RUNAWAY FROM THE TWILIGHT WORLD
BOOK 1: NEWLY TURNED
SYNOPSIS
To escape the relentless pursuit of the Dark Lord, I agreed to marry a man I didn’t love. But his obsession with me knew no bounds, and even that couldn’t stop him.
On the night before my wedding, he kidnapped me and dragged me into another world. He made it clear that my place was now here, by his side.
But I’m determined to find a way to escape this alien world and return home…
CHAPTER 1
“Teyka, why are you just standing there like a statue?” my restless little sister called out. “Come on, let me brush out your braid!”
“I’m coming,” I muttered under my breath.
But I kept staring out the window into the darkness that sent shivers down my spine. The light from our window and the neighboring houses softened it a little, but not enough to chase it away completely. I could’ve sworn I saw a dark shadow in our yard. A familiar, chilling shape. The same shadow that had been haunting me for months now.
Sometimes, I thought I was losing my mind. How else could I explain waking up in the middle of the night, screaming, only to see a dark figure with glowing eyes looming over me? It always vanished the moment I opened my eyes, but I caught just enough of a glimpse to turn my nights into the worst kind of torture imaginable.
Other times, I’d spot that shadow outside the window or in the yard when I stepped out at dusk. Though lately, I’d stopped going outside altogether. My friends couldn’t understand why I didn’t join them for evening strolls anymore. I couldn’t even explain it properly myself.
Mom was worried, too. Her once cheerful, lively daughter had been replaced by someone else entirely. She even called in a healer to ward off any possible evil eye. I only told the truth to that grim, silent old woman whom everyone in our village feared. I figured someone who saw more than ordinary folks wouldn’t laugh at my crazy ramblings.
And I was right. The healer listened carefully to my jumbled story. Then she said something that made my blood run cold:
“An evil spirit is after you, girl. You need to be careful. Don’t step foot outside at night or in the evening. Inside the house, you’ve got protective charms and the image of the Bright God. They’ll keep you safe. But out in the yard, nothing can save you. Except maybe this.” She handed me a small pouch with herbs sewn inside. On the rough fabric was an embroidered protective symbol. “Carry it with you. Better yet, tie it on a string and keep it close to your heart. It’ll ward off evil spirits.”
I did exactly as she instructed and felt a little more at ease. Still, I couldn’t help myself. I pressed her for more answers:
“Why would an evil spirit even want me?”
“You’re young, beautiful. Ruining someone like you is their greatest pleasure,” the healer said, offering little comfort. “But there’s another way to rid yourself of this curse for good.”
I leaned in, hanging on her every word, my eyes locked on her weathered face.
“Tell me, please! I’ll do anything for you!”
After a dramatic pause, the healer finally spoke:
“You need to get married. As soon as possible! Once an evil spirit knows you’ve been with a man, it’ll leave you alone.”
“Married?” I echoed, flustered.
My heart sank. I was only seventeen. I hadn’t even had my fill of carefree days yet. Sure, I had plenty of suitors, but I didn’t feel anything for any of them. Deep down, I dreamed of something else. Love. The kind you read about in fairy tales—passionate and all-consuming. I dreamed of a man I’d love, and in my wildest fantasies, he was always a lord. If anyone in the village found out, they’d laugh me out of town. A lord, for a peasant’s daughter? Ridiculous! But in dreams, even a simple girl like me could imagine such things.
Of course, I never told anyone about it. Not even my sister, though she’s a master at prying secrets out of me. Despite being two years younger, Verika’s sharp as a tack. She should’ve been in school, learning to read and write. But Dad wouldn’t hear of it. He always said, “Reading’s not a woman’s business.” He couldn’t read himself and thought a farmer didn’t need to.
Verika and I secretly went to the potter, who’d lived in the city once and learned to read and write there. At first, he refused to teach us, but my sister could talk a stone into moving. So, we learned our letters and read every book in the village.
I’m sure Verika could do so much more. It’s a shame she wasn’t born a boy. Then maybe Dad would’ve let her go to the city and apprentice with someone. With her brains, she could’ve gone far!
As for me, I wasn’t exactly reaching for the stars. I knew I’d have to marry eventually, so I learned household chores. In the evenings, I’d sing and dance with my friends. But secretly, I still dreamed of a different, brighter life—one I’d probably never see.
And now, I had to forget about my carefree girlhood altogether. Otherwise, that cursed shadow would ruin me for good. I barely recognized myself in the mirror anymore. I’d gotten so thin, with dark circles under my eyes. My gaze was haunted, like I expected to see Death itself staring back at me any second. Which wasn’t far from the truth. That shadow would be the end of me sooner or later—unless I listened to the healer.
Thankfully, I had enough sense to take her advice. So, I started looking for a future husband.
I approached it seriously. Verika helped, and she wouldn’t let me half-ass anything. Together, we evaluated my suitors from every angle. There were three decent guys worth considering. The rest weren’t worth a kind word—too flighty, with nothing but air in their heads. If it came down to marriage, they’d bolt at the first chance.
Verika was pushing hard for Donat, the village headman’s son. “What’s not to like about him as a fiancé?” she’d say. “Everyone respects him because of his father. He’s got money. And he’s serious, not some playboy.” All true, sure. But the guy was ugly as sin! Maybe that’s why he was so serious. His face looked like it’d been hacked out with an axe. His teeth were so crooked and yellow, I felt sick just imagining kissing him. Spend my whole life with that? No way! I told Verika she could have him if she liked him so much. Who knows, by the time she’s old enough, he might still be single. She made a face like she’d bitten into a sour cranberry and firmly crossed Donat off the list.
The second guy, Edur, was the blacksmith’s son. Now, the Bright God hadn’t skimped on looks with this one. Tall, broad-shouldered, the picture of health! Sure, his face was plain, but his blue eyes were clear and bright, and his hair shone like honey in the sun. Plenty of village girls had their eyes on him. But the guy was dumb as a post! Even our local giggler, Ulpia—who’s got the brains of a chicken—seemed smart next to him. My overactive imagination, which I’m starting to think will be my downfall, painted a vivid picture of life with a man like that. Pure horror! There’d be nothing to talk about. I’d have to make every decision for him. No way! I rejected him, too. Verika tried to convince me for a bit, saying it might be nice to have a husband who’d do whatever I said. But I wouldn’t budge.
That left the third guy, Kney. As the saying goes, when there’s no fish, even a crawdad will do. He was ordinary, quiet, and hardworking. Serious and responsible. Not handsome, but not hideous either. His face was unremarkable but pleasant, with chestnut hair and gray eyes. He’d hinted more than once that he had serious intentions toward me. So, after a bit more thought, Verika and I settled on him.
We didn’t drag our feet. The moment I let Kney know I wasn’t opposed to the idea, he sent matchmakers right away. The engagement was settled quickly, and we didn’t put off the wedding for long. We decided to have it in three months.
So, tomorrow, I’ll be a married woman, and today marks the last of my carefree days as a girl. I stuck my tongue out spitefully at the shadow that might be watching me right now and muttered:
“Take that, you evil spirit!”
For a moment, I thought I saw bright red eyes flash in the darkness. With a gasp, I stumbled back from the window.
I headed over to the girls waiting for me. By tradition, on the night before a wedding, each of them had to help unbraid and comb out my hair. It was said to bring them luck in finding a husband. And for a village girl, what could be more important? So, tonight, our room—mine and Verika’s—was packed with the whole gaggle of girls. Verika, as usual, took charge. Just give her the reins, and she’s off!
My sister grabbed my hand and dragged me to a chair they’d set up. She sat me down with all the ceremony of a queen. They placed a candle and a mirror in front of me so I could see myself, as tradition demanded. Then the girls started singing a traditional wedding song, so mournful it made my heart ache even more. No matter how much I tried to stay upbeat, I didn’t want to get married. I didn’t love my fiancé, even if I didn’t find him repulsive.
I remembered how Verika kept saying, “You’ll get used to him, and love will come.” I sighed heavily. What choice did I have? I just wondered if the healer was wrong. Would the evil spirit leave me alone after I got married? And if it didn’t? No, better not think about that, or I’d burst into tears.
“Man, Teyka, you’re so pretty!” I heard Ulpia’s envious voice as she started unbraiding my long black hair.
“You’re not bad yourself,” I said with a shrug.
If anyone had no right to complain, it was her! Blonde, blue-eyed, with a great figure and a sweet face. She had just as many admirers as I did. And now, mine would probably start chasing after her.
I glanced gloomily at my reflection and, for the first time, saw myself as if from the outside. Was I really beautiful? I was so used to my own face that it didn’t seem special. Oval-shaped, tanned, which made my green eyes stand out even more. Paired with my black hair, I looked like a witch from the fairy tales—the kind that drives men mad and brings death. I grimaced at the comparison. What kind of nonsense pops into my head? A witch, really! If I were one, I could fend off any evil spirit myself! And anyway, what’s the point of beauty if I’m just going to give it all to a man I don’t love and hide it under a headscarf, as a married woman should? No more showing off my braid at dances or wearing bright dresses. I sighed heavily again.
It’s different for the nobles! I saw one once, when I was bringing lunch to Dad in the fields as usual. A lady passed by our village in a carriage. Her delicate hand, clearly untouched by labor, was extended out the window. I noticed a ring on her finger, so she was definitely married. But her dress—oh, it was scandalous! Shoulders bare, even part of her chest showing. I was stunned by the sight. And her hair? Not a headscarf in sight. It was styled so elaborately on her head, way fancier than any flower crowns our village girls could weave. She looked so confident, so superior, like the whole world was made just for her.
Ever since then, I’ve dreamed of riding through the village like that someday, with some wide-eyed girl staring after me in awe. Of course, I’d never admit to such sinful thoughts. Instead, I loudly criticized that woman when I described the scene in detail to my friends and sister. They eagerly agreed with me, but I could see the envy in their eyes, too.
In our backwoods village, seeing travelers like that was a big event. It’d be talked about for ages, with new details added each time. Though there was one such encounter I never breathed a word about to anyone. I was too ashamed to even think about that man!
Ulpia tugged too hard on my hair. I yelped and snapped back to reality.
“Trying to leave me bald or what?” I grumbled, and another girl took her place, looking a bit embarrassed.
My friends fussed over my braid for so long I could barely sit still. They must’ve run the comb through my now-loose hair a hundred times. Were they that eager to follow in my footsteps? I smiled bitterly. May the Bright God spare you, girls! Better to live your carefree, happy lives as long as you can than marry a man you don’t love.
The singing gave way to the usual chatter, which I barely listened to. I perked up a little only when one of the girls, Rena—plain, redheaded, and freckled—brought up my fiancé:
“Wow, Teyka, you’re so lucky! Snagging a guy like that!”
“Lucky? Who’s the lucky one here?” Verika jumped to my defense right away.
“Yeah, don’t burst from jealousy!” another friend teased with a grin. “Everyone knows you’ve had your eye on Kney, Rena!”
The redhead turned scarlet, her freckles blending into one big blotch. I almost felt sorry for her. That’s how it is sometimes. What’s happiness for one person is almost a punishment for another.
My mood soured completely, and I stood up decisively. Not too politely, I told the girls I was tired and really needed some sleep. But they teamed up and sat me back down.
“We haven’t done the fortune-telling yet!” Ulpia reminded me. “So, hang on a little longer!”
Ugh… Fortune-telling, on top of everything! I’ve had enough dealings with the supernatural lately. But there was no getting out of it. Their faces were set. They wouldn’t let me go without the ritual.
They left me alone in front of the mirror while they huddled by the walls, afraid to interfere. Following the pre-wedding custom, I stared into the mirror without blinking and began chanting the ritual words:
“Mirror, mirror, reveal your secrets! Become a window to another world for me. A world where paths to the past and future cross. You, who’ve seen me as a foolish child, see me now as a young woman, and will see me as a mature woman and an old crone. Show me what my life will be after marriage! Open a window to the unknown, even for a moment!”
I could hear the girls breathing unevenly, caught up in the solemnity of the moment. I was both scared and hopeful that the mirror might actually show me what lay ahead.
I’d been at rituals like this before, when others got married. Each time, the girls would share what they’d seen during the fortune-telling. I knew most of them were probably lying through their teeth to impress everyone. But I so wanted to believe that on the night before a wedding, a mirror could truly reveal your future!
If I don’t see anything, I’ll just have to make something up, I thought. Why not? Am I any worse than the others? I didn’t want to embarrass myself on such an important day.
When the mirror’s surface seemed to ripple, like water disturbed by a pebble, I didn’t believe my eyes at first. No, I must be imagining things! I’d gone so long without blinking that spots were dancing in my vision. Still, I was too afraid to close my eyes even for a second. I stared into the mirror with bated breath, waiting for a miracle.
In a fleeting moment, I no longer saw my own reflection. Instead, there was darkness—black and endless, sending chills down my spine.
Then, out of that impenetrable void, two bright red flames flared up, piercing straight into my soul!
I screamed, knocking the mirror off the table, and jumped to my feet. My whole body was shaking. I clamped a hand over my mouth, stifling the new screams trying to break free.
The terrified girls rushed over to me, shaking me, asking questions, trying to calm me down. I just stared blankly at the mirror lying on the floor, unable to stop trembling.
“The mirror broke,” Rena’s hollow voice cut through the chaos. “That’s not a good sign… A bad omen.”
“Shut up!” Verika snapped at her harshly. “Can’t you see Teyka’s already a mess? Sis, what did you see? Tell us! Was it something bad?”
I turned my wide, horrified eyes to her and tried to speak, but I couldn’t. My lips wouldn’t move, wouldn’t part. What could I even say? That I saw something black and incomprehensible, followed by two red flames? They’d think I’d lost my mind. And if I mentioned the evil spirit that’s been stalking me for months, they’d probably run for a priest to exorcise demons from me—or worse. Thankfully, Verika sensed my state and took charge:
“Alright, that’s enough with the rituals! Teyka really needs to rest. Can’t you see what’s happening to her? She’ll tell us tomorrow if she wants to.”
The girls started saying goodbye reluctantly, casting curious glances my way. Once I’d calmed down a little, I managed to force out:
“Yeah, sorry, girls. I’ll tell you everything tomorrow.”
Tomorrow… If only I’d known then where I’d be by tomorrow and how reckless it was to make such promises…