FOREVER KNIGHTS: #15 Insatiable Beasts

Rosewynn Manor, Outside Meadowbrook, Grier

DERAGAN

Deragan had heard her pacing above the last few nights. He worried about her. His fingers tapping the wooden armrest of his chair. But hearing her brisk pace coming down the steps he knew she was joining him with a purpose to be coming down in the dead of night now.

“What am I?” She blurted as she wove around the table. Fingers skimming the sur-face.

My wife. Was his immediate answer. He stood to await her brisk approach. Wondering briefly if she would slap him. Her walk and tone were dark with frustration.

“Deragan.” She whispered remembering what he’d said.

His boots grated on the wood floor as he took a couple steps to meet her. Stopping as he met her. His hand dropping to the back of a chair as he gripped one corner. Reminding himself. Don’t crunch it.

He was trying not to touch her. So tempted to catch her waist and pull her against him. Consume her. Kiss her, hold her, love her.

Treat her as my wife.

The wood creaking as it groaned at the objection of being gripped so hard was an indicator it was close.

Dammit.

“I don’t know how to explain that to yet.” He sighed. “You’ve read it and you know. But you won’t understand it from my lips.”

She looked crestfallen. Brows folding and drawing together in her sadness.

“But I have a gift.”

I’ve kept them safe for you.

Nodding hesitantly made his stance relax.

Rolling his shoulders, he jerked his arms and rolled his hands up. Curling his fingers as though gripping orbs. Swirling up around him, the blue flakes rose and shot toward the ceiling in a spray which rained down in a light blue shroud. As the last one sifted down to touch her nose, her body spasmed.

Bile rose as her body cracked brutally. A slight burning began in her shoulder blades and suffused her in heat.

She clutched a chairback as burning pain erupted along her back. She bent over huffing against the pain.

He crouched to be face level. “I should’ve warned you of the pain. I’m sorry but please try to be quiet. So, we don’t scare your brothers.”

She closed her eyes against another wave of pain.

Deragan lifted her chin with his fingertips. “Look at me, Sweetheart. Open your eyes.” He urged.

She peeled them open and stared into his dark blue ones. Which seemed to move inward like water. And somehow the pain eased.

“Breathe through your nose.” He showed her. “Slow down the air.”

She obeyed. Peeking at him through the fall of her hair.

Pain bit into her sides and a tingling like someone tracing strings over her back emerged. Feeling everything settle, she stared at him until the queasiness eased. A burst of energy helped her rise. As she did, something brushed her cheek.

“Stay calm.” He said soothingly. Sensing her raising panic.

She’s afraid.

She twisted and saw it was white and covered in feathers. She tried to escape it by leaning back. But it moved with her. She grabbed it and pulled. Feeling another slap around from the other side. Yanking on it resulted in intense pain in her shoulder.

Don’t do that! You’ll hurt yourself.

“Careful!” Deragan grabbed her elbows and steadied her. “Nora, please.”

She reached to grab it again as it fluttered past her but Deragan swatted her hand.

“You’re going to damage them or hurt yourself.”

“What is it?” She demanded. Turning to catch it resulted in her being slapped in the face by the other one. Finally, her shoulders slumped. “Are they attached?”

A dimple appeared in his cheek. “Yes.”

“This isn’t funny.” She gave a disapproving glare.

“Of course. They’re your wings.” That matter-of-fact tone.

“What?” She sounded hysterical.

“They’re yours. I’m giving them back.”

I’ve held onto them long enough.

Blinking rapidly, she stared at him in horror.

Chuckling he explained. “You told me to keep them safe until you were ready for them again.”

She shook her head adamantly. “I am not ready.”

Yes, you are.

“You’ll remember.” He said confidently.

She gave him an uncomprehending look.

Caressing a hand over the ridge of a wing he smiled softly at her.

Her face reviewed her startle at how pleasant it felt.

After smoothing the feathers, he brushed her hair back from her cheeks and cupped her face in his palm. Speaking with such certainty she was nearly convinced. “It’ll be alright.”

She reared back and heard the snap of feathers.

Deragan was thrown against a wall. Leaned over he struggled to catch his breath.

She moved to help him, but the tip of the other wing caught him in the face.

“Back woman! Off!” He laughingly warded her away. Straightening he added with a grin. “Learn to use them before you go showing them off.”

Raw horror on her face made him laugh harder. “I’m kidding. I jest.”

“Make them go away!” She cried. Stomping.

Composing himself, he stepped forward. “Close your eyes and imagine them slip-ping under your skin and folding down your side.”

It will tuck them back away.

“Will it hurt?”

He shook his head.

She did it. Feeling nothing. Opening her eyes, she looked around her and found they were gone.

As I said they would be. He was so close she could smell his sandalwood and rain scent. Warmth filled Deragan’s blue eyes as he watched her.

She envisioned those eyes surrounded by huge black scales. “Is all of this your fault?”

Something that looked like hurt entered his eyes.

“I’m sorry.” She backed up a step and fled up the stairs.

He stood motionless. Watching her go. Dark hair shining in the unlit Dining Hall and blue eyes dark with intelligence.