In the old days, Princesses of War were blessed by the God of War Inr and possessed extraordinary abilities. Battle-born and blood stained, these women were the most feared women in the Meadows. But those were the old days.

Now, Princesses of War no longer have the status and prestige once bestowed upon them by Inr. Instead, many have been forced to uptake alternative futures. Some marry into other royal families while others choose futures tied to misery and pain.

Brielle chose the latter.

Many, many years ago, the green eyed princess was born to Lord Ricar under a Green Moon. Because she came out quiet, unlike her siblings, her mother named her Brielle, Inrian for one without noise. Brielle was only eleven when her mother left for the Isle, claiming her soul needed to be cleansed of the lives she claimed in the war. And without a mother and a distant father, that meant only one thing for Brielle, following the off path.

And that off path was becoming a BLOODSEEKER.

***

Initially, Brielle was not planning to attend King Kyrian’s party. She only agreed because her father wanted someone to watch her brothers, Gorst and Steed. Gorst and Steed, the twins, were the youngest Lords of War. When their father passes, it would be Steed who inherits the remaining fortunes of Inr and sit on the Council of Death.

Confident they wouldn’t cause any trouble, Brielle decided she needed a break from the loud festivities and ventured down a stoned path that led to the Garden of Orchids, a path illuminated by dozens of fireflies roaming freely. She was halfway there when she heard someone, or something, whisper Ahu Resa. Brielle immediately stopped walking and reached for the dagger that was under her red, knee length satin dress.

“Is there someone out there?” She asked, voice steady.

‘Ahu resa.’ The voice whispered again.

Brielle's eyes searched around the path.

“I should warn you. I’m no ordinary woman.” She responded, voice still steady. With her line of work, Brielle was no stranger to the Entity of Danger and Danger was no stranger to Brielle. She welcomed Danger and Danger welcomed her.

When the path fell silent once more, Brielle resumed walking. But as she did, she began to hear the sound of hissing snakes, which was odd. Snakes weren’t common in this part of Arla. But that didn’t deter her. For some reason, Brielle felt compelled to continue as if something was waiting at the end of the path for her, something that was meant for only her to find. So she kept walking.

But then she heard it again—the sound of a woman’s voice.

‘Even Death understands the Afterworld is not to be toyed.’ The voice said.

Brielle paused walking, her ears straining to hear more of the woman.

‘Those are just stories.’

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‘Why would Fer hide the truth?’

‘You were her companion’

The woman’s voice was raspy and shaky. And for Brielle, alluring. So she followed the voice…..and it led her directly to the Garden of White Orchids, where a tiny bench holding a tiny woman in the middle stood, face hidden, but presence illuminated under the moonlight.

“Are you okay, miss?” Brielle asked slowly, still holding onto the red dagger.

The woman didn’t answer but the sound of a hissing snake grew louder.

Brielle’s eyes immediately scanned the garden floor. When she didn’t see anything, her gaze returned to the woman on the bench who was no longer talking but face still hidden.

“Are you okay, miss?” Brielle asked again, inching closer.

The trees in the Garden loomed overhead, their branches intertwining and shifting as she grew closer.

“I’m no harm.” Brielle continued.

But the woman only shook her head, frustrating Brielle.

As she grew closer, she then noticed the woman had a piece of art inked on the back of her neck: intertwined, kissing snakes. Then suddenly, a branch snapped behind her, and Brielle spun around. Brielle could almost feel the presence of something watching her. Her heart quickened but there was nothing there. A sudden wind then rustled the flowers in the far left corner, and Brielle caught a glimpse of something in the corner of her eye—a purple tale with white scales. Heart racing, she attempted to follow the snake but quickly lost it in the darkness. Then the voice returned.

“You must speak louder.” The woman said, voice still raspy. “While I can feel you, my hearing could be better.”

Brielle jumped around, her gaze immediately landing on the woman who was no longer sitting. Brielle could see her clearly now. Her stone hard face and dark eyes. She was wearing a short lilac dress that hugged her waist.

“You shouldn’t be here. I don’t like to be watched.” The woman added quickly.

“Do you need help?” Brielle asked.

But the woman didn’t answer, only shaking her head.

Then suddenly, the purple snake returned and Brielle saw something she knew she would have nightmares of for the rest of her lifetime.

The purple tail snake began slowly slithering up the woman’s dress, curling itself around the woman’s limbs, hugging it tightly as it slowly crept its way towards the woman’s throat, nudging its white scaled head underneath her chin. After it did, the woman reached out and gently grabbed the snake by his head when it suddenly spoke,

‘Enter.’

Obeying, the woman closed her eyes, opened her mouth, and allowed the snake to enter.

Brielle watched in horror as she saw the snake move through the woman’s body, making its way down her throat, around it, and down her torso, its movements clearly visible under the skin. And as it did, Brielle finally realized who she stumbled upon.

“Snake whisperer.” Brielle stuttered, eyes wide.

The woman then suddenly opened her eyes, revealing v-shaped, purple colored pupils.

“You smell of oranges.” The woman whispered, then smirked. “Sweet oranges. It reminds me of Gardenia.”

Brielle’s grip tightened around her dagger.

“You don’t have to be afraid, my love. I am harmless.” The woman added, then stepped around the bench and began walking towards Brielle.

“I am just a vessel. A caretaker.” She added, her voice now smooth and clear.

“Snake whisperer.” Brielle whispered again, clearly in shock.

“I have a name, you know.” The woman laughed, standing now in front of her.

Brielle slowly stepped back and began frowning. “Why did Fate bring me to you?”

A wide grin then broke across the woman’s face, revealing a smile causing Brielle’s heart to flutter. Even at this moment, she couldn’t deny her attraction.

Brielle took another step backwards but the woman took a step forward and extended a hand.

“I’m Manar. Guardian and Caretaker of Vanar, the Land Beyond Death, Gardenia. The Devout Snake-Whisperer.”