The Viking's Mate Hunt

CHAPTER 143

I could breathe again, barely; however, I could not scramble any part of my brain to work enough to answer. Nida didn't tone down her energy, her eyes still sparkling with anger only inches from my wide eyes.

"And your wolf?"

Question after question. Everyone felt like a punch to my stomach. Piercing through me, searching the depth of my mind, and finally, a sense of panic started building up inside of me.

Panic and rage! She had no right! With energy and strength, I didn't even dare hope I had left, I pushed her. Both my hands slammed into her chest, causing her to fly back with a deep groan. Struggling for control and balance, her feet slide down the moist mossy ground stopping a couple of meters away.

Watching her heave for air, struggle with confusion, and control her own anger, fueled me. I felt stronger, more radiant. Her aura and energy might be strong, but her vessel is as weak as mine! A cold smile crept up my face and my feet dragged forward. One step at a time closer to Nida, the space between us faded. It felt like a struggle. A war within. My feet were heavy, my arms not willing. But for each movement forced out of my body, I came closer. Close enough to smell her, feel the cold surrounding her and that is just what I need!

"How are your shadows Nida darling? Hm? That was pretty invasive, don't you think?"

Nida leaned forward, her hands on her knees and her head hanging. The cold air around her still vibrated with rage, so much so I could taste it on the tip of my tongue. The sweetest taste next to fear. With a deep breath, my lungs filled up. Light and refreshed, my mind cleared up. With each breath, I took a new step and with each step, I came closer. Still smiling, I watched my hand reach out, slowly stretching towards Nida's slightly trembling shoulder.

"Ah, Nida Darling! So stubborn, so strong yet so weak. Your vessel is breaking down, isn't it? Bit by bit, it tears. Inch by inch, the force breaks through. Tsk Tsk, Tsk... Did you forget the song of whispers? Or do I misunderstand? Maybe you are too good for it now?"

A short, but sharp cackling sound erupted from between my lips. The sound itself felt like razorblades up my throat, but just as I was about to sink my claws down on her, she was gone. A pearl of laughter danced over my lips watching her green eyes ignite. That magical green shine spread to her skin and her pupils stretched to black lines. Nighod, so the beast is here after all. Snake, myth, and dragon are all creatures mixed into one, making Norse mythology the most underrated monster. All that is hidden behind a human like vessel is nothing but beauty and magical attraction.

Watching my hand reach for her trembling shoulder in slow motion, my eyes zoned in on her slightly green skin. In my head, I pictured how my pale skin would look next to hers. A low growl escaped me, and Nida disappeared from my focus. Looking up I watched her glare at me, and I felt nothing but annoyance.

"What the heck happened to you? Phony human! Did you forget who I am? Get a grip!"

I heard myself chuckle. Crossing my arms over my chest I leaned a bit back, looking her up and down smiling. Her nails had grown, her long black nails reflected the sunlight, and her beautiful face had deep wrinkles over her nose and under her eyes. A tingle of curiosity sparkled inside of me; would I now see the mythical beast in its true form? I had no problem recognizing the beginning of transformation signs. Her eyes, face, nails, and pulsating green shine vibrating around her, syncing the beat of her heart.

Everything happened so fast and again I found myself face to face with Nida. Only this time, when her hand closed around my neck something happened inside of me. My confidence vanished like she squeezed it out of me;

"This is called the forbidden forest because, without an agreed-on meeting, it won't let you go anywhere! It's that what you want? To walk around in circles deep in the forest. You stupid girl!"

I felt different and smaller, and Nida's words made my heart drop, I really needed this to be a shortcut! And how the hell has this little detail of the forest slipped everyone's mind? Thinking back, both Amon, Tew, Arcane and a couple of the older ladies back in the pack told me about this place. About magical and healing plants that couldn't be found anywhere else, about its wild and apparently untouched nature despite everyone knowing fully well people lived here. It was like the jungle had frozen in time, and refused to change no matter what. All this I knew; all this I've been listening to for months.

Thoughts raged through my head before I stopped myself. Could Nida be lying to me?

"You are lying! Even the elder told me..."

"Oh shut your pai hole! I do not lie! I can't freaking lie! Childish being! This is Huldra's home! Nobody walks in and out here without her knowing, without the forest knowing. And believe me, this forest is a living breathing creature, all thanks to Huldra and her hold on it."

"Huldra?"

I could no longer recognize my own voice, both trembling and whispering like o spoke of a forbidden creature. A beast so mythical her name should not be spoken, and Nida rolled her eyes with a deep sigh. She let her grip on me go and took a couple of steps back. Her features calmed, her nails pulled back, her beast no longer lurking beneath the surface. Still, I felt a slight pang of disappointment deep down in my chest, but it was soon forgotten.

"For Hell's sake Eir! You didn't even know this was her home? Have you ever heard of her?"

"Well, yes...Kind of... Huldra is an old mythical fable back at home. A stunning woman, with a cow's tale and a hollow back. A being living deep in the forest, able to soothe, and comfort but also seduce and mislead men. "

Her laughter shocked me, as I drew my breath to continue what I knew about her. My chin burned, a mixture of anger and embarrassment.

"No... That's not even the child friendly story about her."She snorted and muttered, "Sooth and comfort!"

Shaking her head, she started talking again while pacing back and forth.

"Her beauty is known for everyone, easily outshining any human woman or shifter. But nothing is soothing and comforting about her. But like her overwhelming beauty, her hatred is as overwhelming! It drives her, is her, exists in her entire being!"

Nida was cut off, and her entire body stiffened as a soft and light voice sounded right behind me,

"Now now, Nida, this is not your story to tell!"