A Curse of Luck

Feeling Safe (36)

Whitney's (POV)

The women rushed over to Ryan....I guess it's his name. She quickly props his head on her lap and touches his face and arms. Oh god, I hope he's okay. She yells for help and looks at me with concern and confusion. I kneel down to look at Ryan and pray he isn't hurt.

"What can I do to help?" I ask hesitantly, she stares at me a moment longer and then seems to snap out of it.

"Nothing...it's not something you can help with." She says grimly, this makes me feel sick.

"Is he going to be okay?" I look at him again, he's breathing steadily but he is so pale and his cheeks are flushed.

"Yes, he will. Getting here just took a lot of energy.... you both must have traveled far." She looks at me again like she wants to ask me a question but before she can a few men enter the room. Both have longer dark hair and wearing dark clothing. They both move to Ryan, one man who looks much older than the other checks Ryan's vitals it seems.

"We need to get him to the sick room." The other man nods at him and without either acknowledging me they both lift Ryan up and out of the room.

"What is your name?" The women look at me with concern. Now that Ryan isn't in the room I can take her in fully. She looks to be in her late 30s or early 40s, but she is stunning. She has an angular face she looks like a runway model. She also has long while hair much like Ryan's, and the same unearthly blue eyes.

I take a deep breath, "My names Whitney, I am sorry for the trouble to have caused you. Ryan saved me back in... well I don't know from where exactly."

I can see from her expression that she has many questions for me but doesn't know where to begin.

"Well my name is Alana I am Ryan's mother, and I want to speak with you more about what occurred. However, from the looks of it, you could use a bath and a change of clothes."

If that wasn't the truth, I have been trying not to smell myself. I have not bathed in....well I don't know how long. I quickly nodded my head, too embarrassed to speak. She stands up and begins to lead me toward the door. Its old and make of wood and iron. It almost looks like a barn door, but smaller. I follow her through the door, and realize quickly that the walls are made of stone and mud. It is also very chilly, I instantly wrap my arms around myself. Alana takes a few turns and after a long corridor I feel the air get warmer and humid. I notice Alana is wear a white dress that is flowy but hugs her figure. All I can think of is, I hope I look that good when I am her age.

She stops just before another large door, and its where all the heat is coming from. She opens it and gestures for me to go in. I hesitate for a moment feeling unsure, "It's okay sweetheart, no one here will hurt you". She sounds so sincere and at this point what do I have to lose, I don't think Ryan would have saved me just to harm me.

I walk through the door and steam hits me. It's a hot spring! The room is large, the floor is covered with river stones, the wall has some other type of rock. Right in the center is a large pool of water with steam coming from the top. I look to Alana a little shocked, "It took us quite a bit to get this set up but the water comes from a natural hot spring and its very relaxing. Why don't you get undressed while I try to find you some clothes? There are some clean towels in the corner over there in that cabinet".

I look in the corner and see the cabinet, turn to thank her but Alana as already leaving. I don't blame her this must be a confusing situation for her as well. My mind is racing with tons of question about where am I. But my body is attracted to the water and needs to get in. I quickly undress and dip my toe into the water. It's hot but not unbearable. I slowly ease into the water and soon it's up to my chin. I close my eyes and breath the steam in, this is the best feeling I've had in a long time. I feel peaceful and sleepy for sure but it is not long before my mind wonders as it always does. I think of Kieran and Will, and desperately want to know if he is okay. Tears prick my eyes and I try desperately not to cry. But it's too hard and a sob escapes me, all I want to do is go home. I wish none of this had happened, why did this happen to me? I've been kidnapped twice and still am not clear as to why. I am in a world were demons and other magical creatures exist. They trade people as slaves for money, goods, and see humans as animals. I just want my life back, I want this to be one big nightmare and for me to wake up soon.