Cold breeze, heavy snow, grey clouds and warm housing. The trade village of Steinfoss was quiet inside and loud and cold outside. Pine trees covered in snow and the people stayed inside for warmth. Not a single person inside their homes didn’t wear wooly coats for warmth. Although the fireplace was a source of warmth, it wasn’t enough when there’s snow all around the outside, with cold air breezing into the wooden cabins.

  A small distance from the village, into the forest, a small cozy log cabin was built, with smoke floating from the chimney.

  It was warm inside. A mix of brown and orange, giving a warm and welcoming environment. Although small, it was enough. There was a boy who lived in this cabin. An extraordinary child. He was a late teen, with the unfortunate defect of blindness, but gifted with enhanced hearing. His hair was brown and bush, most of it siding to the left. He had one long ponytail with two splits that fell down to his hip. A blanket kept him warm as he sat in front of the fire. He doesn’t eat much, but he was well-built and healthy. His name was Nikolai.

  His face seemed collected and calm, as he sat in front of the fireplace, taking a sip of coffee. He finds satisfaction when he consumes this drink.

  His hearing was as good as a bat. Nikolai could hear footsteps from a mile or two away and could listen to whispers and private discussions from the village folk, so it was constant noise. Over time, Nikolai learns to control it. He finds his peace when everyone sleeps, including the animals, and he would often stay up at night, like a nocturnal creature.

  He was known as the village freak. Steinfoss didn’t like how Nikolai was blind. As a child he was neglected and mistreated by the people he thought he could trust most. He has no one to love. He was alone.

  Nikolai never had trouble navigating himself. His hearing was so enhanced that he knew where objects were, so he could avoid them.

  His ears were filled with the sounds of fire and snow. It was starting to get windy outside. The wind started to whistle and blow. The snow was getting heavier by the minute.

  He scooched closer to the fire, as the cold air seeped through the small cracks of the cabin.

  He listened to the sounds of the snowstorm outside. But then, he heard what sounded like footsteps. It sounded like there were two of them, struggling to get past the snow. They were getting close to the cabin.

  Putting on his coat and beanie, Nikolai opened the door, and saw Matteo and Sonas. To him, they were strangers, that looked like they weren’t from around here. Matteo was holding Sonas for support, while Sonas was shivering, as if she caught a cold.

  “Come in, quickly now!” Nikolai yelled so they could hear him through the snow. Matteo and Sonas quickly rushed inside.

  Nikolai shut the door and locked it, walking into the main room of the cabin, where Matteo and Sonas were, keeping warm by the fire.

  Sonas was shivering and cold. She looked sick and pale. She sneezed.

  “Thank you, sir…” She spoke nasally.

  “Don’t mention it. I can tell you two aren’t from around here.” He smiled softly.

  “You’re blind.” Matteo observed.

  “Yes, I was born that way.” Nikolai nodded.

  Sonas sneezed again, but she felt better when in front of the fire. She warmed up, sniffling slightly. Her shivering started to subside. Matteo and Nikolai were relieved.

  Matteo was now curious. He wanted to know more about Nikolai.

  “How old are you?”

  “I’m 17 years old.”

  “Do you live alone here?”

  “Matteo!” Sonas yelled.

  “What? I was just getting to know him better!”

  “Please, Mademoiselle. He’s right. I also want to get to know you two better as well. But to answer your question, I do live alone.” Nikolai chuckles softly.

  Sonas looked at Nikolai with surprise as she heard him call her ‘Mademoiselle’. Is this guy a gentleman? Sonas thought. She was flattered by that word.

  “What the hell did you just call her?” Matteo raised his eyebrow.

  “Oh, I was just being a gentleman.”

  “You just met us and you’re already calling Sonas ‘mademoiselle’. You don’t even know if she looks pretty.”

  “Matteo! You’re being rude!” Sonas shouted his name again.

  “I’m just spitting facts!” He defends himself.

  “What? Are you jealous of him being a gentleman?”

  “Am not!”

  Nikolai, broke to two up.

  “Both of you, stop fighting!”

  The two went quiet. They knew it was stupid to continue fighting. They weren’t going to get anywhere if they continued to bicker like children. Matteo sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

  “Apologies. My mistake for offending you.”

  “It’s ok. I’m a very forgiving person. It appears we haven’t had a proper introduction. My name is Nikolai Brandali. May I ask who you two are?”

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  “I’m Matteo Salvino. I’m a hybrid.” spoke Matteo.

  Sonas was the next to speak up. She was still a bit cold from the snow.

  “And I’m Sonas Orilon.”

  “Orilon?” Nikolai’s eyes widened as he heard that surname. He knew that her voice seemed rather young and adolescent, which could only mean…

  “You’re the princess!” Nikolai shouted.

  “Yes, I am.” She nods.

  “How did you know that she was the princess?” asked Matteo.

  “There were rumors after a group of Rogues rode past the village. I have enhanced hearing, so I was able to hear their conversation.”

  “How long ago did you hear about this?” he asked again.

  “A couple days now.”

  “I see…”

  “Still, there’s something I don’t understand.”

  “What is it?”

  “How come there was no information about Sonas’ existence as princess until now?”

  Sonas looked at Nikolai. She was unsure whether or not she could tell him the full story, or keep it short.

  “It’s a rather long story, but let’s just say I was hidden away in a small peasant village.”

  “And you’re how old?”

  “15 years old.”

  “You’re 15?” Nikolai’s white eyes widened with surprise. He wasn’t expecting her to be so young.

  “What are you even doing here?”

  “Matteo’s helping me travel to Orilon. I want to reunite with my biological father.”

  “I told her that it was going to be dangerous and risky, but she bribed me and insisted. We just lost our horses and supplies.” said Matteo.

  “How did that happen?” asked Nikolai.

  “They ran off when we fell asleep. We had no choice but to walk.”

  “Where are you two coming from?”

  “Some lame ass village called “Deersheild”.” Matteo crossed his arms. He’s been acting really rude since the two entered Nikolai’s cabin.

  “Deersheild?”

  “It’s not known by many. It’s a very isolated village, with very little food. Matteo, here, was a hunter, and he was helping provide food for the village folk, even though everyone hates him.” Sonas explained.

  “Why is that?” asked Nikolai.

  “Well, first off, people don’t exactly like hybrids, and second, Matteo attacked me as a child.”

  “Don’t tell him that!!” Matteo shouts. He doesn’t want another person hating him for that incident.

  “He did that?”

  “Yeah, 8 years ago.”

  Matteo grumbles in frustration.

  “Do you forgive him for that?”

  “Kind of. I mean, it took him until yesterday to apologise.”

  “A bit late for that.”

  “That’s exactly what I said!”

  Sonas and Nikolai chuckle. They’ve only just met 5-10 minutes ago and they’re already forming a bond. Matteo huffed in annoyance.

  Nikolai looked out the window and saw the snowstorm outside.

  “The storm looks like it won’t clear until tomorrow. It’s best you two stay with me until then.”

  “Thank you for your kindness, that’s very thoughtful of you.” Sonas smiled.

  “No problem, your highness.”

  “Oh no, please don’t call me that. Just call me Sonas.”

  “Ok, Sonas. It’s a very unique name.” Nikolai states.

  Sonas smiles.

  “Ok, you two, let’s get some rest and wait for the storm to clear.” Matteo changed the subject.

  “But it’s still daylight.” Sonas spoke.

  “Doesn’t matter. You need your sleep.”

  “You can’t tell me what I can and cannot do, Matteo.”

  “I brought you on this trip, and I say, go to bed.”

  “Stop bossing me around. This is pointless.”

  “Of course your complaining is pointless! Just go to bed!”

  “Why are you telling me what to do all of a sudden?! You’re not my father!” Sonas stood up, keeping the blanket around her.

  “You’re right, I’m better than he’ll ever be! Otis deserved to die like the sick dog he was!”

  The two were in silence. Matteo stopped. He said too much. Sonas’ eyes widened. Her face filled with anger and sadness. She had never heard Matteo say something like that before. It was crazy how quickly the situation escalated. Sonas’ eyes fill with tears.

  “Do you have a bathroom, Nikolai?”

  Nikolai understood her situation. If she wants some time alone, then he’ll give it to her.

  “Yes, just the door on the left.”

  Sonas nods and rushes into the bathroom, sobbing. She shut the door.

  Matteo felt guilt wash over him. His heart ached. He felt terrible for what he just did. He just couldn’t seem to control his anger when things didn't go his way. It was just like the day the two first met. Her tears were a reminder of the way that she was treated by Matteo. There wasn’t fear in the eyes, but sadness. When Sonas was attacked by him, her eyes were tears filled with horror, as if she’d seen a monster. It was different again. He felt regret and guilt.

  Matteo stood still, and Nikolai still faced the door.

  “I’m guessing that she’s lost someone important in her life?” Nikolai spoke.

  “Yes. She did…It’s been a couple days since it happened. Then again, she is just a kid. It’s been hard for her to get over the loss.”

  “Who was he?”

  “A man she used to call her dad. He was her guardian, Otis. He kept her safe and hidden for 15 years.”

  “I see…I understand how she feels.”

  “You’ve lost someone too?”

  “It’s personal.”

  Nikolai sighed. He seemed really unhappy about being asked to share his past.

  “Can you please give me a moment with her?” He asked.

  “Alright…” Matteo nods.

  Nikolai walked closer to the bathroom door, and gently knocked, before opening the door slightly. He saw Sonas in the far corner to the right. It was a small room. She was silently sobbing, hugging her legs. She chose to ignore Nikolai entering the room.

  Nikolai took a step closer to Sonas, but he made sure to keep his distance from her.

  “I understand how painful it may be for you.” He spoke softly.

  “You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”

  “I’m not. I speak with all honesty.”

  “Who was it?”

  “Family.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. They weren’t exactly the nicest people. I should know, they raised me.”

  Sonas looked up and paid attention to Nikolai’s words. The hesitation in his voice became clear. He must’ve had an upsetting childhood.

  “Did they mistreat you?”

  Nikolai stayed silent as he heard Sonas ask him that question. It was a very sensitive subject, but he trusted her, even if they met not too long ago. He could tell from the start that she was a trusting and innocent teenager. He answered with a small silent nod, before kneeling down to her level.

  Sonas felt sympathy for Nikolai. His face was downcast. There was sadness behind those blind eyes.

  “Sometimes there are children that are less fortunate than others. I was less fortunate growing up, because I was born a blind child. My family saw me as a freak. They treated me as such.” He spoke.

  “Some people don’t understand change. A parent should be loving and supporting, no matter what the baby was born with. Did you ever feel love growing up?”

  “No, no one did. As a child I was too trusting and soft, and I ended up being judged and mistreated by other kids and village folk. Even my own parents mistreated me.”

  “Oh, you poor guy. It’s not your fault.”

  “I know.”

  “No one deserves to be treated that way for how they look and how they act. You can’t control how someone else thinks.”

  “Yes, you’re correct.”

  “Why are you telling me this?”

  “Because I know how it feels to lose someone, even if they weren’t the nicest person. It seems to be calming you down. You’re not sobbing anymore.”

  Sonas knew that Nikolai was right. She had stopped shedding tears and was more curious than sad. This new character called “Nikolai”, was her new interest. There was something about him that made her curious and interested. Was it because he was blind? Was it the behavior? She doesn’t know.

  “You intrigue me.” She said, tilting her head slightly.

  “I take that as a compliment.” Nikolai chuckles.

  The two went silent for a moment, before Nikolai spoke up.

  “Are you going to come back to the fireplace now?”

  “Alright. I’m sorry if I caused you any trouble.”

  “Not at all, princess. No need to apologize. This journey must’ve been tiring for you. Take as much time as you need to rest.”

  “You’re very kind, Nikolai. Thank you so much.”

  “No, I should be thanking you. I haven’t had company like this before.”

  Sonas smiled, standing up and nodding. Nikolai guided her out of the bathroom. Sonas saw Matteo with a guilty look in his eyes.

  “Sorry about that. I find it difficult to control my aggression. Otis must be very proud of you right now.” He apologized.

  Sonas walked up to Matteo, and gave him a big hug. That was a sign of forgiveness. Matteo was surprised by the sudden hug, but he hugged her back. Nikolai began to smile at the sight of those two