by Shen Hart
Large rough hands grabbed me around the scruff of my neck and pulled me backwards towards the door. Ryan growled but stayed close to me. Once I could see again, I saw that we were being escorted by four large draconics, their heads almost brushing against the high ceiling and their shoulders rubbing against the stone walls. They were easily three times as big as me, their skin a mix of black and deep purple scales. Their eyes were the colour of old yellowed paper, and their dense black claws dug into the back of my neck.
"Give us a good fight, we have some big bets on you two."
His voice was gruff and deep, entirely devoid of emotion. We rounded a corner to see the pit. It was smaller than I'd expected.
We entered a large round room with tiered seating along two walls and a cage in the middle. It was only the size of the living room at home. The floors were soft white sand. I wondered how often they had to completely replace that. The thing that confused and worried me was the set of pitch-black metal doors at the back of the cage, two of them. That suggested that whatever we were fighting wasn't entirely under their control. It wouldn't be entering willingly, and it wasn't being dragged there from another cell like we were.
I looked around the room. The only exit, other than the one we’d just walked through, was guarded by a pair of particularly surly-looking draconics. A fat human-looking man with a bulbous nose and small toad-like eyes sat in the middle of the seating on his own raised white seat with a higher back, almost like a cheap white throne. Around him were sat a collection of creatures, from smaller draconics, a couple of banshees, a siren or two, to a number of hellhounds and their demon masters. They all sat and watched us, some with a look of disgust, others with sadistic anticipation.
The toad-like man leered at us. "I do love watching shifters try and fight."
It was as they shoved us through the doorway into the cage that I missed my aspects. I couldn't hold it back any longer. I couldn't repress the feeling that I wasn't whole. My aspects were still there within me, just locked away in small boxes. I felt dull, empty, and in that brief, agonising moment, lost.
Ryan looked to me, his teeth bared, but he couldn't hide the sweet scent of fear.
I stood tall and put my shoulders back. "Remember everything we taught you back at home. I will do my best to protect you, and we will get out of here. Do you trust me?"
I didn't know how I was going to fulfil that, but I was going to give it everything I had. My best hope was to kill whatever came out of those doors and run out the exit between the draconic guards. I hoped it would give us time to get out into the complex and fight our way out. It was weak, but I had nothing else.
One of the draconics threw two dull short swords at us. "Make it interesting."
With that, he sat down near the bulbous-nosed man and a small chime rang out. I put myself slightly in front of Ryan and to the side. I wanted to protect him. An unearthly howl cut through the air. It was quickly followed by the metal doors rattling as something threw itself against them. The distinct acrid, musty scent of fenrath filled the air. Of all the things, it had to be them.
I quickly said to Ryan, "Their claws are poisonous. Kill them quickly. Aim for the throat and the eyes."
His eyes went wide, but I didn't have a chance to address his concerns. The doors opened, and two fenrath charged us. Their burnt-orange eyes bored into mine as they ran on all fours straight at us. Their shoulders were level with mine, corded muscles rippled under their coarse, dense fur. Their long, yellowed teeth were exposed as their black lips were pulled back in a sickening grin. They were the closest thing to what humans called a lycanthrope. The long slightly pointed muzzle was reminiscent of a wolf’s, and thick pitch-black claws adorned each of their toes on large canid paws. The temperament was closer to a honey badger.
It took them no more than three steps to be on us. I twisted to one side, the fenrath slipping in the sand, trying to twist after me, its long legs becoming tangled as it landed on its side near me. I dove forwards and sank the dull blade down through the coarse slate-grey fur into its neck. It snarled and twisted, trying to snap and claw at me. I danced away and plunged my blade into its ribs before it had a chance to get its legs under it again.
I glanced over at Ryan to see him facing down his fenrath. It towered over him at some seven and a half feet as it stood up on its back legs. He tried to slice at its pale grey stomach, but the fenrath swiped at him. I focused back on my own fenrath. I had to have faith in Ryan.
The fenrath I was fighting had its hind legs under itself and was pushing up into a standing position with its front legs. I took the risk of its jaws and slammed into its shoulder, using my weight to drive the blade into its neck. It yowled as it fell and remained down. The man clapped quietly, giving him a false sense of dignity. The rest of the crowd, however, exploded. The eruption of noise reverberated around the room. It was almost deafening and overwhelming. I refocused and looked through the heavy black bars at him and snarled. He was smiling as though watching the ballet, a restrained little smile with lines around his small dark eyes.
I focused back on the scene I was in the middle of. Ryan had managed to slash the fenrath's hocks, taking it down to the ground. I didn't have a chance to help him finish it, as another fenrath tore into the ring. That was not what I had hoped for. I cursed the Sisters. How dare they allow this to happen? Ryan finished his fenrath quickly, and we worked as a team for a few minutes before yet another fenrath appeared. The bodies were mounting and making things even more difficult. Adding to that was the fact that we were starting to grow tired. Days locked away without proper food had left their mark. Our movements were becoming slower as we danced around the fenrath, trying to get behind them and slash at their legs to reduce their movement without tripping over the corpses of their brethren.
Ryan howled in pain as the fenrath raked its claws through his shoulder. I didn't think. I had to protect him. I dove forwards and drove my blade into its stomach just above its hip. It dropped down to the floor alongside me but twisted and snapped at me. Its teeth grazed my upper arm as I wasn't quite quick enough, but I'd forgotten its friend. I felt searing heat down my back, and the agonising pain clouded my vision for a second. Ryan shouted, and I heard a growl from the fenrath at my back. The poison was fast acting. Our movements were drastically slower, and my vision began to go white around the edges. I forced myself to focus. I had to get Ryan out. I stood as quickly as I was able, finding myself a little wobbly on my feet.
The fenrath lunged at Ryan. I leapt on it and sank my thumbs into its eyes. It wasn’t the time for grace or elegance. The warm gooey substance was somehow satisfying as it coated my thumb. It was black and viscous, a clear reminder of my success in wounding the beast. That left the beast on its knees where it had collapsed under my weight and force, while also being blind and incredibly pissed off. My lapse in focus from the black viscous contents of its eyes was all it needed. Its long teeth sank into my shoulder while its claws cut into my thigh. I took a deep breath and put all I had left into driving my blade down into its neck while Ryan hacked at its throat. It slumped to the ground in front of us. I took a deep breath and forced myself to continue standing. I would not fail Ryan. I was vaguely aware of the sound of shouting, clattering metal and thundering footsteps, but I focused entirely on the door where the fenrath would emerge. I rooted my feet to the ground, held a wide stance and prepared for the next fenrath. I would not fail Ryan.
I kicked aside the most recent corpse at my feet and stood in front of Ryan. His breathing was laboured, and he was struggling to remain upright. The next fenrath was more cautious than its predecessors had been. It walked out of the left door and paused for a moment as it looked at me, then behind me. I ignored the commotion behind me. I couldn't afford to lose focus again. My knees were growing weaker, but there was one left. I would get him out. It bared its teeth and pounced. It didn't reach us, though; two tall men sank swords into its chest. Straight into its heart. I recognised them. I knew
the smell of pine on a snow-covered day. I just couldn't remember. Ryan's eyes closed, and he dropped to his knees. No. He couldn't. I wouldn't fail him. I sank down next to him and pulled his arm up over my shoulders. I'd carry him out. I had to.
My muscles wouldn't hold me any longer. My vision went black and I felt the soft caress of the sand beneath me. I thought I felt a pair of strong arms carrying me away. I hoped it was somewhere nice. I was ready for a break from everything, from being Wyrd Bound. I deserved that, didn't I?
Chapter Three
The veil of blackness began to lift. My entire body felt like it was on fire. Every nerve screamed in agony. Thoughts refused to form in my mind as the pain consumed me. Slowly, a cool soothing feeling crept over me. Air came easier to my lungs. Thoughts started filtering in, and voices surrounded me. The people around me, and I had to assume that was what they were, were more blurred shapes than anything. I caught the scent of fresh pine on a snowy day again and tried to remember where I knew that from. Then it hit me. The last waking moment, my last memory. Ryan! I peered at the smudges and tried to make some sense of the words being spoken. I needed to know if Ryan was ok. I couldn’t have broken my promise to him. He needed to be ok.
My tongue felt as though it were wrapped in sandpaper, but I had to try. It refused to do as it was told and resulted in me making ugly noises rather than the words that so desperately wanted to escape. A cool glass found its way to my lips. I drank slowly, enjoying the cold liquid running down my parched throat before I tried again. My tongue fought against me, but finally it formed the words. The responding words were starting to make a bit more sense. They seemed to be confused and questioning. I tried again. I was greeted with silence, but a smudge became a little clearer. It was a male. He knelt by my bed and looked into my face. He had pale green eyes. It had to be Ryan, I hoped it was Ryan. I closed my eyes and tried to force my brain to work properly. It was becoming infuriating.
Fire shot up my spine and my eyes snapped open. Something shattered within me, and everything became clear.
“Thalia, you shouldn’t have done that. You always did push too hard, bloody furball, you’ll break yourself and undo all of my hard work.”
I blinked a few times and looked up at Ark’s big brown eyes before I offered him a lopsided grin. His attempt at a scowl faded away before he patted me on the head. Ryan was kneeling by the bed. I slowly moved my hand, which caused a deep pain to swell in my shoulder. I groaned, and grumbled under my breath. Ryan was kind enough to place his hand on mine as he smiled, a soft smile. I couldn’t help but notice that his eyes were slightly damp.
“I was worried about you, there, T.”
I smiled. “It’s much harder than that to get rid of me. Bigger and better beings have tried. Many times.”
Part of me wished that statement had been an exaggeration, but such was my role in life. I was almost fearful to close my eyes again. I didn’t want to be lost to the blackness, but Ark gave me no choice.
All I got was, “I’m not finished. This is delicate work. Now be a good kitty and sleep.”
I got no choice in the matter. My muscles relaxed, my eyes closed of their own accord, and I slipped away.
~*~ ~*~
I snapped to. My eyes flew open, but hands held me down against the bed, stopping my reflex to sit bolt upright.
I heard Ark muttering, “She always was a nuisance to heal.”
I gulped down air and tried to calm myself. I had no memories, no recollection of what had put me in that state. That only made it worse. I breathed deep and the scent of snow-covered pine surrounded me. It formed a comforting blanket around me. My heart rate eased, and I opened my eyes. I looked straight into Lee’s jade-green eyes. His mouth was set in a soft frown, and unfamiliar creases sat on his brow. I glanced down to find his hand squeezing mine gently. I offered him the best smile I could.
He sighed and kissed my forehead. “I was so worried, Suriel.”
“As I said to Ryan, it takes much more than that to get rid of me. You should know that by now.”
The corner of his mouth flickered in a vague semblance of a smile. He remained kneeling by the bed, carefully watching my face. He glanced behind me for a split second, which shifted my focus. I became aware of a strong arm draped over my ribs and a head nestled against my neck.
“Welcome back, Baby Girl.”
I didn’t know what to say or think. The thoughts remained jumbled in my mind. I tensed against him for a moment. It had been a very long time since I’d allowed him so close, yet I felt as though I needed it. The conflict wasn’t good for me.
Ark appeared on the periphery of my vision. “They’ve both been here the entire time. They refused to move. They didn’t even try and kill each other. I wish they hadn’t insisted on getting under my feet quite as much, though…”
He shot a glare at Lee and Alex. I tried to laugh, but it came out closer to a raspy cough. My elf never would change, and I was glad of it.
“How long was I out?”
Ark looked away and sighed softly before he looked back at me. “About ten days. I had to put you back together using some very delicate techniques. You had everyone worried. You always did have to be the centre of attention.”
He grinned at me, but the creases around his eyes refused to budge. I must have been in worse shape than I knew.
From somewhere behind Ark, Ryan said, “Ark’s epic! I had no idea that healing was so complicated and cool. He was weaving these intensely complicated sigils and he was digging around in your energies where he sewed you back together. Then he made this energy construct that kept your body going, like a human drip would but far better. It was amazing.”
Ark laughed quietly, and a hint of pink crept across his cheeks.
I ran Ryan’s words back through my mind again trying to piece it all together before I said, “You had to go completely into my energies?”
That was an incredibly risky move, for both the healer and the patient. It was delicate. I didn’t know many details, just that it left Ark exhausted and put his own life at risk. I realised the hot pain and sudden clarity I had last time must have been the construct shattering.
Ark shrugged and threw me a big grin, one that didn’t reach his eyes. “Ah, it was nothing.”
I tried to raise my eyebrow, but apparently my body wasn’t ready to cooperate properly. It felt as though it budged a little.
Lee brought my focus back to him when he brushed his thumb over my cheek. “You shouldn’t do these things you know.”
I scowled at him and felt Alex tense at my back. A quiet growl rumbled in Alex’s throat, but he didn’t say anything. I leaned into Lee’s hand.
“I’m fine. You know as well as I do that I’ve done much worse.”
He glanced away and wouldn’t meet my gaze. “That doesn’t stop me from worrying.”
I squeezed his hand. He never had been very good at talking about his feelings, and it had been such a long time. I understood why the Sisters had separated us. We had grown too attached to our predatory nature. We had moved away from the balance and embraced the chaos and darkness too much. We’d grown and changed since then.
Alex brushed his lips over my ear, “Are you hungry, Baby Girl?”
The hackles rose on the back of my neck. I was beginning to feel as though he was taking advantage of my weakened state. I sighed softly and pushed those thoughts away. He meant no harm. Everyone bar Lee and Alex left the room, apparently anticipating something. Lee ran his fingers over my wrist while Alex remained at my back, patiently waiting for me to reply. My stomach answered for me. I had to assume I hadn’t eaten in ten or eleven days, and I knew Ark would lecture me if I didn’t eat. My mind flashed back to the cold meat that I’d lived on while I was down in the pit. I curled my lip and pushed it away. It was over and done with.
I simply nodded, to which Alex said, “Lee, be a good boy and get Thalia some of that chicken soup.”
I didn’t appreciate the display
of dominance, particularly given I was literally in the middle, but I let it slide. It was Alex’s home, after all. He was alpha. Lee was in very dangerous territory and had to be on his best behavior. An alpha’s home is sacred and treated with the utmost respect. Lee kissed my cheek tenderly. I felt his gaze on Alex behind me. I didn’t have the strength to argue or put either of them in their place. He tensed and hardened his stare at Alex for a moment before he gritted his teeth and stood. After a silent stand-off with Alex, he finally relented and left. Leaving me with Alex. I tried to sit up, but it turned out to be more of an ordeal than I’d anticipated. Alex helped me sit up and shuffle back to lean against my pillows. I looked down and realised that I was dressed in a large shirt. It took me a second to realise that it was likely Alex’s, and someone had put me in it. The situation was quickly growing unpleasant.
I tried to focus elsewhere and said, “How did you get us out? Was Ryan ok?”
I didn’t look at Alex. I didn’t want that talk, that confrontation.
“Ryan wasn’t in great shape, but Ark managed to patch him up with his lotions and potions. He’s still a bit stiff, but he’s getting there and should be back in training in a few days. As soon as he came to, he insisted on visiting you at every possible moment. We got you out thanks to Adam.”
I frowned and looked at him as I remembered Adam, the nervous little thing Ark had fallen for. He seemed like a great guy, but he was hardly a warrior. Alex’s mouth spread into a smile that I hadn’t seen in far too long. It made my heart flutter for a second. I looked away, towards the door, and wondered where Lee was with that soup.
“Adam’s a seer, or perhaps an oracle; we’re not quite sure.”