FOREVER KNIGHTS: #9 Feral Breed

Something new entered the woods. Veering toward the river edged in snow. The animal rose from the other side, huffing with each sleek landing before launching itself again.

Coming into view, it veered in her direction. Cutting through trees at a geometric rate. Following the sound of her furied heartbeats and then her voice as she cried out asking what it was. Leaves blew off trees as it passed, a blur of silken black fur.

Even before summoned by his captain’s fearful cry it’d heard the fairies’ fearful chimes ringing in his ears. Alerting him he was needed. And like the guardian he was, he came in on quiet paws with all the contained violence of a thunderstorm.

The tiny fairy’s desperation rose into alarm bells in his ears. Following the Cimmerii and alerting him to its location even faster then his nose could lead him.

Never far away when needed, he now sealed the gap. Brown leaves swirled around him pouring from the trees. The soft pad of his paws barely crunched over those already fallen. Bells tinkled like raindrops. Only his smooth breaths marred perfect silence. Gold eyes picked her image from the trees.

Swinging his head, the other way Sebastian caught sight of the Cimmerii…And attacked.

Paralyzed, Nora watched the black creature crouch and surge into the air. Drawing a deep breath, she refused to scream for help.

Something else crashed through trees viciously tearing branches loose. Roaring as it burst from the brush. The giant feline slammed into the larger beast.

Nora stumbled back, fell once, then desperately climbed to her feet. She put a hand to her aching chest and finally drew a breath.

The animals were rolling and snarling as they broke a path of destruction through Phalanx Forest.

Nora emerged into the clearing at a run. Blonde hair a banner behind her. Struggling for air through a constricted throat. She collapsed to her knees.

Behind her the beasts quieted.

Rising on shaking legs she looked back. Jaw dropping, she met the gold gaze of a man. Though his face was shadowed in dark trees she sensed he was no threat.

His presence was strangely familiar. Tawny hair escaped from the tether at the back of his head. His flimsy shirt was ripped and bloodied. He yanked a ripped piece of his sleeve around his arm and cinched it tight with his teeth. Look steady on her. Warning her. Bloody and dirty he stood so still he seemed unearthen.

“What are you?” She whispered.

Once finished and tucking the binding with his other hand he gave her a slight nod and a sudden smile that would’ve sent Anna panting. Hands in pockets, he strolled away whistling. Shouldering branches as he comfortably meandered the forest.

Once from view, Bast hopped on one leg and lunged into the form of the panther. Whistle fading as another sound rose.

The panther’s cry. Deragan recognized. Breathing easing as he saw Nora was safe. Sebastian had gotten there on time.

Bless your soul, Protector. Deragan hadn’t even realized his soul was screaming for Bast.

Bast’s steps in the woods became fast again as he headed back to WaterRose.

Nora stumbled over her own feet as she made her way to the house on shaking legs.Unaware that behind her the body of a Cimmerii Targue dulled into the corpse of what’d once been a man.

A redheaded Grier Guardsman.

Mac. Deragan recognized dully. From where he stood in the cave entrance.

Bast met him there and Deragan gave him a thankful look. “I-”

Couldn’t get to her. If you hadn’t…

“No need.” Bast lifted a staying hand. “A few day’s rest would be thanks enough.”

“But-”

“You’re my Captain. And she is The Fallen.” Bast shook his head. “I’d easily give my life for either.”

Yes, you would. You offered it long, long ago. Deragan’s nod was solemnly returned before Bast walked on.

Nora needed the solace of her room.

She’s forgotten the food. Deragan grimaced as he stared up at her window. Everything she sold her mother’s ring for is back in the carriage.

And her tutelage work. Which was scattered within the carriage during the wreck.

Nora bit back a sob until a trickle of blood moistened it. Thinking she’d gone to town, sold the ring…All for nothing. With the carriage crashed in the woods she and her siblings wouldn’t be able to get the goods until morning.

“So stupid.” She expostulated. Small hands fisting. She fell to her knees just inside the mansion door. Her head pounded from hitting the back of it against the carriage when it’d stopped. And her calf was bleeding under her skirt.

Are you okay? The voice whispered.

Nora rose on shaking legs. “I’m going crazy…Are you even talking to me?”

She’s wondering if she imagines my voice. Not what I intended.

She struck out like a wounded animal. “You’ve had no desire to speak to me lately.” She weakly reached for the banister. Sighing as she stared up the stairs that seemed to go on forever.

Nora…

“What?”

All that isn’t true.

Her brother’s voices rose. “Nora!”

Clumsily climbing the stairs, she ignored her brothers’ calls as she made her way to her chamber.

Rushing after her, Beth held out Samantha.

Nora could only look at the doll dumbly before continuing mechanically up the stairs. Nora crawled onto her bed and folded into a ball crying.

Deragan felt like he was dying inside. The smell of every salty tear and the sound of every stifled whimper was wrenching. Making him feel incredibly helpless. He wanted to run through all the doors to get to her, to hold her.

But it’d only frighten her. He paced under her window.