The Untold Forest by Elisa Menz (web ebook reader txt) 📗

The summer weather warmed the mountain peaks. The ice melted, and the current ran cold and turbulent. Not the best time of year for a swim. The mighty roar of the river reached his ears long before he arrived at his destination. The power of the water made his troubles feel insignificant, serving as a refuge for when his heart ached too much—a place to find peace and clear his mind.

But for the first time, someone occupied his sanctuary. A small figure stood on top of the boulder, studying the current.

The thundering waters stifled the growl that came from his lips, so she didn’t catch him approaching. She stood so close to the edge, it would only take a little push, and she will be dead in an instant.

No one would blame him if she acted this recklessly. Anyone could fall. When he got close enough, the water moistened his face. The current would drag her body far away.

Her long hair floated around her, shining gold under the midday sun. So this is what all the fuss is about. An unexpected sight, one he might stop to admire. But when you’re on a path to revenge, there is no time for distractions. He stood right behind her, determined to carry out his vengeance.

Regn prided himself on his abilities as a hunter and his unparalleled stealth. But somehow, she sensed him. The girl turned, and her blue eyes bore into his gray ones.

It all happened in a blink.

His closeness startled her, so she lost her footing and began to fall into the treacherous waters. Regn heard her gasp, and her frightened eyes silently pleaded with him. A small hand reached out. He hesitated.

But after a heartbeat, he reached back.

The icy water hit them like a thousand needles, and his chest constricted. Keeping his face over the water to breathe took most of his strength. The girl struggled to remain close to him, gasping for air. Her terrified eyes darted around, looking for a way out. Regn clutched her hand.

The current dragged them without mercy, threatening to separate them, so Regn pulled her close. He kept her afloat and swam with his free arm toward the shore. She picked up on his intentions and used her arms and legs to help him, to no avail. The current didn’t cooperate.

Ominous rocks loomed ahead. He stopped his efforts and pulled her into a tight hug, protecting her. The water slammed him against the rocks, drawing blood from his arms and torso.

The pain drew an involuntary scream out of him. That will leave a mark. Regn imagined he had at least one broken rib, but right now, that was the least of his problems. The current didn’t seem to slow down, and they had been struggling for far too long. The endeavor would soon exhaust him, and that would be their end.

What the hell was he doing? He meant to kill her! Why was he fighting against the river to save her? Taking damage to protect her? Before he could change his mind, the girl shouted and pointed in front of them. A large trunk, half-submerged in the water, branches reaching in all directions.

That was their chance!

They both swam towards the branches, and Regn pushed her until she was holding safe on top of the trunk. She then turned and reached down for him, pulling him out of the water.

They dragged themselves into dry land before collapsing side by side, panting.

Now out of danger, every broken bone and open wound manifested their presence. Dizziness took over, and his head throbbed with pain. Regn tried to remember when he hit it, but his conscience slipped away.

When he woke up, stars hung in the sky. He lay on his back, next to a small fire, and covered with an unknown thick fabric. As he tried to turn, the sharp pain in his ribs made him grunt and flinch. He lay back before inspecting his arms. A dark, fragrant pulp covered every wound.

This is marigold. He remembered. The matriarch used this to help wounded hunters. But who...? Oh, that was quickly answered. The human girl lay sleeping next to him, resting her head on his shoulder. They were under her coat, and she wore nothing but a flimsy dress.

“What—?” He didn’t mean to be so loud. Blame the brazen human! Why was she so close? He sat in panic, aching everywhere. Had he not been wounded, he would have jumped several feet away.

His yelp also woke her. She blinked and stretched before noticing the bewildered half-breed sitting next to her.

Regn stared, transfixed by how she smiled with shining eyes, before throwing her arms around his neck.

“I’m so relieved! You were bleeding so much, and you wouldn’t wake up. Don’t worry, I will take care of you!”

She pulled away and beamed at him. Her face swayed closer, and her breath tickled his face. His stomach somersaulted, while his heartbeat lost all sense of rhythm. She spoke in the human tongue, but even if he had known it, he wouldn’t understand a word. He was having trouble remembering his own language. Well, this is fucking unexpected! 

CHAPTER XVII

UNEXPECTED FEELINGS

Hakken

If something changed since Maeve’s arrival, it was the vast variety of emotions he experienced. For years, he only felt grief, loneliness, and apathy. Today it was anger.

To be more precise, he was outraged.

“You need to calm down before going back to her.” By his side sat wise old Kniv, as usual. Hakken knew Kniv meant well, but right now, he wished he’d fuck off along with his wisdom.

The night before had been harrowing. Hakken arrived late after a hunt, only to find Maeve missing. Mynte had no idea where she had gone, and no one saw her since morning. They searched everywhere and found her trail on the riverbank. If she had fallen, she was most likely dead.

It took several hunters to restrain him before he jumped into the treacherous waters. Did he mean to search for her or drown himself?