Page 32 of To Love A Monster
“The Necromancer? Why?” My heart sank instantly as I knew why. My words cut her deep, and my anger scared her. “She wants to bring my mother back, but that is foolish! She is carrying our child! She cannot be out there alone! HOW COULD YOU LET HER LEAVE!”
“What is going on! Why do you shout?!” Halla’s voice caused us both to jerk around, her lips parting as if I did not have to speak a word. “Where did she go?”
“I sent her to the Forbidden wood, in search of the Necromancer.”
“Why would you do such a thing? The snow will continue to fall, and she is carrying a child Soryn! How could you let her leave!” Halla had to use most of her strength to push me back as I approached Soryn, his eyes still glowing red as I knew we had to calm down.
“I saw the pain in her eyes! She was begging me and pleading with me to reveal my secrets about the Necromancer. In my past, I would have laughed in her face and mocked her tears, but if I wish to seek true atonement, I must help those in need. Your mate is not frail, Daegon. Her heart and her body are strong, you should trust that she will return to you. I gave her my own dagger that is blessed by magic, no harm will come to her. She loves you Daegon, enough to seek out the cursed Necromancer.”
“What do you know of it? When have you ever loved anyone other than yourself, beast?”
“DAEGON! Your words are foul! Soryn is right, however misguided, he did the right thing. We both know if he had not told her, she would have left anyway, only she would not know that way. If you had held your tongue and not let your anger, get the better of you, Aylin would not be out in the wild alone.” Halla hissed as guilt washed over me, for I knew she was right. Aylin left because my words had been sharper than a freshly made blade. I hurt her and made her think my mother’s death was on her shoulders.
“What are you doing?” Halla ignored my question and continued to dress in some light armor she had fashioned for herself. “Halla?”
“I am going to find Aylin and accompany her to the Necromancer. You will not accompany me; you will stay here and mourn for your dear mother. I hope you will also find the time to truly know Soryn for the man he is and not the beast he has been cursed with.”
“You do not have to do this, Halla. I am asking too much of you.”
“This is my home now, Daegon. You and Aylin are the only family I have left, and I will give my life to protect my family.”
THE NECROMANCER
AYLIN
The small cottage I had once called my home was full of dirt and leaves, but the roof and walls were still fully intact. The firepit was working nicely as I pulled my cloak over my shoulders, my legs and back still aching from the short journey. Walking with my belly had proved slightly more difficult, but I had to push through and reach my destination.
The fire crackled as I faintly heard a whistle on the wind, my body tensing as I slowly stood and listened again. When I heard the sound, my lips curled into a smile, for I knew only one person belonged to that lovely song. Halla. My closest friend.
Seeing Halla standing by the door as I opened it brought a grin to my face, my arms reaching out as I hugged her tight. “Are you mad at me?”
“Why would I be mad at you? Was I not once you, trekking through a vast forest in the hopes that some dark magic could bring back someone I love?” I hugged her again before she playfully pushed me away and stepped inside, snow falling from her cloak and soaking the floor.
“Where is Daegon?”
“Back at the village, mourning for his mother and grieving for how he treated his mate.” Her words comforted me, but they did not deter me from wanting to see this Necromancer.
“Is he mad at me?”
“He is more angered with himself, and with Soryn. Why did you go to him and not me? Did you not trust that I would keep your little secret?” I shrugged my shoulders and sat back down by the fire, my hands shaking as I held my hands out to the flame.
“Soryn was the first person I saw when I walked into the blacksmith hut. I just wanted to make things right as fast as I could. She would be alive if I had only told Daegon of her illness. It is all my fault."
“Her death was no fault of your own, dear Aylin. Nothing can stop death from taking you when it is your time.” Halla pulled some dried meat from her pouch as she sat by the fire, my stomach grateful for her offering as I took the few strips.
“Am I foolish for putting my unborn child in danger?”
“You were never in danger, Aylin and if you were—you would know how to defend yourself. I was never worried for your safety; I was however worried about your sense of direction. So, I am here to accompany you on this journey. If we hurry, we will reach our destination in a little less than a day.” I knew that she was being optimistic, but I feared that our journey would be slowed by not only my sickness but also by my growing belly. I was concerned with how big it was growing, but the healer assured me that all was normal.
“Soryn told me it was a five-day journey.”
“He wanted to try and persuade you to not go, Aylin. His intentions were good, despite misguided.” She smiled as I tried to enjoy the meat, my belly feeling sick as I set it down by the fire. My mind began to wander as I thought of this Necromancer, my heart sinking as I knew I had nothing to offer.
“What if they refuse to help? Or worse, I offend them like Soryn, and they curse me.”
“Soryn was cursed because of his cruelty and malice, not because he asked to bring back someone he loved.” I knew she was right, but my stomach still churned with the fear that the Necromancer would refuse my request.
“I can hear your thoughts, dear Aylin. Do not fret—your heart is pure, and they will see that.”
