Read with BonusRead with Bonus

Chapter five - Chasing An Adventure

I'd left home as soon as birds sang through trees, and the sky was a coating of blue and gold. Illias and Iker decided to accompany me to the market square so I could see the Venators leave. We knew fellow villagers would wave their goodbyes and thank You's over yesterday's attack. Still, somehow when I unlocked my bedroom door, Idris was nowhere to be seen. Illias mentioned he had errands to run; therefore, I shrugged and took no notice. It was better that way. I didn't want any more tension between us. We already have enough of that at least twice a week.

"Did you really need to bring your pet with us?" I question Iker beside me, grimacing as the rabbit squirms in his arms. Crowds of people surround the area; some give us harsh looks as others trample over broken carts still needing to be cleared.

I glare at everyone else, but Iker doesn't seem to take notice of them. "Dimpy is part of the family now trapper," he says, grinning high and mighty. "Deal with it."

I suppress an eye roll before my eyes catch Idris squeezing past flocks of women in kirtle dresses cheering on Venators. One hand behind his back as he nears me, but the frustration icing my veins from yesterday makes me snap my head to the front, opting to give him the silent treatment. I purse my lips in a mood, watching Lorcan shake hands of fellow villagers far ahead.

His eyes meet mine even from there. A leather baldric across his chest carries his weapons this time, showing me the authority, he possesses. An unearthly tension radiates from the both of us, something I didn't understand well enough, nor did I want to, as he looks at me with solid resolve.

"Tell me," Idris says smoothly from behind, snapping me from Lorcan's gaze. Without looking, I know he's smiling. "Should I call my sister a Venator before the final test, or is it safe to say it already?"

I glance at him with a quizzical frown. Had I been staring at Lorcan too long for my brother to speak complete gibberish?

His smile fades as he breathes out, "I think you should join them."

The sincerity in that one sentence makes me blink, either fast, slow, or only once. I'm not sure, but it was something I didn't expect to hear. "Are you—"

"I know I'm not father." His gaze becomes unfocused as he looks down. He'd heard me yesterday. "And I know you're old enough to make your own decisions." He exhales, dragging his eyes to me again. "But I guess I just saw you as the same little sister who would pester me to read her stories growing up and rebel against anything she didn't like."

My heart takes in every word, and my face eases into a warm smile at all the memories we've shared, good, bad, even the worst once we lost our parents.

"You'd make a great Venator, Nara. Even if it doesn't seem it at times, I've always thought it."

Never in my life would I think to hear those words be spoken by Idris, and while I keep my smile on my face, it dwindles when I remember what issue we constantly face. "What about Ivarron—"

He shakes his head, his shoulder-length hair moving along with it, effectively cutting me off. "I made a new deal with him. That's why I wasn't there when you all left for the market square. He still needs a trapper, and I promised I would fill in for you."

My eyes go round in worry at this new 'deal' while guilt aches in my chest over anger getting the best of me when he'd gone and done this for my sake. But the roles have reversed, and now I understand Idris's concerns when it comes to trapping. "But Idris—"

"I think I know how to trap a few goblins or fairies here and there." He puffs a laugh, jerking his chin towards the side of him. "Illias will help me."

"Great... I can never get out of these things, can I?" Illias asks miserably, dewy purple paint smears half of his cheek as we all chuckle.

Idris then withdraws one hand from behind him and extends a brown satchel towards me. "I know they'll provide everything there for you, but I thought you'd want stuff from home."

I peek inside the leather interior as he mumbles. He'd put in all the necessities I'd need, including my carving tools and two white tunics. Looking up, he scratches the nape of his neck with a wince as if not sure what my reaction might be. But the slow smile spreading across my lips is all he needs to know as I rise on my toes and throw my arms around him. He stumbles back from my brute strength before reciprocating the hug—an action we hadn't done together in years.

"Thank you," I say into the crook of his neck. "Thank you for believing in me."

"You'll always love adventure, won't you?"

"I won't just love it, Idris," I whisper in wonder as we part. "I'll chase it."

The words my mother had spoken of on her deathbed... for me to always chase whatever bliss adventure awaits me.

Idris's expression contorts into a look of proudness before my eyes travel over to Illias and Iker.

"I can't believe you're leaving me behind with Iker," Illias mumbles, not meeting my gaze like a child.

I shake my head with mirth and pull them both into another hug, ignoring Iker's complaints about squashing the rabbit as I close my eyes. "I'll see you all soon, I promise." My throat bobs as I let go, looking at the three standing with nothing more but saddened smiles. I wanted to take them with me, I wanted us to live in the city together...

Exhaling, I turn towards the parading crowd and where the Venators are. The urge for tears to fall replaces with anticipation of a dream I'd been waiting for years.

I place the satchel over me, careful not to let it catch against my sheath as I move through everyone. Bodies press to mine once I near horses and carriages, but brittle fingers dig into my wrist, pulling me backward before reaching Lorcan. I look to my left and see the person holding me is none other than Ivarron.

Not now, not now, not now.

His cruel gaze sets upon my face as he spits out the words, "Idris may have taken on your role, but don't forget where you truly belong. Did you think leaving this place—"

"I can get you more money," I say quickly, making him perk up in attention. "That's all you want, right? Money to cover your retched gambling problems. It's why you used me when I signed that contract because you knew I could get you all the money you needed without lifting a finger."

I subtly glance at where my brothers are as they raise their heads over the crowd, trying to spot me. It won't be long before Idris notices something's wrong, except Ivarron didn't seem to be making any plans of letting go as I gaze down at him. He looks to be pondering over what I said before pulling me in closer. I try not to make a face at the dreary pale complexion of his or the foul odor of alcohol seeping through his shirt.

"It's not just money I want."

"Then what is," I grit, not prepared to meet his demands.

"They speak of a man," he says low and quiet. The early sunrise reflects his glass eye as he glances around to make sure no one else can hear. "A thief that carries all three powers of a Merati, Ardenti, and Umbrati... that his blood could make anyone immortal, far better than acquiring a bite of a shifter." A wince comes out of me as his grip tightens. "The problem is that every Venator is after him. They want him dead, but if you capture and bring him to me? I won't bother you or your brothers again."

Voices around us seem to quieten into slurring praises though I knew it was my mind losing focus of everyone. Capture a thief, bring him to Ivarron, and my brothers wouldn't have to deal with the mistake I made when I accepted to work with him. But a thief who happens to be a shifter isn't simple, and Ivarron knows it.

His hold finally loosens, and he walks backward before I can get a word in, yet the cold gaze stays rooted on me like he knew those final words were enough to convince me.

I stay frozen, watching Ivarron disappear into the swarm of people. I contemplate turning to my brothers, but they didn't need that stress, not when I'd do anything for them in a heartbeat.

Turning once more, my expression must look no less than cheerless to others as I make it to Lorcan tightening the reins of his white horse.

His eyes like fresh clover—ones I seem ever so fascinated by—look me over. He finishes adjusting the horse as his solid gaze lingers on every part of my face, and a half-grin plays on his lips. "Did you decide?"

I nod absentmindedly, hoping to forget what Ivarron told me to do for now. "I already knew my decision a long time ago."

"In that case." His voice strains as he mounts the horse. "You'll ride with me." That scarred hand of his stretches out to meet mine.

And just how I'd done yesterday, I stare at it like an idiotic fool.

"Unless you'd rather ride with Martin," he says, and I snap my attention to him as he gestures his head in front of him. I frown, following his movements to a guy no less my age, picking at his nose and spitting on the floor before wiping whatever residue he has on his horse.

I've seen worse.

Raising my chin, I say, "In essence, yes..." And pull my eyes away. "He seems lovely." Not a lie. An honest answer because riding with Martin seems easier than Lorcan and his constant intense gazes.

Lorcan huffs in amusement, arching a brow. "Miss Ambrose."

I exhale sharply, knowing I shouldn't act stubborn, not to a Venator.

We lock eyes as I grab his hand and haul myself onto the back. A spring of unknown bubbling sensations rides up my stomach towards my chest, seeing that same humored smile from yesterday appear on his lips. I try not to scowl at him as I cautiously wrap my arms around the density of his body and break our stare, looking at my brothers instead.

A sting prickles my eyelids when they wave towards me. Before I know it, the view of them gets farther and farther away as I leave the place I grew up in and my family behind.


We rode for hours in silence, passing forests, other towns, and villages where many clapped and held their gratitude for everything Venators do. It's then when the sun burned bright, and hunger coiled my gut that Lorcan and I stopped at an Inn on the outskirts.

I rest my forearms against the polished oak table, waiting for the lady who served us to come by with food. I don't say a word as Lorcan scans my face and the single glove I have on.

He wants to ask questions, my mind tells me, but before he can open his mouth, the barmaid comes by, placing two pies down.

My mouth waters, marveling in the slice I chose with a layer of glazed strawberries on top. Not being able to contain my excitement, I grab the cutlery and dig into it, savoring the sweet fruit mixed with the buttery pastry that melts against my tongue. Hunching over, I devour everything, even the last crumb, until I realize Lorcan is awfully still. I sneak a glance at him and see he's staring at me, blankly with one arm resting against the side of the table and not bothering to hide his pinned gaze.

I glare at him, mouth full as I ask, "What?"

His brows go up, but I can tell he's holding back a smile. "Nothing, you just eat like you've been starved for days."

Oh... that.

"I grew up with three older brothers." I wipe my lips with the back of my hand. "Every meal was a battle to get what you wanted." That and my adoration for food even when we barely had enough for us all to eat during the first few years of becoming orphans.

"What are their names?"

"The oldest is Idris, then Illias, and lastly Iker." My gaze shifts downwards. I smile and wonder whether Illias was painting right now or Idris reading his favorite book while complaining at Iker's consistent questions over nothing in particular.

"You really care for them." He doesn't pose it as a question, more of an acknowledgment.

"Well, they are my family. It'd be strange not to—are you going to eat that?" I eye his untouched slice of pie.

A light chuckle comes from him, shaking his head as he slides it over to me.

"What about you?" I ask, taking a whole mouthful. "Any siblings or—" Mid-chew, I stop there and then as his expression changes... distant, no smile and something I can't pinpoint prowls his eyes.

"No, I uh—" He clears his throat. "I grew up with just my father until he passed and I came to the city."

He looks off to the side, and I could tell that it was not a time or place for me to pry further, especially when I hardly knew him, so instead, I ask, "Are you one of the leaders?"

He turns to me again, this time inquisitively. "Second in command."

The side of my lip curls so was my father. "You must be good at your job."

"Training since the age of fourteen helped."

I almost choke. "Fourteen? I thought—"

"The general saw me fit to join earlier. It's no different to how I saw potential in you yesterday." He rises, dismissing the conversation as if nothing. He looks at the vast people dining before inhaling and saying, "Let's go. I'd like to get to the city before nightfall rather than have to stay somewhere overnight."

I nod, sealing my mouth shut as I stand and follow him out the inn into the peaceful warmth of spring. I was so far away from my brothers already, and I didn't know what to think of it? But as we continued on our way, I thought of them only. The wind ruffles my hair. And as more hours go by with other Venators possibly having arrived, we finally pass a stone bridge where the air thickens with heat like midday summer. I'd heard the city was hotter in climate but experiencing it for the first time was unimaginable.

"Welcome to the City of Flames," Lorcan throws over his shoulder. A hidden smile adorns his lips before I gaze around in wonder. The sunset casts its orange shadows across streets full of young people as well as elders chatting and laughing. Almost all women are wearing bright-colored dresses. Even from afar, you can tell the flamboyance of red and yellow layers of tulle are of superior quality while the men's tunics glimmer from their fine thread.

Everything...seems so lively. For the first time, I'm entirely inferior compared to what I'm used to in the village. More streets lead to different sections of markets in every corner I look, and narrower roads of rouge chalk townhouses mount along steep hills like rivers flowing downward. Pillars holding up other painted bridges above us that we pass have couples idly strolling by with the faint melodious plucks of violins playing from the western side.

When I focus ahead of me, my eyes widen as the dark cobbled street leads to a large oak tree-ripe and full of marigold leaves in the center of everyone. I'd carve it as soon as I find material to do so, I thought to myself, but it quickly leaves my mind once I see in the distance tall marble gates. Beyond that is where I assume the castle and Venator quarters are... my new home.

A/N

Hey everyone I'm Rina (Karina) Hope you are enjoying the chapters so far, if you are interested in reading more I have currently chapters up to thirteen on Wattpad, my username is @karinav31

Previous Chapter
Next Chapter