Immortal Hearts Book 1:Love Never Dies

Alakai

It was almost noon, and here I am waiting for the animals to stir. I lightly traced the edge of my dagger as I thought about the creature I would bring home to my village. Once the sun was high in the sky I took my spear in hand and began my search.

I stayed hidden in order not to alert my prey, or any other predators that were nearby. I found a water hole teeming with gazelles, elands, and some wildebeest. I patiently waited to see if more would come, and when none did, I set my eyes on a male eland. Raising my bow, I aimed for its chest, but just as I wanted to release an arrow a group of lions ruined my shot. Just as the lions appeared the prize eland was running away.

"Damn lions, always making my hunts harder than they have to be," I snarled as I strapped my bow and my spear to my back. Although I hate the thought of it, I have no choice but run it into exhaustion. With no hesitation, I began to run. The eland was much far ahead, but I've never let distance beat me. I kept running faster and faster, and at that point I was running in sync with my prey. Suddenly I stopped right in front of the eland, drew my spear, and aimed for its chest. The eland was struck down and wasting no time I cut the jugular vein and waited for the creature to go still.

When the eland took its final breath I sat on my haunches to rest for a moment. After taking a few deep breaths I stood up only to realize that my hands were covered in blood. Ignoring the urge to lick them clean I washed them in a water hole before I began my journey home.

......

When I entered the village a group of young men helped me carry the eland to the cooking fire, although I was having no trouble carrying it by myself. Once it was there the elder women began to cook. Knowing very well I was covered in blood I tried to sneak into my hut before my mother could find me. Unfortunately even I couldn't sneak past her gaze.

"You should know better than to come to a feast in your honor covered in blood young lady. Go clean yourself up," she said after walking in a small circle around me. Not wanting to upset her I continued on to my hut. When I went in there was a bowl of water and a cloth waiting for me. After removing my spear I took off my clothes and bathed. I took my time, making sure that I had washed off all the blood knowing that my mother would be upset if she saw the smallest of spots. I then went on to massage vanilla oil onto every part of my body and into my hair. My mother had left a large piece of silk as opposed to the Egyptian cotton she loves. I took the fabric in my hands, and slowly draped it across my body. It was a lot lighter than what I usually wore, and a lot more elegant as well. My hair cascaded down my back nearly reaching my knees, making it a chore to do anything with it. I called for one of the many young girls to assist me, once she was done I sat by the cooking fire.

"You look beautiful, as always," said a voice in my ear. I turned to greet my fiancé with a warm smile and kiss. Israel and I have been engaged for a few months, with our wedding being only days away there's plenty of excitement. Unfortunately in spite of that I have an overwhelming feeling that this celebration will be short lived.