Present - Althea Haeres

-Althea? - Said a soft voice. - We arrived.

I opened my eyes and encountered a familiar face. It was Dominic. I could see him clearer than before and, while sitting in bed, I took a moment to analyze him one more time. Those dark-green eyes seemed to be able to hypnotize whoever would stare too long at them. Though he apparently didn't shave on the last days, he still looked as young as 17 or maybe 18 years old. My eyes met his, and I turned away quickly, feeling my face warm. It was indeed a very long time since I last met someone's gaze, and I didn’t know anymore how to behave properly around people.

While I got up from bed, I lost my balance. I had forgotten that the chains were no longer there, though I could still see the marks on my wrists. Dominic promptly helped me, and led me to the corridor, where I could see the sunlight coming from the floor above.

I was still free. That was not a dream.

-Where's Joseph? - I asked as we walked the way to the deck.

-He ran off to explore this island. As usual, he never waits for anyone. I think we're going to trust that he will find us later. -Dominic replied as if that was something normal. Without wanting to, I frowned by hearing that vague answer. -He always finds the way, so there is no need to worry. - He added as he realized my reaction.

- Right...

-If you'd like to come with me, I'll take a look around as well. It looks like a desert island, but I'm sure there's a village nearby. We need supplies for our trip and maybe a map for the next island.

-That sounds like a good idea. - I said, not believing how that conversation was flowing so naturally. It was a weird feeling for me to be able to talk about such trivial topics with another person.  -But I'm afraid to tell you I'm not used to long walks, so I might end up burdening you...

-Don’t worry about it. Just let me know when you're tired, and we can make stops. It will be good to see the world outside after all this time, no? - He smiled. I recoiled amazed by his charisma. No one had ever smiled that way for me. Or, actually, it occurred me that maybe no one had ever smiled toward me at all before.

After eating a quick breakfast, with delicious bread and eggs, Dominic made sure that the boat was secured, and we took our way through the deserted beach. Before us, was a dense tropical forest, which we were moving towards. The colors of the vegetation seemed more spiritual than I remembered. My eyes still burned a little, but I could not control the excitement of seeing the world again. I felt the tears wanting escape, but I restrained myself. I wanted to explore. I wanted to run. If that was a dream, I didn’t want it to ever be over.

A long walk awaited us, and so, we went in silence. Dominic looked very nervous at my presence and seemed to avoid looking in my direction. Maybe he was expecting me to finally bring out all the questions that were running through my head. However, I didn’t think it was the right time for that. On the other hand, he might have been focused on finding the way through that dense forest.

Out of nowhere, something came to my mind. Still in the prison, I heard Joseph speaking something I did not give much importance to at the time, but which was now puzzling me. Joseph told Dominic earlier that ‘he had finally found me’. That meant that, from the very beginning, I was their objective. My presence there was not an accident. Still, I decided not to ask Dominic about it, not yet.

Hours later (or at least it felt like hours for me) we were still walking through the vast forest. I was distracted, steeped in theories, and looking for the right words for my questions when it happened.

A burst caught me out of guard, and I felt a heavy body falling over mine, throwing me to the ground as a bullet passed over me.

-Silence. -Dominic said, holding me down and covering my body with his. He had just saved me, though I was sure that even if the bullet came my way I wouldn’t die. I heard voices that gradually drifted apart, discontented at not having succeeded in what they expected to.

"Hunters," Dominic whispered. Something told me they were not hunting for simple animals.

When I was younger, I heard many stories about them. The Hunters were groups of men, looking for mystical beings, gold, and for people who had rewards for their capture. They were strong and ruthless. I never believed they indeed existed.

-We need to find Joseph. If they find him before us, they will attack him, and he will be at a disadvantage. There are about 15 Hunters here.

-Why would they attack Joseph? -I asked, trying to assimilate the information.

-He is a perfect target for them. There is a reward of 700 thousand golden coins for his head. -replied Dominic.

I couldn’t contain my shock. So, I was not the only one hounded by the government. But was the fact that Joseph was also pursued something that I should consider positive?

Dominic paced in another direction, this time pulling me by the hand. He now seemed to be sure of the direction to which we were going. The bushes around grew thicker till the moment when light appeared in front of us. We went towards it and the forest opened to a huge field. At the end of it, I could see Joseph sitting on the edge of a small pound and coming straight to his direction was a group of 14 people dressed in black, with swords, daggers, and other weapons in their hands.

Hunters.

-Stay here. -said, Dominic. -Do not let them sense your presence.

-But...

-Don’t worry, we'll take care of them. The most important thing is that you stay safe. They can’t see you where you are now.

I stood still in the forest as Dominic ran toward Joseph. He ran very fast, much faster than a normal human would.

Dominic easily caught up with them and barred the way, setting himself between Joseph and the Hunters. Seeing what was happening, Joseph stood up and joined his companion. Both were unarmed, which made my heart race. They all stood, in the position of attack, waiting for the first movement.

-Joseph Greyston and Dominic Knight. What a great day, isn’t it? We didn’t expect to find two people with rewards in such a small island. -One of the men said.

- Hmm, look Miki, the blonde has a reward of 700 thousand and the deserter 2,5 million golden coins! We're doing very well today. -Another man spoke. - Who knows, maybe the boss gives us a bonus for such a nice catch. - He laughed.

I almost fell on my knees with the shock. Their rewards were absurd. How had I not thought of that before? Both had crashed a military prison after all. Joseph and Dominic were much stronger than I imagined, and at that moment a tangle of curiosity came along with eminent concern. I feared that they were fighting against a disadvantageous number of opponents, but at the same time, I wanted to know how strong they really were.

-Seven for me and seven for you. -Joseph said with a nonchalant smile.

-Deal. -Dominic said grimly.

-Where's Alt…? -Joseph began, stopping immediately after seeing where I was and smiling at me. The group of Hunters noticed my presence and before they could look in my direction, Dominic attacked them.

It was incredible the way he moved, and I could barely see his blows. It was fast as lightning and more agile than anything I had ever seen before. Joseph joined Dominic, and they easily subdued the fourteen hunters, who resisted by showing how strong they were. But even so, they were no match for my newest heroes. Safe. I was safe with them. The government could not take me anymore. The generals would not hurt me anymore.

The sudden sound of leaves being smashed behind me put me on alert, interrupting my daydreaming. It was too early to celebrate.

-Well, well, well. What do we have here? Did you think you could hide from me, my dear? -said a low-pitched voice coming from my back. I turned quickly and came upon a very muscular and tall man with a wicked grin on his face. He was for sure a Hunter, though he appeared to be different from the others. That man was much stronger than the others and his look was thirsty. Thirsty for blood.

I did not move and could barely make any sound. I had two options: running or fighting. The forest was very dense around me and I would either get lost or fall. For a hunter, it is very easy to find their prey, especially in a familiar territory. Thus, I would have to fight. I shivered at the thought. I knew I could defeat him, but I did not know if I could stop. For many years I was holding back my powers. Would I be able to control them at all?

He then approached me, taking my arm. I forced him to release me and I was thrown to the ground, scratching myself at the dry roots of a tree. The fact that I resisted seemed to excite him even more. I dragged myself away from the Hunter, still considering the option of not having to fight.

-You are very appetizing... should I eat you now or after? -He shook his head as if it was a difficult decision. -My subordinates seem to be having problems with your friends, but nothing that I can’t solve. You will not be able to escape from me, even if you run, but it will give me trouble to look for you later. I think I'll enjoy the moment and just taste this beautiful meal.

There was no more way to avoid it. I raised my right hand and concentrated not to use too much force, as I had no intention to kill anyone. But I also didn’t want that disgusting man near me.

"Impulsum"

I wasn’t fast enough. The Hunter narrowly turned away, throwing himself to the ground, causing my blow to destroy everything by about 20 meters in front of me. The explosion was much stronger than I calculated. The man, now lying beside me, stared at me in surprise.

-You... what kind of weapon...- he tried to speak, unsuccessfully. -What weapon are you using? Have you drunk water from a sacred fountain?

Suddenly, two familiar faces appeared, rushing to help me. The explosion was really loud.

- Damn it! I knew we'd lost one. I will take care of him. -Joseph said, pushing Dominic away from the man. –Don’t argue with me, you know you will not be able to stop. Calm down and take care of her. She is more important than the rest.

Joseph look was serious, and I felt something was wrong. I looked at Dominic and saw the hatred in his eyes and, at the moment, a chilly feeling went down through my spin. Fear. I was afraid of him. It looked like he was about to kill the Hunter, who was now standing next to me, also trembling.

-Don’t come near. -Said the man, drawing a sword and resting it on my neck, with unsteady hands. -One more step and I'll kill the girl. - He threatened.

I saw the expression of fury increase in Dominic's face. He seemed to be concerned about me, more than I would expect him to be.

-You're dead. I think you better stop now. My friend won't have as much mercy on your soul as I intend to have. And I'm sure you know who he is. You seem smart enough not to underestimate his powers, just like your friends did. - Joseph said signing to the shadowy figure of Dominic.

And those words indeed had an effect.

The terrorized Hunter started running as fast as possible, but first, he let go of his sword, dropping it on my lap, slightly cutting my legs. Blood started flowing while I let out a cry of pain, which took me out of my catatonic state. In the blink of an eye, Joseph was already gone, tracking down the man. The smell of blood made me nauseous, and it was so... red.

I almost chuckled when I noticed that I had already forgotten the color of blood. I became so caught up in daydreams that when I realized, there was someone beside me, touching my arm.

-Stay calm Althea. Lie down and let me take care of this. -said Dominic in a sweet tone, trying to hide the nervousness behind his words. I obeyed without contesting.

He took off his coat and covered me. Soon after he took off the shirt he was wearing and put it over my wound, stopping the bleeding.

-Don't worry, I'm fine. It is not the first time that something like this happens...- I said, trying to make him relax. - Joseph...

-He'll be fine. I can't believe I neglected you like that. I'm sorry I let you get hurt...

- Don't say that. I am the one to apologize. I didn't want to create trouble. - I replied, trying to get up, but I was stopped by Dominic's strong grip. - I'm fine. You don't need to worry.

Yet he was too strong, and he held me easily.

-I insist that you don't move. Take a rest, I know you are also exhausted from walking all the way here. Joseph is already returning, and we will take you to the village on the other side of the island. There must be a doctor there. - Said Dominic holding me. He then took my hand and pressed it lightly. When I finally looked at him again in the eyes, for some mysterious reason, I was no longer afraid.