Lost and Found

New Home

It has been several days since I woke up. The healer, Marsh, has declared me well enough to leave his hut. 

He has been quite comforting with his assured and professional manner. Each morning he has checked, cleaned and wrapped my wounds, and each time he has not made me uncomfortable or uneasy. 

My stomach still hurts when I stretch, pulling the skin around my wounds. Thankfully the lacerations were not deep, and after being thoroughly cleaned and wrapped, they have scabbed over nicely. The more concerning wound was to my head. Apparently on top of the head-butt, I had hit my head on a stump when I was thrown. The lump on the back of my head has gone down, and the bruises are finally starting to fade on my stomach and back. 

Unwilling to cause me discomfort riding on Rowan’s back, they have opted to carry me bridal style. Not caring about pretences, I lay my head in the nape of Rowans neck and trace patterns on his chest. 

My mood has still not improved, I feel morose and sombre. I pay no mind to the journey, as I let my mind wander. Few things have survived, one is my bag that was hidden in an underground cavity. Thank God for Rowan’s paranoia. A couple of boxes at the bottom of the stash also survived. Apparently, we had disturbed their ransacking. 

The males that survived that night have been apprehended. They have been questioned by the guards. Alder and his men discovered that they were paid by one of Violet’s mates. I find no solace in the information provided by Alder. Violet is still free to do as she pleases, her mate taking all the responsibility and paying the consequences. 

My males take me into the north eastern side of the citadel, to what has become my favourite place to forage. The woodland and foliage distract me from my negative thoughts. I concentrate on directing Ethan to collect a few vegetables and herbs on the way. 

Diverting from our normal route, they do not stop at the pond, they continue to the entrance of the homestead I adore. I perk up in Rowans arms. 

There is evidence of new construction work, the walls and roof look like they have been freshened up too. 

“What are we doing here?” I ask. 

“This is where we will be staying, my love” Rowan whispers in my ear. He gently places me on my feet. 

Here? This beautiful home? This can’t be real. I feel tears falling down my cheeks, tears of gratitude. I look at them in astonishment. So many questions to ask. 

“How? Why?” 

“You were unhappy in that hut. We should have done better with you.” Rowan looks down, disappointed in himself. 

“Oh, my Adonis, my treasure.” I rush into their waiting arms, Ethan wipes the tears away. “You should not have. I knew it was only temporary.” 

“Anything to make you smile again, my treasure.” Ethan places a kiss to my forehead. 

I once more hug them fiercely, only releasing them to place kisses on their lips. 

“Thank you.” I say. 

I turn around and admire the home once more. I can’t help but look at the home in awe. It is truly beautiful. The two cherry trees in full bloom stand sentry either side of the one story home. Half walls wrap around the front and left, sheltering the roofed decking.