Forbidden Seductions

Chapter-7

VALARIS's POV

As Altheanea savored the fruit on the rock, I decided it was time to gather some dry logs for our campfire. With the fae accessories on, using our magic was restricted, and venturing without them would risk being detected by those leeches. I ventured a bit away, collecting sticks, when a sudden, loud splash echoed from the clearing. My heart raced as I sprinted towards the sound, and what met my eyes was unexpectedly adorable.

Altheanea was in the water, her laughter ringing out as she splashed around and twirled like a carefree child. She held a fish in her hands, bringing it close to her face as if having a conversation with it. "Oh, little fish, how lucky you are, always in the water, nothing to worry about.". She slurred these words out of her mouth.

Awww, drunk Altheanea is a mess, yet so cute.

Hold on, what the f**k? How did Drink Althanea happen?

I don't remember bringing any sort of hard liquor.

Her voice was filled with playful affection as she addressed the fish, a scene that brought a smile to my face. "Oh, little fish, how lucky you are. Always in the water; nothing to worry about," she cooed. Suddenly, her gaze shifted to me, and she beamed. "Val, can't I be fishy too?" Her question caught me off guard, and I chuckled at her innocence.

"Of course you can, Ali, but maybe not right now," I replied, trying to stifle my laughter. "Come out of the water, or you'll catch a cold." She pouted in response, her determination evident. "No way, Val. Mama didn't raise a weak person. I'll fight the cold." With fierce determination, she began throwing playful punches into the air.

Unable to contain my amusement, I gently made my way into the clearing, closing the distance between us. With a mischievous grin, I slipped my arm around her waist, pulling her closer to me.

"You've got spirit, Ali," I said, amusement evident in my tone. "But for now, how about we get you dried off and warmed up near the campfire? I promise, tomorrow you can become a fish all you want."

Altheanea's eyes lit up at the offer, and she held out her pinky finger toward me. "Pinky promise?" she asked, a hint of playfulness in her voice. I couldn't help but chuckle at her gesture. "Pinky promise," I affirmed, linking my pinky finger with hers.

As we made our way toward the bank, the rustling of bushes caught my attention. My senses went on high alert as I scanned my surroundings, my instincts telling me that we weren't alone.

Scooping Altheanea up in my arms, I lowered her gently onto the lush grass. She continued to babble incoherently, lost in her own world. My senses on high alert, I grasped a knife from my side, my gaze sweeping the surroundings for any signs of danger. The forest remained eerily silent, not a single sound disturbing the tranquility. But I knew better than to trust the apparent stillness; it was a facade hiding potential threats.

Someone or something was watching us, observing every move we made. Suppressing my instincts, and maintaining a façade of ignorance, I turned my attention back to Altheanea. I picked up the logs I had gathered earlier and positioned them strategically, my hands moving with practiced ease. Rubbing two stones together, I ignited a spark that soon blossomed into a crackling fire, illuminating our campsite.

Delving into the bag I had brought, I retrieved a comfortable mattress and laid it out for Altheanea. Gently, I placed her on it, ensuring she was well-positioned. A soft blanket followed, draping over her form. Her rambling gradually subsided as the fire's warmth seemed to lull her into a more peaceful state. Amidst the crackling of the fire, I maintained an outward appearance of calm, despite the lingering sense of being observed.

A sudden, imposing presence loomed behind me, catching me off guard. In an instant, my hands were bound, and I found myself forced onto my knees. The weight of authority pressed down on me as I locked eyes with a male figure, his gaze a piercing shade of dark violet. His aura exuded both calmness and a formidable power. With unwavering authority, he demanded, "Who are you, and how dare you trespass into our domain?"

Maintaining a composed demeanor despite the restraints, I responded evenly, "We are humans, my lord. Victims of a witch's cursed sorcery that accidently led us to this dimension. Our intention was never to invade your land." The man's scrutinizing gaze bore into me as he questioned, "We've heard stories like this before, but how can we believe your words?"

With a calm yet resolute tone, I explained, "Sir, it's only the realm of powerful fae that holds the ability to craft such potent dimensions. We are but ordinary humans, and if you wish, you can examine our very DNA to verify our claims." His discerning eyes studied me closely as he inquired further, "And who is the girl accompanying you?"

Meeting his gaze directly, I stated, "She is my fiancée." An unexplainable expression flickered across the man's face at the mention of Altheanea as my intended.

The man gestured to one of the guards, commanding, "take them both to the castle and imprison them in the dungeons until we can confirm that they pose no threat." And just like that, I found myself being forcefully led toward the carriage. The mysterious individual, whom I surmised to be a member of the royal family, scooped Altheanea into his arms and effortlessly carried her toward his awaiting carriage.