The village was a hub of activity that night. As the sun dipped behind the towering mountains, the fire’s fierce flames illuminated the night sky, creating a picturesque backdrop for the star-studded, cloudless sky.
Folks gathered around the fire, drinks in hand, engaging in lively conversations as the rhythmic beat of drums echoed in the background. The air was thick with the aroma of sizzling fat; a hog, the bounty of the day’s hunt, slowly roasted over the fire, cooking to perfection.
Children swarmed around the guests, their eyes wide with fascination at the unfamiliar attire and gadgets they wore. Their mothers hovered nearby, pretending to supervise their young ones but were actually captivated by the allure of the strangers.
These were not the men they were accustomed to. The village hunters were ordinary, a few more robust than others, but nothing out of the ordinary. However, these strangers were different, their arms and legs rippled with muscles, some as thick as a child’s head.
Their long hair, styled in various plaits signifying their community roles, flowed over their shoulders.
Men engaged in light-hearted banter while women busied themselves, preparing for the impending feast and the dance that would follow. Nix navigated through clusters of people engrossed in conversation, acknowledging some with a nod and others with a warm smile.
Unlike the village women, she wasn’t captivated by the newcomers. Physical appearances didn’t matter to her. She believed in a deeper connection, something most of these people lacked.
But that didn’t mean she couldn’t appreciate them.
Laughter erupted from the largest group huddled around the fire, their backs concealing the speaker. A familiar redhead tossed her hair back at the group’s edge, her soft laughter catching Nix’s attention.
Intrigued by what could transform her usually composed friend into a giggling girl, Nix veered away from the tantalizing aroma of food and headed toward her friend.
“And as he set his gaze on me, I froze—” a deep voice narrated as Nix neared the group. Her view of the speaker was obstructed by a few tall men, so she listened attentively to the story, not at all swayed by the embellished tale.
“My breath hitched as his head lowered, his eyes locked on mine.”
The group gasped collectively as the speaker paused for dramatic effect.
“What happened next?” an eager listener asked.
“Well, what could I do? It was either him or me.” The speaker chuckled at his own story, and Nix almost snorted. These people were so gullible, lapping up every word like a famished puppy.
“With a second warning, he came charging at me. Just as he lunged, I seized my spear, piercing his flesh as he fell on top of me. We tumbled down, his weight crushing me, but he was dead.”
The speaker concluded his tale, and the group erupted into applause, awestruck by the man’s bravery.
“Yeah, right,” Nix muttered under her breath. Her skepticism was drowned out by the villagers’ praises, but somehow, someone heard her.
Suddenly, the crowd parted, and she found herself staring into the dark eyes of the tallest man she’d ever seen.
“And why don’t you believe me?” the deep voice of the storyteller questioned, his gaze sweeping over Nix.
Suppressing her surprise, Nix studied the man as she turned to face him. His fur clothing barely concealed his muscular physique, the firelight casting a soft glow on his tanned skin, making him appear radiant.
As she focused on his face, her heart skipped a beat. He was one of the most handsome men she’d ever seen.
His light brown hair, almost blond, framed his angular jaw and fell over his shoulders, a few strands brushing against his sharp cheekbones. Resisting the urge to admire his full lips, Nix met his gaze, his dark eyes piercing hers.
“Well,” Nix cleared her throat, “A single spear couldn’t kill a hog as big as the one you described.”
The man smirked, his eyes twinkling in the firelight. He crossed his arms and studied Nix, making her blush under his scrutiny.
The villagers gathered around them, curious about the direction this conversation was taking. They knew Nix was stubborn, even difficult to handle, but this stranger was unlike any man they’d ever seen. Perhaps he could be the one to tame her.
“For a regular man, that might be true.” The man uncrossed his arms and stepped closer to Nix, leaning in to whisper in her ear. “But I am no ordinary man, if you’re interested in finding out.”
His proximity allowed Nix to inhale his scent. The smell of earth tickled her nose, and another unfamiliar aroma sent shivers down her spine.
The village men never paid her any attention, but this man was suggesting something she’d only fantasized about, and she didn’t know how to respond.
“Nix, there you are.” Mary rushed up to them, and Nix silently thanked her friend for the interruption. For the first time in her life, she was at a loss for words, and the man before her stirred feelings she’d never experienced before.
“And you are?” the man leaned away from Nix, turning to face Mary with a smile.
“My name is Mary, and this is Nix, our healer.” She extended her hand.
He accepted her offer, gently kissing her hand while maintaining eye contact. “Pleasure to meet you, Mary. I’m Maverick, leader of The Night Walker Pack.”
Mary blushed as she stared at Maverick, her hand still in his. Nix coughed, trying to divert their attention, and it worked.
Maverick turned his charming gaze back to Nix. “A healer, you say.”
His intense stare made Nix’s cheeks flush. His eyes sparkled brighter as he extended a hand to Nix. She quickly placed her hand in his, the rough texture of his skin contrasting with hers.
Like he did with Mary, Maverick gently kissed her hand, sending a flurry of butterflies in her stomach. Their eyes locked as Nix studied his features, her gaze lingering on his eyes.
There was something familiar yet strange about his dark eyes, the whites contrasting sharply with the darkness.
Straightening up, Maverick held onto her hand, tilting his head slightly. “I’m curious. Why are your hands so rough?” He turned her hand over, tracing a finger down her palm, sending a jolt of electricity through her skin.
“I, uh, I,” his touch left her flustered, rendering her speechless.
“She’s self-reliant. She hunts, she builds, she does it all,” Mary chimed in, saving Nix from an awkward moment.
“Exactly,” Nix agreed, slipping her hand from his grasp. “When you’re busy surviving, you don’t have time to worry about rough hands.”
Maverick’s eyebrow arched in surprise, his gaze never leaving Nix’s. “Why do all that when a man could do it for you?”
His words shattered her brief illusion. She’d hoped Maverick was different, but he was just like the rest, seeing women as nothing more than child-bearers.
Nix moved away, standing next to Mary. She lifted her chin and squared her shoulders.
“If I can do everything a man can, why would I need one?”
Maverick grinned, revealing a set of perfect teeth.
“I can think of one thing.”
Before Nix could respond to his suggestive comment, Khan joined them, a cup of mead in hand. He clapped Maverick on the shoulder, causing him to spill his drink.
“There you are. I want you to meet my daughter.”
“That sounds great,” Maverick replied, “but I was in the middle of a conversation with Nix and Mary.”
Khan stiffened at the mention of Nix’s name. He turned to face her, his face a mask of anger.
“I’m sorry you had to endure her company.”
“I didn’t mind.” Maverick winked at Nix, making her smile.
“I feel the same, but I think it’s time for me to retire.”
“Let me walk you to your hut,” Maverick offered.
But Khan stopped him.
“No need. She knows her way. But speaking of women, my daughter…”
Khan pulled Maverick away, his gaze locked with Nix’s until the crowd swallowed him up. Leaving Nix and Mary alone.
“Well, that was awkward,” Mary broke the silence.
“You’re telling me.” Nix linked arms with Mary, heading toward her hut.
They navigated through the crowd of drunken men and sleeping children. Upon reaching her hut, Nix hugged Mary, but her friend’s words stopped her.
“Aren’t we going to talk about the chemistry between you and Maverick?”
“There’s nothing to discuss.” Nix pushed the door open and turned to Mary.
“Besides, he has a different view of women, and I refuse to be one of them.”
Nix let the door close, shutting out the party noise and her memories of Maverick. He might have stirred unfamiliar feelings in her, but she would never lower herself to his level.
She’d rather die alone. And at this rate, that might just happen.
The party continued until dawn. As the last revelers stumbled home, the sun peeked over the mountains. A thick fog blanketed the village, creating an eerie atmosphere.
Nix stepped out of her hut, surveying the aftermath as she took a deep breath of fresh air. She carefully navigated around the sleeping bodies and discarded cups, moving past the dying fire.
She could hear the loud snores of the men who had passed out from too much mead. As she passed the large hut, she wondered if Maverick had settled in there, next to Khan’s daughter, Leela.
Leela was the most beautiful woman in the village, admired by all the men. Being the daughter of the most powerful man in the village only added to her allure.
Nix could appreciate beauty, but Leela’s inner beauty was lacking. Growing up, Leela had always tormented Nix, mocking her past and her future.
Even as adults, Leela continued to tease her, knowing her status protected her. And Nix, due to her own status, had to endure the abuse.
If she fought back, Leela would ensure she was banished from the village. Like father, like daughter.
Leaving the hut and the village behind, Nix focused on the day ahead. With yesterday’s catch, she didn’t need to hunt today.
Instead, she could finally take some time for herself. Most of the villagers were still passed out, and those who were awake were busy cleaning up.
This left her alone with the beautiful pond she had been dreaming about for days. As she walked the familiar path, her mind began to wander.
Before she knew it, she was thinking about Maverick. No man had ever made her feel this way. Usually, she felt anger or pity toward men, but Maverick was different.
She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but there was something more to him. She was eager to discover his secret before proposing her idea of joining them.
The thick foliage began to thin, revealing a beautiful pond. The sun’s rays made the water sparkle, beckoning her closer.
After making sure she was alone, Nix undressed and placed her clothes on a nearby boulder. She dipped a toe in the water, quickly pulling it back at the cold temperature.
But she wouldn’t be deterred. Taking a deep breath, Nix counted to three and stepped into the water. The cold made her skin tingle as the water rose higher.
“It’ll get better,” she muttered to herself. Once the water reached her shoulders, she stood still, allowing her body to adjust to the temperature.
After a few moments, she was comfortable, and she could finally enjoy her bath. Nix floated on her back, savoring the sensation of the water as it gently cradled her body.
She marveled at how something so simple could make her feel as if she were floating above the earth. The world was a place of wonder, and she yearned to explore every corner of it, to understand how things worked, and to find ways to make them better.
As the sun reached its zenith, Nix let her eyes roam over her little piece of paradise. The pond was a perfect circle, more than half of it shaded by trees.
The water lapped against rocks that reached skyward, and a small waterfall cascaded from somewhere unseen, splashing into the pond’s deeper section.
She dove beneath the tranquil surface, the cold water rushing over her face, leaving a tingling sensation that she loved. It was a reminder that she was alive.
She surfaced, water dripping into her eyes. She was about to wipe it away when the sound of a snapping branch caught her attention.
She quickly turned, making sure the water concealed her body as she scanned the trees. Her mind told her it was probably just an animal, but she needed to be sure.
When no other sound followed, she hesitantly resumed her swim. But she froze when a voice spoke from somewhere behind her.
“That looks divine. Do you mind if I join you?” a man asked.
As night fell, Deimos decided to rest. The hard ground was his only option without any supplies, and he dropped down, exhausted.
The sound of insects grew louder as he lay down, the dirt clinging to his clothes. He removed his bag from his shoulder and pulled out a vial of magic.
Holding the delicate glass, Deimos used his other hand to roll up the empty bag, using it as a makeshift pillow. He was grateful for even this small comfort in these harsh conditions.
He had always thought humans were weak, but now he realized that only the strong could survive in a place like this. He just hoped he was one of them.
As darkness enveloped everything, a single light emanated from the vial. Holding it close to his face, Deimos examined the vial and its precious contents.
The purple liquid inside shifted with each movement, casting a glow that grew stronger the closer he got to its intended recipient.
Gods had the power to create life; the world around them was proof of that. But some gods, like the three, had the energy to imagine beings as complex as humans or supernatural creatures. From what he had heard, the process was simple but painful.
All Deimos knew was that creation required a sacrifice. He couldn’t fathom how, but as he examined the purple fluid, he wondered if it contained Jupiter’s lifeforce, his essence.
And what if Deimos was to take it instead of Nix?
He shook his head, dismissing the thought. He was eager for power, but the thought of meeting Nix, of touching her, overwhelmed his ambition. If gods couldn’t love, then what he felt for her must be something close to love.
Deimos put the vial back into his pocket and closed his eyes. Sleep washed over him, and within seconds, he was lost to the world, dreaming of her and the possibilities the future held.
A harsh ray of sunlight forced his eyes open, but he quickly closed them again as the light blinded him. Sitting up, Deimos noticed bugs crawling over his body. He jumped up and shook himself vigorously to get rid of them.
Satisfied that he was bug-free, Deimos bent down to retrieve his makeshift pillow and unrolled the bag. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the vial, but paused as the purple light intensified, even in the daylight.
Suddenly, the hum that had guided him grew louder. He looked around, knowing that the only reason for this would be her presence. She had to be close.
Without thinking of a plan to introduce himself, Deimos started moving, but stopped when the glow faded slightly. Holding the vial in front of him, he turned in a circle, letting the magic guide him. As soon as the light returned, Deimos set off, not knowing where he was headed.
As he walked, the path began to clear and signs of frequent use became evident. The dirt track was free of branches and the ground was bare from constant foot traffic. Deimos’s body ached and his stomach churned with hunger, but he ignored it, knowing she had to be close.
Finally, the trees thinned and he found himself at the edge of an oasis. A small pool lay in the center, a waterfall cascading down rocks that towered above him. The water sparkled in the sunlight, beckoning him closer.
Then, the surface of the water broke and a blonde head emerged. Deimos knew it was her just from the sight of her silky hair, and he froze on the spot. He held his breath as he watched her turn around.
Her beauty hit him like a physical force, causing him to step on a twig. The sound made her spin around and scan the area. Deimos quickly hid behind a tree and stayed quiet.
After a few seconds, he peeked out from behind the tree, expecting her to be gone. But she was still there, swimming happily in the water.
He cleared his throat quietly, gathered his courage, and spoke.
“That looks divine. Do you mind if I join you?”
Her frightened eyes turned toward him, and the sight of her in the flesh nearly brought him to his knees. She was even more beautiful in person.
