Page 13 of Veil of Dreams

"What the fuck is going on?" Kogan growls, his voice hoarse from the smoke. "First the storm, now this?"

I don't have an answer for him. All I know is that we need to keep moving, find shelter and food before nightfall. And hope that whatever force is working against us doesn't have any more tricks up its sleeve.

As we break through the treeline, the sight of a small village gives me a sense of relief. It's as if fate has finally decided to cut us a break. My crew follows close behind, their exhaustion evident in their heavy footsteps.

I lead them to the village inn, a quaint little building with a thatched roof and a warm, inviting glow emanating from its windows. The innkeeper, a stout dwarf with a bushy beard, greets us with a nod and a grunt. I ask for a room for the night, and he obliges without hesitation.

We settle into our room, a small space with a few beds and a crackling fireplace. My crew collapses onto the beds, their eyes heavy with exhaustion. I sit at the table, staring into the flames as I try to make sense of everything that's happened.

My thoughts keep drifting back to the dreams, to Cassia. And then there's the ring. I glance down at it, my fingers tracing the intricate design etched into its surface. It's as if the ring is calling out to me, guiding me towards something.

But even more ridiculous than dreams that are real, is a ring that wants me to get to my mate.

I can feel my crew's eyes on me, their curiosity piqued. "What's on your mind, boss?" Burguk asks, his voice low and gruff.

I hesitate for a moment before speaking. "I can't shake the feeling that the boat was meant to crash here," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "That there's something in this village that we're meant to find."

My crew exchanges glances, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern. "What makes you say that?" Kogan asks, his brow furrowed.

I sigh and shake my head. "Why ask when you won't believe me," I grumble.

My crew falls silent, their eyes fixed anywhere but me. I can see the wheels turning in their heads, the memory of Gruk's mutiny replaying in their minds.

Kogan opens his mouth to say something, but I cut him off with a sharp glare. He shuts it quickly, looking away. I can't deal with any more questions or doubts right now.

I stumble over to my cot and collapse onto it, my body aching from the day's events. The room falls silent, save for the occasional snore from one of my crewmates.

As I close my eyes, I see her face again. Cassia. The woman from my dreams. I can't shake the feeling that she's real, that she's out there somewhere waiting for me.

I roll over onto my side, trying to get comfortable. But every time I close my eyes, her face is there. I can see her vivid green eyes, her long curly brown hair, the delicate features of her face.

I can't explain it, but I feel a connection to her. A pull that I can't ignore. I know that I have to find her. The only logic is that she is my mate. And that I must have her.

12

GORTHAK

Cassia places her hand in mine, her slender fingers grazing my calloused skin in the most gentle manner.

"Yes," she whispers.

I take her hand and lead her through the halls of the manor, my heart races with a mix of adrenaline and determination. The ring on my finger grows warm, and I know it's guiding me out.

We move quickly and quietly, avoiding any guards or other obstacles in our path. Cassia clings to my arm as though it is her lifeline, but I find great pleasure in the contact. I want her even closer.

"Stay close," I whisper to her, my voice low and gruff.

She nods, her eyes wide with fear and excitement.

We run through the gardens, trying to put as much distance between ourselves and the manor as possible. The sound of our footsteps on the damp grass is the only noise in the still night air. We reach the garden wall and I lift her over with ease, then climb over after her.

"Where are we going?" Cassia asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Anywhere but here," I reply, my eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger.

We finally find a small cottage on the outskirts of the city, and decide to rest there for the night. Cassia and I collapse onto the small bed, exhausted from our escape. I can feel her trembling next to me, and I wrap my arm around her to comfort her.

We sit in silence for a moment, both of us lost in our own thoughts. Finally, Cassia speaks up.