I ran between the trees, still aware that the shadows were fighting meters away from my location. The light encouraged my to seek refuse within the woods, but given my past experiences in the area, there was little room for hiding and the only caves around were inhabited by deadly animals whom I did not stand a chance against. I recalled the youth I spent exploring the woods with my backpack filled with supplies and a sense of adventure in the heart. I had always been fascinated with the idea of enchanted forests. I had read countless fairy tales and fantasy novels, each one describing the beauty and magic of these mystical places. So, when I stumbled upon an old map in my grandfather's attic that showed the location of an enchanted forest, I couldn't resist the temptation to explore it. The first time I entered the forest, I was immediately mesmerized by the vibrant colors and exotic plants. The air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers and the sound of birds singing.
I crackling sound got me out of my reverie and made me look over my shoulder. The atmosphere was enchanting and warm. I wandered deeper into the forest, marveling at the unique landscapes and its features. The trees seemed to whisper secrets to each other, and the sunlight filtering through the leaves created a magical dance of light and shadows. I felt calm and connected to nature.
Venturing further, I suddenly stumbled upon a hidden path that led to a vast and calm residence. The gates were decorated with intricate carvings of mythical creatures, and the path was lined with colorful flowers. It was the ideal hiding place. I couldn't resist the urge to explore this mysterious place.
As I crossed the bridges over crystal clear lakes and walked through lush gardens, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and tranquility. The residence seemed to be untouched by time, and it felt like I stepped into a different world.
Just as she was about to leave, a voice called out to me. The sound of the voice possessed a familiarity. "Welcome, young traveler," it said. I turned around to see a gorgeous man dressed in a flowing white garment. "I am one of the guardians of this enchanted residence. You have been chosen to enter and discover its secrets," the man continued with a passive tone.
"Don't mess with her head. She just escaped a pretty steep situation back there," a towering and muscular man clad in military attire placed his hand on his comrade's shoulder. His auburn hair was disheveled and his forehead was soaked in sweat. The shredded individual had been engaging in physical activity for a considerable duration. It made him hotter. The individual approached me and offered a cordial gesture by extending his hand. "Welcome to the elemental deities' realm. I am Brod, the earth mover," his brown eyes were fixed on mine. I turned my gaze to the side, embarrassed by the poor state of my body and clothes. "He's Niam. The wind weaver."
Brod's companion slightly bowed his head. His tall posture was posed. The sun illuminated his hair, giving it a radiant light brown hue, while his eyes mesmerized me. Their appearance resembled precious emerald gemstones.
I shook my head to regain my senses. I was overwhelmed and torn. I was being welcomed into a place that she had only dreamed of, but I was upset at the gods for letting hell run loose on the villagers who worshiped them.
"Is there something wrong," the wind god asked, noticing the contortion on my face.
"It's just," I mumbled. "Gods are supposed to be watchful protectors. You were so close to the village, surely you know what happened. Why didn't you..." I could not finish my sentence that I burst into tears. The night had been rough and I could not keep my emotions from flowing out.
"There is much that you cannot comprehend. You are only human," the wind god explained, pretending not to notice my pain.
"Yes, I am human and I care more than you did about the people who adored you," I cried, falling to my knees.
"We saved you," Niam persisted. "Ungrateful brat," he murmured between his teeth.
"Give her a break," Brod snapped, crouching to help me up.
I dismissed the god's help with a hand. Standing up, I held back the tears and pointed a menacing finger in their direction. "Never again will I believe in the benevolence of an immortal. You saved me? Why? Whatever you think I am, just take it back and let me die like the rest of my relatives and friends."
"That's one wish I am afraid we can't fulfill," said another voice behind me. I turned to see two more gods. The fire wielder and the water bender.
"Jace, Zane. Just on time," Brod exclaimed, joyful to see his companions. Zane, the deity of fire, cast a sidelong glance at me as he joined Niam at the entrance of a building. He was the same height as Niam, but his physique was a combination of the slender figure of the wind deity and the muscular build of the earth god. His jet-black hair was as dark as night, and his brown eyes had a tinge of crimson. Jace, the deity of water, exhibited a more serene demeanor compared to his fellow gods. His sunlit golden hair and deep azure eyes shimmered beneath the radiant sun.
"Please, take you time," Jace told me. "You are experiencing a range of emotions that is completely natural for a grieving individual." The other three exchanged a look, unsure of what their companion had in mind. "Know that you are not a prisoner in these parts. You are free to depart whenever you like, but beware of the shadows that lurk beyond the borders of the forest. They are relentlessly searching for you."
"Jace?" Niam asked, lifting an eyebrow. The water got raised a hand to silence his companion.
"You must have questions. We possess the answers," Jace carefully chose his words. He approached me like I was a spooked dear. "You are safe in this domain. It is magically protected from the evil roaming the Earth. You must be tired. You can rest, feed and wash. You can take a decision once your basic requirements are satiated," Jace paused. "Do we have an agreement?" I nodded and the other gods breathed a sense of relief. They smiled.
The guardians provided me with a comprehensive tour of the mansion, unveiling concealed chambers and valuable artifacts imbued with enchantment. They acquainted me with my room and cautioned me not to be startled if I came across the inhabitants of the forest - unicorns, fairies, animals, and the like.
As the tour came to an end, the guardians waved and closed the door of my room behind them. With a heavy heart, I threw myself on the soft mattress hidden under white covers. There was no way back home. I couldn't stop thinking about the traumatizing night and the losses I experienced. Everyone I loved was gone. What the hell was going on? I fell asleep on the bed without realizing it. No creature came to disturb my agitated slumber. I dreamed that I was kissed by a god.
I woke up around dinner and I rushed to the bathroom to undress and wash the evil away. Out of the bathroom door, I heard noises and instinctively got out of the bath to lock the door.
"I told you she was not asleep," Zane said on the other side of the door.
"I am in the bathtub. Would you mind going away?" I asked, hiding in the water.
"Dinner is ready. We are here to escort you to the kitchen. It might be hard to find your way back to your room if you get lost. Give yourself some time to adjust to the place before you wander on your own," Brod explained. I felt his smile through the door.
"Yeah, we don't want you to get roasted by a dragon or devoured by chimeras," Zane added with mockery. Brod hit him in the stomach to suppress Zane's laugh.
"What tells you that I want to stay?" I asked louder than I anticipated.
The two deities walked closer to the bathroom door. "You're still here, aren't you?" Zane said, stating the obvious. "In any case, hurry up. I don't want Niam to eat all the good stuff before I can get my fill of the roasted boar," Zane knocked on the door. "Unless you need help dressing up?" he asked with malice.
"I'm okay, I'll be out soon." I replied, scrubbing faster.