looking at Elida on my shoulder.

Elida nodded. “Yes, I mean no offence, Beta, but I think Vida would be more comfortable having me stay for the time being.” She replied, and I nodded in agreement.

“I will pay you back my share of the accommodation once I find a job. Thank you, by the way,” I said.

“You don’t need to pay me back, Vida. You are my mate, after all. Let’s get some food, and then I will go and look for some suitable accommodation for us all.” Kenneally said and stood up. He reached his hand out to me.

I hesitantly took his hand and allowed him to help me to my feet. We kept walking until we got back to the edge of the town where Kenneally had first found us.

“It might be best if you two wait here while I go and get us some food. I don’t feel comfortable having Vida in such close quarters with other species.” Kenneally said, and I couldn’t help but wonder if this was his way of trying to keep the other four potential mates from finding me.

“Sure, I’d rather stay here anyway. I’m already overwhelmed as it is,” I replied and found a tree to sit under. Elida joined me, and Kenneally rushed off into the main part of the town.

“He seems like a genuinely good man, Vida. I know you are overwhelmed at the moment, but keep an open mind about him.” Elida said, and all I could do was nod.

He really has been nothing but nice to me since he found me, and if I’m being brutally honest, who in their right mind would want to walk away from a sexy man offering them the world? But I still didn’t feel right about it all.

However, if it turns out that there really is no way for me to return to my own realm, perhaps then I might give some thought to staying with him, but then, of course, what if the other four find me as well?

I grunted as my mind began to imagine how crazy things would get if they did find me. I mean five people or rather five different species, all claiming I belong to them. That’s just crazy.

“Are you OK, Vida?” Elida asked in response to my grunt.

“I just have so much on my mind, and I can’t seem to switch it off,” I said, rubbing my hands over my face.

“Would you like me to tell you about this realm? It might help you to forget your troubles for a little while,” Elida said. That actually might be helpful, so I agreed.

“This realm is separated into different kingdoms. I would say it is similar to your different countries back home. The different species all have their own lands that best suit them as a people. While some species, like my own people, the fairies, live harmoniously with the Fae and Elves, we still have our own lands but also have some shared areas.”

Wow, that sounded nice. “Please tell me about your homelands, Elida, if you don’t mind.”

Elida smiled before responding. “It is very beautiful. We have lots of plant life there, like large old trees with long droopy leaves, and we have many different flowers. We live harmoniously with our environment. We smaller species like to live in nature, so we make our homes in trees and larger plants, and some even live within the earth itself.”

Elida went on to tell me all about her home and then proceeded to tell me about the other kingdoms of the realm. After some time, Kenneally finally returned.

“I am so sorry I took a long time. I happened to pass a leasing shop and found us a house, and it even had some furniture as the owner left to stay with his children. Would you like to eat here first or take the food to our new temporary home?” he asked.

Wow, he had found us a place to stay so quickly. I guess we may as well go and check it out. “Please lead the way to our accommodation,” I said with a big smile.