Quil was silent for a solid minute before she replied, "Anything else?"
I didn't answer immediately, my feet coming to a stop as I noticed the creature watching me in the forest. Our eyes locked and I noticed its worry about being seen.
My lips curled wider as I outstretched my hand.
"You are worthy of my company. Be not afraid." My words were as soothing as the calming waves of the ocean’s greeting. The creature began to walk into the light, the shadows leaving its magnificent white hair as the horse that reminded me of a unicorn appeared before us.
Why such a creature was on an island like this was only for a human's curiosity. I knew exactly why it was here - why it was sent here - and my acknowledgment only proved what would soon come our way.
Someone outside our group knows of my awakening, but who?
I felt no negativity from its peaceful aura as it continued to approach cautiously, and when its nose brushed my hand, all I could do was smile.
"Hello, dear friend," I whispered. "Are you here with a message?"
It lowered its head, a sign of respect for my royal status, before it brushed my hand again with its head. I began to stroke its head before I lowered my head so my forehead pressed against it.
Something told me it was a she, and I smiled at the healing streams of magic that left her and entered me.
She's healing me.
Waking up after the crashing drop that knocked me right out had surprisingly left me with very little wounds. A few aches here and there, but I'd survive until I had a moment to truly let this sink into my bones. Hopefully, after the shock of everything wore off, I’d be spared a panic attack.
She pulled back and bowed her head once more, but I couldn't help but walk forward and begin to stroke her head.
"You are kind for sparing such valuable energy for my sake," I whispered with a pleased smile. "Thank you, and I hope to meet whoever has sent you to check on me."
"Neigh!" she replied happily, and allowed me to continue stroking her head.
"What a pretty flaming horseman!" Marigold cheered, fluttering over to fly above the creature's head. "I remember you...I think. Hmm. Where have we met before?!" She pointed at the horse accusingly, and all it did was begin to sniff Marigold’s little body before attempting to chomp at her flower top.
"Ah! Princess Cassandra! It's trying to eat me!" She flew over to hide behind my head, and I giggled.
"You can't blame her. The flowers are pretty and probably tasty, but I would like my fae pixie to be alive and well."
"Neigh." The horse seemed to lose interest, returning to enjoying my soft strokes.
"I'm watching you!" Marigold declared as though her new mission was to ensure this horse didn't go near her.
My smile faded as my eyes returned back to the sky above.
I'm grateful.
"Hmm?" Quil seemed intrigued by my sudden internal statement, and I decided to elaborate on my words.
I'm grateful to have another chance within this game. I'm not sure where this journey is about to lead us, but to be standing here among the vast beauties of nature and witness the sky for another moment...it's a blessing many do not get after their fate is sealed by unforeseen circumstances.
It was one of the many things that were flickering within my mind as we waited for my men. Imagine being placed into a prison with no knowledge of who you truly are and being imprisoned out of a circumstance molded by those of power and not by your own actions.
Despite the bits of power that fought to protect me, I should have been among the dead due to the various ordeals I'd endured behind bars. If it wasn't for my men's presence and Omarion's interference, I would have given up on trying.
That left me feeling grateful for another shot at this world that I was watching unfold around me, and I knew once my men arrived, things would be moving at a swift pace as we fought to gain the advantage over this not-so-hidden enemy.
"The experiences we've endured are valuable lessons that build us up. Do not waste time on the past that can't be undone. Without the past, there is no present and no sight of the future. Be proud of the struggles and those moments of naiveté. It's what molded you into a woman who does not take privilege for granted and will rise above anyone's expectations to prove a point to never underestimate someone's abilities."
Always giving me good lectures. If only you were around during my troubled teen years.
"I would not be able to deal with your supposed BTS troubles. Everett can continue to deal with those."
Boo. It would be interesting to see you try.
The reminder of Everett sparked a bit of joy in my heart to see him again. I missed his kindness and advice when I was in a situation of worry and turmoil. He'd be shocked to see this new me, but I'm sure everyone who once knew me would be taken aback by the change.
Returning my attention to the apparent flaming horseman, my curiosity got the better of me. "Are you a flaming horseman?"
"Neigh!" It moved back to nod its head, and within a second, it was igniting flames from its body. We watched in amazement as the white horse shifted to completely black as the flames coursed through its mane and hooves.
It looked majestic before, but now it looked like a horse from hell, ready to carry the Grim Reaper and embark on the journey of reaping a bunch of souls.
"Extravagant transformation," I complimented.
"Pretty but lethal," Marigold whispered. I had to turn my head slightly to see her judgmental eyes as they narrowed at the horse.
"You're just worried she's going to burn your flowers away."
"Yes! This is my only outfit! I will not roam freely through the woods with my precious mangos on display. It's not ladylike."
"Did you just call you breasts ‘mangos’?" I was on the verge of giggling.
"Yes! They're heavy like mangos and are only sweet for other people's benefit! Hmph. I don't even like mango."
Yes, you're 100% right. She's totally my inner child.
"You don't like mangos?"
I'm working on it. Tristan, on the other hand, loves them. Bleh.
"Holy fucking shit. Cassandra?"
Our attention turned to the path ahead of us, and my eyes landed on a wide-eyed Tristan.
Now I was left speechless because holy hot damn, was my man suddenly hotter than before. His blond hair was long and up in a ponytail that made him look like an elven king of the damn forest. His caramel skin made his blue eyes that now shone with iridescent gold and green pop out like twinkling stars. And his black combat outfit made sure you could see every bit of muscle hidden beneath the sleek fabric.
He was still at his 6'0" height, but the dazzling aura that wrapped around him was a purple mixed with greens, blues, and golds. The overall appearance immediately attracted me, unlocking a wave of longing at first sight.
"Neigh."
My attention was detoured back to the horse as she leaned in close to peck my face with her lips before she backed up and made a final sound that felt like a goodbye. We watched as she turned around and raced into the shadows, her burning trail disappearing with the rest of her blazing being.
Safe journey, flaming horseman.
"Why are you swearing as if Cassandra is right...oh fuck." The harsh words came from my scolding vampire. My lips curled slightly as I turned my gaze to see Otis.