Reincarnated as the Betrothed: Bride of the Shadow Queen

Anezka's Pov

Once I finished inspecting the delicate flower, I gently handed it back to Mentor Selmor. As I returned the flower, he flashed a wicked smile that sent a shiver down my spine, prompting me to glare at him for his clever trickery.

"Alright, Miss Anezka, you now have one hour for your little adventure," he said, his voice a mix of encouragement and mischief. "You can explore, but be sure to return within that time. Take this; it will help you keep track of time." With a flourish, he presented me with a vintage pocket watch, its intricate, ornate design glinting in the sunlight.

The watch hung from a delicate silver chain, and on the back, an elegant compass was expertly attached. I took the watch, feeling its cool metal against my skin, and slipped it around my neck like a treasured amulet, determined not to lose it in the depths of the forest.

"Thank you, Mentor Selmor. Now I shall embark on my journey," I said, my excitement bubbling as I turned to follow the well-trodden path from which he always appeared, eager to discover the mysteries that lay ahead.

As I walk deeper into the heart of the forest, a sense of wonder washes over me. The air is thick with the earthy scent of damp soil and moss, and the towering trees loom like ancient guardians, their leaves forming a vibrant green canopy overhead.

It feels both strange and exhilarating to be here alone—like stepping into a storybook world. My anticipation bubbles within me, but I quickly scold myself, "Dumb Anezka, focus on finding that elusive scentless flower." I press on, the lush greenery surrounding me becoming more intricate with each step.

Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. Yet, I realize that wandering aimlessly won't lead me to the flower. I take a moment to breathe deeply, visualize the flower in my mind, and ponder where I might have seen it before.

Suddenly, a rhythm breaks my thoughts—the continuous flapping of wings. I turn my gaze, captivated by a brilliant flash of cyan blue. A small bird flits gracefully through the trees, its streamlined body and long wings making it appear like a living jewel.

My heart races as recognition strikes. I've read about this enchanting creature. Yes, it's a hummingbird! Its delicate movements are mesmerizing, and I feel a spark of inspiration as I continue my quest.

As I stood mesmerized by the vibrant hummingbird, its delicate wings creating a soft buzz, I thought to myself how fascinating it would be to follow this incredible creature cause I know it will lead me to the flower since the hummingbird feed on flower nectar.

Determined to keep up, I set off in pursuit of the hummingbird. It hovered effortlessly in mid-air, performing acrobatic maneuvers as it flew sideways and even upside-down. The sheer agility of the bird made it challenging to follow, especially when it zigzagged erratically in different directions.

So captivated was I by the mesmerizing flight above me that I completely overlooked the ground. My concentration solely on the hummingbird led to a sudden misstep, and I tripped over a gnarled tree root that jutted out from the earth.

I lost my balance and tumbled forward, scraping my right elbow against the rough surface of the ground. "Ahh, oh my god!" I exclaimed, pain shooting through my arm as I examined the bleeding scratches. The beauty of the moment was overshadowed by the sting of my fall, a reminder that sometimes nature's wonders come with unexpected challenges.

I struggled to calm myself and ignore the throbbing pain in my limbs as I slowly rose to my feet, attempting to walk once again. But the realization struck me like a cold wave: the hummingbird was gone, no longer flitting through the air with its vibrant colors.

Disappointment washed over me like a shadow. I glanced at my watch and saw that thirty-five precious minutes had slipped away, leaving me with only twenty-five minutes left to resolve this predicament.

I had no idea where I was, and the thought of the elusive flower felt like a distant dream. How would I manage to find my way back? Panic surged within me, intensifying the thirst that had begun to gnaw at my throat.

Exhaustion enveloped me, and I sank down beside a magnificent tree, resting my back against its sturdy trunk. I rubbed my face with my hands, feeling the roughness of my skin and the warmth of sweat.

Desperate for tranquility, I took a deep breath, inhaling the earthy scent of the forest, grounding myself in the moment. I reminded myself that I couldn't let fear take over; instead, I needed to think clearly and find a way out of this disorienting situation.

As I focused on calming my racing nerves, the gentle sound of waves reached my ears, as if a hidden body of water was flowing nearby. I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply, allowing the cool breeze to fill my lungs.

With each slow breath, I tried to immerse myself fully in my surroundings. The soft whoosh of waves contrasted beautifully with the earthy scent of damp soil and flourishing trees, creating the impression that a serene lake or sprawling sea was just beyond my reach.

Rising to my feet, I felt an undeniable pull to follow the sound. Though my original quest was to find the elusive flower, the growing thirst in my throat became a driving force I could no longer ignore.

I began to walk toward the soothing melody of water, deliberately moving at a slow pace to avoid any clumsy noises that might shatter my concentration. After what felt like an eternity, I spotted a glimmer of blue on the horizon.

A surge of hope blossomed within me as I quickened my pace, anticipation electrifying my senses. Soon, I stood before a breathtaking sight: a tranquil lake spread out before me, its mirror-like surface reflecting the majestic mountains that loomed in the background.

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"The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea."

- By Isak Dinesen