Bloodbound to the Beastly King

The sun was brighter than ever, and the village crowds swarmed as Carter's men shoved Adina and Mason out into the streets.

They slid seamlessly into the village market as merchants hawked their goods, children darting between stalls. Carter's two men followed them closely, hands never straying far from their weapons.

Mason leaned heavily on Adina, his steps slow. Adina tightened her grip around his waist. "We need to lose them," she muttered, eyes darting around the place.

"Just a little longer... we must find the perfect time for it," he whispered.

Adina said nothing, her eyes darting around, mapping out each part of the village market in her mind. It was a small place, she could tell, and they wouldn't be able to go far without Carter and his men catching up to them.

Adina's eyes flicked over the crowded market. There. A cart stacked with baskets of fruit. She gave Mason the faintest nod.

When they reached it, Adina stumbled deliberately, dragging Mason down with her. His weight toppled them straight into the cart. Apples, pears, and oranges spilled everywhere, rolling underfoot. One guard cursed and lunged to grab them while the other tried to steady the crashing stall.

"Now," Adina hissed.

They ducked into the crowd quickly, making sure the guards couldn't see them. They slipped between bodies. Mason wasn't doing okay, but he wasn't doing as bad as he had demonstrated, and she still had to help him.

They burst out behind the market, the place filled with another set of market people. Fake shamans who were only looking to scam. Adina and Mason ducked into a stall that sold spiritual candles, catching their breath for a second.

"Hey! Are you buying anything, or will you just disrupt my business?" The stall owner yelled.

Adina's eyes widened at his voice. "Shh..." she hissed, hand pressed over her lips, her eyes darting around the stall. "Give me ten candles," she said.

"Ten?" The owner repeated with a smile. "The overpowering sales soap must be working," she said to herself.

"Yes, yes," Adina rushed out without listening. "Tell me, is there any healer around?"

The owner nodded. "Go straight down, two turns to your left, and one to your right. You'll find the—"

Adina didn't wait to hear the rest. She and Mason darted out of the stall, the stall owner's voice echoing behind them.

The directions replayed in Adina's mind... straight down, two left, one right. Her pulse thundered in her ears as she pulled Mason along. They ran as fast as they could, knowing there was no time left. The beasts would have informed Carter of their escape, and he'd probably have his men running after them now.

Finally, a crooked house came into view. Herbs dangled from the doorway, and the air smelled of burnt cinnamon.

Adina banged on the door. "Please—open!"

The door cracked. An old woman peered out, her eyes wary. "What?" she barked.

Adina didn't waste time. "We need your help. He's wounded." She pulled Mason forward just enough for the woman to see the blood staining his shirt.

"Out of service today! Leave," she spat without concern, about to shut the door, but Adina quickly jerked her foot between the space. "Please, he'll die if you don't help him. I beg of you. Please," she practically cried.

The woman's eyes narrowed as she stared at them, and after some seconds, she pulled the door open, allowing them in.

"It'll cost twenty silvers," she said gruffly, and Adina nodded, even though she had no coins to give. The woman hummed and walked away, returning with some herbs, a small mortar, and cloth.

"Sit," she said to Mason.

"I need ink and parchment. Please."

"Shouldn't you have spoken when I went in?" The woman replied, annoyed. She stood up again and went in to get the ink and parchment.

She returned and handed it to Adina, who immediately rushed to a table and began.

Her hand trembled as she wrote: 'To His Majesty, King Thorne. Lord Carter is the traitor behind the disappearances of those missing. He leads Khaos' cult. He's building an army of beasts, hundreds of them. He has taken us toward Crystal Moon. Please, come before it's too late. Adina.'

She heaved heavily once she was done, turning to the healer and Mason, only to see him already staring at her. She gave a curt nod, letting him know she was done.

"Healer," she began, stepping towards them. "I have a favor to ask of you." The healer's face contorted in confusion, but she didn't mind. She pressed the parchment into the healer's hand. "Get this to the king. Somehow. Don't tell anyone you've seen us."

The woman's lips tightened, and something Adina recognized as guilt flashed in her eyes. Adina's eyes widened, and just before she pulled the letter out of the woman's hands.

The door burst open.

Adina flinched just as Mason jumped to his feet, ready to protect her.

Two of Carter's men stormed in, and between them stood Radek, his hulking frame filling the doorway. Adina's heart thundered at the sight of the man. He wasn't even following them, so how did he arrive so soon? His eyes locked instantly on Adina, and his lips curled into a cruel grin.

"Well, well," he drawled, "We meet again, Adina."

His gaze shifted to the healer, and he tossed a heavy pouch of coins at her. "This should cover your silence."

The healer caught the pouch, grinning widely with greed as she passed the letter Adina had just handed to her.

"No!" Adina screamed, jumping past Mason to snatch the letter, but it was too late. Radek had the letter already. His hand lashed out, and he hit her hard across the face, and she fell to the ground.

"Radek!" Mason growled, but before he could pounce on the man, he was held back by the two other men.

"You didn't think you'd escape, did you?" Radek sneered, crouching over her. His voice was low and gleeful. "Your clever little games are over. Now... it's time you learned what real fear is."

Adina's heart thundered in her chest as Radek straightened up, dragging her out of the house by her hair, with Mason following behind.

They were taken back the same route they'd come through and shoved into the inn's main room where Carter waited.

Carter stood at the center of the room, sipping from a silver cup like this was just another calm evening. His gaze lifted as Radek shoved Adina to her knees, with Mason stumbling after her.

Carter's lips curved faintly. "Good job," he said smoothly, eyes on Radek. "You've earned my appreciation today."

Radek's chest puffed, his nostrils flaring like an eager dog awaiting praise.

Carter stepped forward to Adina, hooking his finger under her jaw. "You were willing to take a risk on your supposed sister's life? Tsk! That's ruthless, Adina." He shook his head like he was disappointed and stepped back, collecting the letter Radek handed him.

He tucked it into his pocket. "You'll be rewarded," Carter continued, "When we reach the crypt and retrieve the crest, you'll have your way with her." His gaze slid back to Adina coldly. "Get that worrying obsession of her out of your system. But..." He paused. "Veronica must never learn of it."

A grin spread across Radek's face. "Of course, my lord. My lips are sealed."

Adina's stomach churned, bile rising up her throat as Radek looked at her.

Carter stepped out of the room, and the guards dragged Mason along, even as he yelled, leaving Adina with Radek and one more guard.

Once Carter was out of the room, Radek's eyes gleamed with sick delight. He stepped closer to Adina, palming at the bulge pressing against his trousers.

Adina turned her face away, nausea twisting through her gut.

"I can't wait," Radek rasped, his voice dripping with hunger. "I'll fuck you so good, you'll beg me for more."