FOREVER KNIGHTS: #9 Feral Breed

Merwood, Dread Hideout

ACHARIUS

It was the dead of night when Chastain rose from her bed. As had become her habit. Draping her wrap around her shoulders, she soundlessly exited Meredith House. Entering the woods during the blackest part of evenin. Stars twinkling overhead like diamonds on glossed black.

She’s fearless.

Hard to protect like that. Acharius had long ago vowed to keep her safe.

But Chavias…

She found the cave surprisingly easily.

He hadn’t thought she’d find it so quick by candlelight.

Her feet trailing the familiar path to where the caverns forked. Dragging her hand on the wall, recognizing familiar rocks.

The cavern opened, welcoming her. Candles’ luminescence reflecting on gilt framed portraits. Shadowing plain wooden furniture.

She found the raised bed complete with carefully folded coverlet atop it.

The room held a silence that indicated Acharius wasn’t there.

Her shoulders slumped, and her head hung. “Where are you?” She whispered.

“You’ll be here tomorrow.” She notched her chin. “Tomorrow.”

No, I won’t.

Chastain returned the following eve. Only to find the caverns still barren. Biting her cheeks, she peered into every corner. Even checking under the low cot.

When dawn fell on the fourth day she was sitting in the mouth of the cave blinking away fat tears as she stared at the ground. Her face damp from the flood of tears. As she sat there, and the last rays of sunlight touched her she lifted her face and sighed in relief.

The skin of her shoulder began to move slightly, and her gaze fell to it. Watching as a small flower gently pulled through her pores to rise up toward those rays. Her lips parted in surprise, but she made no sound.

She stared ahead with confusion written over her face. After a moment a whimper escaped her, and her face fell to her hands.

Agatha’s voice came from the gardens and Chastain slowly rose. Dusting off her skirt before meandering to it.

Agatha’s green gaze assessed her. “What is wrong with you, Girl?”

“He is my friend.” She blurted emotionally.

“I know.” Agatha’s tone softened as she moved to wrap an arm tenderly around the slim girl’s shoulders.

“I have not talked to him for days…It is strange…And painful.”

“And you feel alone.” Karina commented from where she sat on the bench.

Chastain’s eyes flew to her in the descending dark.

“I’ve been here since this afternoon waiting to see you. But you never came.”

Chastain had forgotten it was Tuesday already.

“He has rarely been away more than a day or two…What did I do to offend him so?” She was remembering that last day. How she had ripped her arm from his grip and insisted she be alone.

As the fortnight drew to an end it seemed he would never return.