Faizah: When Braith caught sight of Zana, his roar made the mountain shake. But the guards jabbed him with a rod that sparked and filled the air with the smell of burning hair and flesh. Zana lunged against her captors, a deep growl emanating from her. I grabbed my head as the sheer force of her rage entered my mind. I realized she was trying to communicate with me. So I steadied myself and concentrated on her connection. Liars, betrayers! She snarled. I broke every bond with my pack, I betrayed them to save my mate, and these monsters betrayed me! They went back on their word! She sent me images of what she had done. I recognized the boy from the market in the body lying in the snow. That was hard enough. But I nearly crumbled to the floor when I felt her guilt, her anguish. I’m so sorry, she howled. And I knew it was true. I felt her sorrow. I felt how trapped she had been. How desperate she was to save her mate. My heart broke for her. “Help me now, Zana,” I pleaded “If we c
I had finally had enough. Enough of my stepbrother's abuse and control. He had always had a temper, but after my mother died and my stepfather’s mind succumbed to old age, it became so much worse.I came home from the market that evening to find out he had promised me in marriage to Syllabus Arkane, one of my stepbrothers fellow guardsmen. Arkane was at least forty and I don’t think he has ever bathed, not even in summer when most people will take the risk.So I packed what little was considered mine and ran away into the night. I didn’t think anyone would bother looking for me. Too much effort involved.The farther I got from the hovel we lived, the lighter my steps became. But a little after midnight the air became chilly and I realized I should probably find some shelter to keep me warm till morning. My old and tattered cloak wouldn’t do much good on its
GregorIt was very difficult for me to sleep knowing she was in my tower. She tried very hard to be quiet but, it wasn’t just sound. I could smell her, feel her, almost. The odd sensation of knowing another person was so close. I had been alone for so long.It probably wasn’t the best plan to let her stay here. But she is so....oblivious... to so many things. Big things going on in this world. Not that I thought she was unintelligent, just innocent. I can vaguely remember what that was like.Besides, someone to keep this place from stinking like a wolf’s den would certainly make living here more pleasant.I got out of bed and washed my face in the washbasin. Falicia was setting the table for dinner when I came from behind the curtain. She looked up with a smile but it froze in shock and confusion. I had forgotten to put on my shirt.“I&rs
FeliciaI heard Gregor come in just before dawn. He brought with him the scent of cool mountain air and the crisp citrusy scent of crushed pine needles. He milled around for a moment or two, putting his things away it sounded like. I heard something clatter to the floor and he uttered something sharp under his breath.“It’s alright, I'm awake,” I said.“Ah. I'm sorry I was trying to be quiet.”“I have breakfast to make anyway,” I said smiling to myself. I wondered if he realized he treated me more like his guest than his servant. But I wasn't going to bring it to his attention.“I brought some herbs and fresh eggs.”I came from behind the curtain dressed and ready for my day. He handed me a leather satchel containing the supplies he h
Gregor:I sat down to dinner with Felicia and to an awkward silence. I debated with myself for a moment, watching her play with her food.“If you would like I can arrange for another position for you. Perhaps in the village?” I said finally.She jerked her head up to look at me wide-eyed. “No. Please don’t send me away. I won’t meddle again, I promise.”“I just thought that after today you wouldn’t want to stay here.” Her response had baffled me. I had thought she would surely want to escape from me as soon as possible.“Sir, I know you would never harm me on purpose. I know. I lived with someone who harmed me a much as he could, in every way he could and you are nothing like him.”“Do you mean your stepbrother?”“
FeliciaWhile Gregor slept that afternoon, I got to work on my clothes. It was exciting to have nice clothes. My fingers itched to work on the red cloak. But, I had to be practical. I needed sturdy dresses first. It was still a while before the cold weather would set in. Usually, I was careful to be quiet, but I got lost in thought while I was working, and before I realized it I was humming the old lullaby tune again.“Do you know the story behind that song?” Gregor's voice startled me.“Yes, it's about the legend of the Janus Wolves,” I replied.“Indeed. Do you know where the legend came from?&r
FeliciaIt was before dawn when I gave up on getting a decent night's sleep. I could hear the wolves howling in the valley. They howled, and yapped, and barked and made many other sounds that filled the night. As I listened to them it came to me that it was like they were talking to each other. Which was, of course, what wolf packs must do, but this sounded odd. It was intricate and orderly. The whole pack didn't howl or make sounds together, but individuals placed throughout the valley would respond to each other, as though passing information along.I went to the window and saw the red wolf sitting on a knoll just outside the tower. His ears twitched in response to every sound the pack made. When the pack fell silent he sent out a string of sounds, then they responded again. I watched in awe. I'd never seen anything like it.
FeliciaThe next night when Gregor left for the night I stayed up. I sat in the dark by the window and waited. The moon was nearly full and the night was clear, so I could see the valley floor well. I wanted another glimpse at the red wolf or any of his companions. But the night was silent except for the insects that chirped in the grass and the trees. The moon wasps were out, trying to harvest as much nectar as possible before winter. Their bioluminescent blue glow blinked off and on throughout the undergrowth. Several night-blooming flowers grew in the valley.Fallen Starswith their abundant fire red petals,Midnight Violetswhose black petals were a warning not to eat them, they would kill you in seconds, andLuna Magnifica,&n