Total pages in book: 20
Estimated words: 17648 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 88(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17648 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 88(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
The scenes stitched into them seemed to be from long ago, depictions of warring factions embroiled in brutal battles. There were monsters with numerous limbs, snarling beasts with glowing red eyes, creatures with spikes lining their back and two sets of fangs in their gaping mouths.
They clashed with each other, axes and claws and teeth being used as their weapons against each other.
And the longer I stared at these images, the more I swore the scenes moved as if alive. And then, the footsteps came again, and when the doors opened and the king stepped inside, I didn’t run. I didn't cower in fear. I tipped my chin and stared at him in defiance.
A smaller creature shrouded in a black robe came in behind the king, a massive tray in hand as it walked to the small table and set it down. And then, the beast servant left.
I tore my gaze away from the tray and stared at the king, my heart racing in my chest.
“I’m Blaylock, King of the Dark Realm of Shadow Vale. And you’re under my protection.” There was nothing else he said before he turned and left me alone.
I stood there staring at those double doors, then at the tray, before my gaze finally landed on a mirror in the far corner. It was tall and carved from white stone with little bits of bone and onyx sparkling gems embedded within it.
I approached it slowly, and the moment I saw my reflection, I felt my brow furrow at the woman staring back at me. I didn’t… recognize myself.
My eyes were wild, my skin too pale. My hair was a tangled mess of blonde strands around my dirty face. One eye was slightly swollen and bruised, and my lip was split.
I’d been abused my entire life only to be taken away and almost sold off as a slave. I was terrified of this world and this situation. I didn't know what Blaylock planned to do to me. I didn’t know if I was truly safe. But what I did know was that he could have killed me many times over already. Instead, he saved me, fed me, and offered me his protection.
I turned and went over to the table, stared at the tray, and knew I needed my strength for whatever may come.
I sat and ate and wondered if staying in the Dark Realm of Shadow Vale was a far worse destiny than what awaited me back at the only place I knew as home.
5
KATRINA
Ifinished dinner, and the food wasn’t as strange as I assumed it would be. It had been delicious, and not because I had been so hungry. I ate a bowl of delicious, hearty stew and a piece of thick, dense bread that had a hint of sweetness to it.
When the tray was empty and my belly full, I rested back in the plush, massive chair, adjusting the fur around me and staring into the fire. I didn't know how long I sat there, but sleep started to take over, my eyes weighed heavy with exhaustion, and the warmth from the fire—and my full belly—pulled me under into pure contentment.
But the moment of comfort didn’t last.
The doors opened again with a low groan, and I straightened and stared at Blaylock, who stood in the threshold. “How was your meal?”
I cleared my throat and nodded, knowing that killing him with sweetness was better than fighting a situation I had no control over. “It was good, thank you. I’m grateful.”
He tipped his head to the side and watched me before nodding and rumbling low. Then he said in a gruff, deep voice, “Come.” His voice was like a roll of thunder in the vast room. He held his hand out, his palm huge, his claws black and sharp. “Come, little one.”
I hesitated, every instinct screaming at me to stay rooted to the spot, but something about the way he watched me—waiting patiently—told me that I was safe with this monster.
So, I stood, my body still so sore and aching, the discomfort increasing as I walked toward him. He waited patiently until I stood before him, and then he turned and started making his way down the grand hallway.
I followed him through the dim halls, sconces lining the stone walls, the fire within them bright and blue and wholly unearthly in appearance.
The silence between us was heavy but not awkward. Yet… it was confusing to me why I didn't feel bone-deep fear with this monster king.
I took in his massive body and how broad his shoulders were, how thickly muscled his arms were. He was shirtless, and every step he took revealed the rippling of muscle that lay under his flesh.
His pants molded to his frame, his power was as intense as he was.
We descended a long flight of stairs, his booted feet almost soft and silent on the black stone flooring. When we entered what could only be called the throne room, I sucked in a breath. It was enormous, so vast and almost cavernous but held this expensive detailing that showed immense wealth and power.