Trishanna was in pain. All she knew, all she felt was pain. It was like she drifted in a sea made of it and it was all she could do to try to hold her pup within her. She felt like those hot finger-like tendrils of agony wanted to rob her of breath and her babe. She was lost and knew she should leave, but what was she returning to? A life without one or both of her mates? How could she live like that? Maybe it was better to stay here. She shook her head, what was she thinking? She had to survive, for herself, for her pup. Even if James died, she carried his heir. Would she rob him like she was robbed?
Trishanna pulled back. Where did that thought come from? She looked around but all she saw were different shades of red melding with each other. It was like she was in a moving painting or drifting in a red river that took her nowhere. She knew where each bite and slash happened on her mates cause she felt it happen to her own body, even if there were no visible traces.
Soon the red darkened into black and a numbness took over. She sighed and closed her eyes for the reprieve it gave. With her eyes closed everything became muted. She no longer heard the growls or felt the burn of wounds or the dull ache of blows. She felt... nothing. She frowned, trying to open her eyes but they refused. Opening them would mean pain and she didn't want to, but pain from what? She felt a light touch on her brow and she relaxed. There was peace here and she allowed herself to drift into it.
Trishanna wasn't sure how long she floated, but there was a dot of light in the distance. She watched as it moved closer or did she? Either way, she was now enveloped in a gentle glow. A door appeared and she walked towards it. Her hand automatically went to her stomach, but it was flat. A twinge of panic filled her, but that gentle touch soothed away that thought. She wasn't sure, but she was safe, the touch told her so. She stepped closer to the door, which looked like it led to a fairy world. It was green and old, but still well cared for, with vines running up the sides. There were carvings on the lintel in some ancient language and she quinted to read them. "This is the path to your past and future. Enter if you seek the truth". She looked at the door again feeling the pull of whatever was behind. With a last glance around at the darkness she entered.
Trishanna opened her eyes, marvelling at the place before her. It was like something out of dreams and fairytales. The woods she stood in were filled with pines, birches, maple, ash and a few more she didn't know. The birds sang and little creatures scurried around her, she even saw a squirrel dart up a trunk, nuts in his mouth. She laughed, closed her eyes, and inhaled the familiar scent that she missed. She opened her eyes and felt a presence at her side. Looking down she saw a brown wolf, the same colour as her hair with a white natal star on its rump, walking next to her. The wolf feeling her gaze, looked up and Trishanna felt tears fill her eyes at the familiarity. She knew this wolf intimately like it was a part of her. The wolf nodded and turned its head, gesturing in the direction they should take. Trishanna fell into step and they made their way through the path. It led to a clearing that took them to the back of what could only be described as a castle.
There were colourful decorations and servants scurried about, as they drew nearer, Trishanna worried if they were interrupting, but her companion assured her they would not cause a disturbance. At the same time, a maid hurried in their direction, her hands piled with decor so high that she could barely see, and passed straight through Trishanna. Well, shocked was a weak word to describe her experience, but the wolf only chuckled, her voice in her head. "This is simply memories Anna, our presence cannot be sensed nor do we affect anything." Trishanna paused, "Why are you calling me Anna?" she asked. The wolf shrugged in her mind if not in its body. "Because... it's your name." Trishanna felt the truth in that statement but still wondered if this was just some weird dream she came up with to ease the trauma she felt before, although, at this very moment, she couldn't quite remember what caused it. "All will be revealed, just wait." Trishanna nodded and they continued.
Entering the palace at the nearest entrance, the flurry of activity was more than outside. People scurried about, an elderly man and a commanding woman shouting orders that sounded discordant yet it rallied everyone into a sort of chaotic harmony and tasks seemed to get done. Windows were cleaned until they shone in the afternoon sun, vases and ornaments were dusted, paintings were straightened, and floors and railings were polished to perfection. They made their way down the hall, and she knew they neared the kitchen as the delicious aromas filled the air. "OMG, are these people having a banquet?" she asked her wolf friend whom she decided to call El. "Today is the Princess's fifth birthday and this is a very special day indeed."
Trishnna was about to ask why when there was a different kind of commotion further down the corridor. She quickened her pace, no longer trying to avoid walking through those around her. Standing at one of the windows, a few feet from the staircase, were two children around the age of eight. They were siblings as they shared the same purple eyes, yet they were of different build. Even as a child, the boy had a muscular physique, while the girl exuded calm, yet Trishanna could sense she carried a quiet strength that was probably more intense than her brother. The woman who seemed to be in charge threw up her hands in exasperation. "What do you mean you can't find her? It's your job to know where she is", the woman chided the children. The boy clenched his fist, "I know that Ms. Bosbe. We were playing hide and seek as a way to keep her busy, but my sister just has a feeling that we should find her quickly." At this statement, the woman became pale and even those around her stilled. Ms. Bosbe looked at the little girl. "My dear, are you sure?" as the girl looked up, Trishanna gasped as she saw her eyes swirl with glowing streaks. "I just think it would be good to find her."
Ms. Bosbe nodded and clapped her hand. "Alright, a few of you go look for the princess, the others, continue with your tasks. No sense in upsetting the family if there is no need for it." With that, a few of the servants headed in different directions while the activities resumed although at a more sedate pace. Trishanna noticed a few of the faces wore looks of worry, and concern and there were hints of fear.
El nudged her hand and they left everyone to head upstairs. They made their way down the hallway, with Trishanna marvelling at the quiet compared to the chaos downstairs. El led her to a door and she walked through. Trishanna paused, only for a moment before following. They entered what could only be described as a luxurious study. It was a large room with a huge mahogany desk directly in front of the door as you walked in. There was a window behind it, making it appear to be the focus of the room. At each side of the window, the walls were filled with books, all neatly arranged. Trishanna took a step towards it, but a small sniff on her left drew her attention. She looked and noticed that El had sat in front of the couple, a man comforting his wife, if the gentle kiss on her brow was anything to go by. El's tail slowly wagged and Trishanna could feel the joy she felt at seeing this couple again. She edged closer to listen, taking in their appearance. The man was tall, at least 6' 3". He had black hair and eyes as green as ivy leaves in the shade. His face was fearsome to look at but the gentle smile he gave his wife softened his features. The woman had brown hair, clear blue eyes and a shapely figure, that her husband loved by the way his hand moved up and down her body without thought. The woman wore a concerned expression and sniffed again. "You shouldn't have made today such a big deal." The man scoffed, "My queen, today is a big deal, the biggest deal in all our lands. How could I not? It's our precious daughter's fifth birthday. You know how important it is, besides, the more we invite, the better the chance of us finding that special person."
"I know honey, really I do, and as king, it would look bad, but I am worried about him. What if he shows up and causes a ruckus?" The king's jaw hardened, "If he does, he is asking for death." He softened his gaze, "Trust me, my love, today will be a day no one will forget."