Page 5 of What Lies Beyond the Realms

If I wasn’t flushed before, my face is now on fire and burning a million shades of red. I look around feeling awkward and slightly uncomfortable with the way his eyes linger over my body. I’ve never really held a conversation with a man like this before. My parents are overprotective and have always kept me trapped within the castle grounds. All of my previous teachers have been female except for Mr. Drogo, but he’s a cranky old man and very professional. The only other male I talk to is Samael, and it’s not by choice.

“Let’s get started. Today I’m going to take it easy on you. We’re going to learn some basic stretches and defensive stances.”

The next few hours are excruciating. I thought my body was relatively fit—I mean, I do like to go jogging from time to time—but damn, my body feels dead after hours of stretching. I didn’t know stretching could take such a toll on me.

I’ll admit Aidan is attractive in his own way, for an older man. As he stretches, he removes his shirt to cool off, revealing his glistening, muscled stomach. It’s a welcome distraction, but all day he’s been finding ways to touch me, instructing me on how to extend my leg just so or suck in my core. It’s a strange sensation, and I don’t know how to feel about it. A part of me wants to cry out for help, to beg him. Take me away from this wretched place, show me the world and free me from Samael’s grasp. But I don’t know if Aidan is a good man or if he’s working with Samael. I can’t trust anyone here.

“I think that’s enough for today. You’ll be sore tomorrow, but after a week or so your body will start getting used to it, and every day you’ll get a little bit stronger. Now meet me back here at sunrise. I want to get an early start. And, Lyra, maybe try to wear pants tomorrow, if you own any.”

“Okay, I’ll see you in the morning,” I say before forcing my body to walk back up the hill toward the castle. I steal a look back at him when I reach the top of the hill, and he’s still watching me. As I come to a stop, his gaze lingers up my body and meets my eyes. A sly grin spreads across his face, betraying that he has been checking me out this entire time. I chuckle and shake my head, feeling a mix of amusement and discomfort before hurrying toward the stairs.

It’s only today that I realize how many stairs I have to walk up to get to my room. My thighs are burning, and my stomach is growling. I’m starving after a day out in the sun sweating.

As I walk down the hallway toward my room, a loud bang suddenly echoes through the corridor, causing me to stop in my tracks. I strain my ears and hear hushed whispers coming from the library. Curiosity gets the best of me, and I tiptoe closer to the door to eavesdrop. I peek around the corner just in time to see Samael strike my mother across the face. I throw my hand over my mouth to cover the gasp that escapes me. My mother does nothing. She’s a powerful Sorceress; she’s the queen of Cloudrum. How she can just let him get away with this? I don’t understand. Samael kicks over a stack of books and turns toward me to leave the library. I run as fast as I can away from the corner before he can see me.

Once out of sight, I take my time walking back to my room. I’m stunned by what I just witnessed. My mother may not be the most loving mother, but I still care for her deeply, and the thought of Samael possibly abusing her all these years makes my stomach churn.

* * *

Chepi is already in my room waiting for me when I get back. He’s sprawled out across my pillow on my bed.

“Hey, get your dirty butt off where I rest my face,” I say.

He just rolls onto his back, pleading for a belly rub. I oblige him. Just as I’m settling back onto my bed, there’s a knock at the door. I let out a sigh, dragging myself back up again to answer it. It’s a servant from the kitchen, bringing me a dinner tray for yet another meal alone in my bedchamber.

Dinner tonight is another poor exotic bird soaked in pads of butter and covered in a sickeningly sweet marmalade. The scent alone sends a wave of nausea rumbling through my stomach. I pick up the glass of water and find a note tucked underneath it. It’s a note from my mother.

Lyra,

Silas and I have important business to attend to and may be away for a few weeks. Samael is in charge while we are gone, and you are to continue training with Aidan and do whatever he says until we return.

Mom

Of course, she doesn’t say where they’re going or that she loves me or will miss me. My mother has always been distant, especially since she married Silas years ago after my father died. I love my mother, but a part of me also hates her and hates Silas. I hate that everything I do is dictated by them. I hate that I’m never allowed to leave the castle grounds in Tempest Moon. I hate that they don’t know what Samael does to me. Or worse, they do and turn a blind eye to it. I can’t believe my mother did nothing when Samael hit her. Something about Samael’s darkness must scare her. At least with her out of town I won't have to worry about her. If my father were still alive, I know things would be different. I miss him so much, but I can’t let myself dwell on it.

Chapter Four

The next few weeks fly by. Everyday I’m so busy training from sunrise to sunset with Aidan that I barely have time to stuff my face with dinner before I pass out. My parents are still away, and I haven’t seen Samael, thank the gods. Aidan and I are getting into a nice routine together. Every morning we begin with an hour of stretching, then we practice archery followed by my favorite part, sparring off against each other. He hasn’t let me actually wield a sword or anything yet, but I’m learning to block and throw punches and kicks. I haven’t landed any on him, but I’m getting pretty fast at dodging blows. My body is sore, and I’m using muscles I didn’t even know could hurt, but I’m starting to enjoy it. I think I like Aidan. We’ve become almost friends, and we have even started to enjoy breakfast and dinner together in the dining room since my parents are away. I haven’t seen Samael, and only the servants have been around to see to us.

“Hurry and eat your eggs. You need all the protein you can get. After breakfast, we’re leaving on a little field trip. I’ve asked Lili to prepare a pack for you and take care of Chepi while we are away.” Aidan's voice pulls me from my thoughts.

“What? Where are we going? How long will we be gone?” I try but fail at hiding my excitement.

“Just for a few days or so, and I’ll tell you the rest on the way.” He laughs, getting up from the table.

“Now that I'm finished, I’m going to gather my things. Meet me in the front hall in twenty minutes,” he says before walking out.

I’m still in shock after he leaves. I’ve never left the castle before. I wonder if my parents approved of this field trip. I don’t care if they did or didn’t. I’m too excited to care. I’m actually going to get away from this place. Even if it’s just for a few days, I’ll take it. I might get to see the Shifting Forest, a magical forest in the Lycan Realm where plants are known to have minds of their own. My mind is racing when Lili walks in, looking at me with uneasy eyes.

“Lyra, I don’t think this is a good idea. Prince Samael is in charge, and I don’t think he would approve of you leaving the grounds at all, let alone with a Lycan.”

“Samael may be in charge, but I haven’t seen him since my parents left, and my parents said Aidan was in charge of me. I’m to train with him until they return. Now stop looking at me like that. Will you promise to take good care of Chepi and let him sleep in bed with you? He likes to cuddle, and he likes his belly rubs. Please don’t let him out of your sight. I’ve never left him alone before.” My words fumble out so fast, trying to keep up with all the directions my mind is going.

Her eyes soften. “You know I’ll take good care of Chepi. Now, we don’t have much time, so listen to me.” She places her hands on my shoulders and makes eye contact with me. Her soft hazel eyes are full of concern. “I packed everything you’ll need. It's being loaded on the horses now. I want you to be on your guard, Lyra. I don’t know why Aidan is taking you away from the castle, and I feel uneasy about it. Please be careful. I know men like him, and I don’t trust him. He’s not your friend.” She brings me in for a tight hug then releases me.

“Yes, yes, I will, Lili. Don’t worry. Just take good care of Chepi, and I’ll see you soon.” I brush off her concerns while giving Chepi pets and kisses. “I’ll be back soon, boy. Don’t you worry. Lili here is going to give you lots of belly rubs and treats.”

His ears perk up. I leave Chepi and Lili in the dining room and make my way to the front hall. Aidan is already there leaning against the wall waiting for me.