Free Pursuer (Alwahi Series) by Monique Morgan

beads of water glistening on his skin. He wore a towel around his waist, bare-chested. Zanas caught sight of his tattoos that trailed from his temples and down his muscular chest. She once again admired their beauty, as well as respected their meaning. This was a great hunter.
     
    “ The girl from above,” he purred. “How is it that you are here in my domain?” he asked, his eyebrows narrowing in thought. He took another step towards her, his face inches away, his green eyes burning into her hers. She sensed that there was a part of him that was trying to intimidate her. For some reason instead of making her angry, this knowledge amused her. She met his green eyes with a hard stare.
     
    “ Right now, I’m trying to bathe,” she replied.
     
    He chuckled softly, his sharp teeth flashing in the torch light. He inched closer to her, if that was even possible, and inhaled deeply. Her breath caught in her throat, and then he turned and walked out into the hallway. She watched as he strode down the hall, turned a corner, and disappeared. Zanas stepped into the room and closed the big heavy door behind her. She felt lightheaded and her heart was pounding deep in her chest.
     
    There was a large round bowl cut into the floor of the chamber. To the left was a table with towels and a small bowl on the floor held, what looked like, bathing salts. Zanas quickly disrobed and walked down the smooth steps and into the water, surprised at how hot the water was. From the metallic smell circulating in the mist, she guessed that this pool was fed from a hot spring. The liquid was soothing on muscles, sore from the long journey. Zanas unbraided her hair and watched as it danced in the steaming water.
     
    She would have loved to linger, but Anessa would be coming to get her soon. Dragging herself reluctantly from the pool, she pulled one of the towels around her body. Zanas picked up her soiled clothes and walked with them back to her room.
     
    Maleek was still sleeping on the floor as she entered. She noticed that there were large furs on her bed now, and a warm fire burning in the fireplace. She walked over to her bed and saw the clothing that someone had left for her. All of the pieces were made from a soft black fur that reminded her of her cloak.
     
    Zanas pulled on the long pants and the tight black shirt. The arms of the shirt were laced with black leather straps; she had to admit she loved the look and feel of the outfit. The last thing that she saw was the black boots that were seated at the foot of the bed. Shockingly they fit, the fur brushing softly against her skin. She had just finished drying and braiding her long hair when a knock came at the door. She opened it to see Anessa standing and waiting for her.
     
    “ Good, you are ready,” Anessa said. She turned and Zanas followed closely behind her.
     
    Zanas tried to remember the many turns and twists they went through, but was soon lost. It was quite obvious that the hold was very large. She guessed that they were heading deeper into the rock as they came to another large wooden door. Anessa pushed it open and they walked into a large cafeteria.
     
    There were rows of tables crowded with black clothed figures. Zanas had the feeling that this hall had once been overflowing, while now it sat half-empty. The room went silent for a moment, as heads turned to stare at Zanas. She heard an insulting laugh from a back table, and met eyes with the girl she had seen long ago on that damp night. The girl’s hair hung loose, blonde curls falling down her back.
     
    Zanas felt someone else watching her and turned to see him a few seats from the girl. Unlike the rest of his table, who were sneering at her and whispering among themselves, he quietly sat staring back at her. She kept his gaze for a moment. As she turned she caught sight of the blonde girl, who stared back at her with fury in her eyes.
     
    Anessa led her down the food-lined tables and Zanas grabbed a bowl of