by Jen Wylie
They found the tavern busy, and Bo's disappointment at not being able to talk much with Elaina amused her and Garen.
Once home, Aro went straight to bed. Maybe tomorrow she'd hear from Kei.
∞ ∞ ∞
The weather hadn't changed by morning. Aro watched her breath come out in white puffs as she helped Bo pile wood. Hopefully they'd get it all done before Bo left to meet Elaina.
"I'll need to buy an ax," he commented. "Some of these are too big for the kitchen stove."
"Or just save them for the fireplace?" The living room had a large open one, though they rarely used that room. Maybe they would once Kei came back. They could sit around the fire and make plans. He'd like that.
Aro?
The voice came quiet and tentative into her mind, yet startled her enough she dropped a piece of wood, barely missing her toes.
A grin split her face. Kei! Where are you?
I'm…I'm coming back. I just…I wanted to let you know…
I'll meet you, she replied quickly, bouncing on her toes and grinning at Bo.
You don't have–
Coming from the east?
Yes.
Watch for me. She paused a moment. Love you. See you soon.
In the silence, she turned to Bo. "Kei's coming back, I'm going to meet him."
"See, I told you so." He turned to Garen, lying by the woodpile and watching them with interest. "Do you want–"
"I'll bring him back," she said quickly, knowing her reunion with Kei would likely be emotional. "I need…we need to talk."
Bo nodded his understanding. "Be safe, pup."
She grinned. "Always."
Love you, too, Kei finally replied.
∞ ∞ ∞
She found it extremely difficult not to run as fast as she could through the city toward the east gate. Not to push and shove past the slow people standing in her way of meeting Kei. Alternating between cursing under her breath and grinding her teeth, she finally made it to the gates and joined the few people heading late out into the fields.
Though late fall, there was still work to be done: some fields turned, seeds harvested, and other such work she knew little of. All that mattered was no one gave her a second look when she headed out of the gate. The rolling hills worked in her favor as well. Darting down paths through the fields, she quickly became lost from view and could let herself truly run.
After a while, it became clear Kei had been right when she had to slow, legs aching and chest heaving. A month of lazing around hadn't done her well. Sucking in a deep breath, she scanned the fields ahead of her. The forest remained a blur in the distance and she grimaced, pushing herself on again.
By noon a whipping cold wind descended. She cursed herself for not grabbing her gloves and a hat. Her cloak's hood refused to stay up as she ran. Ignoring the cold biting at her fingers and face, she pressed on, thinking only of seeing Kei again.
He was returning to her. That was all that mattered.
Eventually she stopped, bending and grasping her knees, trying to fight a painful stich in her side. Her legs wobbled, and her breaths came in ragged gasps.
"Wither me," she grumbled between breaths.
When her body finally stopped protesting, she turned, trying to judge the distance from the city. At least half way, she thought.
Another small hill rose before her. Taking a big breath, she started out again. Nothing would keep her from Kei.
When she reached the top she stumbled, shocked at the sudden feelings overwhelming her. Sorrow, love, fear, devotion.
Kei.
Somehow, she'd connected with him again.
Aro. His mind voice held such utter hope and love and so many other emotions she couldn't identify, she dropped to her knees.
Squeezing her eyes closed against the onslaught of emotion, she struggled to gain her feet. She'd done it. As he'd told her, all she needed to do was think of him. Only him. Of how much he meant to her.
Wait there. I see you.
Raising her head, she searched the fields below her. An ecstatic grin formed when she finally saw him, a dark form rushing toward her.
The wind picked up, howling around her as she stood waiting on the low hill. The sudden flurry of snow came as a surprise and irritated her as it obscured her vision.
Finally he stood before her, cheeks slightly flushed and hair as wild as ever.
For a brief moment, they only stared at each other. His hands fisted, and she didn't need to feel his emotions to know he hesitated, uncertain of her reaction.
Stupid Fey. She flung herself forward, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Don't," she whispered fiercely. "Don't ever do that to me again."
His arms wrapped around her waist as he dipped his head into her neck. "I won't. I promise I won't." His body shuddered against her. "Aro," he whispered, his voice hoarse.
He shook his head and pulled back from her, but his warm hands rose to cup her face. Why did he have to always be so warm?
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." His words came out too quickly, reminding her of when they'd first met.
She raised her cold hands to cover his. "I'm sorry, too. I shouldn't have–"
He shook his head violently, his wild hair tossing about, and then set his forehead against hers. "I'm sorry. I expected too much from you. I know…I know it's hard. I'm a rotting–"
"No. No!" She squeezed her eyes closed and pressed into him. "I should have listened. I should have been there."
"I should have been there for you. I should never have left. I'm so sorry."
She pulled back when his voice broke, shocked to find tears glistening in his eyes. "You're here now. That's all that matters."
"It's not." He looked up at the snow swirling around them. "I made a mistake."
"No!" She grasped his shoulders. "You're back. Everything will be fine now."
"You don't understand. The words…" His eyes squeezed closed. The pain on his face made her falter.
"We'll figure it out. Together. All of us."
His mouth opened and closed, but no words came out. Looking back at her, his eyes suddenly glowing red, he took her hands in his. "Don't argue."
Her brows drew together in confusion, but then she felt his power flowing into her.
"In case you need it. Save as much as you can." When she shook her head and tried to pull away, his hands grasped hers more tightly. "Please, for me."
The pain in his voice stopped her struggles, and she relented, accepting the power and fury flowing into her. He seemed to know when she held just the amount she could handle and stopped.
"Take it in. Hold it."
She closed her eyes, concentrating on pushing the power and fury down deep within her. Many times she'd practiced this with Kei, and thankfully she succeeded this time without having to let any go. Opening her eyes, she nodded once. "Done."
Relief swept across his face. He let go of one of her hands as he turned toward the city. "Let's run."
They took off together, and whether the strength came from being with him, or from his borrowed power, she didn't know, but her lungs didn't burn and her legs didn't ache. She let Bo know they were coming home.
We'll be home by dinner, she told Kei.
He gave her a weak smile but didn't say anything.
Snow began to dust the ground. They couldn't see far in any direction as it fell harder, blowing almost horizontal in the strong winds.
She tried grabbing the edges of her cloak and wrapping her hands inside as she ran. The cold and snow bit at her face, and she cursed the weather. Heading down a hill she slid, the snow on the frozen ground slick under her feet.
When they reached the bottom, Kei stopped abruptly and then swung about in a circle. Using the moment to blow on her fingers, she looked around as well, but saw nothing.
"What is it?"
"Snow," he finally answered.
For a moment, she didn't understand. When she did, she squeezed her eyes closed, wanting to deny it
. "The prophecy." Remain safe within the walls until the snow leaves the fields, the prophecy said. Was it starting now that snow fell? "Do we have time? Are we–"
"Run. Just…run." She expected him to take off toward the city, but instead he pulled her into his arms once more, squeezing her tightly and burying his face in her hair. "I'm sorry," he whispered once more.
She squeezed him tightly before pushing back. "We're in the middle of nowhere. We aren't near the forest; it will be fine. We can make it."
Pain once again crossed his face. He looked over his shoulder toward the forest one last time, and then they ran again.
She hated the rotting prophecies. Having no idea what to expect, knowing only something might happen made the fury within her roll about. Would it be the Were? Did some now run through the humans’ fields in pursuit of them?
Time passed with nothing but snow around them. The only sounds were the fast beat of her heart and the crunching of their boots on snow.
The snow stopped and the wind became less harsh. Breaks in the clouds brought bouts of blinding sun reflecting off the snow. It didn't do much to warm her.
With the city growing closer and closer, her thoughts turned to the hopefully warm house awaiting them and a warm dinner at the tavern.
Another cloud passed overhead, saving her eyes from the snow glare.
Kei crashed into her side, his hands grasping her forearms to keep her upright as she stumbled and swung around. With a loud curse, she struggled not to fall, her own hands clamping on to his arms.
He wasn't paying any attention to her though, his head tipped toward the sky and swinging back and forth, searching. Looking up, she saw nothing but clouds and a few patches of blue sky.
"What are you looking–" A startled cry escaped her. Gripping Kei's arms tightly, her feet moved them backward as quickly as possible.
The dragon dove from the clouds, swooping toward them. Its wings suddenly snapped open as its body tilted up. Strong downbeats brought its flight to a stop as it landed before them.
The blasts of wind sent them sprawling to the ground. Kei landed on top of her and shifted to shelter her from the flying snow.
Hands shaking, she clutched at his shirt and looked up at his panicked face. Already his eyes had shifted to orange.
Sitting up, Kei pulled at her shoulders. "Get up! Run!"
He managed to get her to her knees, but then she froze, staring at the dragon now standing between them and the city.
Towering above them, she couldn't believe how huge it was. Sleek, yet powerful. Beautiful and terrifyingly deadly. Its scaled hide ranged in tones from deep purple to blue. Spikes fanned out about its head and ran down its neck.
The ground shook as it took a few steps toward them. Lowering its head, she stared up into its swirling, iridescent eyes.
"Damon," she whispered.
His laugh rumbled through her mind. Though I am not the only one on this world, I'm fairly certain none other would bother with you.
She glared up at him and allowed Kei to finally pull her up to her feet. However, the Fey pushed her back behind him as he turned to face the dragon. The clicking of his claws pulled her attention back to how much danger they were in.
Run, run now!
Not without you. I just got you back.
Kei turned slightly, eye glowing red and clearly angry with her.
She shook her head and stood firm. Nothing would separate her from him again. Raising her chin, she turned her attention back to Damon. "Why are you here?"
It occurred to me time is growing short.
Her brows drew together in confusion. "Time for what?"
The prophecy is clearly in motion. Come spring, you will once again begin to carry it out. Correct?
She didn't answer. He snorted, making both her and Kei flinch back.
In order for me to ensure the proper outcome, I have very little time to discover what course to take.
What is he talking about, she asked Kei.
He didn't answer, but his claws clicked more rapidly and his shoulders tensed.
All will be well in the end, child.
"I don't understand!" Panic sent her heart racing and she grabbed Kei's elbow, pulling him back to her. He turned into her, embracing her tightly, yet carefully, before dropping his arms.
The side of a claw gently slid across her cheek. "I'm sorry," he whispered.
One moment Kei stood before her, the next enormous talons encircled him. Wind sent her flying backward as Damon launched himself into the air. Kei was gone, jerked up into the sky as the dragon's powerful wing strokes buffeted her to the ground.
"Kei!" She scrambled to her feet. Let him go!
Damon's amused laugh filled her mind. Do you really want me to?
Head craning to watch them rise higher and higher, she cursed. Bring him back! Head tilted up, she scrambled to run after them, tripping and falling over the uneven and slippery ground. Even from the growing distance between them, she could see Kei struggling against the dragon's hold, a wild Fey clawing and fighting against the powerful dragon talons that held him.
You were warned, Arowyn. You did not listen, and now you face the consequences. You had your chance and wasted it. Now it is my turn. I will have the prophecy.
Kei, give it to him!
The Dragos laughed again. That's not how it works, child. It will be a fine battle against his bindings indeed.
Stumbling again, she screamed in frustration. Fear nearly overpowered her. She'd been the recipient of Damon breaking into a mind before and still hadn't forgotten the pain, the loss and confusion his invasion caused. Please, don't do this.
There are things I need to know. Damon paused, and she wasn't sure if he was thinking or speaking to Kei. He will be returned when I am done.
Anger rushed through her. How dare he? Did he think them nothing but playthings to harass as he pleased? She ran harder, trying to keep them in sight. I am serious. Bring him back to me.
Little mortal, do not attempt to tell me what to do. It never ends well for you…or your friends.
I will kill you, she snapped angrily. If you hurt him, I will kill you.
Child, you could certainly try. He laughed again, clearly amused.
I'm coming, she sent to Kei, shaking in fury. I'll find you.
No!
The panic in his voice made her stop her wild run. Lifting a hand to shield her eyes from the sun, she still could barely make them out in the distance. Rot it, they headed north east, over the forests.
Go home. Stay. Don't follow. Please…don't. His mind voice faded with each word.
Lurching forward, she started to run again. Kei!
Remember…the words…and love you…
The words. More stupid prophecy. To follow will mean your death.
Defeat struck her like a physical blow. Love you. I'm with you. Always. She didn't know if he heard her or not. He didn't reply.
Dropping to her knees, she bowed her head, fighting to control the dueling urges to scream and cry. Her entire body shook as she gasped for air. She couldn't breathe. The fury rose and thrashed within her. He'd taken Kei.
Flinging her head back, she raised her face to the sky and screamed.
Chapter 11
Losing Hope
Returning to the city, she ran in spurts, her body and mind fighting her each step of the way. Weariness and pain caused her to slow and stop often. The biting wind and cold left her feeling as numb on the outside as she felt within.
She was angry with herself, with Damon, but most of all, with the magic of this world, or whatever it was that created the rotting prophecy in the first place. What good was it? People obsessed over it. They read it wrong or couldn't understand it all. It only brought pain to those she loved.
As usual, there were too many unanswered questions. Was she in danger? With Kei being taken, how did that affect the prophecy? Was the promised safety no longer true? Worst of all, had Kei known he'd be taken?
"Rot, rot, rot!" How would she tell Bo and Garen? Many times she began to speak and stopped.
The urge to curl up into a ball and let the cold take her misery away nearly overwhelmed her. Why did everyone she love have to be taken away from her?
Kei's fury kept her moving and from falling into a dark hole of despair.
She would get him back. She would kill Damon.
Arowyn?
Rhee-En's voice startled her, and she sucked in a lungful of cold air. Choking, she stopped and tried to catch her breath.
Is all well?
How to answer that? No. It's not.
My Were near the border reported hearing quite the scream. Are you in the city?
No. She rubbed red fingers briskly over her cheeks.
An exasperated sound filled her mind. What has happened?
In clipped sentences, she told him. For a long moment after she finished he remained silent.
Kei is correct not to follow. Likely the Dragos has headed for the mountains in the north.
But–
He is too far, child.
I have to go after him!
The Were paused. The king has left orders for you to be detained should you enter our lands.
Rot. She ground her teeth in frustration. What am I supposed to do?
There is nothing you can do. Wait. If he said the Fey would be returned, I do not doubt he will be.
I'm going to kill him.
Rhee-En chuckled. I have never heard of one being killed. They are too powerful.
I don't care, she replied stubbornly.
I am sorry I cannot help you, though I am relieved you, at least, are safe.
His sincerity brought out a sigh. I'm so tired…of things like this happening.
I know, little one. Rest, grow strong this winter.
Yes, that she would do.
And Arowyn… He paused. Remain on your guard. The city may be safer than the forest right now, but there is still danger within.
I will. Thank you, Rhee-En.
Be well.
Closing her eyes, she tilted her head to the sky and tried to hold on to the calm feeling the alpha's lovely voice left within her. Unfortunately it didn't last long. Kei's loss tore a hole within her, and his fury filled it.