Page 21

GUNNAR

F lynn and I walked past the portal and chose a place to set up our camp. There were many scents around the portal, both human and monster, but nothing was fresh other than the guard and the two who had found us earlier. After speaking with the guard, they had left but promised to check back here in a few days. We would stay and see if there was anything strange that happened while we were here. The human and the young leshy wanted us to report anything strange to them, but until I knew what Vince Drummond was up to, I wasn’t doing anything for anyone else.

“Do you think this is the portal he’s been using?” Flynn asked. We’d both asked this question many times, but neither of us had an answer. As soon as we settled in Flynn once again made a ring of rocks for a small fire while I gathered wood. This part of the woods was different from where we worked. There was an energy that vibrated through everything, and I felt a closer connection to the monster realm.

“What was on the other side of the portal where you crossed?” Flynn asked.

I thought back to that day and described it as best I could. “There were many plants but nothing like what is here. They were all strange and colorful and some were more dangerous than just being poisonous. The kappa kingdom was also nearby.”

“The aquatic creatures?” Flynn asked and sat back from where he’d finished the ring of rocks.

“Yes, their world is quite beautiful with crystal structures that connect the many waterfalls and pools they call home,” I said as I thought back on the day I’d crossed through the portal. “At the time I didn’t pay much attention I was so focused on crossing.”

“I’m glad you came here,” Flynn said as his eyes met mine.

“I am too. I came here to find a mate, but I never really believed it was possible. You give me so much hope, Flynn.” I sat down next to him and took his hand.

“What do you mean?”

“My world has very little hope. No hope for anything more than finding food and a place to sleep at night, but even those things aren’t for certain. You give me hope that there is more in this world than I ever thought there could be. I found my heart because of you,” I whispered, and warmth flooded through me like it did every time Flynn and I were able to spend time together and show each other love.

“You have the biggest heart of anyone I know,” Flynn said. “And I don’t mean size. You might be a little possessive, but I can feel how much you love me. I would never doubt your feelings or our bond.”

“Well, isn’t this cozy,” someone said from behind us said.

“What the—” Flynn said before he was hit from behind.

“This is between you and me.” Vince Drummond stood there holding the branch he’d just hit Flynn with, not even concerned how badly he’d been hurt.

“Flynn!” I reached for him, but he’d slumped to the side, and as soon as I moved that way the human advanced on me. “Stay back,” I roared.

“He’ll be fine. If I wanted to kill him, I would have. Too bad I can’t say the same for you.” Drummond drew a blade I recognized and was shocked to see he had.

“Troll killer,” I growled.

“That’s right, I’m glad you recognize it.” He backed away toward the portal while holding the blade in front of him. I noticed then he wore a bag on his back. He was prepared to go through the portal. “Only now I know, it doesn’t only kill trolls.” He turned and ran before he jumped through the portal while I held Flynn.

“You will pay for hurting my mate,” I snarled even knowing he wouldn’t hear me. Then it hit me, as long as he was free, no monster would ever be safe here. Even if he didn’t kill us on this side of the portal, he could use this portal to enter our world and do whatever he wanted. We’d been right all along; he was doing exactly what we suspected but still we had no proof. “Flynn?”

His eyes fluttered as he fought for consciousness and a small amount of blood ran down his brow. “Gunnar?” he groaned. “What happened?” He struggled to open his eyes and tried to sit but he was in no shape for either.

“We were attacked. Vince Drummond has a troll killer blade,” I said, but I knew he wouldn’t know what that was.

“Did he hit me with it?”

“No, love, he hit you with a branch. He knew I would never leave you injured. He ran through the portal.”

“We need to go after him,” Flynn said, and tried again to get up.

“You can’t. You’re injured.”

“What’s a troll killer?” he asked and had yet to open his eyes.

“It’s an ancient blade forged by elves. It has the power to kill a troll instantly with a small cut but as he was entering the portal, he said it works for other creatures too,” I said and knew this was so much worse than we had imagined. “Flynn, I think he’s killing monsters in the realm. Not all monsters are fierce or can protect themselves from humans.”

“Why would he do that? There has to be something in it for him,” Flynn said as his eyes finally fluttered open. “I know my uncle well enough to know he doesn’t do anything for free.”

“Some monsters have qualities that are said to be magical or healing,” I said, and Flynn sat up.

“He had an export business years ago. I never understood it because he never had a storefront, and he never traveled. But he always had money. Maybe his exports have to do with monsters, or other things he gets from the monster realm?”

“I need to go through the portal.” I knew it was forbidden without permission, but I didn’t want to wait until something else happened.

“I should go with you,” Flynn said and tried to stand.

“No, mate. You stay here. I won’t be long, I promise.” I kissed his forehead next to his wound and hoped he’d be okay until I returned.

“Gunnar, promise me you won’t take any chances with him. If he has a blade that could kill you, I don’t want you to risk it.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll speak to the kappa and see if they know anything. I’m hoping this portal is also near their kingdom.”

“What if you get lost?” Flynn asked, his eyes full of worry.

“I won’t. Do not worry, I swear I will return. There is nothing that could keep me from you,” I said and hoped it was true.