Zenora

Brock’s point of view:

Did I really call her ‘love’? I guess I did and frankly, I do love her. I was getting used to her and our connection felt so natural that I guess in my subconscious mind I already knew how I felt about her. Hence the reason why I called her ‘love’ so easily, not even noticing I did.

I hate it though that Cirilya contacted her when we were in the shower. Of course, I wouldn’t want anything to overcome to any of her loved ones as it would break her heart. But fucking hell, that wet, naked body of hers was screaming for me to take her! I know she wanted me to, she even took the initiative and dragged me to the showers. I had told her to be absolutely certain about her decision when she felt the time was right to have sex, and it looked like she was ready for it now. And after all the teasing she did to me today, the rubbing with her butt against my groin and the torturing with her hand during lunch, got me both so furiously excited, that I never had the intention to go slow on her in the shower. But when I saw her eyes turn grey, I knew something was up.

Only mages can contact other people through a mind link, and when that happens the eyes of the receiver turn into this blurry grey colour. And since Cirilya was the only mage Emily had met, I knew it was her and that there was something wrong.

When Emily got dressed, I went downstairs to find several servants. One to send to the King to notify him of the danger at the group, one to gather Arch and my men and one to let the stables know we needed the Gryphons. The red leather armour needed to get to the courtyard as well because I wasn’t going to let Emily tag along without any protection. I wanted to give the armour tomorrow during her training with Arch but now I didn’t have any choice. When I saw her wearing the gear, I was truly amazed by how she looked. Fierce and strong but still amazingly beautiful. I’m glad she admired the picture of Rhydon on her upper thigh, I wasn’t sure if she would find it a bit too much. But when I saw her fingers caress the stitches of it, I knew she liked it.

She had fallen asleep against my chest and started to snore at which I chuckled. I am definitely going to tease her with that someday. Nightwing had fallen asleep also, as I noticed his wings didn’t move, he just held them straight.

The connection Nightwing has with Emily is stunning as well because he is always a grumpy old Gryphon but now with her, he danced with his feet when she bowed back to him! I have never even seen him bow, nor have I ever seen any other creature bow to a person before. Not even to a skilled hunter even!

“Arch, I’m wondering, if you ask a question to one of your animals, do you get an answer in return?” I asked him, since he was still awake and flying right next to me.

“No, you are referring to what the Princess did with Nightwing and that food? I had noticed that too. But I’m still not sure why she can do that and what else she can do. When we get home, I’ll do some research in the libraries and go through my personal collection of history books.” He said and I nodded in thanks.

Not knowing what to expect in the morning I’d better get some sleep as well.

Emily’s point of view:

“General, wake up. We have just passed the Riptide Chasm and will arrive at the portal in about an hour.” One of the men said to Brock, which woke me up. My back hurt a bit from sleeping in a sitting position, but I’m glad I could sleep at all. That way I didn’t have to think about what might be happening, or already did happen to the others.

“Cirilya, can you hear me? Are you there?” I tried to contact her, but still no answer.

I heard Brock snoring and kissed him on the cheek. “Wake up, we passed the canyon.” I said softly because he was still quite asleep. “Nighty, wake him up please?” I asked Nightwing.

“QWRAAAHH!” Nightwing squeaked loudly and Brock nearly jumped off his Gryphon if he wasn’t strapped to his saddle. I had to laugh very loud and Arch nearly fell over his Gryphon from laughing as well.

“You spoiled brat!” Brock yelled at Nightwing. “You never listen to me when I ask you to do something!”

“Well you never give him cheese either, so…” I said still laughing.

Brock looked angry at Nightwing but soon kissed me. He told me to look down and he pointed to some animals in the lower parts of the snowy mountains. There were some ice bears and mountain bucks and I think I even saw a huge snow leopard with blue markings on his back. What could that be?

Archeops saw me looking at the leopard and told me that some creatures are very strong, stronger than the other animals of their species. Most of the time they have different markings or colours to let others know that they are stronger. Unfortunately, these animals are hunted for their pelts so only a few of them are still alive and they have become really rare to find.

I thanked him for the information he had given me so far, but I was curious if Archeops brought along any animals of his own as well. He then told me that his dear ‘Mona’ went hunting a few hours ago and that she would probably be back soon. I wondered what kind of animal Mona was, but I didn’t have to wait for long. Flying in, came this beauty, a white eagle, and she was much bigger than the eagles on Earth.

“Hi Mona.” I said while nodding my head, and she squeaked gently.

“How do you do that Princess? How do you connect so easily with any creature?” Archeops suddenly asked.

I was confused, why did he ask me that? He was the leader of all the hunters, so he should tell me, right? “You’re the hunter-boss around here, you tell me. Don’t you talk to your animals?” I asked.

“No, we don’t actually.” He responded with a frown.

He explained that hunters do have a certain affiliation with their animals when they give them their names, but never has he seen animals respond to any questions their owners ask. Let alone questions to other animals, tamed or owned by other hunters. And the way I communicated with Rhydon and ‘seeing’ his pack running on the desert plains, isn’t something other hunters can do as well.

I got a bit afraid now. “Is there something wrong with me?” I asked Archeops.

“No, nothing is wrong, he is just telling you that you are quite remarkable.” Brock said smiling and Archeops nodded. I got a little blush on my cheeks, for that compliment, even though it still didn’t explain to me how or why I could do what I did.

All the Gryphons around us started to fly up, and when we reached the top of the ridge, in between two mountains, everyone gasped at the scary sight in front of us.

A/n: Do you like my story so far? Please let me know what your thoughts are! 💛