Pine Needles (Veil Realms Series) by Karli Rush Page B

meant to run, Selene.”
    “I know, you just…” I brush off the dirt from my backside and peer up to him.
    “Do you still feel threatened by me?”
    “No, it was simply a reaction. Do you want to try again?” Glancing over to make sure I wouldn’t topple over another conquering root or vine I shuffle back away from him. Not even five feet apart he begins pursuing me, steadying my hands I can sense the pushing influence and I generate enough force to keep him back and Sirius’s momentum instantly ceases.
    “Does this satisfy you?” I ask as an empowering conviction fuels in me. I observe him patrolling before me. Eying and pacing his intangible obstacle he idly rests his hands along his leather bound hips.
    Seeming pleased he finally responds, “I t does.”
    I outstretch my hands to him, and he takes them and tucks me close, his breath heats my skin as he whispers in my ear, “I knew you would be the one.”
     

Chapter Eleven
     
    Prisoners
     
     
    One by one the warriors descend to the underground, a stairwell passes the bounteous limestone walls, and this passage is not adorned with symbols or spectacular designs. Slim and tapered steps dive deeper into the remote darkness. Reassuring myself, I secure my hand tighter on Sirius’s weapon belt.
    Nearing an open platform I see lights shimmy from the flaming torches which are nestled by carved stone benches lining the outside walls. A rotunda is in the center of the room with six large-scaled columns. Sirius guides me through the engraved, golden columns and down a spiraling staircase. 
    Entering the second level , the rooms become more endless, stoned-like beds blanketed with animal hides and deviating furs. Peeking at each room as we walk by I’m awe-struck with the monumental etchings brandishing each wall. The effigies symbolizing beasts and warriors in riotous battle, some of humans and others I could never imagine to truly exist.
    The echoe s of footfalls from our own feet are the only sounds as we approach a majestic hall. Flanked by Sirius on my left, and Rigel on the right of me and unaware that the accompanying warlords are absent, Sirius abruptly turns directing me through a vast embroidering chamber.
    Wool type pallets overlay the floor, and golden bowls filled with glowing Quine and water rest. I take in the room while Sirius removes his weapons casting them down on a grey-stone slab, “Nevaeh will be here soon. She will prepare you for the noctivigous feasting.”          
    “Where are you going?”
    He stops before he pulls his harness over his head, scanning me with his enigmatic gold hued eyes. “The lower levels… you are safe Selene. I will be with you for the feasting.” He quickly jerks the harness off and strides out of the entrance.
    “But Sirius I can not eat…” As if I am talking to a ghost his imperious form vanishes into the ill-defined hall. Stooping downward I pick up a Quine and wander about the room. My conflicting thoughts meander . I feel apprized by Sirius with his gazing looks and his authentic protection, but I’m not comforted with the idea of eating flesh.
    I have no desire , not yet anyway, to make a banquet out of it. So many things have changed within me. From my uncanny sight, to the way I can defy the laws of gravity. Pacing my bare feet along the wool I glance up to discover Nevaeh amusingly watching me in the doorway.
    “Do you have a lot on your mind Selene?” Her soft tone consoles me.
    “Yes, actually I do.” Seating myself on the cut stone slab I exchange the bowl of fruit for a wooden bowl containing water. Nevaeh pivots before me and begins washing the dust and grime coating my feet.
    Reaching for a damp cloth to wipe my arms, she bends down on her knees and peers at me . “Tell me, why are you troubled?”
    “The Feasting… it’s not something I’m looking forward to.” Scrubbing my face I idly drop my other hand in my lap, Nevaeh rubs the cloth gently over the mark on my