Epilogue
Jurah's POV
The pain was beginning to get worse as I lay in bed. Actually, I think the restlessness was getting to me more than the pain was. I hadn't moved from my bed in several days and I was tired of it.
I snapped my legs over the bed.
Ow...Maybe not such a good idea.
I feel to the floor, but not before I tuck and landed gracefully on my stomach.
God!! That really hurt!
I bit my lip to contain the scream I wanted to let out. I wasn't about to wake up everyone in the castle and have them coming to my aid. Then I'd be bed ridden till the day I died. And with my conditions that day could be tomorrow.
I found myself in the library. Now I could find out something that'd been bugging me ever since I'd thought about it. I wanted to find out if the curse put on our people actually had a meaning. It was only a hunch I went on, this reason of mine, but I was usually right when it came to hunches. After all, I was right about Dante loving me. Ugh! Okay, stop being arrogant and focus. I swear that the only reason Dante didn't love me sooner. Now back to my search.
I looked all over the library and gathered every book that I thought might hold the answer to my questions. I really starting to get excited when I opened the first book.
Five hours later I was starting to lose hope.
I was down to only four books and the sun was beginning to rise. Was it morning already? I wasn't even tired. In fact, I couldn't feel a thing. Oh god! Was I growing numb? I wiggled my fingers in front of me. No, I can still feel them.
I let my hands fall to my side as I breathed in a sigh of relief. Hmmm...something at the corner of my eye caught my attention. A tiny little knob, barely visible, stuck out almost unnoticed at the very end of the bottom of the desk the books were piled on.
Normally an expression like, curiosity killed the cat, would be used in this situation. But considering I'm half dead I don't give a damn.
So I gripped the knob with my eager fingers and pulled the drawer open.
It's a funny thing, fate is. It could be your best friend today and your worst enemy tomorrow. It was most likely fate that brought the book I now held in my hands to me.
I peeled it open. Wow, this things looked ancient. Most likely written at the very beginning of our peoples existence. I made sure to turn the pages with great care as I scanned each like. Finally my eyes rested on a page near the middle. Both the left and the right page held vividly colored pictures and text near the top.
Suddenly my vision grew blurred. It took me a while just to get them focused again so that I could read the text in the book.
Darkness will always reside where light is. And evil will always be there to balance out all that's good. The Silvani were always known as a peacefully race. But the light could night survive without the darkness, and evil found its way into the Silvani race. Those who found the good ways to be wrong and wished to have more power became evil and sought to have and control more than they needed. This was when the most evil of all Silvani came into being. It was believed that the evil one wasn't just a Silvani, but also half of another being which caused the Silvani to gain powers no other Silvani possessed. Many tried to conquer over his powers, but only one succeed, with a devastating plan that caused him to lose half of himself. The good Silvani was still fearful, however, that the evil Silvani would kill her, so she disappeared, and thought of a counter attack, in case the evil one ever came for her or tried to find his other half, by transforming men into tigers where they remain cursed until one of their kind learned to love her when she came back to them. It's said that when the good Silvani comes back the evil will be reborn soon after and it's other half as well. Though the tiger people will become apart of the known world once one has loved the good Silvani they're task as protectors of the good Silvani and the other half will not be complete until the evil Silvani has been vanquished.
I peered down at the pictures below. In the first picture a dark hair figure (I wasn't sure if it was man or women) stood in a background of darkness. I saw a raven flying just in front of the figure and at the bottom were several tigers lined up. They looked like me and Saeron had looked when we were going at it; ferocious and ready for the kill. We were all suppose to go up against this evil being?
In the second picture it was as though everything was happening all at once. The raven was now much bigger and its heart was cut out. A tiger had one of it's wings in his jaws and the others were clawing at the figure.
I didn't notice it at first, but in the two pictures, at the very right corner was a girl whose face was hidden from sight.
After reading the text and looking over the pictures the piece all started coming together. Immediately I got up from where I sat on the floor and attempted to walk out of the library to tell everyone what I had read.
I fell to the floor, pain spreading over me just before the numbness came and my vision blurred.
“No! Not yet!” My voice was barely audible. I would have screamed, but no one would have heard me.
It was time to go. I just had to accept it. But I wouldn't accept that they would never learn the truth. I could move anything though, so I kept a hold of the book, hoping and praying, that someone would notice it and realize the absolute truth behind our existence.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Chapter Twenty-Six - The Way You Love Me
Chapter Twenty-Six – The Way You Love Me
“Dante, I feel like it's been ages since I've been romantic with you.” He said softly. He gradually moved closer to me till he was right in front of me.
I had to admit, he spoke the truth. In fact, I had sometimes found myself wondering if we'd ever get a chance to do anything romantic.
“If you don't mind me asking, how exactly are you going to show me how much you love me?” I looked up at him with hoping eyes. I knew what I wanted, but wasn't sure if he wanted the same. I waited in silence for him to respond, each second wishing he's give me an answer. It was madness!
One hand fell on my waist, and the other at my thighs in one quick motion that had me on the bed in an instant.
I looked up at him with eager eyes, as he hovered over me, and realized his eyes were eager as well. I attempted to place my hand at his neck, but his hand firmly caught it and pinned it down beside my head.
“Aww, thats not fair.” I said in my most seductive voice. Actually, I didn't really mind it. It was kind of a turn on. I grinned playfully up at him, but strangely his expression didn't match mine. He looked down at me with a look of love and sweetness.
“Do you know why I love you so much?” He spoke just as sweetly as his face looked. His eyes were so captivating it felt like torture to be so close and not be able to do as I pleased with him.
“I haven't the slightest clue.” I tried my best not to sound agitated. I really did want him.
“You were the only one who saw me as a normal person. Without you I probably would have become a heartless beast who would have mind killing. But you showed me love as a child, and even later when we met at the temple you didn't give up on me even when all seemed hopeless.” He passed for a moment and leaned in to kiss me. His lips felt soft and lovely on mine. It was getting unbearable, now, to stay still. “I'm so glad out of all the people who came to my temple, you were one of them. Some may call that luck that we met again, but I'd like to think the fates want us to be together....forever.”
He finished with a soft whisper and I suddenly realized that without knowing it I my eyes had begun to water. I hadn't realized how much me being there had really meant to him. When he needed help the most I was there for him. I was the light that brought him out of the darkness, and I would continue to be there for him, just like he said...forever.
He bent down and kissed me once more before he released my hands and the fun began.
In the background the music played its sweet, passionate melody, as though it orchestrated our every move in bed. Outside the moon shone brightly in the sky, beaming light through the window and onto Saeron. The features of his face were prominently visible in the dark as he held me tightly close to him. Our breathing grew heavy, yet the music was still audible in the background as it continued to coordinate us.
I fell asleep beside him, my backside to his stomach, his arms around my waist. It just felt...right. I know how to explain it, but sometimes you just know that something is right. Like it was meant to be that way from the dawn of time. As if God himself had put that special person on earth just for you. It may seem cliché, but I really do believe that Saeron is my one and only soul mate.
The next morning I awoke late in the afternoon. I thought it was just me who was the lazy one, but when I looked beside me Saeron was also still in bed. It didn't really surprise me. I doubt it would surprise anyone that we woke up this late if they knew what we had done the previous night.
I made my way out of his room, Saeron out cold, and got back to mine to get dressed for lunch. But when I entered the room something caught my eye. Something I had neglected to look at since the day Jurah had died.
Resting on a table was the book Jurah had held firmly in his hands just before he died. I didn't know why he had held it, but the thought of why intrigued me.
I looked down at the large book with its leather cover and stitched binding. It was definitely an old book; its cover worn so bad it was starting to peel. When I opened it the pages even felt brittle. I took extra caution as I turned each page, one by one.
As each delicate page was turned I began to realize, very quickly, why Jurah had picked this book to read just before he died.
A knock at the door nearly caused me to tear the page I was on. I quickly, yet carefully closed the book and called out for the person to come in.
“Why'd you leave me?” Saeron asked with a grin. He pulled me close to him and kissed me enthusiastically up and down my neck. “I think we should talk to Crom about getting married.”
“Getting married?” The word took me by surprise and I stepped back instinctively.
“Yes. Dante, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” He pulled me back to him and began to stroke my hair softly. “After all, every king needs a queen.”
“Saeron, do you really mean it?” It seemed like a dream to me. I really hoped it wasn't.
“Of course. I could see myself with no one else but you.” He slowly caressed my cheek with his finger tips. “Your the love of my life and I want to make sure it stays that way.” He spoke with passion in his words. It was really happening.
Without even thinking I had wrapped my arms tightly around him and leaped up to kiss him on the neck. We stared into each others eyes for the longest time before I suddenly realized something.
“The book!” I chimed. My body turned toward the table where the ancient book rested peacefully. I disturbed its slumber as I hastily scooped it up and pried open its cracking pages. “This was the book Jurah had clasped in his hands just before he died. I wasn't sure why he was reading it until I got a look at what was inside.”
I watched attentively as Saeron's eyes rested on the pages of the book. He's beautiful blue eyes scanned its contents and soon grew wide with interest.
“Jurah was right.” Saeron spoke in the most serious tone I had ever hear come from him. He gulped. Right away I knew what he was thinking, because the same thing had crossed my mind when I had viewed the book. I wondered if Jurah had felt the same worry and fear as he read this same contents just before he died.
“Dante, I feel like it's been ages since I've been romantic with you.” He said softly. He gradually moved closer to me till he was right in front of me.
I had to admit, he spoke the truth. In fact, I had sometimes found myself wondering if we'd ever get a chance to do anything romantic.
“If you don't mind me asking, how exactly are you going to show me how much you love me?” I looked up at him with hoping eyes. I knew what I wanted, but wasn't sure if he wanted the same. I waited in silence for him to respond, each second wishing he's give me an answer. It was madness!
One hand fell on my waist, and the other at my thighs in one quick motion that had me on the bed in an instant.
I looked up at him with eager eyes, as he hovered over me, and realized his eyes were eager as well. I attempted to place my hand at his neck, but his hand firmly caught it and pinned it down beside my head.
“Aww, thats not fair.” I said in my most seductive voice. Actually, I didn't really mind it. It was kind of a turn on. I grinned playfully up at him, but strangely his expression didn't match mine. He looked down at me with a look of love and sweetness.
“Do you know why I love you so much?” He spoke just as sweetly as his face looked. His eyes were so captivating it felt like torture to be so close and not be able to do as I pleased with him.
“I haven't the slightest clue.” I tried my best not to sound agitated. I really did want him.
“You were the only one who saw me as a normal person. Without you I probably would have become a heartless beast who would have mind killing. But you showed me love as a child, and even later when we met at the temple you didn't give up on me even when all seemed hopeless.” He passed for a moment and leaned in to kiss me. His lips felt soft and lovely on mine. It was getting unbearable, now, to stay still. “I'm so glad out of all the people who came to my temple, you were one of them. Some may call that luck that we met again, but I'd like to think the fates want us to be together....forever.”
He finished with a soft whisper and I suddenly realized that without knowing it I my eyes had begun to water. I hadn't realized how much me being there had really meant to him. When he needed help the most I was there for him. I was the light that brought him out of the darkness, and I would continue to be there for him, just like he said...forever.
He bent down and kissed me once more before he released my hands and the fun began.
In the background the music played its sweet, passionate melody, as though it orchestrated our every move in bed. Outside the moon shone brightly in the sky, beaming light through the window and onto Saeron. The features of his face were prominently visible in the dark as he held me tightly close to him. Our breathing grew heavy, yet the music was still audible in the background as it continued to coordinate us.
I fell asleep beside him, my backside to his stomach, his arms around my waist. It just felt...right. I know how to explain it, but sometimes you just know that something is right. Like it was meant to be that way from the dawn of time. As if God himself had put that special person on earth just for you. It may seem cliché, but I really do believe that Saeron is my one and only soul mate.
The next morning I awoke late in the afternoon. I thought it was just me who was the lazy one, but when I looked beside me Saeron was also still in bed. It didn't really surprise me. I doubt it would surprise anyone that we woke up this late if they knew what we had done the previous night.
I made my way out of his room, Saeron out cold, and got back to mine to get dressed for lunch. But when I entered the room something caught my eye. Something I had neglected to look at since the day Jurah had died.
Resting on a table was the book Jurah had held firmly in his hands just before he died. I didn't know why he had held it, but the thought of why intrigued me.
I looked down at the large book with its leather cover and stitched binding. It was definitely an old book; its cover worn so bad it was starting to peel. When I opened it the pages even felt brittle. I took extra caution as I turned each page, one by one.
As each delicate page was turned I began to realize, very quickly, why Jurah had picked this book to read just before he died.
A knock at the door nearly caused me to tear the page I was on. I quickly, yet carefully closed the book and called out for the person to come in.
“Why'd you leave me?” Saeron asked with a grin. He pulled me close to him and kissed me enthusiastically up and down my neck. “I think we should talk to Crom about getting married.”
“Getting married?” The word took me by surprise and I stepped back instinctively.
“Yes. Dante, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” He pulled me back to him and began to stroke my hair softly. “After all, every king needs a queen.”
“Saeron, do you really mean it?” It seemed like a dream to me. I really hoped it wasn't.
“Of course. I could see myself with no one else but you.” He slowly caressed my cheek with his finger tips. “Your the love of my life and I want to make sure it stays that way.” He spoke with passion in his words. It was really happening.
Without even thinking I had wrapped my arms tightly around him and leaped up to kiss him on the neck. We stared into each others eyes for the longest time before I suddenly realized something.
“The book!” I chimed. My body turned toward the table where the ancient book rested peacefully. I disturbed its slumber as I hastily scooped it up and pried open its cracking pages. “This was the book Jurah had clasped in his hands just before he died. I wasn't sure why he was reading it until I got a look at what was inside.”
I watched attentively as Saeron's eyes rested on the pages of the book. He's beautiful blue eyes scanned its contents and soon grew wide with interest.
“Jurah was right.” Saeron spoke in the most serious tone I had ever hear come from him. He gulped. Right away I knew what he was thinking, because the same thing had crossed my mind when I had viewed the book. I wondered if Jurah had felt the same worry and fear as he read this same contents just before he died.
Chapter Twenty-Five - The Good Time We Had
Chapter Twenty-Five – The Good Times We Had
Jurah died the next day. We found his body in the library clutching a book he had been reading, his skin chalk white and his eyes glazed over. As they carried his limp body out of the library I began to wonder what his last thoughts had been before he died. Then I saw the book held fast to his chest. When the body was laid out for embalming I asked to take the book before prying it lose of his white, bony fingers.
“It's a sad thing when such a great king has to finally pass on to this world.” Horus said, hands on his hips, observing the lifeless figure before him.
“I'm sorry. I guess I should head out,” I spoke quickly with the thought of Horus's task in mind. I turned for the door, but Horus's words stopped me as I reached for the knob.
“He was like a son to me. Poor kids been through so much. It's sad to see him go out like this.” His voice trailed off toward the end. I could feel the sadness already, it was building up in the room and it was starting to make me tear up.
“I've heard of a place called Heaven once. I'd like to think that's where he's at. A place with no sickness, no sadness. He's probably very happy right now.” I told Horus, placing a hand awkwardly on his shoulder. It was the least I could do to help him through this hard time.
Horus looked up at me with watery hazel eyes. He smiled warmly before sighing. It wasn't a sad sigh, a content one actually. It was as though he had already began to accept the idea.
“Jurah told me that the other night. He said that even though we'll miss him, to think of him in a better place.” Horus finished then blew his nose into a hanky he kept with him. His lips stretched further forming an even broader smile. “You saying that reminded me. Thank you.”
I smiled back just as broadly.
It was later that evening, after dinner, that the funeral was scheduled. It would take place in their peaceful garden where he'd be buried near an old oak tree where many others of his kind had been buried.
“I think it would only be appropriate if we all said something about Jurah before we head out there.” Zayne sat at end of the table across from Saeron. Dinner was almost over and we were all a little anxious about the funeral, so Zayne idea was automatically welcomed in favor of prolonging the sadness. “I'll go first. Jurah was a good king. He was a bit harsh at times, but he was my best friend and fine man. I hope his next life is far better than this one was.”
Zayne nodded his wine glass in Annie's direction.
“I think Jurah had a good heart and a strong will. He was also brave and a good leader. I'll definitely miss my cousin.” Annie finished just before bringing a handkerchief to her eyes. Crom stood up now.
“I really wish the guy was still here. He was truly a great leader and I had faith in him from the beginning. I'm going to miss him around here. But I have faith in Saeron as well. I know he will lead this kingdom just as well as his cousin did. After all, it's in his blood.” Crom smiled Saeron who returned a smile to him. “Go ahead Dante, I'm sure you have something to say.”
I didn't stand, nor did I wave my glass in the air. In fact, my eyes focused full heartedly on my plate so that I didn't meet others glances when I spoke.
“During my time here I got to really know Jurah and in the end even cared for him. It's sad when a friendship ends, but even sadder when it ends with one of the friends leaving this world because you know you could have continued to be the best of friends, but time just wasn't on your side. It's strange though, because I still feel like his spirit lives on in this place. After all, his life was this place. I feel like by being the king he was he left a piece of himself here on earth. I'll miss him, but I know that no matter how hard I try I'll never forget him.”
I have never been one for funerals, I don't think any one is, but when I walked outside I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace illuminating the air. Literally, there were thousands of lanterns illuminating the garden, giving every section of it a peaceful glow which strangely set my mind at ease despite the reason behind them being there.
After the casket was brought outside and a few words were spoken by Crom it was time for the burying. This was the most hardest part of it all, seeing his beautiful, healthy face, just like it had been before he was wounded. It was hard to think that such a hansom, courageous, loving guy was being laid to rest forever. I cried more than I would have imagined I could. I held onto Annie for support and she held onto me as well. We were both each others shoulders to cry on and I was glad I could cry with someone who cared about Jurah like I had.
The chilly wind stung my arms as I walked back into the castle with Saeron. He had his arm wrapped around my waist and his hip to my hip. He was warm as his body touched mine, but sadly it was not enough to get rid of the chills I not only had from the wind, but the funeral. I pulled myself closer into him, if that was even possible, and looked up to find him gazing down at me with a look of worry.
“Could I..sleep with you tonight?” I spoke softly. He pulled me close to his face before kissing me softly on the lips.
“I'd love that.”
That whole week I slept with Saeron, finding that his presence helped me cope with the sadness I continued to feel.
By the end of the week I hadn't begun to get over Jurah's death, but I was crying less. I cried that morning as I got up with the realization that he was gone, but then stopped after a few minutes. It was then I remembered that he wanted me to be happy. It was okay that I felt sad for him, but if I could help it I needed to stop crying so that I could be happy for him.
That day I tried to be as happy as I could and told the others it would be what Jurah wanted. In the end we all went out for a picnic and ate in the garden in remembrance of him. We continued to entertain ourselves with tasks that reminded us of Jurah and at the same time made us feel good inside. It was hard at first because of the memories buried deep within the things they did, but soon everyone was happily on their way to recovery.
“I remember when I pushed Jurah into this pond.” Zayne laughed to himself as he thought of the memory. “He was so mad when he came out, he nearly tore my head off. He tackled me and tried to punch me everywhere he could. Of course we were only boys so there was no real harm done. He he at least until Crom came and broke us up. Why'd you have to go and do a thing like that Crom?”
“I remember that.” Crom laughed louder than Zayne had. “You had your face in the dirt, butt in the air. You didn't know it at the time, but Jurah was three seconds away from kicking you so hard it would have knocked you into next week.”
“Oh...probably a good thing you stopped us then.” Zayne laughed nervously. “Yeah, we were really rambunctious. Used to scare the heck out of Annie when we fought. You always cried didn't you, honey.”
“If I recall you were the one who always came crying to me to kiss your boo boos after Jurah hurt you. You were such a baby.” Annie punched Zayne one the shoulder, after which he cried out, further proving Annie's point. “Nah, but seriously, you are a good fighter.”
“Your darn right I am. Just like my dad. Isn't that right dad?!” Zayne's voice carried over to Horus who sat by Melony.
“Oh course. Not as good as Jurah was though.” Horus finished with a coughing laugh.
“Dad!” Zayne yelled before folding his arms in resign from the conversation.
“Aww,” Annie smile with a slight chuckle. “I still love you, Zayne.”
Music played in Saeron's room when I returned from getting my bed clothes on. As I entered the room I turned to a table where the music was coming from a big black box. The music was angelic and peaceful. It made me feel as though heaven itself had been transformed into music.
“You like it?” Saeron asked as he walked out of his closet.
“It's so beautiful,” I closed my eyes as the music's tempo increased a little. “What is that thing that the music's coming from?”
“Crom brought it back with him when he went to visit his wife early this week.” He picked it up and examined it's exterior. “I believe he called it a tape player. He told me it'd help set the mood.”
“What do you mean?” I asked. My eyes widened as he inched closer to me.
“I can't help but continue to think about it and I can't stop ignoring it any longer.” He spoke with passion in his eyes. Then his eyes softened and he traced the curves of my face.
“What are you talking about?”
His fingers trailed down my neck then down towards my waist where he rested his hand on my back and pulled me closer to him.
“I love you so much. And now I want to show you just how much I love you.”
Jurah died the next day. We found his body in the library clutching a book he had been reading, his skin chalk white and his eyes glazed over. As they carried his limp body out of the library I began to wonder what his last thoughts had been before he died. Then I saw the book held fast to his chest. When the body was laid out for embalming I asked to take the book before prying it lose of his white, bony fingers.
“It's a sad thing when such a great king has to finally pass on to this world.” Horus said, hands on his hips, observing the lifeless figure before him.
“I'm sorry. I guess I should head out,” I spoke quickly with the thought of Horus's task in mind. I turned for the door, but Horus's words stopped me as I reached for the knob.
“He was like a son to me. Poor kids been through so much. It's sad to see him go out like this.” His voice trailed off toward the end. I could feel the sadness already, it was building up in the room and it was starting to make me tear up.
“I've heard of a place called Heaven once. I'd like to think that's where he's at. A place with no sickness, no sadness. He's probably very happy right now.” I told Horus, placing a hand awkwardly on his shoulder. It was the least I could do to help him through this hard time.
Horus looked up at me with watery hazel eyes. He smiled warmly before sighing. It wasn't a sad sigh, a content one actually. It was as though he had already began to accept the idea.
“Jurah told me that the other night. He said that even though we'll miss him, to think of him in a better place.” Horus finished then blew his nose into a hanky he kept with him. His lips stretched further forming an even broader smile. “You saying that reminded me. Thank you.”
I smiled back just as broadly.
It was later that evening, after dinner, that the funeral was scheduled. It would take place in their peaceful garden where he'd be buried near an old oak tree where many others of his kind had been buried.
“I think it would only be appropriate if we all said something about Jurah before we head out there.” Zayne sat at end of the table across from Saeron. Dinner was almost over and we were all a little anxious about the funeral, so Zayne idea was automatically welcomed in favor of prolonging the sadness. “I'll go first. Jurah was a good king. He was a bit harsh at times, but he was my best friend and fine man. I hope his next life is far better than this one was.”
Zayne nodded his wine glass in Annie's direction.
“I think Jurah had a good heart and a strong will. He was also brave and a good leader. I'll definitely miss my cousin.” Annie finished just before bringing a handkerchief to her eyes. Crom stood up now.
“I really wish the guy was still here. He was truly a great leader and I had faith in him from the beginning. I'm going to miss him around here. But I have faith in Saeron as well. I know he will lead this kingdom just as well as his cousin did. After all, it's in his blood.” Crom smiled Saeron who returned a smile to him. “Go ahead Dante, I'm sure you have something to say.”
I didn't stand, nor did I wave my glass in the air. In fact, my eyes focused full heartedly on my plate so that I didn't meet others glances when I spoke.
“During my time here I got to really know Jurah and in the end even cared for him. It's sad when a friendship ends, but even sadder when it ends with one of the friends leaving this world because you know you could have continued to be the best of friends, but time just wasn't on your side. It's strange though, because I still feel like his spirit lives on in this place. After all, his life was this place. I feel like by being the king he was he left a piece of himself here on earth. I'll miss him, but I know that no matter how hard I try I'll never forget him.”
I have never been one for funerals, I don't think any one is, but when I walked outside I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace illuminating the air. Literally, there were thousands of lanterns illuminating the garden, giving every section of it a peaceful glow which strangely set my mind at ease despite the reason behind them being there.
After the casket was brought outside and a few words were spoken by Crom it was time for the burying. This was the most hardest part of it all, seeing his beautiful, healthy face, just like it had been before he was wounded. It was hard to think that such a hansom, courageous, loving guy was being laid to rest forever. I cried more than I would have imagined I could. I held onto Annie for support and she held onto me as well. We were both each others shoulders to cry on and I was glad I could cry with someone who cared about Jurah like I had.
The chilly wind stung my arms as I walked back into the castle with Saeron. He had his arm wrapped around my waist and his hip to my hip. He was warm as his body touched mine, but sadly it was not enough to get rid of the chills I not only had from the wind, but the funeral. I pulled myself closer into him, if that was even possible, and looked up to find him gazing down at me with a look of worry.
“Could I..sleep with you tonight?” I spoke softly. He pulled me close to his face before kissing me softly on the lips.
“I'd love that.”
That whole week I slept with Saeron, finding that his presence helped me cope with the sadness I continued to feel.
By the end of the week I hadn't begun to get over Jurah's death, but I was crying less. I cried that morning as I got up with the realization that he was gone, but then stopped after a few minutes. It was then I remembered that he wanted me to be happy. It was okay that I felt sad for him, but if I could help it I needed to stop crying so that I could be happy for him.
That day I tried to be as happy as I could and told the others it would be what Jurah wanted. In the end we all went out for a picnic and ate in the garden in remembrance of him. We continued to entertain ourselves with tasks that reminded us of Jurah and at the same time made us feel good inside. It was hard at first because of the memories buried deep within the things they did, but soon everyone was happily on their way to recovery.
“I remember when I pushed Jurah into this pond.” Zayne laughed to himself as he thought of the memory. “He was so mad when he came out, he nearly tore my head off. He tackled me and tried to punch me everywhere he could. Of course we were only boys so there was no real harm done. He he at least until Crom came and broke us up. Why'd you have to go and do a thing like that Crom?”
“I remember that.” Crom laughed louder than Zayne had. “You had your face in the dirt, butt in the air. You didn't know it at the time, but Jurah was three seconds away from kicking you so hard it would have knocked you into next week.”
“Oh...probably a good thing you stopped us then.” Zayne laughed nervously. “Yeah, we were really rambunctious. Used to scare the heck out of Annie when we fought. You always cried didn't you, honey.”
“If I recall you were the one who always came crying to me to kiss your boo boos after Jurah hurt you. You were such a baby.” Annie punched Zayne one the shoulder, after which he cried out, further proving Annie's point. “Nah, but seriously, you are a good fighter.”
“Your darn right I am. Just like my dad. Isn't that right dad?!” Zayne's voice carried over to Horus who sat by Melony.
“Oh course. Not as good as Jurah was though.” Horus finished with a coughing laugh.
“Dad!” Zayne yelled before folding his arms in resign from the conversation.
“Aww,” Annie smile with a slight chuckle. “I still love you, Zayne.”
Music played in Saeron's room when I returned from getting my bed clothes on. As I entered the room I turned to a table where the music was coming from a big black box. The music was angelic and peaceful. It made me feel as though heaven itself had been transformed into music.
“You like it?” Saeron asked as he walked out of his closet.
“It's so beautiful,” I closed my eyes as the music's tempo increased a little. “What is that thing that the music's coming from?”
“Crom brought it back with him when he went to visit his wife early this week.” He picked it up and examined it's exterior. “I believe he called it a tape player. He told me it'd help set the mood.”
“What do you mean?” I asked. My eyes widened as he inched closer to me.
“I can't help but continue to think about it and I can't stop ignoring it any longer.” He spoke with passion in his eyes. Then his eyes softened and he traced the curves of my face.
“What are you talking about?”
His fingers trailed down my neck then down towards my waist where he rested his hand on my back and pulled me closer to him.
“I love you so much. And now I want to show you just how much I love you.”
Chapter Twenty-Four - The Unknown Secret
Chapter Twenty-Four – The Unknown Secret
“Ow!” Saeron yelled through the pain as I put medicine on his wound. It took me awhile to bandage him up, blood was everywhere. But when I finished his bleeding had declined tremendously. I was both happy and relieved his wound wouldn't be fatal.
I couldn't say the same for Jurah, however. I knew his wound would be difficult to overcome. In fact, I think everyone knew what would happen to him in the end. The way everyone acted in his room that night showed a clear sign that Jurah might not be with us for much longer.
A small tear somehow managed to squeeze out.
“Dante, please don't cry.” Saeron comforted me when he saw the tear that hung on my cheek. “I'm sure everything will be alright.”
“No, Saeron.” I retorted slowly. “You know as well as I do.” I paused to hold back the tears that were forcing their way through. “Jurah's not going to be around for much longer.”
It was strange. Even though I had barely known Jurah and disliked him for the things he did to me while Saeron was gone, I still cared about him and my heart ached knowing that'd I'd lose someone I “loved” in a sense. It wasn't fair that now, when I was starting to get used to him, that he was going to lose his life.
The next morning I awoke wondering if Jurah was still alive. I was so afraid of the truth that I stayed in bed till that afternoon, only getting out when Saeron came for me.
“It's not good for you to stay in bed this long.” Saeron said when he found me still in my pajamas, staring out the window.
“I know, but I don't want to face reality today.” I said, more to myself then to Saeron. I could tell by the look on his face that he was confused by my response. “I'm afraid of what happened over the night. I don't want to wake up to find out someone I care about is gone. I just want things to be better.”
“Dante, if your talking about Jurah then he's fine.” Saeron told me bluntly.
“Are you sure?” I wanted to believe him, but a part of me didn't want to go through the day in denial.
“Yes. Would you like to see for yourself?” Saeron asked as he lead me to the door. I obviously didn't have a choice in the matter, so I followed him out the door and down the hall to Jurah's room.
When I opened the door my adrenaline immediately went up. I was both worried and anxious to see him. What if Saeron wasn't telling the truth? What if I found him dead? I swallowed hard and continued through the doorway, trying my hardest to ignore the feelings I felt at that time.
When I saw him it was almost like a dream. I wasn't sure if he was real or not. He turned his head and smiled warmly at me. That's when I noticed his face had become fairly pale and his gold eyes dulled. Even the form of his face seemed thinner and fragile. When I sat on his bed I was afraid to touch him for fear that he'd shatter under the weight of my finger tips.
“I'm glad you came to see me, Dante.” Jurah placed a cold hand on mine. I could feel it already, the warmed of life seeping ever so slowly from him. “I was thinking about you all night.”
“You were?” I asked, knowing that normally in that situation I would have scolded him for such thoughts. “That's sweet of you.”
“I was thinking about how happy I would have made you if I had won.” He said confidently with a grin. I smiled and looked into his dull eyes which had brightened sufficiently.
“I sure you would have.” I said as softly as I could so that it was loud enough for Jurah to hear, but soft enough that Saeron couldn't catch what I was saying.
“I hope he takes care of you while I'm gone.” My smiled was now gone. In fact, I had to look to look away when he said this because tears were starting to force their way out. “Dante, please look at me. I only have so long to look at your pretty face.”
That's when I lost control. I fell to his chest and the tears flowed mercilessly.
“I don't want you to die, Jurah!” I cried into his surprisingly warm chest. It was the only thing left of him that continued to stay warm.
“I know.” He pulled me closer, stroking my hair. “But its a necessary evil. It was bound to happen some time. I'm just glad I found someone I loved before I died.”
I held on tight to him. I didn't want to let go. I didn't want him to cease to exist from my life.
“I see now, after all you did, saving me and fighting for me, that you really did love me.” I told him softly, once again trying to hide the words from Saeron. “It's funny, but after all this, I realized now that I do love you.”
I looked up to find Jurah smiling with content. “I think I figured out what that Silvani was saying so many centuries ago. I thought that when she said our people would become apart of this world that we would become human once again, but I believe that our kind wont become human but instead will multiply greatly and live among the humans without worry. After all, you have fallen in love with nobility and none of us have stayed human. Even now I can still feel the weight of my tiger form pressing down on me.”
“I'm glad I was able to finally love you and break the curse.” I said with a smile.
After we were done speaking Saeron went to Jurah to say a few words. I listened in intently.
“I'm sorry about what I did to you.” Saeron sounded concerned. “If I'd of known how much this would have upset her or that it come to this I would have never gone so far.”
“It's alright. I pushed you to far. I'm willing to accept the consequences for what I made happen.”
“It still wasn't right of me. It's just, I love Dante so much. I'd do anything for her, and I'd hate to ever lose her to anyone.” Saeron's voice was barely audible.
“I know. But it's all for the best.”
“What do you mean?” Saeron sounded confused.
“What I mean to say is, you truly are royalty. You deserved to win the crown. And she really does love you. You deserved to win her.” Jurah was smiling. Did he actually believe the words that were coming out of his mouth? I had never heard him talk like that before. “It is, after all, the key to undoing this curse placed on us a millennium ago. In a sense at least.”
“What do you mean in a sense?”
“If you can't tell, the tiger form we hide is still bearing down on us. We may not be totally out of the woods yet, but I think this “curse” has it's advantages. In my opinion were another breed of human. Were the elite, the ones who will dominate this world. I know that seems like a vast sense of thinking, but if my thoughts are correct our kind will multiply immensely and will be all but the extinct species. Our kind will come into the world and if you don't mind me saying I think there might be something bigger going on here.”
“Go on.”
“I think the Silvani created our kind not only to punish us, but in hopes that we we'll accomplish some task. Something that she knew would be threatening our world.”
“What gave you that idea?”
“When you and Dante hid in the forest and we were fighting off the Temple Keeper's Silvani he said something that made us think back on our curse and realize there may be more to it that meets the eyes.”
“What exactly did he tell you?” Saeron was getting anxious.
“He offered us freedom from our curse if and when we were done helping him. He then went on to tell us that Silvani had the power to turn creatures into another form for their own purposes and that the reason we were cursed was not only for the purpose of punishment, but to protect something.”
“Protect what?”
“He never told us. And something else that makes me wonder too is why he didn't go out a make his own creations to help him. I think we might have been created with more power than we think and that Silvani knew it. I think his power was greatly surpassed by the Silvani's who cursed us. That's the only thing I can figure if he wanted us that bad. I want to know what made us so powerful though. Shame, I'll never live long enough to figure it out.” Jurah finished with a horrible cough. The sound of it even made me hurt.
“I'll figure it out. If I'm to be king the least I can do is find out something that will benefit our people.” Saeron promised. “Your kingdom's in good hands.”
“I'm sure of it.” Jurah said with a weak smile as Saeron turned to leave. “Oh, Saeron. Could you tell Dante that she didn't have to love me to lift the curse. It was you she had to love all along, not me. Your the true nobility and she loved you first. Not to mention she loves you more that anything or anyone. Your a lucky guy.”
“Thanks. I'll be sure to tell her that.” Saeron said before he headed towards me.
I went to Jurah one last time before we left the room. I wasn't sure how long he had left to live so I felt like a proper good bye was needed.
“I'll miss you.” I said, hugging him softly as not to hurt him. “And I'll never forget you. I promise.”
“Thank you, Dante. I want you to know, that as long as you live my spirit will be watching over you.” Jurah said as he touched his hand to mine. “Take care, Dante. Be happy and healthy. Live a long life and continue our kind with Saeron.”
“I will. Good bye, Jurah.” I said sadly. Tears were starting to roll down my eyes again.
“Don't be too sad, Dante. We'll see each other in the next life.” Jurah reminded me. I tried to smile as best I could. It was a wonder he could smile at a time like this. Maybe it was because he wanted to see me happy before he died. I looked into his eyes and smiled warmly. He gave me a grin and a chuckle which surprisingly made me laugh too. It was sad that he'd be gone, but there was no use in wasting my time with him being sad. I wanted my last moments with him to be especially pleasant so that he died knowing he could make me happy.
“Ow!” Saeron yelled through the pain as I put medicine on his wound. It took me awhile to bandage him up, blood was everywhere. But when I finished his bleeding had declined tremendously. I was both happy and relieved his wound wouldn't be fatal.
I couldn't say the same for Jurah, however. I knew his wound would be difficult to overcome. In fact, I think everyone knew what would happen to him in the end. The way everyone acted in his room that night showed a clear sign that Jurah might not be with us for much longer.
A small tear somehow managed to squeeze out.
“Dante, please don't cry.” Saeron comforted me when he saw the tear that hung on my cheek. “I'm sure everything will be alright.”
“No, Saeron.” I retorted slowly. “You know as well as I do.” I paused to hold back the tears that were forcing their way through. “Jurah's not going to be around for much longer.”
It was strange. Even though I had barely known Jurah and disliked him for the things he did to me while Saeron was gone, I still cared about him and my heart ached knowing that'd I'd lose someone I “loved” in a sense. It wasn't fair that now, when I was starting to get used to him, that he was going to lose his life.
The next morning I awoke wondering if Jurah was still alive. I was so afraid of the truth that I stayed in bed till that afternoon, only getting out when Saeron came for me.
“It's not good for you to stay in bed this long.” Saeron said when he found me still in my pajamas, staring out the window.
“I know, but I don't want to face reality today.” I said, more to myself then to Saeron. I could tell by the look on his face that he was confused by my response. “I'm afraid of what happened over the night. I don't want to wake up to find out someone I care about is gone. I just want things to be better.”
“Dante, if your talking about Jurah then he's fine.” Saeron told me bluntly.
“Are you sure?” I wanted to believe him, but a part of me didn't want to go through the day in denial.
“Yes. Would you like to see for yourself?” Saeron asked as he lead me to the door. I obviously didn't have a choice in the matter, so I followed him out the door and down the hall to Jurah's room.
When I opened the door my adrenaline immediately went up. I was both worried and anxious to see him. What if Saeron wasn't telling the truth? What if I found him dead? I swallowed hard and continued through the doorway, trying my hardest to ignore the feelings I felt at that time.
When I saw him it was almost like a dream. I wasn't sure if he was real or not. He turned his head and smiled warmly at me. That's when I noticed his face had become fairly pale and his gold eyes dulled. Even the form of his face seemed thinner and fragile. When I sat on his bed I was afraid to touch him for fear that he'd shatter under the weight of my finger tips.
“I'm glad you came to see me, Dante.” Jurah placed a cold hand on mine. I could feel it already, the warmed of life seeping ever so slowly from him. “I was thinking about you all night.”
“You were?” I asked, knowing that normally in that situation I would have scolded him for such thoughts. “That's sweet of you.”
“I was thinking about how happy I would have made you if I had won.” He said confidently with a grin. I smiled and looked into his dull eyes which had brightened sufficiently.
“I sure you would have.” I said as softly as I could so that it was loud enough for Jurah to hear, but soft enough that Saeron couldn't catch what I was saying.
“I hope he takes care of you while I'm gone.” My smiled was now gone. In fact, I had to look to look away when he said this because tears were starting to force their way out. “Dante, please look at me. I only have so long to look at your pretty face.”
That's when I lost control. I fell to his chest and the tears flowed mercilessly.
“I don't want you to die, Jurah!” I cried into his surprisingly warm chest. It was the only thing left of him that continued to stay warm.
“I know.” He pulled me closer, stroking my hair. “But its a necessary evil. It was bound to happen some time. I'm just glad I found someone I loved before I died.”
I held on tight to him. I didn't want to let go. I didn't want him to cease to exist from my life.
“I see now, after all you did, saving me and fighting for me, that you really did love me.” I told him softly, once again trying to hide the words from Saeron. “It's funny, but after all this, I realized now that I do love you.”
I looked up to find Jurah smiling with content. “I think I figured out what that Silvani was saying so many centuries ago. I thought that when she said our people would become apart of this world that we would become human once again, but I believe that our kind wont become human but instead will multiply greatly and live among the humans without worry. After all, you have fallen in love with nobility and none of us have stayed human. Even now I can still feel the weight of my tiger form pressing down on me.”
“I'm glad I was able to finally love you and break the curse.” I said with a smile.
After we were done speaking Saeron went to Jurah to say a few words. I listened in intently.
“I'm sorry about what I did to you.” Saeron sounded concerned. “If I'd of known how much this would have upset her or that it come to this I would have never gone so far.”
“It's alright. I pushed you to far. I'm willing to accept the consequences for what I made happen.”
“It still wasn't right of me. It's just, I love Dante so much. I'd do anything for her, and I'd hate to ever lose her to anyone.” Saeron's voice was barely audible.
“I know. But it's all for the best.”
“What do you mean?” Saeron sounded confused.
“What I mean to say is, you truly are royalty. You deserved to win the crown. And she really does love you. You deserved to win her.” Jurah was smiling. Did he actually believe the words that were coming out of his mouth? I had never heard him talk like that before. “It is, after all, the key to undoing this curse placed on us a millennium ago. In a sense at least.”
“What do you mean in a sense?”
“If you can't tell, the tiger form we hide is still bearing down on us. We may not be totally out of the woods yet, but I think this “curse” has it's advantages. In my opinion were another breed of human. Were the elite, the ones who will dominate this world. I know that seems like a vast sense of thinking, but if my thoughts are correct our kind will multiply immensely and will be all but the extinct species. Our kind will come into the world and if you don't mind me saying I think there might be something bigger going on here.”
“Go on.”
“I think the Silvani created our kind not only to punish us, but in hopes that we we'll accomplish some task. Something that she knew would be threatening our world.”
“What gave you that idea?”
“When you and Dante hid in the forest and we were fighting off the Temple Keeper's Silvani he said something that made us think back on our curse and realize there may be more to it that meets the eyes.”
“What exactly did he tell you?” Saeron was getting anxious.
“He offered us freedom from our curse if and when we were done helping him. He then went on to tell us that Silvani had the power to turn creatures into another form for their own purposes and that the reason we were cursed was not only for the purpose of punishment, but to protect something.”
“Protect what?”
“He never told us. And something else that makes me wonder too is why he didn't go out a make his own creations to help him. I think we might have been created with more power than we think and that Silvani knew it. I think his power was greatly surpassed by the Silvani's who cursed us. That's the only thing I can figure if he wanted us that bad. I want to know what made us so powerful though. Shame, I'll never live long enough to figure it out.” Jurah finished with a horrible cough. The sound of it even made me hurt.
“I'll figure it out. If I'm to be king the least I can do is find out something that will benefit our people.” Saeron promised. “Your kingdom's in good hands.”
“I'm sure of it.” Jurah said with a weak smile as Saeron turned to leave. “Oh, Saeron. Could you tell Dante that she didn't have to love me to lift the curse. It was you she had to love all along, not me. Your the true nobility and she loved you first. Not to mention she loves you more that anything or anyone. Your a lucky guy.”
“Thanks. I'll be sure to tell her that.” Saeron said before he headed towards me.
I went to Jurah one last time before we left the room. I wasn't sure how long he had left to live so I felt like a proper good bye was needed.
“I'll miss you.” I said, hugging him softly as not to hurt him. “And I'll never forget you. I promise.”
“Thank you, Dante. I want you to know, that as long as you live my spirit will be watching over you.” Jurah said as he touched his hand to mine. “Take care, Dante. Be happy and healthy. Live a long life and continue our kind with Saeron.”
“I will. Good bye, Jurah.” I said sadly. Tears were starting to roll down my eyes again.
“Don't be too sad, Dante. We'll see each other in the next life.” Jurah reminded me. I tried to smile as best I could. It was a wonder he could smile at a time like this. Maybe it was because he wanted to see me happy before he died. I looked into his eyes and smiled warmly. He gave me a grin and a chuckle which surprisingly made me laugh too. It was sad that he'd be gone, but there was no use in wasting my time with him being sad. I wanted my last moments with him to be especially pleasant so that he died knowing he could make me happy.
Chapter Twenty-Three - The Damage Has Been Done
Chapter Twenty-Three – The Damage Has Been Done
The temperature dropped rapidly. I shivered as I stood next to Annie in her tiger form, but not because I was cold. My stomach was beginning to push up whatever food I had eaten that day and I was starting to feel dizzy. I couldn't control it, this feeling at had inside of me. What was wrong with me? It was like my body was trying to tell me something I already knew deep down inside. This battle wasn't going to end in a good way. Something horrible was about to happen. I just wish I knew what.
I glanced over to my side and realized Annie seemed a little nervous too.
“Annie, are you okay?” I asked as she turned to face me. Her beautiful blue eyes filled with worry.
“I'm worried, Dante. I'm worried Jurah will get himself killed.” Annie clenched her teeth as she turned to face Jurah and Saeron. “He's in no condition to fight now.”
“Why not stop the fight then?”
“I...I can't. Jurah wouldn't listen to me.” She looked down in utter sadness. I followed her gaze as my eyes met the floor. I didn't want anything bad to happen to him either, but if Annie, someone he had known all his life, couldn't stop him than there was no way I could.
I turned my eyes in the direction of Jurah and Saeron. After standing in the darkness so long their figures were beginning to look less like black blobs and more like themselves. Both stood in their tiger forms, Saeron in complete silence and Jurah growling low, his body very tense. Just from looking at them I could feel the tension in the air.
And then it started.
Saeron dodged Jurah's attack with ease, his wound clearly affecting his speed and strength, then he came at Jurah with a slightly faster attack that hit Jurah's left side, knocking him off his feet for a few seconds. Saeron almost managed to follow up with another attack when Jurah leaped up and took Saeron by surprise. Biting deep into Saeron's paw Jurah jerked back and forth, causing Saeron to roar in pain as he desperately tried to kick away from Jurah. One of his kicks sucessfully managed to plant into Jurah's face, causing him to release Saeron's paw.
When Saeron fell back to his feet I could tell the wound was severe. I wasn't sure, but Saeron's paw may have been totally broken beyond repair. He licked it a few times and set it back on the ground with a soft whimper. It was most definitely broken.
Jurah stood on the other side batting his paw at his face where Saeron had kicked him. The wound was barely noticeable, but I could see where it would hurt enough to bother Jurah.
In a few minutes they were back at it again. Saeron snapping his teeth at Jurah's face, and Jurah kicking his feet at Saeron's stomach. Rarely did I ever see Jurah suffering from his wound. It bled quite a bit, but only from his constant movement. In fact, Saeron never seemed to aim for Jurah's stomach.
At one point the two were locked together. Saeron having his teeth planted into Jurah's neck and Jurah with his claws in Saeron's back. Both kicked madly at one another, trying to break loose from the other's grasp. It was mostly like this throughout the whole battle. I was starting to think that may nothing bad would happen. And then it started getting bad.
“I just might win Dante after all.” Jurah yelled into the night.
“What's that?” Saeron growled back.
“You're barely trying. I could beat you right now if I wanted to.” Jurah taunted.
“I think you've just given me a reason to try a little harder.” Saeron grinned back. He took a few steps back just before leaping in the air. His teeth aimed for Jurah's neck, but only caught bits of fur.
“Is that all you got?!” Jurah recoiled back sinking his teeth into Saeron's side. He held on for a bit before release, instant blood spewing out. I watch as Saeron fell to his side in pain. My instinct was to run to his side, but I instantly caught myself, remembering this was a battle I couldn't interfere with.
“Poor Saeron. You weren't trying hard enough, and now look what happened to you. Pathetic!” Jurah spat out his works. Saeron struggled to get up. He licked his wound quickly then turned to Jurah, his mouth red with blood.
“I won't let you win. I don't care what I have to do, I won't let you win. Even if I have to kill you!” Saeron's words were harsh and angry. His eyes turned cold with rage and his body suddenly turned tense.
Without warning Saeron rushed in to Jurah, giving Jurah little time to react. However, Jurah was able to dodge Saeron just before he sunk his teeth in. Saeron took advantage of a tree just in from of him, using it too propel him back towards Jurah, a move neither we nor Jurah could have predicted. Saeron landed on top of Jurah, scratching Jurah's inner body with back claws and grasping tightly with his front claws. Jurah roared in agony as blood spilled out purfusely. Though we knew what was happening no one called out, no one stopped the fight. And before we knew it the fight had been won. And though the victor was Saeron it came at a great cost.
“Jurah!” Annie ran forward to kneel where Jurah laid. I too followed her. He lay still, though he wasn't dead, his eyes somewhat open and his breathing labored.
“Annie, it's alright.” He looked up at his cousin lovingly as she held his perfect face in her hands and started to cry.
“No it's not! Jurah, I don't want you to die!”
“I'll be okay, Annie.” He said just before rolling over on his side to cough up blood. My eyes grew wet with sadness as I realized what the feeling in my stomach had been. Jurah wasn't going to be okay. I stood back and stared out in the distance. All I could hear now were the voices, but I had no comprehension of who they came from or what significance the words had.
“We need to get him into the castle and nurse him back to health!”
“Hurry!”
“Jurah, I'm so sorry. I should have stopped this from happening.”
“Every things going to be okay, Jurah. Don't you worry.”
“Dante. Dante! Dante are you okay?” I recognized this voice. I turned my eyes to focus on Saeron. He was the only one left outside. I looked at him for a moment before falling into his arms, my eyes instantly filling with tears. His squeezed me tightly in his arms.
“I had to do it. I'm sorry.” His voice was soft.
“No, it didn't have to be this way.” I stated in a voice just as soft as his.
“Yes, Dante. Yes it did. In order for me to win I had to try as hard as I could. I had to use every advantage I could.” There was a long pause before I spoke. I knew who had been in the wrong, and it wasn't Saeron.
“You're right. I should have stopped him when I had the chance. It's my fault.” The tears were getting heavier now.
“Dante, love, it wasn't your fault. Please don't take it out on yourself.” Saeron held me closer to him, comforting me in his warm embrace.
“I feel like it was.” I said through a sob.
“Don't beat yourself up about it. Nothing you could have said would have changed his mind.” I thought about this for a moment. I might have been able to call off the fight by offering myself to Jurah. But would saving his life have been worth the pain I'd have felt for the rest of my life, knowing deep down that I loved Saeron and not Jurah? No, it wouldn't have been fair to Jurah if I loved another, nor would it have been Saeron if I had pretended to love Jurah when I really loved him.
“We should probably head inside.” Saeron spoke to me in a sweet tone as he pulled my face gently away from his chest. I nodded in response to him.
When we got back to the castle all was quiet inside. I assumed they were all in Jurah's room tending to his rooms so I suggested to Saeron that go there and visit him.
When we walked in the first thing I could smell was the scent of blood. It stuck out far more than any scent in the room, including the smell of the medicines and alcohol.
I walked to his bed side and looked down at him as he lay resting. I allowed my hand to rest on the side of his face. It felt so cold and almost lifeless.
My eyes widened as his hand moved to the hand rested on his cheek. Suddenly his eyes flashed open and a smile lit up his pale face.
“I'm glad you came to see me, Dante.” Jurah spoke faintly. “I'm sorry I lost.” His speech was interrupted with a cough and he grabbed for his mouth just in time to catch the drops of blood. I grabbed for a towel and handed it to him. He smeared the blood hastily on it and quickly turned to me. “I still love you, Dante. I always will till the day I die.”
I gulped, realizing that day may not be too far from now. A tear fell from my eye, Jurah's finger catching it on my cheek before it could fall to the floor.
“Please don't cry,” He said sweetly. “I'll be alright.” I realized he said this only to make me feel better, but it only made me feel worse. The crying grew worse and I had to turn away before it got really bad. Saeron took me in his arms again and I wept a loud as I needed to, my voice muffle by Saeron's shirt.
“I'm sorry.” I heard Jurah say to Saeron. “I hate to see her cry like this. Please, do all you can to make her happy again. If there were any last wishes for me it would be for her to be happy.”
“Don't talk like that,” Zayne said aloud. “You're going to fine, Jurah.” I heard Annie stifle a sob in the background just before she let go and took a hold of Zayne for comfort.
“It's alright, Annie. Everything will be fine.” Zayne assured her. “You'll see.”
“I do hope so.” Mel's voice came from the other end of the room. “I'd hate to lose you Jurah.”
“I'll...I'll be aright.” Jurah said before another bloody cough. “I just need to get better.”
Suddenly, without warning, Saeron's weight fell down on me. I used all my strength to pull him back onto his feet.
“Are you okay?!” I asked, shaken out of my state of sadness and now thrusted into a sense of worry.
“My side. I need to get it bandaged.” Saeron's words came through clenched teeth. The pain was clear on his face as he held his side.
“Your going to need some rest too.” Annie came forward with a basket and handed it to me. “Here, take this to Saeron's room. Bandage him up and get him to bed. He'll need rest if he wants his wounds to heal.
I nodded, then turned to help Saeron out the door.
The temperature dropped rapidly. I shivered as I stood next to Annie in her tiger form, but not because I was cold. My stomach was beginning to push up whatever food I had eaten that day and I was starting to feel dizzy. I couldn't control it, this feeling at had inside of me. What was wrong with me? It was like my body was trying to tell me something I already knew deep down inside. This battle wasn't going to end in a good way. Something horrible was about to happen. I just wish I knew what.
I glanced over to my side and realized Annie seemed a little nervous too.
“Annie, are you okay?” I asked as she turned to face me. Her beautiful blue eyes filled with worry.
“I'm worried, Dante. I'm worried Jurah will get himself killed.” Annie clenched her teeth as she turned to face Jurah and Saeron. “He's in no condition to fight now.”
“Why not stop the fight then?”
“I...I can't. Jurah wouldn't listen to me.” She looked down in utter sadness. I followed her gaze as my eyes met the floor. I didn't want anything bad to happen to him either, but if Annie, someone he had known all his life, couldn't stop him than there was no way I could.
I turned my eyes in the direction of Jurah and Saeron. After standing in the darkness so long their figures were beginning to look less like black blobs and more like themselves. Both stood in their tiger forms, Saeron in complete silence and Jurah growling low, his body very tense. Just from looking at them I could feel the tension in the air.
And then it started.
Saeron dodged Jurah's attack with ease, his wound clearly affecting his speed and strength, then he came at Jurah with a slightly faster attack that hit Jurah's left side, knocking him off his feet for a few seconds. Saeron almost managed to follow up with another attack when Jurah leaped up and took Saeron by surprise. Biting deep into Saeron's paw Jurah jerked back and forth, causing Saeron to roar in pain as he desperately tried to kick away from Jurah. One of his kicks sucessfully managed to plant into Jurah's face, causing him to release Saeron's paw.
When Saeron fell back to his feet I could tell the wound was severe. I wasn't sure, but Saeron's paw may have been totally broken beyond repair. He licked it a few times and set it back on the ground with a soft whimper. It was most definitely broken.
Jurah stood on the other side batting his paw at his face where Saeron had kicked him. The wound was barely noticeable, but I could see where it would hurt enough to bother Jurah.
In a few minutes they were back at it again. Saeron snapping his teeth at Jurah's face, and Jurah kicking his feet at Saeron's stomach. Rarely did I ever see Jurah suffering from his wound. It bled quite a bit, but only from his constant movement. In fact, Saeron never seemed to aim for Jurah's stomach.
At one point the two were locked together. Saeron having his teeth planted into Jurah's neck and Jurah with his claws in Saeron's back. Both kicked madly at one another, trying to break loose from the other's grasp. It was mostly like this throughout the whole battle. I was starting to think that may nothing bad would happen. And then it started getting bad.
“I just might win Dante after all.” Jurah yelled into the night.
“What's that?” Saeron growled back.
“You're barely trying. I could beat you right now if I wanted to.” Jurah taunted.
“I think you've just given me a reason to try a little harder.” Saeron grinned back. He took a few steps back just before leaping in the air. His teeth aimed for Jurah's neck, but only caught bits of fur.
“Is that all you got?!” Jurah recoiled back sinking his teeth into Saeron's side. He held on for a bit before release, instant blood spewing out. I watch as Saeron fell to his side in pain. My instinct was to run to his side, but I instantly caught myself, remembering this was a battle I couldn't interfere with.
“Poor Saeron. You weren't trying hard enough, and now look what happened to you. Pathetic!” Jurah spat out his works. Saeron struggled to get up. He licked his wound quickly then turned to Jurah, his mouth red with blood.
“I won't let you win. I don't care what I have to do, I won't let you win. Even if I have to kill you!” Saeron's words were harsh and angry. His eyes turned cold with rage and his body suddenly turned tense.
Without warning Saeron rushed in to Jurah, giving Jurah little time to react. However, Jurah was able to dodge Saeron just before he sunk his teeth in. Saeron took advantage of a tree just in from of him, using it too propel him back towards Jurah, a move neither we nor Jurah could have predicted. Saeron landed on top of Jurah, scratching Jurah's inner body with back claws and grasping tightly with his front claws. Jurah roared in agony as blood spilled out purfusely. Though we knew what was happening no one called out, no one stopped the fight. And before we knew it the fight had been won. And though the victor was Saeron it came at a great cost.
“Jurah!” Annie ran forward to kneel where Jurah laid. I too followed her. He lay still, though he wasn't dead, his eyes somewhat open and his breathing labored.
“Annie, it's alright.” He looked up at his cousin lovingly as she held his perfect face in her hands and started to cry.
“No it's not! Jurah, I don't want you to die!”
“I'll be okay, Annie.” He said just before rolling over on his side to cough up blood. My eyes grew wet with sadness as I realized what the feeling in my stomach had been. Jurah wasn't going to be okay. I stood back and stared out in the distance. All I could hear now were the voices, but I had no comprehension of who they came from or what significance the words had.
“We need to get him into the castle and nurse him back to health!”
“Hurry!”
“Jurah, I'm so sorry. I should have stopped this from happening.”
“Every things going to be okay, Jurah. Don't you worry.”
“Dante. Dante! Dante are you okay?” I recognized this voice. I turned my eyes to focus on Saeron. He was the only one left outside. I looked at him for a moment before falling into his arms, my eyes instantly filling with tears. His squeezed me tightly in his arms.
“I had to do it. I'm sorry.” His voice was soft.
“No, it didn't have to be this way.” I stated in a voice just as soft as his.
“Yes, Dante. Yes it did. In order for me to win I had to try as hard as I could. I had to use every advantage I could.” There was a long pause before I spoke. I knew who had been in the wrong, and it wasn't Saeron.
“You're right. I should have stopped him when I had the chance. It's my fault.” The tears were getting heavier now.
“Dante, love, it wasn't your fault. Please don't take it out on yourself.” Saeron held me closer to him, comforting me in his warm embrace.
“I feel like it was.” I said through a sob.
“Don't beat yourself up about it. Nothing you could have said would have changed his mind.” I thought about this for a moment. I might have been able to call off the fight by offering myself to Jurah. But would saving his life have been worth the pain I'd have felt for the rest of my life, knowing deep down that I loved Saeron and not Jurah? No, it wouldn't have been fair to Jurah if I loved another, nor would it have been Saeron if I had pretended to love Jurah when I really loved him.
“We should probably head inside.” Saeron spoke to me in a sweet tone as he pulled my face gently away from his chest. I nodded in response to him.
When we got back to the castle all was quiet inside. I assumed they were all in Jurah's room tending to his rooms so I suggested to Saeron that go there and visit him.
When we walked in the first thing I could smell was the scent of blood. It stuck out far more than any scent in the room, including the smell of the medicines and alcohol.
I walked to his bed side and looked down at him as he lay resting. I allowed my hand to rest on the side of his face. It felt so cold and almost lifeless.
My eyes widened as his hand moved to the hand rested on his cheek. Suddenly his eyes flashed open and a smile lit up his pale face.
“I'm glad you came to see me, Dante.” Jurah spoke faintly. “I'm sorry I lost.” His speech was interrupted with a cough and he grabbed for his mouth just in time to catch the drops of blood. I grabbed for a towel and handed it to him. He smeared the blood hastily on it and quickly turned to me. “I still love you, Dante. I always will till the day I die.”
I gulped, realizing that day may not be too far from now. A tear fell from my eye, Jurah's finger catching it on my cheek before it could fall to the floor.
“Please don't cry,” He said sweetly. “I'll be alright.” I realized he said this only to make me feel better, but it only made me feel worse. The crying grew worse and I had to turn away before it got really bad. Saeron took me in his arms again and I wept a loud as I needed to, my voice muffle by Saeron's shirt.
“I'm sorry.” I heard Jurah say to Saeron. “I hate to see her cry like this. Please, do all you can to make her happy again. If there were any last wishes for me it would be for her to be happy.”
“Don't talk like that,” Zayne said aloud. “You're going to fine, Jurah.” I heard Annie stifle a sob in the background just before she let go and took a hold of Zayne for comfort.
“It's alright, Annie. Everything will be fine.” Zayne assured her. “You'll see.”
“I do hope so.” Mel's voice came from the other end of the room. “I'd hate to lose you Jurah.”
“I'll...I'll be aright.” Jurah said before another bloody cough. “I just need to get better.”
Suddenly, without warning, Saeron's weight fell down on me. I used all my strength to pull him back onto his feet.
“Are you okay?!” I asked, shaken out of my state of sadness and now thrusted into a sense of worry.
“My side. I need to get it bandaged.” Saeron's words came through clenched teeth. The pain was clear on his face as he held his side.
“Your going to need some rest too.” Annie came forward with a basket and handed it to me. “Here, take this to Saeron's room. Bandage him up and get him to bed. He'll need rest if he wants his wounds to heal.
I nodded, then turned to help Saeron out the door.
Chapter Twenty-Two - The Demise
Chapter Twenty-Two – The Demise
The hair on my back stood on end as I stared into the glassy eyes of the Temple Keeper. The only that kept running through head was a simple question; what did he want with me?
I finally forced words out of my mouth. I found it was nearly impossible to form sentences in his presence. “What do you want with me?”
“Why, your annihilation of course.” He stated coldly. “Don't you remember what I told you that day you came to my shop?”
“You knew that was me?” I was now both shocked and weary of what he had planned for me.
“Hah! You think I'm that foolish?! I've lived for more than a millennium and I could see it was you the entire time because of your aura.”
“A millennium?” This shocked me more than anything. Was the Temple Keeper immortal?
“I may look like the old man, but I only inhabit his body. Normally one of us would remain dormant inside a human, but I chose the latter. Unlike the rest of us I have bigger plans in store.” So he was a Silvani then. Then why was he killing off his own kind?
“Why would you want to kill off your own kind?” I questioned.
“I can't have others getting in the way of my plan of taking over the earth. I see all of you as a threat.” His eyes gleamed in the light. “I'm just lucky my plan...no, I knew my plan would work. You may have a Silvani within you, but your human self is still in control. That stupid human self of your allowed me to execute my plan with ease, and now I'm here, standing face to face with you. Now the only thing left to do is decide how I should end you.”
“What plan? How did it help you find me?” I asked, stalling for time. I wasn't sure how I'd escape my inevitable demise. I only hoped Saeron or one of the others had an idea.
“It was ingenious really. But thats to be expected from a Silvani.” He grinned maliciously at me, his voice full of pride. “Now where shall I start. When I had heard of your return from the temple I was extremely baffled as to why Saeron hadn't killed you. Then one night I saw Saeron in his human form enter a house through the window. When I peered inside I found him standing near your bed. It became clear to me that he had fallen for you and was now useless as my tool. So I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands, and when you came to my shop that day an idea sprung. I pretended not to recognize you and fed you stories. True stories, but stories I knew would change your mind none the less. I wanted you to go back to the temple. I knew there would be dangers in the jungle waiting for you there. I knew that the tiger people I had previously talked to before you came to my shop would be wandering around in the jungle in search of Saeron. They had told me they wanted to take him, but I merely told them it was located in the jungle, sending them on a wild goose chase. I knew that even if they did find Saeron his dark tiger form would tear them to shreds. Now it was only a matter of time before any one of the following things occurred. You were hunted by these new tiger beings or Saeron somehow found them as soon as you did, releasing his dark form to protect you and then killing you after from loss of control.
“I thought my plan would work for sure, but somehow you managed to avoid it all. The huntings, the uncontrollable dark form. Your aura even grew stronger that day. I could feel it that day. That's how I knew you were still alive. By then I had come to the realization that if I wanted you dead I'd have to do it myself.
“That night I could feel your aura coming closer and I could also sense Saeron as well. I was considering killing you as soon as you came to the village, but I was far to curious about where these tiger people lived. And then a plan begin to fall into play, one that would help me in my quest for world domination.
“I caused the evacuation of own town causing you to have no choice but to join the tiger people as they headed back to their kingdom. This was my plan for killing two birds with one stone.
“Following you would have been now easy task on foot. The ocean alone, when it's waters are parted, as longer than I mile, so I took Oris along with me. When I made it to this island I was much more pleased than I expected to be. I knew immediately this place would make the perfect haven for me. So secluded, so beautiful. No one would ever think to look for me here. And of course....the tiger people. You'll all make excellent tools in my diabolical plan.”
“I hate to break it to you, but I'm no one's tool!” Shouted Zayne in his human form. I looked around. They had all transformed into their human forms.
“So on to your demise then.” The possessed Temple Keeper said ignoring Zayne's comment. He put his hand under his chin in a gesture of thought. Suddenly he outstretched his hand to me and the gloves he had one ignited with fire. “I think I'll finish you off with a classic burning.” His lips curled over his crocked teeth, and his eyes took on a malicious form. He raised the ignited hand up to his head and the flame grew bigger. “Now burn in hell!!!”
The fire came at me with tremendous speed, it's flame growing bigger each inch it traveled. I was nearly a fraction of a second away from being burned when someone tore me out of the way. Saeron held me tightly to his chest, his gait picking up with accelerated speed. I looked behind him just as the Jyot people were making their way toward the Temple Keeper. They had transformed back into their tiger forms and were now fighting, tooth and claw, with the Temple Keeper, obviously trying to create a diversion as Saeron made a run for it.
“Where are you taking me?” I hoped he could hear me over the wind whistling passed us.
“I'm taking you somewhere safe where he wont find you.”
“He'll sense my aura! Didn't you hear him?! My death is inevitable. There's no sense in prolonging it and getting everyone killed.”
Just then I heard a loud growl as Jurah tore into the Temple Keeper. The Temple Keeper yelled in rage. “Let me pass you fiends! I don't want to injure perfectly good tools, no let me pass!” I was grateful he didn't want to hurt the Jyot's. No one would have to die for my sake.
“Don't say that, Dante! We're all fighting to keep you alive. The least you could do is be grateful were doing this. If it weren't were our telepathic capabilities as tigers me and Jurah would have never been able to execute this plan without the Temple Keeper knowing it.” Saeron stated as he whizzed even faster through the lush forest. “Your not going to die.”
I smiled up at him. A weak, unsure smile, but a smile no less. He looked down for a moment and gave me a reassuring grin that made me feel a little better. However, my mind wouldn't stop thinking about all that had happened and all that was probably happening right now. These people were risking their lives for mine. They were giving it everything they got to keep the Temple Keeper from succeeding in finding me. But what if they failed? What if he got away and he found me?
We finally stopped at the opening of a cave so that we could hide and Saeron could rest. There was little light in the cave and I was scared to go further when the light from the sun began to fade into the shadows of the inner most part of the cave. Saeron gladly transformed into his tiger form and led me to the back of the cave, being my eyes every step of the way. We settled down on the ground, my body laying against Saeron's coat for warmth. The cave was not only cold, it was very damp. Occasionally a drop of water would fall on my head which led me to believe that there must be a pond just above us.
“Saeron, if I don't live I want you to know something...”
“I told you not to talk like that, Dante! You will live!” He fought as though he knew it to be the truth.
“I love you.” I said softly. Though I couldn't see it in the darkness, I felt his head rise.
“You do?” He asked, his voice both happy and surprised at the same time. Surprised? But didn't he know I loved him?
“Of course I love you. You didn't know?” I asked with much anticipation of what he was going to say.
“You never told me.”
“I know. But I thought you knew. I always showed you I loved you...even if I never told you.” I finished my sentence an waited for a reply. I felt his neck move, but nothing more.
I was starting to grow anxious when he suddenly nudged me with his wet nose. He then licked me softly on the cheek, his touch making me smile. Than his form began to change and his tongue became lips kissing me passionately all over. My cheek, my neck, my lips. I was surrounded by a haze of heat as he pulled me close to him.
“I've always loved you from the day I first met you.” He whispered seductively to me. I closed my eyes in complete pleasure as he nibbled on my ear. “I've never loved another and I never will.” He breath was hot on my neck now. He pulled me closer to him and I could feel his lips now on my collar bone, and then I froze. I could feel the wet hint of his tongue on my collar bone and chest. The feeling was so heavenly that I completely fell into a trance. I would have done anything for him at that moment.
I felt a breeze of wind rush into the cave and my fears were suddenly reawakened. I wanted to continue what we were doing forever, but something told me the Temple Keeper was coming.
“Saeron, I can feel him approaching!” I said as I pushed him reluctantly away.
“How close is he?” His voice was now alert. I was about to tell him I had no idea where he was when a forceful trimmer shook through the cave and the water above us began forcing it's way through the newly made holes in the cave ceiling. The cave was beginning to collapse and the water was pouring out fast. We had to escape before the cave fell and we were killed. But even if we did manage to get out there was still something else waiting for us outside.
Saeron transformed into his tiger form and nudged me onto his back. He then ran as fast as he could toward the entrance just before the entire cave crumbled and the pond above it fell through. He carried me up to hill where we would drown and set me down.
“Looks like I got the little mouse to come out of it's hole.” The Temple Keeper laughed to himself. He was standing just a few hundred feet away from them, his dark cape swirling violently in the wind as he calmed it to a light breeze. His arms were bloody from being attacked so many times and his side had a small gash in it.“Let's try wind than, shall we?”
His hands moved in different directions in attempt to create a forceful gust of wind. He brought his hands up to his head, just like before, and prepared to aim. “This one will be extra sharp!”
Just before I felt the gust hit my stomach something darted into it's line of sight. In that split second I saw blood splatter, I saw his body topple to the ground, and I felt my eyes widen with fright.
“Jurah!” I screamed. I fell by his side, my body trembling as I saw the large wound the Temple Keeper had dealt on Jurah.
“How dare you interfere!” The Temple Keeper growled.
“No! How dare you! You have no right here. I should have killed you when I had the chance a long time ago!” Saeron spat out the words.
“Heh, well here I am Saeron!” His words were daring Saeron to come at him. “Come and get me!”
I watched from Jurah's side as the fight ensued. The Temple Keeper's attacks were fast, but Saeron was much faster. He dodged and flame and came at the Temple Keeper with full force, only to be sent back with a whirl of wind. He back of a tree and used it as a spring to hurtle himself directly at the Temple Keeper. I could tell he was getting tired because Saeron got to him this time. His large paws swiped down on his opponents chest and blood instantly came forth. Saeron fell back for a moment, admiring his work, and then quickly headed for his opponent again. Air shot at him, but he managed to dodge most of it, his cheek and arm now bloody where the air had made it's mark. Saeron 's attack failed this time, but I could tell he wasn't about to give up. He instantly recoiled with a leap, heading straight for the Temple Keeper's neck. I could see it in his eyes, the Temple Keeper knew where he was heading. I could also see that the Temple Keeper knew it was too last for him. Saeron's teeth sunk into the Silvani's host, the blood draining profusely from his neck. The vessel suddenly became lifeless and it's form feel effortlessly to the ground.
“Did you...did you kill him?” I asked with hope.
“I killed his host, but the Silvani got away. We're safe though, for now.” I winced at his lasts words. Would he be back?
“Jurah are you going to be okay?” I examined his wound. It didn't appear to be as bad as I had thought, but it could become fatal if he didn't cure it right away.
“Of course. I'm just glad your alright, Dante.” He got up with clear strain in his voice. “So Saeron, how about that fight then.”
“Umm, I don't think you should be fighting in this condition.” Saeron gestured to Jurah's wound.
“Your wounded too” Jurah made a gesture to Saeron's wounds now. “I'm not going to give up the fight that easily!”
“You really want to fight?”
“Of course! Let's head back so we can begin.”
“Alright, as you wish.” Saeron gave in.
“Saeron, don't give into what he wants. He's badly hurt!” I yelled. “You could kill him!”
“Don't let her talk you out of it, Saeron. Now let's go!” Jurah growled.
When we finally arrived at the castle it was nearly dark making it harder for me to see what exactly was going on. The fight hadn't started yet, but I knew when it did the only thing I'd be able to see would be dark figures fighting in the night.
I closed my eyes and said a quick prayer to myself. I had an strange feeling in the pit of my stomach that was telling me something was about to go terribly wrong. I finished my prayer and my eyes opened. I prayed that Saeron would win and that they would both be okay. Prayers were suppose to work right? So then why did this sick feeling keep bubbling up in my stomach?
The hair on my back stood on end as I stared into the glassy eyes of the Temple Keeper. The only that kept running through head was a simple question; what did he want with me?
I finally forced words out of my mouth. I found it was nearly impossible to form sentences in his presence. “What do you want with me?”
“Why, your annihilation of course.” He stated coldly. “Don't you remember what I told you that day you came to my shop?”
“You knew that was me?” I was now both shocked and weary of what he had planned for me.
“Hah! You think I'm that foolish?! I've lived for more than a millennium and I could see it was you the entire time because of your aura.”
“A millennium?” This shocked me more than anything. Was the Temple Keeper immortal?
“I may look like the old man, but I only inhabit his body. Normally one of us would remain dormant inside a human, but I chose the latter. Unlike the rest of us I have bigger plans in store.” So he was a Silvani then. Then why was he killing off his own kind?
“Why would you want to kill off your own kind?” I questioned.
“I can't have others getting in the way of my plan of taking over the earth. I see all of you as a threat.” His eyes gleamed in the light. “I'm just lucky my plan...no, I knew my plan would work. You may have a Silvani within you, but your human self is still in control. That stupid human self of your allowed me to execute my plan with ease, and now I'm here, standing face to face with you. Now the only thing left to do is decide how I should end you.”
“What plan? How did it help you find me?” I asked, stalling for time. I wasn't sure how I'd escape my inevitable demise. I only hoped Saeron or one of the others had an idea.
“It was ingenious really. But thats to be expected from a Silvani.” He grinned maliciously at me, his voice full of pride. “Now where shall I start. When I had heard of your return from the temple I was extremely baffled as to why Saeron hadn't killed you. Then one night I saw Saeron in his human form enter a house through the window. When I peered inside I found him standing near your bed. It became clear to me that he had fallen for you and was now useless as my tool. So I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands, and when you came to my shop that day an idea sprung. I pretended not to recognize you and fed you stories. True stories, but stories I knew would change your mind none the less. I wanted you to go back to the temple. I knew there would be dangers in the jungle waiting for you there. I knew that the tiger people I had previously talked to before you came to my shop would be wandering around in the jungle in search of Saeron. They had told me they wanted to take him, but I merely told them it was located in the jungle, sending them on a wild goose chase. I knew that even if they did find Saeron his dark tiger form would tear them to shreds. Now it was only a matter of time before any one of the following things occurred. You were hunted by these new tiger beings or Saeron somehow found them as soon as you did, releasing his dark form to protect you and then killing you after from loss of control.
“I thought my plan would work for sure, but somehow you managed to avoid it all. The huntings, the uncontrollable dark form. Your aura even grew stronger that day. I could feel it that day. That's how I knew you were still alive. By then I had come to the realization that if I wanted you dead I'd have to do it myself.
“That night I could feel your aura coming closer and I could also sense Saeron as well. I was considering killing you as soon as you came to the village, but I was far to curious about where these tiger people lived. And then a plan begin to fall into play, one that would help me in my quest for world domination.
“I caused the evacuation of own town causing you to have no choice but to join the tiger people as they headed back to their kingdom. This was my plan for killing two birds with one stone.
“Following you would have been now easy task on foot. The ocean alone, when it's waters are parted, as longer than I mile, so I took Oris along with me. When I made it to this island I was much more pleased than I expected to be. I knew immediately this place would make the perfect haven for me. So secluded, so beautiful. No one would ever think to look for me here. And of course....the tiger people. You'll all make excellent tools in my diabolical plan.”
“I hate to break it to you, but I'm no one's tool!” Shouted Zayne in his human form. I looked around. They had all transformed into their human forms.
“So on to your demise then.” The possessed Temple Keeper said ignoring Zayne's comment. He put his hand under his chin in a gesture of thought. Suddenly he outstretched his hand to me and the gloves he had one ignited with fire. “I think I'll finish you off with a classic burning.” His lips curled over his crocked teeth, and his eyes took on a malicious form. He raised the ignited hand up to his head and the flame grew bigger. “Now burn in hell!!!”
The fire came at me with tremendous speed, it's flame growing bigger each inch it traveled. I was nearly a fraction of a second away from being burned when someone tore me out of the way. Saeron held me tightly to his chest, his gait picking up with accelerated speed. I looked behind him just as the Jyot people were making their way toward the Temple Keeper. They had transformed back into their tiger forms and were now fighting, tooth and claw, with the Temple Keeper, obviously trying to create a diversion as Saeron made a run for it.
“Where are you taking me?” I hoped he could hear me over the wind whistling passed us.
“I'm taking you somewhere safe where he wont find you.”
“He'll sense my aura! Didn't you hear him?! My death is inevitable. There's no sense in prolonging it and getting everyone killed.”
Just then I heard a loud growl as Jurah tore into the Temple Keeper. The Temple Keeper yelled in rage. “Let me pass you fiends! I don't want to injure perfectly good tools, no let me pass!” I was grateful he didn't want to hurt the Jyot's. No one would have to die for my sake.
“Don't say that, Dante! We're all fighting to keep you alive. The least you could do is be grateful were doing this. If it weren't were our telepathic capabilities as tigers me and Jurah would have never been able to execute this plan without the Temple Keeper knowing it.” Saeron stated as he whizzed even faster through the lush forest. “Your not going to die.”
I smiled up at him. A weak, unsure smile, but a smile no less. He looked down for a moment and gave me a reassuring grin that made me feel a little better. However, my mind wouldn't stop thinking about all that had happened and all that was probably happening right now. These people were risking their lives for mine. They were giving it everything they got to keep the Temple Keeper from succeeding in finding me. But what if they failed? What if he got away and he found me?
We finally stopped at the opening of a cave so that we could hide and Saeron could rest. There was little light in the cave and I was scared to go further when the light from the sun began to fade into the shadows of the inner most part of the cave. Saeron gladly transformed into his tiger form and led me to the back of the cave, being my eyes every step of the way. We settled down on the ground, my body laying against Saeron's coat for warmth. The cave was not only cold, it was very damp. Occasionally a drop of water would fall on my head which led me to believe that there must be a pond just above us.
“Saeron, if I don't live I want you to know something...”
“I told you not to talk like that, Dante! You will live!” He fought as though he knew it to be the truth.
“I love you.” I said softly. Though I couldn't see it in the darkness, I felt his head rise.
“You do?” He asked, his voice both happy and surprised at the same time. Surprised? But didn't he know I loved him?
“Of course I love you. You didn't know?” I asked with much anticipation of what he was going to say.
“You never told me.”
“I know. But I thought you knew. I always showed you I loved you...even if I never told you.” I finished my sentence an waited for a reply. I felt his neck move, but nothing more.
I was starting to grow anxious when he suddenly nudged me with his wet nose. He then licked me softly on the cheek, his touch making me smile. Than his form began to change and his tongue became lips kissing me passionately all over. My cheek, my neck, my lips. I was surrounded by a haze of heat as he pulled me close to him.
“I've always loved you from the day I first met you.” He whispered seductively to me. I closed my eyes in complete pleasure as he nibbled on my ear. “I've never loved another and I never will.” He breath was hot on my neck now. He pulled me closer to him and I could feel his lips now on my collar bone, and then I froze. I could feel the wet hint of his tongue on my collar bone and chest. The feeling was so heavenly that I completely fell into a trance. I would have done anything for him at that moment.
I felt a breeze of wind rush into the cave and my fears were suddenly reawakened. I wanted to continue what we were doing forever, but something told me the Temple Keeper was coming.
“Saeron, I can feel him approaching!” I said as I pushed him reluctantly away.
“How close is he?” His voice was now alert. I was about to tell him I had no idea where he was when a forceful trimmer shook through the cave and the water above us began forcing it's way through the newly made holes in the cave ceiling. The cave was beginning to collapse and the water was pouring out fast. We had to escape before the cave fell and we were killed. But even if we did manage to get out there was still something else waiting for us outside.
Saeron transformed into his tiger form and nudged me onto his back. He then ran as fast as he could toward the entrance just before the entire cave crumbled and the pond above it fell through. He carried me up to hill where we would drown and set me down.
“Looks like I got the little mouse to come out of it's hole.” The Temple Keeper laughed to himself. He was standing just a few hundred feet away from them, his dark cape swirling violently in the wind as he calmed it to a light breeze. His arms were bloody from being attacked so many times and his side had a small gash in it.“Let's try wind than, shall we?”
His hands moved in different directions in attempt to create a forceful gust of wind. He brought his hands up to his head, just like before, and prepared to aim. “This one will be extra sharp!”
Just before I felt the gust hit my stomach something darted into it's line of sight. In that split second I saw blood splatter, I saw his body topple to the ground, and I felt my eyes widen with fright.
“Jurah!” I screamed. I fell by his side, my body trembling as I saw the large wound the Temple Keeper had dealt on Jurah.
“How dare you interfere!” The Temple Keeper growled.
“No! How dare you! You have no right here. I should have killed you when I had the chance a long time ago!” Saeron spat out the words.
“Heh, well here I am Saeron!” His words were daring Saeron to come at him. “Come and get me!”
I watched from Jurah's side as the fight ensued. The Temple Keeper's attacks were fast, but Saeron was much faster. He dodged and flame and came at the Temple Keeper with full force, only to be sent back with a whirl of wind. He back of a tree and used it as a spring to hurtle himself directly at the Temple Keeper. I could tell he was getting tired because Saeron got to him this time. His large paws swiped down on his opponents chest and blood instantly came forth. Saeron fell back for a moment, admiring his work, and then quickly headed for his opponent again. Air shot at him, but he managed to dodge most of it, his cheek and arm now bloody where the air had made it's mark. Saeron 's attack failed this time, but I could tell he wasn't about to give up. He instantly recoiled with a leap, heading straight for the Temple Keeper's neck. I could see it in his eyes, the Temple Keeper knew where he was heading. I could also see that the Temple Keeper knew it was too last for him. Saeron's teeth sunk into the Silvani's host, the blood draining profusely from his neck. The vessel suddenly became lifeless and it's form feel effortlessly to the ground.
“Did you...did you kill him?” I asked with hope.
“I killed his host, but the Silvani got away. We're safe though, for now.” I winced at his lasts words. Would he be back?
“Jurah are you going to be okay?” I examined his wound. It didn't appear to be as bad as I had thought, but it could become fatal if he didn't cure it right away.
“Of course. I'm just glad your alright, Dante.” He got up with clear strain in his voice. “So Saeron, how about that fight then.”
“Umm, I don't think you should be fighting in this condition.” Saeron gestured to Jurah's wound.
“Your wounded too” Jurah made a gesture to Saeron's wounds now. “I'm not going to give up the fight that easily!”
“You really want to fight?”
“Of course! Let's head back so we can begin.”
“Alright, as you wish.” Saeron gave in.
“Saeron, don't give into what he wants. He's badly hurt!” I yelled. “You could kill him!”
“Don't let her talk you out of it, Saeron. Now let's go!” Jurah growled.
When we finally arrived at the castle it was nearly dark making it harder for me to see what exactly was going on. The fight hadn't started yet, but I knew when it did the only thing I'd be able to see would be dark figures fighting in the night.
I closed my eyes and said a quick prayer to myself. I had an strange feeling in the pit of my stomach that was telling me something was about to go terribly wrong. I finished my prayer and my eyes opened. I prayed that Saeron would win and that they would both be okay. Prayers were suppose to work right? So then why did this sick feeling keep bubbling up in my stomach?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Chapter Twenty-One - The Winds of Change
Chapter Twenty-One – The Winds of Change
At dinner the announcement was made that the fight would be held the next day after lunch. I could tell no one was very happy with this idea. There was so much tension in the room that I found it nearly impossible to eat.
When dinner was finished I could tell that no ones mood had changed. The worry and anxiousness was worn deeply on their faces, even Zayne who normally seemed bubbly. Annie, however, was taking it the hardest. I could tell she was fighting back tears as she left the room, worry lines forming on her forehead. She stole a quick glance and me and turned away. The sadness in her eyes was far too much for me to handle. I went to Saeron for comfort, hoping the surprise he had mentioned earlier would cheer me up.
“Not tonight, sweetheart.” He told me in his soothing voice. The sound of it alone made me feel a little better about the upcoming events, but still didn't take away the anxiousness.
“Why not tonight?”
“It's better we wait till this is all over.” Saeron smiled warmly. He turned away to head in the direction of his room.
“But...but what if you don't win.” As I said this I hoped the complete opposite. His head turned around to face me. There was seriousness in his eyes, uncertainty, and other unfamiliar feelings I couldn't quite decipher.
“I'll win. I promise.” His words sounded sincere and believable. I relaxed a little. He walked to his room and disappeared.
I crawled into my bed, my pajamas on and the lights still on, and I propped my head up on a pillow. The previous reassurance Saeron had gave me was starting to wear off and I was beginning to wonder if her really could take on Jurah.
I couldn't get mind off of that day I spent at the library with Annie. The things she said about Jurah's strength, how he could take on all of them if he wanted to. Was he really that strong? He had killed that creature in the forest with a single swipe of his sword. Maybe he was powerful. I hoped not more powerful than Saeron.
It was sad, in a way, that Jurah had no one of his own to care for. If Saeron had never existed I would have probably fallen in love with Jurah. Of course if Saeron hadn't existed I would have never been in this predicament or this kingdom, or even in love for that matter. So much had happened because of Saeron, and even though there was some good and some bad I still cherished the moments I had created with him. They were moments most ordinary girls couldn't even dream of having.
I was lucky to be with Saeron despite what circumstances I had been through to be with him. It was all worth it in the end. I had to admit, there were times when I felt like the relationship between us could never work, but it's like they say, fate somehow finds a way to bring two people who are in love together. So perhaps fate will be on our side this time. If it's really meant to be Saeron will win and we'll be able to live together forever in peace. I only wished it didn't require that the two have to fight. It was so sad seeing Annie and the others so sad and worried like that. It must be hard seeing two of their kind going at it. Their probably afraid they'll kill each other, and that's the last thing they would hope for with their dwindling population. What am I saying?! Their human beings! I would never want Saeron to die or get injured, and I'm sure they don't want that either. And as much as I'd had to admit it, if Jurah ever was killed or badly injured it would make me sad as well. Even after the bad things he done to me I still care for him. He may be stubborn, but he is a generally sweet person who I'd hate to see get hurt.
I turned my head to the sound of the door opening. Speak of the devil. I laughed to myself.
“Jurah, haven't you caused enough trouble tonight?” I saw him wince at my comment, as though my words has pierce his heart.
“I only came to apologize.” There was true sincerity in his voice. “I never meant to make you cry. I just want you to love me.”
He sounded like a broken record. I wanted to tell him to get out, but my sympathy for him was rising with each second. His face looked torn and his eyes filled with sadness. He gaze met the floor.
“You don't understand what it's like living without a mate for so long. I've longed for someone to hold for too long and now that I've found you it's become all but easy to conceal my wanting.” He paused with a sigh. As his eyes looked up to meet mine I saw as glint in them. A small tear trailed from his eye down to his chin and he had to look back down to regain his composure. “Please forgive me Dante. I promise I'll never hurt you again and I'll fight my hardest to try to win you for myself. But if I don't win....just know I still love you.”
I felt something wet fall off my cheek and realized it was a tear. His last words had deeply touched me somehow and I felt great compassion for him.
“That's all I wanted to say...that and...” He pulled out a small box and set it at the foot of my bed. “I made this for you. It's to say I'm sorry for everything I've done to you. Please forgive me.” He wiped away a tear and looked up with hopeful, yet sad eyes.
“Of course I forgive you.” I said cheerfully. “I know you only did those things because you really wanted me. And it's okay now because you said your sorry.”
“Thank you.” He smiled cheerfully. “Sleep well, Dante. I'll see you tomorrow.”
As soon as he left the room I reached down at the foot of the bed and scoped up the little box he had given me. I lifted the lid of the box and looked down at the gift he had given me. Inside a set of beads lay bunched up, locked onto some form of string. I pulled out the object and found a beautifully beaded necklace. At it's base, the most intriguing part of it, was a tiger amulet made of jade. I unlatched it and hooked the latch, the necklace laying flat on my chest. It was nice of him to have gotten it for me, but I wondered what Saeron would say if he saw it. Of course the necklace didn't interfere with the bracelet he had gotten me, but it would still come into question when Saeron caught a glimpse of it. I decided it was best to put it away until I everything had died down.
Morning came sooner than I would have hoped.
I got out of bed, brushed my teeth, got on some clothes, and very slowly ate my breakfast. I was nearly through when I got a knock on my door. I pictured either Jurah walking in with another declaration of admiration or Saeron coming in to talk to me before he had to fight. Instead his sister, Annie came in with a very somber look on her face.
“Annie, what's wrong?” I asked, though I clearly knew the answer. She threw herself to me and instantly began bawling.
“I can't believe this is actually happening. This is something I've feared would happen.” She said through tears. I softly rubbed her back in an effort to calm her down. It was starting to work. Her sobs were getting softer. “I just hope neither of them gets killed.”
“I'm sure it will all be fine. Jurah came to me the other night and apologized for all he did to me so I'm sure he wont get to carried away on Saeron, and Saeron is a gentleman. He won't kill your cousin.”
Annie was still sobbing, but I could tell she was taking assurance in my words because she nodded several times. I could only imagine how hard it has to be for her. Her cousin and her only brother fighting against each other. She may not have known Saeron for very long, but he was still her brother, her flesh and blood.
“I know you don't know Saeron very well, but I've seen him in action. I've seen him fight monsters five times his size and win.” I assured her. “And if Jurah's as good as you say he is I'm sure both will put up a good fight, and they'll both be fine.”
She looked up at me and smiled with reassurance in her eyes.
“Thank you so much.” She said with a hug. “It'll be tough to watch, but at least now I feel more assured about the outcome.”
“I just hope the outcome results in Saeron's win. I mean...I care about Jurah, but-
“I know, you love Saeron. I know if I was in your situation I'd only have love for one man too and that'd be my love Zayne. I'm really sorry your having to go through all this.” She hugged me again, rubbing my back this time. “But love will find a way, it always does.” She winked and smiled. “I guess I'll head back to my room now. I'll see you at the dining all for lunch. Our last meal together before the fight.” As she finished she headed out the door and closed it shut so that I was left alone to ponder my thoughts.
I didn't have much else to think about, unless you count all the things I had previously thought about before.
Finally I got bored and fell asleep on my bed, only to be awakened an hour later by Saeron who was graciously offering to take me to lunch.
“What's wrong? You seem quiet.” He said after we'd be walking silently down the hall for some time.
“It's just...well you know. All this! It's making me sick to my stomach. I don't want anything to happen to you guys.”
“Sweetheart, everything will be alright. We're both strong men and even stronger tigers. We can take on a lot of damage. Besides, it's not like it's a fight to the death.” I breathed out a sigh of relief when he spoke the last words. At least I didn't have to worry about that part. Now all I had to worry about was watching the fight and the injuries after. “And if your thinking of injuries were not like normal humans, we heal faster than that. I'll be fine. I just need to win is all.” He chuckled after he said this. He seemed so confident in his abilities that it was start to make me feel confident in them as well.
“Just promise me one thing.”
“Okay, what's that?” He asked, stopping in mid walk.
“That you'll still love me, even if you lose.”
“Oh, I wont lose!” He chuckled again.
“Saeron, I'm serious.” He looked down at me and he too became serious. He smiled as he put his hand softly on my cheek, stroking it lightly.
“I promise I will always love you forever. No matter what.” He pulled me close and pressed a passionate kiss upon me. I swooned under the impact of it's excitement. Saeron pulled away and smiled. “Shall we head off to lunch then?”
“Of course.” I smiled pleasantly.
Lunch flew by fast. But just when I thought it was about done Saeron had an announcement to make.
“Jurah, I was think that since we're fighting for this beautiful lady that we might as well raise the wager. I think you'll find this one most appropriate.”
“What is it?”
“I think that the winner should not only get to keep Dante as their love, but become king as well.”
“I don't see why you find that so appropriate Saeron!” Jurah growled.
“Well, considering I am the rightful heir to the thrown I think I should have a fair shot at earning my crown back.” Saeron grinned through his gleaming teeth.
“Alright Saeron. I'll go along with your little wager.” Jurah said with much amusement in his voice.
“Good. It's settled then. Let's get on with the fight shall we?”
Outside it was beginning to grow a bit chilly. Almost all the Jyot's had transformed into their tiger forms for warmth. Luckily I had thought to wear a jacket. I sat on the grass pulling my jacket close to me waiting for the fight to begin. One the far left side stood Saeron, still in human form, and on the far right was Jurah, also still in human form. I assumed they were going to fight in their tiger forms, but they probably wanted to get as much fresh air as they could before they were in the heat of battle.
I looked over at Annie was was sitting next to Zayne. Her white coat greatly stood out next to the intense orange coat on Zayne, and her true blue eyes stood out even more. They didn't seem as sad anymore, only anxious, like a hungry tiger stalking it's prey, or a deer trying to find an escape from the hunter.
The wind started to blow furiously towards me. It was becoming very difficult to stay warm and concentrate at the same time. Finally Saeron transformed into his tiger form, which gave Jurah the signal to transform into his as well. Both Saeron and Jurah looked like night and day, one black, the other cream. Which was ironic, because they were indeed as different as night and day.
I waited anxiously for one to start the fight. A minute passed, but all they managed to accomplish was digging their nails into the dirt. Finally Jurah lunged at Saeron and the fight was on. Each one started to attack the other. And each time the other would dodge the attack. It was clear to see what tactics both were using. Saeron's was strength, and Jurah's was speed.
The wind started to pick up again, but still time it became even more violent. It came with a force that almost took me with it. I was sure a hurricane was on it's way. But Saeron and Jurah just kept at it. The wind didn't cease, in fact it got worse. It eventually got to the point where everyone of us was looking for shelter among trees and even Saeron and Jurah's movement started to slow.
I started to hear the clogging noise of hoofs. And as the wind got stronger so did the noise, until finally a black creature came storming out of the thicket. He came riding on his horse, I could tell instantly it was the Temple Keeper, and right away he caught everyones attention. His pace never slowed as he continued to ride, now circling me. The mane and tail of the horse I knew as Oris was a beautiful iridescent color in the light, and when I looked up so were the Temple Keepers eyes. They met me with a twisted gaze, one you'd only see in a psychopath bent on killing for fun. He finally slowed his pace and stopped the horse just in front of me.
The others gathered around, all looking very puzzled.
“I've been looking for you.” His voice was cold and demonic. I shiver went down my spine as I stared up at him, his evil gazing never breaking for a second. I shriveled back in fear. I finally knew why he had come to the island.
At dinner the announcement was made that the fight would be held the next day after lunch. I could tell no one was very happy with this idea. There was so much tension in the room that I found it nearly impossible to eat.
When dinner was finished I could tell that no ones mood had changed. The worry and anxiousness was worn deeply on their faces, even Zayne who normally seemed bubbly. Annie, however, was taking it the hardest. I could tell she was fighting back tears as she left the room, worry lines forming on her forehead. She stole a quick glance and me and turned away. The sadness in her eyes was far too much for me to handle. I went to Saeron for comfort, hoping the surprise he had mentioned earlier would cheer me up.
“Not tonight, sweetheart.” He told me in his soothing voice. The sound of it alone made me feel a little better about the upcoming events, but still didn't take away the anxiousness.
“Why not tonight?”
“It's better we wait till this is all over.” Saeron smiled warmly. He turned away to head in the direction of his room.
“But...but what if you don't win.” As I said this I hoped the complete opposite. His head turned around to face me. There was seriousness in his eyes, uncertainty, and other unfamiliar feelings I couldn't quite decipher.
“I'll win. I promise.” His words sounded sincere and believable. I relaxed a little. He walked to his room and disappeared.
I crawled into my bed, my pajamas on and the lights still on, and I propped my head up on a pillow. The previous reassurance Saeron had gave me was starting to wear off and I was beginning to wonder if her really could take on Jurah.
I couldn't get mind off of that day I spent at the library with Annie. The things she said about Jurah's strength, how he could take on all of them if he wanted to. Was he really that strong? He had killed that creature in the forest with a single swipe of his sword. Maybe he was powerful. I hoped not more powerful than Saeron.
It was sad, in a way, that Jurah had no one of his own to care for. If Saeron had never existed I would have probably fallen in love with Jurah. Of course if Saeron hadn't existed I would have never been in this predicament or this kingdom, or even in love for that matter. So much had happened because of Saeron, and even though there was some good and some bad I still cherished the moments I had created with him. They were moments most ordinary girls couldn't even dream of having.
I was lucky to be with Saeron despite what circumstances I had been through to be with him. It was all worth it in the end. I had to admit, there were times when I felt like the relationship between us could never work, but it's like they say, fate somehow finds a way to bring two people who are in love together. So perhaps fate will be on our side this time. If it's really meant to be Saeron will win and we'll be able to live together forever in peace. I only wished it didn't require that the two have to fight. It was so sad seeing Annie and the others so sad and worried like that. It must be hard seeing two of their kind going at it. Their probably afraid they'll kill each other, and that's the last thing they would hope for with their dwindling population. What am I saying?! Their human beings! I would never want Saeron to die or get injured, and I'm sure they don't want that either. And as much as I'd had to admit it, if Jurah ever was killed or badly injured it would make me sad as well. Even after the bad things he done to me I still care for him. He may be stubborn, but he is a generally sweet person who I'd hate to see get hurt.
I turned my head to the sound of the door opening. Speak of the devil. I laughed to myself.
“Jurah, haven't you caused enough trouble tonight?” I saw him wince at my comment, as though my words has pierce his heart.
“I only came to apologize.” There was true sincerity in his voice. “I never meant to make you cry. I just want you to love me.”
He sounded like a broken record. I wanted to tell him to get out, but my sympathy for him was rising with each second. His face looked torn and his eyes filled with sadness. He gaze met the floor.
“You don't understand what it's like living without a mate for so long. I've longed for someone to hold for too long and now that I've found you it's become all but easy to conceal my wanting.” He paused with a sigh. As his eyes looked up to meet mine I saw as glint in them. A small tear trailed from his eye down to his chin and he had to look back down to regain his composure. “Please forgive me Dante. I promise I'll never hurt you again and I'll fight my hardest to try to win you for myself. But if I don't win....just know I still love you.”
I felt something wet fall off my cheek and realized it was a tear. His last words had deeply touched me somehow and I felt great compassion for him.
“That's all I wanted to say...that and...” He pulled out a small box and set it at the foot of my bed. “I made this for you. It's to say I'm sorry for everything I've done to you. Please forgive me.” He wiped away a tear and looked up with hopeful, yet sad eyes.
“Of course I forgive you.” I said cheerfully. “I know you only did those things because you really wanted me. And it's okay now because you said your sorry.”
“Thank you.” He smiled cheerfully. “Sleep well, Dante. I'll see you tomorrow.”
As soon as he left the room I reached down at the foot of the bed and scoped up the little box he had given me. I lifted the lid of the box and looked down at the gift he had given me. Inside a set of beads lay bunched up, locked onto some form of string. I pulled out the object and found a beautifully beaded necklace. At it's base, the most intriguing part of it, was a tiger amulet made of jade. I unlatched it and hooked the latch, the necklace laying flat on my chest. It was nice of him to have gotten it for me, but I wondered what Saeron would say if he saw it. Of course the necklace didn't interfere with the bracelet he had gotten me, but it would still come into question when Saeron caught a glimpse of it. I decided it was best to put it away until I everything had died down.
Morning came sooner than I would have hoped.
I got out of bed, brushed my teeth, got on some clothes, and very slowly ate my breakfast. I was nearly through when I got a knock on my door. I pictured either Jurah walking in with another declaration of admiration or Saeron coming in to talk to me before he had to fight. Instead his sister, Annie came in with a very somber look on her face.
“Annie, what's wrong?” I asked, though I clearly knew the answer. She threw herself to me and instantly began bawling.
“I can't believe this is actually happening. This is something I've feared would happen.” She said through tears. I softly rubbed her back in an effort to calm her down. It was starting to work. Her sobs were getting softer. “I just hope neither of them gets killed.”
“I'm sure it will all be fine. Jurah came to me the other night and apologized for all he did to me so I'm sure he wont get to carried away on Saeron, and Saeron is a gentleman. He won't kill your cousin.”
Annie was still sobbing, but I could tell she was taking assurance in my words because she nodded several times. I could only imagine how hard it has to be for her. Her cousin and her only brother fighting against each other. She may not have known Saeron for very long, but he was still her brother, her flesh and blood.
“I know you don't know Saeron very well, but I've seen him in action. I've seen him fight monsters five times his size and win.” I assured her. “And if Jurah's as good as you say he is I'm sure both will put up a good fight, and they'll both be fine.”
She looked up at me and smiled with reassurance in her eyes.
“Thank you so much.” She said with a hug. “It'll be tough to watch, but at least now I feel more assured about the outcome.”
“I just hope the outcome results in Saeron's win. I mean...I care about Jurah, but-
“I know, you love Saeron. I know if I was in your situation I'd only have love for one man too and that'd be my love Zayne. I'm really sorry your having to go through all this.” She hugged me again, rubbing my back this time. “But love will find a way, it always does.” She winked and smiled. “I guess I'll head back to my room now. I'll see you at the dining all for lunch. Our last meal together before the fight.” As she finished she headed out the door and closed it shut so that I was left alone to ponder my thoughts.
I didn't have much else to think about, unless you count all the things I had previously thought about before.
Finally I got bored and fell asleep on my bed, only to be awakened an hour later by Saeron who was graciously offering to take me to lunch.
“What's wrong? You seem quiet.” He said after we'd be walking silently down the hall for some time.
“It's just...well you know. All this! It's making me sick to my stomach. I don't want anything to happen to you guys.”
“Sweetheart, everything will be alright. We're both strong men and even stronger tigers. We can take on a lot of damage. Besides, it's not like it's a fight to the death.” I breathed out a sigh of relief when he spoke the last words. At least I didn't have to worry about that part. Now all I had to worry about was watching the fight and the injuries after. “And if your thinking of injuries were not like normal humans, we heal faster than that. I'll be fine. I just need to win is all.” He chuckled after he said this. He seemed so confident in his abilities that it was start to make me feel confident in them as well.
“Just promise me one thing.”
“Okay, what's that?” He asked, stopping in mid walk.
“That you'll still love me, even if you lose.”
“Oh, I wont lose!” He chuckled again.
“Saeron, I'm serious.” He looked down at me and he too became serious. He smiled as he put his hand softly on my cheek, stroking it lightly.
“I promise I will always love you forever. No matter what.” He pulled me close and pressed a passionate kiss upon me. I swooned under the impact of it's excitement. Saeron pulled away and smiled. “Shall we head off to lunch then?”
“Of course.” I smiled pleasantly.
Lunch flew by fast. But just when I thought it was about done Saeron had an announcement to make.
“Jurah, I was think that since we're fighting for this beautiful lady that we might as well raise the wager. I think you'll find this one most appropriate.”
“What is it?”
“I think that the winner should not only get to keep Dante as their love, but become king as well.”
“I don't see why you find that so appropriate Saeron!” Jurah growled.
“Well, considering I am the rightful heir to the thrown I think I should have a fair shot at earning my crown back.” Saeron grinned through his gleaming teeth.
“Alright Saeron. I'll go along with your little wager.” Jurah said with much amusement in his voice.
“Good. It's settled then. Let's get on with the fight shall we?”
Outside it was beginning to grow a bit chilly. Almost all the Jyot's had transformed into their tiger forms for warmth. Luckily I had thought to wear a jacket. I sat on the grass pulling my jacket close to me waiting for the fight to begin. One the far left side stood Saeron, still in human form, and on the far right was Jurah, also still in human form. I assumed they were going to fight in their tiger forms, but they probably wanted to get as much fresh air as they could before they were in the heat of battle.
I looked over at Annie was was sitting next to Zayne. Her white coat greatly stood out next to the intense orange coat on Zayne, and her true blue eyes stood out even more. They didn't seem as sad anymore, only anxious, like a hungry tiger stalking it's prey, or a deer trying to find an escape from the hunter.
The wind started to blow furiously towards me. It was becoming very difficult to stay warm and concentrate at the same time. Finally Saeron transformed into his tiger form, which gave Jurah the signal to transform into his as well. Both Saeron and Jurah looked like night and day, one black, the other cream. Which was ironic, because they were indeed as different as night and day.
I waited anxiously for one to start the fight. A minute passed, but all they managed to accomplish was digging their nails into the dirt. Finally Jurah lunged at Saeron and the fight was on. Each one started to attack the other. And each time the other would dodge the attack. It was clear to see what tactics both were using. Saeron's was strength, and Jurah's was speed.
The wind started to pick up again, but still time it became even more violent. It came with a force that almost took me with it. I was sure a hurricane was on it's way. But Saeron and Jurah just kept at it. The wind didn't cease, in fact it got worse. It eventually got to the point where everyone of us was looking for shelter among trees and even Saeron and Jurah's movement started to slow.
I started to hear the clogging noise of hoofs. And as the wind got stronger so did the noise, until finally a black creature came storming out of the thicket. He came riding on his horse, I could tell instantly it was the Temple Keeper, and right away he caught everyones attention. His pace never slowed as he continued to ride, now circling me. The mane and tail of the horse I knew as Oris was a beautiful iridescent color in the light, and when I looked up so were the Temple Keepers eyes. They met me with a twisted gaze, one you'd only see in a psychopath bent on killing for fun. He finally slowed his pace and stopped the horse just in front of me.
The others gathered around, all looking very puzzled.
“I've been looking for you.” His voice was cold and demonic. I shiver went down my spine as I stared up at him, his evil gazing never breaking for a second. I shriveled back in fear. I finally knew why he had come to the island.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Chapter Twenty – The King Has Returned
Chapter Twenty – The King Has Returned
I rushed out of my room, Jurah was just behind me, and I immediately began looking for him. Jurah's ears were capable of hearing things at great distances so he might not of even been in the castle. Still, I looked everywhere I could. Finally I came to the staircase at the main room and I had to catch my breath because the sight of his figure nearly stopped my heart. My eyes widened and I put my hand on my chest. When his eyes met mine I couldn't help the overwhelming tears that fell eagerly out of my eyes. Everything started to feel like it was going through slow motion after that.
I carried my heavy feet over to him and he met me half way, taking me up in his arms in a warm, loving embrace. I held tightly, crying in his shirt, as he tried to calm me down, stroking my hair and kissing my head.
Finally I was able to compose myself and I looked up into his eyes with so much happiness.
“I'm so glad your back,” I smiled as I rubbed away unwanted tears.
“I'm glad I'm back too. I've been thinking about you the entire time I was gone. I'm so sorry for the way I treated you.” He squeezed me tight and whispered in my hear. “Could you ever forgive me?”
I just smiled and nodded. Of course I forgave him. I was just happy he was back, safe and sound. I hadn't realized I missed him this much.
Suddenly I remember something that caused me to pull back with puzzlement.
“How are you able to remain human during the day?”
“Well, while I was gone I managed to get the technique down.” He smiled and kissed my cheek, making me feel hot. “It's a bit of a strain, but if I can manage to concentrate I'm able to keep the human form. I'll get it down to a science by the end of the month, though, no problem.
“I'm glad it's working out for you. So what happened out there anyways?” Curiosity was starting to get the better of me. I wanted to know what exactly happened and if they took care of the Temple Keeper.”
“It's quite a bit of a story, Dante.” He grinned as he took me by the arm. “But I'd love to share it with you. Let's head to my room first.”
We both sat on his bed facing away from the window. I held a pillow in my arms and waited for his story to begin, but he did something unexpected first.
“I felt like it's been ages since we've seen each other.” Saeron said in that seductive tone I could never forget.
“I feel the same. It was almost like you were never coming back.” I looked down with sadness. His hand quickly pulled my face up.
“I'm sorry I left you like that. My intention was never to hurt you.” He said with a serious tone. “I was just so caught up in the fact that he had come here. It enraged me so much that I couldn't think about anything else. I'm sorry I didn't apologized to you then like I should have.” He rested a gently hand on my leg and I instantly became aroused. I smiled. He never failed to turn me on.
He gazed lovingly at me, his eyes soft and seductive. They drew me into him like a magnet. Or perhaps that wasn't his eyes. I realized now that his hand was leading my face to meet him. My eyes slowly closed and I willing took in the breathless moment, our lips touching passionately. This kiss seemed different than the rest. This kiss felt so passionate, like there was more longing for each other, that I literally lost myself in the moment.
He pulled me closer to him and I fell back with him on the bed. His hands on my hair and my back. A breath of air and then a plunge into another kiss.
After we had stopped kissing Saeron held me tightly to his chest, as though he were keeping a precious treasure safe. It was hard not to feel loved when he held me like this, whispering sweet things in my ear. He stroked my back softly as I listened to his heart, the beat just as fast as mine was.
“It's been too long since I've held you like this.” He said softly, his voice almost a whisper. I nodded and closed my eyes in complete content.
“Did you want to hear about what happened?” Saeron's voice was a little louder this time, but still soft enough to keep me in a state of sleepiness.
“Alright,” I said before a yawn interrupted my talking. “What exactly happened?”
“Well, that morning I awoke early because I overheard everyone talking about something. My ears are extremely sensitive you know. We I asked what was going on they described the man to me, and the black horse he was riding on. Immediately I realized it was him and I realized the horse was Oris. The second I heard I was enraged and I wanted nothing more than to help them on their hunt for this threat. They hadn't seen him as a threat yet, but I was already weary knowing it was him. Nothing good ever came from him.
“So we left that morning in a hurry to catch up to him. This island really isn't as small as one might think, which is why it took us several days to find him.
“But when we did finally find him we had no idea what we were in for. I mean, I knew that he was capable of using magic, but what he used on us was far more powerful than what I remember him being capable of. We lost him several times, not because he was too powerful, but because he fled so many times. I've never seen that horse run so fast, there was just no keeping up with it. I have a feeling that if we hadn't allowed him to escape his powers may have been too much for us. Already we were suffering from fire attacks that took him only seconds to cast. I could only imagine what kind of damage he could do if he really wanted to.”
“So, he got away?”
“Yeah, I wanted to keep going, but I also missed you too much.” He squeezed me tightly. “So we all came back. I have a feeling, though, that he'll probably come to the kingdom. He's not here for nothing. He probably wants me back.”
“What are you going to do when he come?”
“Fight back. Even if he is that powerful I can't let him get the best of me. I'm done working for him and I'm make sure he knows it. Still, the way he looked, the way he acted wasn't normal at all. It looked like....eh, I don't know.”
“Like what?” I was suddenly become very awake and intrigued.
“Almost like he was possessed.” Saeron's said in a serious tone. “Normally he would have said something to me, or even tried to fight me if I was really who he wanted, but he seemed to be looking for something, only using his powers when he absolutely had to. So maybe it's not me he wants back. Maybe theres something else he wants on this island.”
“Well as long as he doesn't want you I really don't care what he wants.” I pulled myself closer to him.
“Even if it is I won't go down without a fight.” He chuckled to himself. The thought of this made me uneasy. There was a very powerful man riding around and we still didn't know what he wanted.
“You mind if I take a nap here with you?” I said through a yawn.
“Sure, but don't you want some lunch?”
“Nah, I'd much rather lie here with you, sweetie.” I smiled and relaxed in his arms. He stroked my hair and rubbed my back, which helped in the process of getting me to sleep Even if he didn't know it. I was in complete heaven. I was reunited with my love, laying with him in bed, and his touch was absolutely amazing. It was only minutes before I was lulled to sleep.
“Dante,” I heard his voice faintly in my ears, then it got louder. “Dante, wake up sweetheart.”
“Whats wrong, Saeron?” I opened my eyes to find him hovering over me.
“Nothing, I just thought you'd like to get dressed before you went to dinner.”
I looked down and realized I was still in my pajamas. “Oh, oops! Guess I was so excited to see you I kind of forgot.” I laughed to myself.
“Don't worry about it. Just go get dress so we can walk down to dinner together. Please hurry though. Dinner starts in a few minutes.”
“Don't worry, I'll be dressed in no time.”
“Oh, Dante.”
“Yeah.”
“Come to my room after dinner tonight. I have a surprise for you.”
“Ok,” I said as I headed out the door. I thought of all the possible things he could want to give me, but nothing came to mind. Finally my thoughts rested on the idea that perhaps it wasn't a thing to give but something we could do. Could he? No. But maybe. Did he want to go further than he had that night he refused to go further? Maybe that was it!
I was still a little bit sleepy when I got to my room so I quickly dabbed my face with cold water and then picked out some suitable clothes to wear. I found a light yellow lacy top and put it with a white skirt and some gold jewelry I found in the drawers. I looked at the jewelry pieces attentively. I hadn't remembered them being in my drawers.
“Where the heck did these come from?” I asked myself as I held them up to the light to get a better look.
“I see you've found my present to you.” I nearly dropped the jewelry when I heard his voice behind me. My heart started beating frantically as I took in who it was. “I hope you like them. Their a symbol of my love to you. And theres more where that came from if you'll be mine, Dante.”
“Jurah, we've already had this talk. I don't love you. You can't make me love you.”
“How do you know that's not possible. With enough admiration I'm sure I could win you over from that childish boy you say you love. I'm much more mature and I could take care of you better.”
“How old are you anyways?” I asked curiously. My words came out in chokes.
“I'm 23. Saeron's 19 isn't he?” Jurah grinned, showing his perfect teeth. “You deserve a much older man.”
He took a few steps towards me and I edged back, only to feel the bathroom counter hit my back. Jurah closed in on me and took me in his arms. I wanted to fight back, but I was too afraid, so I cried instead.
“I wish you'd stop doing this.” I cried out. “It's not right. It's not fair to me.”
“Don't talk to me about fair.” He growled. He pulled my face up to meet his and pressed my back to the counter. “I deserve fairness as well, and do I get it?! No! I love you. Why can't you just accept me. Why won't you give me a fair chance?”
“It's not that simple. Love doesn't work that way.” My sobs were getting worse. “I can't ever love you because you don't truly love me. Even if you say you do.”
“I do all I can to please you. Of course I love you.”
“Then why are you hurting me like this?” I sobbed out. He gasped and looked at me with a new realization. Just then the door opened and Saeron walked in. I could feel my heart pounding even louder in my chest I watched him when he found me and Jurah together like this.
“Get away from her!” He growled. He literally tore through Jurah to get to me, pulling me close to him then putting me just behind him to act as a barricade for me against Jurah. “Don't you ever touch her again!”“You watch what you say to me! I'm still the king of this kingdom. She deserves the right to choose who she wants to love.”
“I know, but she doesn't love you and you don't love her. Someone who loves her would never treat her like that. How could you make her cry like that?!”
Jurah turned away for a moment, obviously realizing what Saeron said was true, but I could tell he still wasn't going down without a fight.
“I do love her. I've been showing her that I love her.”
“What?! Dante, has he done this kind of stuff to you all week?!” He growled. I nodded meekly. “What makes you think you can even touch her--
“Oh, I did more than touch her.” Jurah grinned maliciously.
“You bastard!” Saeron was now enraged. “You have no right!”
“I'm the king. I could have her now if I chose.” Jurah eyed me through slanted eyes. “It's law. And everyone in the kingdom obeys law. I'll have everyone turn against you and I will have Dante as my wife.”
“What?! You can't do that!”
“Yes, I can. And I will. As king I get whoever I want.” Jurah chuckled cold heartedly. “And even if you did manage to get through everyone else, theres still me you have to go through. And no one gets through me.”
Saeron clenched his teeth. He seemed troubled already by this predicament and I for once in my life I felt like even he couldn't save me from the things I feared.
“Dante, come here.” Jurah cooed to me. His arms outstretched.
“No,” I said softly.
“What was that?” Jurah asked. He clearly hadn't heard me.
“No!” I screamed.
“You don't have a choice!”
“Yes I do! Because your not the rightful king! Saeron is!”
Jurah let out a gasp and looked at me with eyes you'd only see of someone who was about to dies.
“How did you. No, that's not true.”
“I found out in the library. Taj was the son of the former king and Annie his daughter. Therefore you are not it's rightful king.”
“Your sure about this Dante?” Saeron asked with hope.
“Positive.”
“It doesn't matter. I'm still king now!”
“I don't care! Technically because I'm suppose to be king that gives me the same rights as you. And to be fair it would mean we had a fair chance at Dante.” Saeron said. I was surprised at how mature this made him sound.
“What do you propose?” Jurah asked.
“I say we fight tomorrow and the best man keeps Dante.”
“Saeron, you don't have to do this!” I reminded him. He leaned in to whisper in my ear.
“I know, even if we didn't fight I'd have to take on the rest of the kingdom anyways, along with Jurah and I really don't think I can handle fighting that many. Not to mention I don't want to hurt the people that have been so nice to us.
“Alright,” Jurah said after much thought. “We'll fight for the right to be her love. May the best man when.”
The shook hand and parted ways. Jurah leaving the room, and Saeron heading toward me.
“Don't worry,” I heard Saeron say under his breath. “I will.”
I rushed out of my room, Jurah was just behind me, and I immediately began looking for him. Jurah's ears were capable of hearing things at great distances so he might not of even been in the castle. Still, I looked everywhere I could. Finally I came to the staircase at the main room and I had to catch my breath because the sight of his figure nearly stopped my heart. My eyes widened and I put my hand on my chest. When his eyes met mine I couldn't help the overwhelming tears that fell eagerly out of my eyes. Everything started to feel like it was going through slow motion after that.
I carried my heavy feet over to him and he met me half way, taking me up in his arms in a warm, loving embrace. I held tightly, crying in his shirt, as he tried to calm me down, stroking my hair and kissing my head.
Finally I was able to compose myself and I looked up into his eyes with so much happiness.
“I'm so glad your back,” I smiled as I rubbed away unwanted tears.
“I'm glad I'm back too. I've been thinking about you the entire time I was gone. I'm so sorry for the way I treated you.” He squeezed me tight and whispered in my hear. “Could you ever forgive me?”
I just smiled and nodded. Of course I forgave him. I was just happy he was back, safe and sound. I hadn't realized I missed him this much.
Suddenly I remember something that caused me to pull back with puzzlement.
“How are you able to remain human during the day?”
“Well, while I was gone I managed to get the technique down.” He smiled and kissed my cheek, making me feel hot. “It's a bit of a strain, but if I can manage to concentrate I'm able to keep the human form. I'll get it down to a science by the end of the month, though, no problem.
“I'm glad it's working out for you. So what happened out there anyways?” Curiosity was starting to get the better of me. I wanted to know what exactly happened and if they took care of the Temple Keeper.”
“It's quite a bit of a story, Dante.” He grinned as he took me by the arm. “But I'd love to share it with you. Let's head to my room first.”
We both sat on his bed facing away from the window. I held a pillow in my arms and waited for his story to begin, but he did something unexpected first.
“I felt like it's been ages since we've seen each other.” Saeron said in that seductive tone I could never forget.
“I feel the same. It was almost like you were never coming back.” I looked down with sadness. His hand quickly pulled my face up.
“I'm sorry I left you like that. My intention was never to hurt you.” He said with a serious tone. “I was just so caught up in the fact that he had come here. It enraged me so much that I couldn't think about anything else. I'm sorry I didn't apologized to you then like I should have.” He rested a gently hand on my leg and I instantly became aroused. I smiled. He never failed to turn me on.
He gazed lovingly at me, his eyes soft and seductive. They drew me into him like a magnet. Or perhaps that wasn't his eyes. I realized now that his hand was leading my face to meet him. My eyes slowly closed and I willing took in the breathless moment, our lips touching passionately. This kiss seemed different than the rest. This kiss felt so passionate, like there was more longing for each other, that I literally lost myself in the moment.
He pulled me closer to him and I fell back with him on the bed. His hands on my hair and my back. A breath of air and then a plunge into another kiss.
After we had stopped kissing Saeron held me tightly to his chest, as though he were keeping a precious treasure safe. It was hard not to feel loved when he held me like this, whispering sweet things in my ear. He stroked my back softly as I listened to his heart, the beat just as fast as mine was.
“It's been too long since I've held you like this.” He said softly, his voice almost a whisper. I nodded and closed my eyes in complete content.
“Did you want to hear about what happened?” Saeron's voice was a little louder this time, but still soft enough to keep me in a state of sleepiness.
“Alright,” I said before a yawn interrupted my talking. “What exactly happened?”
“Well, that morning I awoke early because I overheard everyone talking about something. My ears are extremely sensitive you know. We I asked what was going on they described the man to me, and the black horse he was riding on. Immediately I realized it was him and I realized the horse was Oris. The second I heard I was enraged and I wanted nothing more than to help them on their hunt for this threat. They hadn't seen him as a threat yet, but I was already weary knowing it was him. Nothing good ever came from him.
“So we left that morning in a hurry to catch up to him. This island really isn't as small as one might think, which is why it took us several days to find him.
“But when we did finally find him we had no idea what we were in for. I mean, I knew that he was capable of using magic, but what he used on us was far more powerful than what I remember him being capable of. We lost him several times, not because he was too powerful, but because he fled so many times. I've never seen that horse run so fast, there was just no keeping up with it. I have a feeling that if we hadn't allowed him to escape his powers may have been too much for us. Already we were suffering from fire attacks that took him only seconds to cast. I could only imagine what kind of damage he could do if he really wanted to.”
“So, he got away?”
“Yeah, I wanted to keep going, but I also missed you too much.” He squeezed me tightly. “So we all came back. I have a feeling, though, that he'll probably come to the kingdom. He's not here for nothing. He probably wants me back.”
“What are you going to do when he come?”
“Fight back. Even if he is that powerful I can't let him get the best of me. I'm done working for him and I'm make sure he knows it. Still, the way he looked, the way he acted wasn't normal at all. It looked like....eh, I don't know.”
“Like what?” I was suddenly become very awake and intrigued.
“Almost like he was possessed.” Saeron's said in a serious tone. “Normally he would have said something to me, or even tried to fight me if I was really who he wanted, but he seemed to be looking for something, only using his powers when he absolutely had to. So maybe it's not me he wants back. Maybe theres something else he wants on this island.”
“Well as long as he doesn't want you I really don't care what he wants.” I pulled myself closer to him.
“Even if it is I won't go down without a fight.” He chuckled to himself. The thought of this made me uneasy. There was a very powerful man riding around and we still didn't know what he wanted.
“You mind if I take a nap here with you?” I said through a yawn.
“Sure, but don't you want some lunch?”
“Nah, I'd much rather lie here with you, sweetie.” I smiled and relaxed in his arms. He stroked my hair and rubbed my back, which helped in the process of getting me to sleep Even if he didn't know it. I was in complete heaven. I was reunited with my love, laying with him in bed, and his touch was absolutely amazing. It was only minutes before I was lulled to sleep.
“Dante,” I heard his voice faintly in my ears, then it got louder. “Dante, wake up sweetheart.”
“Whats wrong, Saeron?” I opened my eyes to find him hovering over me.
“Nothing, I just thought you'd like to get dressed before you went to dinner.”
I looked down and realized I was still in my pajamas. “Oh, oops! Guess I was so excited to see you I kind of forgot.” I laughed to myself.
“Don't worry about it. Just go get dress so we can walk down to dinner together. Please hurry though. Dinner starts in a few minutes.”
“Don't worry, I'll be dressed in no time.”
“Oh, Dante.”
“Yeah.”
“Come to my room after dinner tonight. I have a surprise for you.”
“Ok,” I said as I headed out the door. I thought of all the possible things he could want to give me, but nothing came to mind. Finally my thoughts rested on the idea that perhaps it wasn't a thing to give but something we could do. Could he? No. But maybe. Did he want to go further than he had that night he refused to go further? Maybe that was it!
I was still a little bit sleepy when I got to my room so I quickly dabbed my face with cold water and then picked out some suitable clothes to wear. I found a light yellow lacy top and put it with a white skirt and some gold jewelry I found in the drawers. I looked at the jewelry pieces attentively. I hadn't remembered them being in my drawers.
“Where the heck did these come from?” I asked myself as I held them up to the light to get a better look.
“I see you've found my present to you.” I nearly dropped the jewelry when I heard his voice behind me. My heart started beating frantically as I took in who it was. “I hope you like them. Their a symbol of my love to you. And theres more where that came from if you'll be mine, Dante.”
“Jurah, we've already had this talk. I don't love you. You can't make me love you.”
“How do you know that's not possible. With enough admiration I'm sure I could win you over from that childish boy you say you love. I'm much more mature and I could take care of you better.”
“How old are you anyways?” I asked curiously. My words came out in chokes.
“I'm 23. Saeron's 19 isn't he?” Jurah grinned, showing his perfect teeth. “You deserve a much older man.”
He took a few steps towards me and I edged back, only to feel the bathroom counter hit my back. Jurah closed in on me and took me in his arms. I wanted to fight back, but I was too afraid, so I cried instead.
“I wish you'd stop doing this.” I cried out. “It's not right. It's not fair to me.”
“Don't talk to me about fair.” He growled. He pulled my face up to meet his and pressed my back to the counter. “I deserve fairness as well, and do I get it?! No! I love you. Why can't you just accept me. Why won't you give me a fair chance?”
“It's not that simple. Love doesn't work that way.” My sobs were getting worse. “I can't ever love you because you don't truly love me. Even if you say you do.”
“I do all I can to please you. Of course I love you.”
“Then why are you hurting me like this?” I sobbed out. He gasped and looked at me with a new realization. Just then the door opened and Saeron walked in. I could feel my heart pounding even louder in my chest I watched him when he found me and Jurah together like this.
“Get away from her!” He growled. He literally tore through Jurah to get to me, pulling me close to him then putting me just behind him to act as a barricade for me against Jurah. “Don't you ever touch her again!”“You watch what you say to me! I'm still the king of this kingdom. She deserves the right to choose who she wants to love.”
“I know, but she doesn't love you and you don't love her. Someone who loves her would never treat her like that. How could you make her cry like that?!”
Jurah turned away for a moment, obviously realizing what Saeron said was true, but I could tell he still wasn't going down without a fight.
“I do love her. I've been showing her that I love her.”
“What?! Dante, has he done this kind of stuff to you all week?!” He growled. I nodded meekly. “What makes you think you can even touch her--
“Oh, I did more than touch her.” Jurah grinned maliciously.
“You bastard!” Saeron was now enraged. “You have no right!”
“I'm the king. I could have her now if I chose.” Jurah eyed me through slanted eyes. “It's law. And everyone in the kingdom obeys law. I'll have everyone turn against you and I will have Dante as my wife.”
“What?! You can't do that!”
“Yes, I can. And I will. As king I get whoever I want.” Jurah chuckled cold heartedly. “And even if you did manage to get through everyone else, theres still me you have to go through. And no one gets through me.”
Saeron clenched his teeth. He seemed troubled already by this predicament and I for once in my life I felt like even he couldn't save me from the things I feared.
“Dante, come here.” Jurah cooed to me. His arms outstretched.
“No,” I said softly.
“What was that?” Jurah asked. He clearly hadn't heard me.
“No!” I screamed.
“You don't have a choice!”
“Yes I do! Because your not the rightful king! Saeron is!”
Jurah let out a gasp and looked at me with eyes you'd only see of someone who was about to dies.
“How did you. No, that's not true.”
“I found out in the library. Taj was the son of the former king and Annie his daughter. Therefore you are not it's rightful king.”
“Your sure about this Dante?” Saeron asked with hope.
“Positive.”
“It doesn't matter. I'm still king now!”
“I don't care! Technically because I'm suppose to be king that gives me the same rights as you. And to be fair it would mean we had a fair chance at Dante.” Saeron said. I was surprised at how mature this made him sound.
“What do you propose?” Jurah asked.
“I say we fight tomorrow and the best man keeps Dante.”
“Saeron, you don't have to do this!” I reminded him. He leaned in to whisper in my ear.
“I know, even if we didn't fight I'd have to take on the rest of the kingdom anyways, along with Jurah and I really don't think I can handle fighting that many. Not to mention I don't want to hurt the people that have been so nice to us.
“Alright,” Jurah said after much thought. “We'll fight for the right to be her love. May the best man when.”
The shook hand and parted ways. Jurah leaving the room, and Saeron heading toward me.
“Don't worry,” I heard Saeron say under his breath. “I will.”
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Chapter Nineteen – The Beauty and the Beast
Chapter Nineteen – The Beauty and the Beast
That morning I woke up early, hoping that Saeron had returned, only to find he was still not back. I was starting to get worried. Worried that he'd run into trouble he couldn't deal with. The temple keeper may have seemed feeble and old, but he also seemed ruthless. Probably because of the fact that he wanted to exterminate a whole race.
A knock at the door led to face it, as well as Jurah who was carrying a tray of breakfast in his hands.
“Glad to see your up in time for breakfast this morning,” he said calmly. His face was reserved, as though he was trying to hide something.
“Thanks for the breakfast.”
“My pleasure.” He smiled as he laid the tray down on my desk. “It's not much, but it should fill you up.”
I looked at the tray. On it lay a single apple, hot cereal, juice and some eggs.
“Go ahead and eat, I want to talk to you when your done.”
I headed for the food, trying to hide my interest in what he was going to tell me. I started to get a bad vibe, like I knew what he was about to tell wouldn't be to my liking. I ate as slow as I liked, trying my best to savor every morsel, but somehow his words kept getting in the way. My fantasies of what he might talk to me about clouded my mind and distorted my senses. Tasting the food was nearly impossible now, so I finished up whatever I could till I was full then turned to him.
“What is it you'd like to talk to me about?” The words came out small and faint.
“I was thinking a lot about what you said last night.” He paused and his face turned serious. “What I want to know is...how can I earn your love?”
I sat silently for a moment not sure of what to say. He just didn't get it. He couldn't win my love because I loved Saeron. He wasn't another option. I wanted no options. I wanted Saeron.
“Jurah, if you ever did earn my love it would be through friendship and kindness.” I breathed a sigh. “But you must understand, I could never love you like I love Saeron.”
Jurah sat down at the edge of my bed and breathed out heavily. “I can't just let you go. I love you. My love for you is too strong to ignore. I dream about you every night and it makes it worse. Please, give me a chance. You will see I am the better suitor.”
Though his voice was soothing and his eyes seductive I simply couldn't give into his pleas. The sadness in his voice though, the pitiful sadness, made me feel sorry for him.
I looked out the window, wishing and praying that Saeron would come and rescue me from Jurah's persistence. But, like always, his form was not visible in the landscape before me. I sighed and sunk my head so that it rested on the back of the chair.
Jurah smiled weakly. I could tell he was trying to conceal the sadness and disappointment he held within him. His topaz eyes gazed into mine and he reached a hand out to stroke my cheek as I looked up at him.
“Have I told you the myth around why we Jyot's are the way we are?”
“No,” I was suddenly intrigued.
“It's been passed down from generation to generation, and much has been lost from the story. But its a great tale to tell.” He paused and took his hand away from my cheek. “Are you familiar with the story Beauty and the Beast?”
“Yes, I love that story.”
“Did you know it originated from our people?” He smiled as I shook my head no. “Good, then you haven't heard the story yet.”
I adjusted myself and made sure I was comfortable, then waited for him to begin the story.
“You know the classic Beauty and the Beast story where a prince is turned into a beast by an enchantress. This part is true, in fact most of same elements in that tale are the same as ours, but let me tell you how the tale really went.
“There once lived a prince who lived in the largest castle in the land. He spoiled, selfish, and mean. One day a women came to the castle and the prince and her fell in love. The women wanted the prince to prove his love for her so she disguised herself as an old, ugly women. She went to the prince and he turned her away repeatedly, saying she was not the one he loved even though she continued to ask him if he loved her and tell him who she was. She even warned him not to be fooled by her appearance, but continued to turn her away. She asked him if he loved her and if not then she would leave him forever. When he replied no the women transformed back into her beautiful self and the prince realized the mistake he had made. He pleaded to have her back, but it was too late. The women left him, but before she left she turned him and all his loyal subjects into tigers with the ability to only transform back into humans at night. What's most fascinating though is what the girl really was, and the promise she made to the prince just before she left. Bet you can't guess what she was. ...I'll just tell you. She was a Silvani, which explains her powers. Somehow the translation of Silvani to enchantress was made, but our people were able to keep this knowledge.
“But the promise is what I find to be the most fascinating part of the story. Before the Silvani left her prince she made him a promise that she would come back to make his people apart of this world, but only if one could learn to love of great nobility. No one's quite sure what she meant by this, but most of us believe she will return to us seeking love from someone of noble class, and if they succeed in loving her than the curse she put upon our people so long ago will be broken.
“I think...she's come back to us.”
“You don't think she's me do you?” I was shocked at his assumptions.
“I know she's you. She's reincarnated herself within you and now she seeks to find love with nobility. With me.”
“That can't be it,” I looked away from him. “There's no way I'm her. I don't love you. You know that Jurah.”
“You may think you don't,” He grinned slyly. “But your inner self does. And soon it will consume you. You wont be able to change the prophesy that has been foretold.”
“Jurah, please, that's just silly. Those are all just myth's. The translation could have all been jumbled up by the time it got to your generation.” I hoped he would consider this factor. I really didn't want him thinking he still had a chance.
“It's possible. But this is all too convenient. There must be some reason why you ended up here.”
“Coincidence?”
“No,” He thought to himself. “All will reveal itself in time.”
“Is that the only reason why you want to fall in love with me?”
“No! Not at all! I can't my feelings for you. They continue to overwhelm me even now. I love you for who you are, not because of a prophesy.”
I sighed and closed my eyes. When I reopened them Jurah was looking directly at me with intrigued eyes. What did he see in me that made me so appealing?
“I haven't had the pleasure of kissing you yet.” He mused to himself. “I wonder what it feels like.” He held my face in his hands and looked into my eyes, this time with more desire than intrigue. I instantly knew what he was about to do and I had little time to react before he did it.
“Please,” I tried to pull my face away, but he had it tightly locked in his hands. “Why would you want to kiss me if I don't even love you?”
“I'd like to know...how it feels,” His face was inches from mine, I could feel his hot breath on my face. I could feel my cheeks burning as he started to decrease the space between us. “I've never kissed a women before. Let alone one so pretty.”
He came within an inch of my face.
“Stop! I can't do this to Saeron.”
Suddenly fury took over him. It came so fast I could barely follow the motions. But before I knew it I was laying on my back on the bed, Jurah's raging eyes staring down at me.
“I'm tired of you talking about Saeron!” He growled. His voice would have been even more seductive if I wasn't scared to death. “I deserve a chance as much as he does! If you won't play fair than neither will I.”
He held me down and his face met with mine. Both our lips locking. I would feel the heat within his mouth flowing into mine and I tried my hardest to resist him. He continued to kiss me. His hand now entangling in my hair, his other hand rubbing up and down my thigh.
He stopped for a moment to catch his breath then continued to kiss me more passionately, this time with his tongue. I was slowly losing control. I couldn't fight him. I couldn't even more.
He stared to pull my shirt off, the air around my stomach felt cold, but his already exposed stomached warmed it up. I realized now that both he and I had no shirt on. He stopped kissing my for a moment and leaned in to place his mouth by my ear.
“I want to show you just how much I love you.” His words instantly awoke me from my dizziness of arousal and I knew what exactly he was talking about. He nipped at my eat a little and then preceded to lick it as he went for my pants.
Suddenly his head went up and he looked around for a moment, looking at nothing in particular, as though he was listening to something.
I could hear nothing, but I was relieved that he had stopped because I wouldn't have been able to stop him myself.
He got up from the bed and put on his shirt.
“Get on you clothes.” He commanded.“What's going on?”
“Your little friend, Saeron, is back.”
Chapter Eighteen - The Way To A Heart
Chapter Eighteen – The Way To A Heart
His hand suddenly moved to my chest. He looked too focus that I was sure he hadn't realized he had placed his hand on one of my breasts. His head leaned closer to mine and for a second I thought our lips were going to lock, but his face met the side of my neck and he because to kiss every inch of it softly. I closed my eyes, trying not to fall into temptation.
I felt his lips curl of in a smile just before licked my neck and up to my ear. I started to breath heavily then stopped when I realized what he was trying to do. He was trying to get me to respond to him in some way; a moan, heavy breathing. I'd have to be stronger if I wanted to fight back his seductive ways.
In that instant I wished that Saeron was there. That he had never left so Jurah wouldn't have made moves on me. Don't get me wrong. I liked Jurah, but it wasn't hard at all to pick between the two. I already knew I cared Saeron more than I did Jurah. I knew Saeron better. I felt safe with Saeron, even loved. Yes, I guess you could say we really loved each other. Despite the way he was sometimes he always cared for me and should me, in his own way, that he loved me.
I looked up at Jurah who had stopped kissing my neck and resumed caressing my cheek. He was indeed very good looking and perhaps even better looking than Saeron. But the fact was that love counted for more than looks did. And despite Jurah's admiration and persistence I knew I would never love him the way I loved Saeron. Saeron was who I wanted to be with for the rest of my life.
He never spoke, but his eyes spoke for him. He seemed to really want me. But he didn't care enough about me, like Saeron did, to want whatever made me happy.
He shifted the hand that was on my chest and a sudden gasp left my lips. He smiled in content of what he had accomplished. He started to put his hands on my chest, but I firmly held him back, simply saying “please”, hoping he would understand what I was trying to keep his from doing.
He recovered quickly for being rejected such a privilege, but then took the liberty of making up for it. His hands went under the sheet and found their way to my legs where they glided smoothly up my leg and up to my thighs. I could barely keep from breathing heavily.
He shifted his legs and for a second I thought he was getting into a “position”. I was beginning to freak out until he moved just one of his legs in between mine. I felt a little better and suddenly realized I was fighting, again, to keep my breathing steady. I lost all control of my breathing when his leg rubbed against me just in the middle of my thighs. My eyes grew wide and I let out a shrill cry. I was just about to lose it! So I tried thinking of Saeron again. Remembering that I loved him and that Jurah was only trying to seduce me. He didn't really love me. He only thought he loved me.
Finally he got off me after kissing my neck and stomach a few times and laid beside me. I took this opportunity to turn away from him, toward the window, and shut my eyes in hopes that he would disappear.
Hands draped over my waist and his lips once again pressed on my neck. He pulled himself closer to me and I shivered from the his warmth in contrast to the cool atmosphere. It felt nice to lay their next to him. But not as nice at it felt when I laid with Saeron. When Saeron and I laid together it gave me a sense of calming, like I knew nothing bad would happen to me as long as I slept next to him. With Jurah it was different. It was like I was constantly have to look over my shoulder to make sure nothing to extreme happened. I had to make sure he kept his hands to himself. And I was always making sure I didn't fall into temptation. It was like hold the forbidden fruit in front of me, looking at its ripe and juiciness, and I couldn't have it. Well, in a sense I could, but if I took it I would most definitely suffer the consequences.
It was hard to fall asleep that night. I probably got one hour of sleep or maybe even less. I woke up to him playing with strands of my hair. It felt nice, and calmed me a little. I breathed out and allowed myself to relax.
“Good morning.” He breathed out casually. I twisted my head to look at his perfect face.
“Good morning.” I mustered out. I felt so tired. I decided right then and there to stay in bed till noon.
I ended up sleeping through breakfast and then lunch and finally woke up just before two. Jurah had popped in my room a few times to bring me meals, but never once disturbed me. I was grateful for that.
My dreams only consisted of one thing over and over again. I found myself with Jurah, doing things with him, and Saeron kept catching us. His disappointment and sadness was so vivid in my dreams that I once woke up crying, my stomach feeling nauseated at the thought of losing him.
I stumbled out of bed and looked out the window. The trees were swaying in the breeze and the sun rays were streaming through the window. I felt my cheeks grow flush as the warmth rested on them. I looked down to where the forest met the kingdoms gardens. I don't know if I was hoping he'd come out of the forest like he was only hiding or if I was confirming what I expected was true. He wasn't back yet.
I looked at the desk to my left and saw all the food Jurah had brought me. After sleeping for many hours, going without breakfast and lunch, I was famished and parched. I reached for a glass of juice and drank hastily, spilling a few drops on the floor. I wiped off the crimson drops around my mouth and dove in through the rest of the foods and drinks. Turkey, sandwiches, salads, soups, cakes, jelly pastries, sparkling water. The list went on and on. The desk was filled with more than I could ask for. I sat down and took a bite out of each one of my options. It all tasted so juicy, so delicious. At the end of eating I had to be careful how I moved so as to not hurt my stomach and I was constantly fighting sleep as I walked down the hall to see if I could find something to do instead of just sitting idly in my room.
I wandered the halls looking through rooms that looked interesting, but soon had to stop and take a breath because my stomach was so full.
“You look a little lost.” I saw Annie out of the corner of my eye. I turned to her and smiled.
“Nah, just checking out the castle, finding something to do.”
“I could teach you how to fly our dragons if you'd like.” She actually sounded serious.
“No thanks. It scares me enough just riding them.” I followed it up with a nervous laugh. “Is there anything else to do around here?”
“Well, I have been a little curious about you Silvani powers.” I laughed a little as she said this.
“I have to say. I'm a little curious about them too.”
“What do you mean?”
“I haven't really done much with my powers. I mean, I've stopped the rain, received guidance from voices, and even saved Saeron, but I've never known how to control them except through instinct. I don't think their really is a way to control them.”
“It would very helpful if you could. We could take care of enemies much quicker.”
“Enemies?” I was shocked. None of them had said anything about enemies since I had been in this kingdom.
“We've had a few.” She paused for a moment to look away, as though she was thinking back to the past. “It's been a long time though.”
“What kind of enemies?” She looked at me strangely when I said this, as though she was just switching her views from the past to the future, trying hard to focus on what I had just said.
“Hunters.” She said vaguely. “We were wanted for our fur and hunters would do anything to find us. Only a few found our kingdom, but we eventually took care of them one by one.”
“That must be hard for you guys.”
“What?”
“Having to kill other humans. At least...it was for Saeron.”
“We all have to do what we can to survive. If they get in our way theres no choice, but to take them down.”
“I guess that's how nature works.” I mused. “Living in the world of humans it's sometimes hard to think that people would kill each other just to live. But I guess we humans have our own battles to fight sometimes, and our own wars. And sometimes it's not even for survival. It's mostly because were greedy.” I sat back for a moment and reflected on what I had said. It was surprisingly deep for the way I usually thought. Or maybe I just never saw myself as deep until now, when like and death entered the picture.
That night after dinner I wandered the halls a little more. I cared with me a big water bottle and decided to find someone to talk to so I wouldn't feel so lonely.
I unwillingly made it to Jurah's room, my feet somehow carrying me there, and I couldn't find him. I was about to head out the door when he called out to me from the his balcony.
“Come join me.” He said calmly. “The weather tonight is nice.”
I did as he said and found myself standing next to him, my blond hair flowing in the breeze, my skin tingling as the wind hit against it. I felt it swirl through my arms as they rested easily on the banisters of the balcony.
Jurah remained quiet for some time and soon the moon started to come out, shining brightly down on us.
“Are you alright?” I asked softly. He let out a sigh and continued to stare off into the horizon.
“Yeah, I think so.” He paused. “But, I have a question for you.”
“Okay, what is it?”
“What do you think of me?” He looked directly at me, and I could see the seriousness and concern in his eyes. I thought for a moment, considering how I was going to answer his question.
“Well, I think you a nice guy. You can be aggressive at times, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. Not to mention confident.”
“I see.” He stared back out into the darkness. “You don't hate me do you?”
“No, not at all.”
“But you wouldn't say you loved me.” He looked back at me. I pondered this question, but only for a brief second.
“Well, I suppose in a sense I could, but only as a friend.” I watched as his face dropped with realization.
“Oh,” was all he said. He then went back to looking away. “Is there any way I could make you love me? Any way I could have your heart?”
“It's not that simple, Jurah.”
“But could you ever love me?”
“....if Saeron wasn't in the picture perhaps I could.” I was careful with my wording, making sure not to say too much about Saeron and make Jurah mad.
“I bet I could treat you better than Saeron ever could. I bet I could show you more love than he ever did. The admiration I'd show you would be nothing in comparison to his.” He was obviously try to convince himself and me that he was the better person.
“Maybe you could,” I said softly. “But love isn't a fickle thing. It only comes on rare occasions.” I turned to head off the balcony. Just as I was getting off it I said my last words that I hoped would get to him. “And my heart....my heart is only for the one I love.”
His hand suddenly moved to my chest. He looked too focus that I was sure he hadn't realized he had placed his hand on one of my breasts. His head leaned closer to mine and for a second I thought our lips were going to lock, but his face met the side of my neck and he because to kiss every inch of it softly. I closed my eyes, trying not to fall into temptation.
I felt his lips curl of in a smile just before licked my neck and up to my ear. I started to breath heavily then stopped when I realized what he was trying to do. He was trying to get me to respond to him in some way; a moan, heavy breathing. I'd have to be stronger if I wanted to fight back his seductive ways.
In that instant I wished that Saeron was there. That he had never left so Jurah wouldn't have made moves on me. Don't get me wrong. I liked Jurah, but it wasn't hard at all to pick between the two. I already knew I cared Saeron more than I did Jurah. I knew Saeron better. I felt safe with Saeron, even loved. Yes, I guess you could say we really loved each other. Despite the way he was sometimes he always cared for me and should me, in his own way, that he loved me.
I looked up at Jurah who had stopped kissing my neck and resumed caressing my cheek. He was indeed very good looking and perhaps even better looking than Saeron. But the fact was that love counted for more than looks did. And despite Jurah's admiration and persistence I knew I would never love him the way I loved Saeron. Saeron was who I wanted to be with for the rest of my life.
He never spoke, but his eyes spoke for him. He seemed to really want me. But he didn't care enough about me, like Saeron did, to want whatever made me happy.
He shifted the hand that was on my chest and a sudden gasp left my lips. He smiled in content of what he had accomplished. He started to put his hands on my chest, but I firmly held him back, simply saying “please”, hoping he would understand what I was trying to keep his from doing.
He recovered quickly for being rejected such a privilege, but then took the liberty of making up for it. His hands went under the sheet and found their way to my legs where they glided smoothly up my leg and up to my thighs. I could barely keep from breathing heavily.
He shifted his legs and for a second I thought he was getting into a “position”. I was beginning to freak out until he moved just one of his legs in between mine. I felt a little better and suddenly realized I was fighting, again, to keep my breathing steady. I lost all control of my breathing when his leg rubbed against me just in the middle of my thighs. My eyes grew wide and I let out a shrill cry. I was just about to lose it! So I tried thinking of Saeron again. Remembering that I loved him and that Jurah was only trying to seduce me. He didn't really love me. He only thought he loved me.
Finally he got off me after kissing my neck and stomach a few times and laid beside me. I took this opportunity to turn away from him, toward the window, and shut my eyes in hopes that he would disappear.
Hands draped over my waist and his lips once again pressed on my neck. He pulled himself closer to me and I shivered from the his warmth in contrast to the cool atmosphere. It felt nice to lay their next to him. But not as nice at it felt when I laid with Saeron. When Saeron and I laid together it gave me a sense of calming, like I knew nothing bad would happen to me as long as I slept next to him. With Jurah it was different. It was like I was constantly have to look over my shoulder to make sure nothing to extreme happened. I had to make sure he kept his hands to himself. And I was always making sure I didn't fall into temptation. It was like hold the forbidden fruit in front of me, looking at its ripe and juiciness, and I couldn't have it. Well, in a sense I could, but if I took it I would most definitely suffer the consequences.
It was hard to fall asleep that night. I probably got one hour of sleep or maybe even less. I woke up to him playing with strands of my hair. It felt nice, and calmed me a little. I breathed out and allowed myself to relax.
“Good morning.” He breathed out casually. I twisted my head to look at his perfect face.
“Good morning.” I mustered out. I felt so tired. I decided right then and there to stay in bed till noon.
I ended up sleeping through breakfast and then lunch and finally woke up just before two. Jurah had popped in my room a few times to bring me meals, but never once disturbed me. I was grateful for that.
My dreams only consisted of one thing over and over again. I found myself with Jurah, doing things with him, and Saeron kept catching us. His disappointment and sadness was so vivid in my dreams that I once woke up crying, my stomach feeling nauseated at the thought of losing him.
I stumbled out of bed and looked out the window. The trees were swaying in the breeze and the sun rays were streaming through the window. I felt my cheeks grow flush as the warmth rested on them. I looked down to where the forest met the kingdoms gardens. I don't know if I was hoping he'd come out of the forest like he was only hiding or if I was confirming what I expected was true. He wasn't back yet.
I looked at the desk to my left and saw all the food Jurah had brought me. After sleeping for many hours, going without breakfast and lunch, I was famished and parched. I reached for a glass of juice and drank hastily, spilling a few drops on the floor. I wiped off the crimson drops around my mouth and dove in through the rest of the foods and drinks. Turkey, sandwiches, salads, soups, cakes, jelly pastries, sparkling water. The list went on and on. The desk was filled with more than I could ask for. I sat down and took a bite out of each one of my options. It all tasted so juicy, so delicious. At the end of eating I had to be careful how I moved so as to not hurt my stomach and I was constantly fighting sleep as I walked down the hall to see if I could find something to do instead of just sitting idly in my room.
I wandered the halls looking through rooms that looked interesting, but soon had to stop and take a breath because my stomach was so full.
“You look a little lost.” I saw Annie out of the corner of my eye. I turned to her and smiled.
“Nah, just checking out the castle, finding something to do.”
“I could teach you how to fly our dragons if you'd like.” She actually sounded serious.
“No thanks. It scares me enough just riding them.” I followed it up with a nervous laugh. “Is there anything else to do around here?”
“Well, I have been a little curious about you Silvani powers.” I laughed a little as she said this.
“I have to say. I'm a little curious about them too.”
“What do you mean?”
“I haven't really done much with my powers. I mean, I've stopped the rain, received guidance from voices, and even saved Saeron, but I've never known how to control them except through instinct. I don't think their really is a way to control them.”
“It would very helpful if you could. We could take care of enemies much quicker.”
“Enemies?” I was shocked. None of them had said anything about enemies since I had been in this kingdom.
“We've had a few.” She paused for a moment to look away, as though she was thinking back to the past. “It's been a long time though.”
“What kind of enemies?” She looked at me strangely when I said this, as though she was just switching her views from the past to the future, trying hard to focus on what I had just said.
“Hunters.” She said vaguely. “We were wanted for our fur and hunters would do anything to find us. Only a few found our kingdom, but we eventually took care of them one by one.”
“That must be hard for you guys.”
“What?”
“Having to kill other humans. At least...it was for Saeron.”
“We all have to do what we can to survive. If they get in our way theres no choice, but to take them down.”
“I guess that's how nature works.” I mused. “Living in the world of humans it's sometimes hard to think that people would kill each other just to live. But I guess we humans have our own battles to fight sometimes, and our own wars. And sometimes it's not even for survival. It's mostly because were greedy.” I sat back for a moment and reflected on what I had said. It was surprisingly deep for the way I usually thought. Or maybe I just never saw myself as deep until now, when like and death entered the picture.
That night after dinner I wandered the halls a little more. I cared with me a big water bottle and decided to find someone to talk to so I wouldn't feel so lonely.
I unwillingly made it to Jurah's room, my feet somehow carrying me there, and I couldn't find him. I was about to head out the door when he called out to me from the his balcony.
“Come join me.” He said calmly. “The weather tonight is nice.”
I did as he said and found myself standing next to him, my blond hair flowing in the breeze, my skin tingling as the wind hit against it. I felt it swirl through my arms as they rested easily on the banisters of the balcony.
Jurah remained quiet for some time and soon the moon started to come out, shining brightly down on us.
“Are you alright?” I asked softly. He let out a sigh and continued to stare off into the horizon.
“Yeah, I think so.” He paused. “But, I have a question for you.”
“Okay, what is it?”
“What do you think of me?” He looked directly at me, and I could see the seriousness and concern in his eyes. I thought for a moment, considering how I was going to answer his question.
“Well, I think you a nice guy. You can be aggressive at times, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. Not to mention confident.”
“I see.” He stared back out into the darkness. “You don't hate me do you?”
“No, not at all.”
“But you wouldn't say you loved me.” He looked back at me. I pondered this question, but only for a brief second.
“Well, I suppose in a sense I could, but only as a friend.” I watched as his face dropped with realization.
“Oh,” was all he said. He then went back to looking away. “Is there any way I could make you love me? Any way I could have your heart?”
“It's not that simple, Jurah.”
“But could you ever love me?”
“....if Saeron wasn't in the picture perhaps I could.” I was careful with my wording, making sure not to say too much about Saeron and make Jurah mad.
“I bet I could treat you better than Saeron ever could. I bet I could show you more love than he ever did. The admiration I'd show you would be nothing in comparison to his.” He was obviously try to convince himself and me that he was the better person.
“Maybe you could,” I said softly. “But love isn't a fickle thing. It only comes on rare occasions.” I turned to head off the balcony. Just as I was getting off it I said my last words that I hoped would get to him. “And my heart....my heart is only for the one I love.”
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