Gregor
She took me by surprise. It was the last thing I would have expected her to do. For a moment, I stood there rigid from surprise. Then my brain caught up. And I gently placed my hands on her arms. She retreated, slightly, from my lips. Every fiber of my being wanted to pull her back but, I didn’t. The pain I saw in her eyes broke me. “I can’t. It is forbidden for Keepers.” I nearly choked on the words.
She tilted her head slightly and frowned. “By whom?”
“What?”
“Who forbade the Keepers from…kissing?” She asked.
“It’s not
GregorFelicia and I walked back to the tower while the moon rose over the mountains. We walked hand in hand, and it was a new and exhilarating feeling. I could reach for her, touch her or even kiss her if that’s what I chose to do.Her hand was so tiny, resting in mine. They were long boned and graceful as well. I had started taking notice of all the intricate details about her. Things I had tried not to notice before. Her hands, the waves in her hair, every fleck of gold and greed in her eyes.About halfway home, she noticed my staring. “What are you looking at?” She asked, looking down self consciously.“
GregorIt was interesting to see Felicia interact with the wolves. They seemed both curious and deeply respectful of her. At one point I know she and Alfus had a private conversation because my implant went silent. I wasn’t sure I liked their ability to shut me out. But I understood that she didn’t want everyone in her head all the time. I wished I could do the same.The climb up the mountain took longer than usual. But, Felicia was not used to the trek, and she was already exhausted. Though she never complained, I could see her face pinching with pain.My men were all there when we arrived at the hut.Clayton was leani
GregorFelicia was quiet and contemplative on the way home. It was very late, and perhaps it was strain and exhaustion, but I doubted it. The revelation about her past was enough to make anyone pause and reflect upon things. I could have pummeled Clayton within an inch of his life for being so blunt with his memories. I helped her down the mountain. She held tightly to my arm, and I knew it wasn’t just for balance.“Are you alright?” I finally ventured softly.“Yes.” Her response was nearly inaudible.“I’m sorry about Clayton.” My disapproval was evident in the growl I could hardly suppress.
GregorI knew Felicia was dreaming. Vague images drifted into my dreams, Zana’s face, a struggle of some kind that was just a blur of colors and sound. We both woke with a start. I heard her get out of bed and go to the kitchen.I got up and followed her. “Are you alright?” I asked. The room was dark except for the starlight outside, but I could feel her nearness as I approached like an electrical current running between us. My breath quickened, and my throat went dry.“Yes, just a dream.” She said with a weary sigh.“I got some of the images through my implant,” I told her.
FeliciaI swallowed the lump of nerves that had lodged in my throat.“Can we take a stroll, Zana?” I asked, though I wasn’t sure of the wisdom of being alone with a dangerous predator, who harbored some resentment against me, I knew it was the only chance I would stand of breaking the ice with her.She inclined her head and indicated for me to lead the way, but her wary yellow eyes watched my every move.I was not sure where to start with her. But I wanted her to know I meant no harm and that I wanted to help her.“Zana, do you remember any
FeliciaGregor made lunch, and I watched him. He made a simple meal of bread, cheese, and some apples. His concern for me was evident, and it was endearing. He set the food before me, and we ate in silence for a while. He seemed lost in thought, and a felt strange sort of hum come through my implant from him.“Are you alright?” I asked him.His eyes snapped to mine. “I’m worried about Zana. She is so full of rage.”“Rage?” I asked, surprised. “She is in pain, anguish even, but rage?”“Yes.” He confirmed without hesitation. “Rage is what I f
FeliciaI watched Gregor through the window until he was out of sight. He can't have gone far before he called the wolves, for I picked up the gist of their exchange. If I was going to do what I felt I needed to, there was no time to waste. I put on my red cloak and snuck off into the night.I needed to see Zana. And I needed to do so while there were no interruptions or hovering pack and master. I moved quickly to get out of range before the pack showed up. Once I knew I had successfully avoided them, I headed in the direction Zana had gone that afternoon. I thought I could follow her tracks, but I found wolf tracks heading all over the place, and I had no idea how to tell which ones were fresh.I crouched on the grou
FeliciaThe men gagged me and bound my hands. They had horses waiting not far from the village. The man who came to install my bed, a large brute of a man, picked me up and set me on the horse. None too gently, I might add.Riding made me nervous. I had not been on a horse since I was a girl, and that had only happened once when a fellow guardsman to my stepbrother saw me watching them and offered to give me a ride. In that instance, I only had to hold on while the horse was led around at a very sedate pace.I thought about protesting to the men but thought better of it. If they realized I couldn't ride, then they might make me ride with one of them, and I think I would have preferred to fall off an