Nev nodded and hugged him tightly. The doubts and worries she had about her feelings for Wyatt seemed to just melt. Even with her choosing to meet danger head-on, he’d chosen to stand beside her. For the first time in a long time, Nev started to think she may not have to be alone ever again. Gazing at him, she whispered, “The letter… it said that I should give that ring to… to the one I love. And that with it, they would keep me close to their heart and far from danger.”
Wyatt lifted her face to his and said with a smile, “And you’re sure you want me to have it? I mean, you aren’t just giving it to me because there is a distinct lack of other options at the moment?”
Nev giggled briefly before shaking her head. “I’m sure. You are the only option I want,” she said, before kissing him tenderly.
Matching her kiss with his own affection for her, the connection he sensed between them grew stronger. “So, does that mean you love me?” Wyatt asked, smiling coyly at her.
“I suppose it does,” she surmised, pulling him closer to her.
“Just to clarify, you suppose it does, or it does?” he asked, thoroughly enjoying himself.
Nev leaned close to his face. Her fingers wandered to a curl that had fallen near his left eye. She twirled it between her fingers for a brief moment and then whispered, “Yes.”
“I see how it is. I will get the answer from you eventually,” teased Wyatt. He was grinning from ear to ear.
“You are certainly free to try,” she smiled shyly.
“Ha, deal! So, all we need to do is get rid of this pesky prowler, and then I can focus all my efforts on making you talk. Easy. Maybe I’ll take you to another cave? I believe I now have a profound appreciation for them, especially in your company,” he replied with a grin as he slipped the ring onto his finger.
Nev nodded, and then they both waited silently for fate to finally meet them. While they waited, she replayed their most recent conversation over in her mind. He could always make her smile, even when she was surrounded by so much darkness and danger. It was definitely one of the things she loved most about him. Huh, love? Love indeed, Nev mused. She smiled to herself and then cleared her mind, focusing on the battle that was almost upon them.
Chapter 17
The prowler was deep in meditation, having stalled his own progress to Birclan to run through his drills. He had neglected his training the past several weeks, and he blamed his lack of diligence on his recent setbacks. His mentor had always said his hunger was his greatest weapon and his greatest weakness, causing him to continuously struggle to find a balance. His difficulty had only intensified over the last few weeks.
Ever since coming across the blue-eyed woman, he had felt his hunger grow to an insatiable yearning. The knowledge that she was different than all the rest he had hunted pushed him into a near frenzy. She was the one, the realization gradually dawning on him even before he saw the amulet she carried or felt its draw. He’d been so close to claiming her for himself. Then she had clutched it, and a purple light temporarily blinded him. The residual taste of her essence, the amulet’s energy, and the understanding of who she was had driven him to forsake hunting all others. He would have her, and he would present her to his master. If, however, she made him kill her… Well, then he would consume her life. In every sense of the word.
He centered his thoughts to one, her. Then he allowed himself to fall into a state of deep concentration. Several hours past, when energy abruptly surged through him. It was so intense it nearly knocked him over. He sprung up quickly and grinned back towards the direction he had just traveled from. “Yes, there you are. How perfect that you’ve returned there,” he observed before grinning. With an intense desire, he sprinted towards her and the energy she emitted.
He tore through the woods towards his singular purpose. Branches lashed out against him, but he ignored their failed attempts to penetrate his armor. He drew upon his ravenous craving for her, pushing his body to extremes. He must reach her. Moving with an unnatural swiftness and ease, he navigated the woods as if almost by instinct. It would not take him long to reach her. With each step, his appetite for her grew.
Chapter 18
The rain had returned, and lazy fat droplets fell all around them. Nev and Wyatt had been waiting for the menacing figure from their nightmares to appear. Almost an hour had gone by since they had left the cabin. He wanted to believe the prowler wasn’t coming, but he knew that wasn’t the case. Regardless of how long they were made to wait, Wyatt’s support would not waver. He wasn’t much at fighting, but he was determined to stand with Nev regardless. He would find a way to help her somehow. He just hadn’t figured out how yet.
For now, he kept his focus squarely on Nev. She was standing only a few feet in front of him, and he grinned as he gazed at her. He had just learned Nev, the woman he loved, also loved him. Even if she hadn’t fully admitted it yet, he knew the truth of it. So, he was certainly not about to let something bad happen to her, especially before he playfully extracted a confession of her feelings for him.
As they waited, Wyatt contemplated their journey so far. Their connection since Serenity Falls had slowly evolved over the past few days. After focusing on the amulet with her at the cabin, however, it had rapidly grown intense. Without even trying, he could feel her. Her pulse, breath, fear, resolve, and… love. It was like she was a part of him. He was aware of her the same way one is aware of their own limbs. He did not need to be able to see or touch Nev to know she was there or to know she was tired or hurting.
Wyatt felt like he was being pulled by some unseen force. Saying it was destiny or fate made it sound like something made up to embellish a story, but he could think of no other words that fit. All he knew was he was completely in love with her. So, he wasn’t about to let anything, not fate, destiny, or his own fear, get in the way of that. We will find a way… even if this is crazy. Wyatt let the thought die. He couldn’t, wouldn’t let his thoughts wander. Not now. She needed him, and he had no intention of letting her down, ever.
Time seemed to pass slowly as Nev kneeled on the ground, stretching her senses out beyond the edges of their normal boundaries. The amulet she wore glowed dimly and helped her see even farther. It hummed warmly against her chest, and she welcomed it. Its power stretching from her chest and out into her limbs and up her neck.
In a flash, his presence came suddenly and sharply into focus. The prowler was just beyond the clearing she had often visited as a child. Standing up and turning slightly, she was now facing his approach. “Make it right,” she whispered before drawing her dagger in her right hand and the newfound short sword with her left. She watched as the rain slid down their blades, and a few of the droplets glistened and swirled with light. Nev smiled, sensing Wyatt’s gentle reminder that he was right with her.
After a few moments, the prowler slid menacingly into view. He paced back and forth for a few heartbeats before steadily drawing closer. While still several feet away from Nev, he abruptly stopped. As he unsheathed his dagger, the red gems that adorned the hilt became clearly visible. The prowler’s intentions also became plainly evident. There would be no enforcer or explosion to distract him this time. Standing silently, the prowler studied Wyatt and Nev thoroughly.
Any doubt Wyatt had that this was the prowler from his nightmares vanished at the sight of that dagger. This was the prowler. He’d been the one that had hurt both his sister and Nev. Now he was here to kill Nev… or worse. Wyatt felt uneasy at the realization and at having the prowler size them up in such a way. He shifted on his feet and stretched slightly. You won’t be hurting either of them again, he thought.
Nev watched the prowler’s approach and analyzed his movements, weapon, and armor meticulously. If he had a weakness, she needed to discover it. The dagger he wielded looked deadly and similar to hers, except for the blade. The blade of Nev’s dagger was truly unique, perhaps giving her an edge.
However, even with her new chainmail shirt, the prowler was much better armor
ed. His black leather shell glistened from the dampness that clung to it, and it seemed to grip his body like a second skin. There were small metal adornments in patches along his chest, shoulders, elbows, knees, and hands. Beyond that, he also wore a dark hood that obscured his eyes. Even with the hood, however, Nev could sense their piercing stare.
Watching the prowler’s movements, Nev felt increasingly uneasy. Despite his average size, he was incredibly intimidating. The prowler stood in a position that made Nev feel like he could leap upon her at any moment. He was definitely human, but he had a primal… almost animal quality about how he moved. It made Nev very uncomfortable.
“Ah, the boy from the apartment. I see my instincts on you were correct, you are quite intriguing. How fascinating to see you here, with her,” the prowler said, sneering at the heiress.
Nev said nothing in response, still painstakingly studying his movements. He was unlike any opponent she had faced. The unfamiliarity making Nev doubt her ability to defeat him.
“So, tell me, boy. How did you keep her hidden from me?” he asked, turning his glare towards the man.
Wyatt felt the prowler push into his mind with a ferocity that was missing in Serenity Falls. He groaned with mild pain as he pushed back. This time, however, Wyatt did not need to be subtle in his resistance. He focused his thoughts on pressing back against the prowler’s intrusion and forcefully ejected him from his mind.
“Nicely done, boy. It seems you have at least some talent,” the prowler said, grinning and staring at the heiress’ companion.
Wyatt smiled at him and replied, “Thanks, so glad you approve. Now if you will kindly stay out of my head, that would be great.”
“Oh, I found what I needed already. Keep the remainder of your paltry thoughts,” the prowler sneered.
Wyatt suddenly felt very uncomfortable as he tried to comprehend what he meant by “found what I needed already.” Wyatt shook his head and cleared his mind of the thought for the moment.
“Well, I suggest some introductions are in order. I am Sagrine, a pleasure to finally meet you face to face,” he stated, smiling.
Nev stared at him, remaining silent. His toothy grin was just barely visible from within the shadows of his hood.
“So, you have found yourself a Tink and a somewhat talented one at that. Good job getting him to fall in love with you. Love and blood are, by far, the best ways to ensure someone’s loyalty. I wonder though… does he know what you are yet? Do you?” the prowler asked, pointing at her still glowing amulet and taking a deliberately slow step towards the heiress.
Nev wanted to yell back at him to shut up, but she resisted, knowing he was simply trying to rattle her. She was not going to provide him that satisfaction.
Wyatt felt a spark of fury begin to grow, as his recently shared feelings for Nev became a toy to the prowler. “Don’t tell him anything,” Wyatt whispered angrily.
“Now, now. That is terribly unfriendly advice to give to the woman you claim to love, Wyatt. And I assure you, terribly unnecessary. Now Nev, where were we?” questioned Sagrine with a satisfied tone. He was taking great pleasure in watching their feelings of unease and rage grow before his eyes.
Is that what you stole from my head, our names, and my feelings for her? You deserve to know nothing of her. Oh, but please let that be all you took, thought Wyatt.
Sagrine stepped forward again and examined Nev intently. “Hmm… that sword and shirt. I suppose that means you found what I could not all those years ago. Aren’t you very clever and ever full of surprises? Well, I may know something you still do not. Come closer, and I shall whisper it to you,” he said, smiling and motioning her near.
“There is nothing you know that I want to learn,” Nev declared, sounding defiant.
“Are you truly so certain?” Sagrine inquired, raising his hands in an attempt to appear less menacing. The dagger, however, remained firmly in his grasp and left no doubt as to his true intentions.
Nev immediately replied, “Yes, I’m sure.” She hoped she sounded more convinced than she was. In truth, she was desperate for more answers about her past, but not from him.
Sagrine grinned and said, “Lying? Tsk… tsk. What would your father say? Perhaps it would be the same thing he said when he uttered his last?”
Wyatt could sense Nev’s resolve falter. As her hands began to tremble slightly, he reached out and warmed the air around them and then compressed it. He couldn’t truly squeeze her hands in his, but he hoped she took the meaning all the same.
Nev nodded slightly as she felt a warm, squeezing sensation envelop her hands. Thank you, Wyatt, she thought.
Sagrine saw her cracking veneer mend itself, and he snorted with agitation. “I see. Playing games together. Most interesting and most irritating. I would also like to play games with you. I think I shall take you both back to the emperor. It will be… entertaining to see how torturing one affects the other. Maybe one day, when I tire of tormenting you and you ask very nicely, I will tell you what I offered freely a moment ago. Or maybe I will take those last words that your father meant for your ears to my grave.”
Nev felt her pain and hatred grow. She held her sword and dagger before her. “Or maybe I will pry them from your mind with my mother’s dagger and father’s sword,” she growled.
“So, you do have some inkling of who you are? Good, that will make this so much more fun,” Sagrine said, lunging at her.
Wyatt watched with horror and amazement as Nev and Sagrine traded blows. He knew of no one who had ever dared to face one in combat, until now. Prowlers were exceedingly rare and their skills legendary. Nev moved with a dangerous grace he had only ever witnessed in predators. I am no one’s prey, he recalled, remembering the first words she’d ever spoken to him. They took on a deeper meaning now.
Sagrine was impressed, if not also a little irritated, that Nev was so skilled in combat. He had wanted to face her, truly face her since the first night he had come to this cabin. Of course, she was just a child then and would have proven easy prey had he caught up to her. Perhaps it was preferable she’d eluded him for so long. At least, it would be more satisfying this way.
Wyatt looked for any opportunity he could to help Nev. He triggered flashes of light at inopportune times for Sagrine and caused his dagger’s hilt to grow hot in his hands. Still, the prowler fought with an unnatural and unbending ferocity.
Sagrine paused his assault on Nev and shook his head disapprovingly. “Now, now… two against one hardly seems fair,” he sneered. “Ah, yes. I know you, boy. It seems I was too quick to dismiss those rumors about you all those years ago. Perhaps I should pay your sister a visit? It has been so long since I have had the pleasure of her company.”
Wyatt felt himself become blinded by rage. He was already angry with the prowler for daring to mention his feelings for Nev, but now he was furious. Addi had always tried to keep him safe. Now, he had failed to keep her safe in return. He felt his concentration drift, and he struggled to refocus his mind.
Nev found herself momentarily distracted by worry as she felt Wyatt’s mind waver. The prowler, seizing his opportunity, launched into Nev with concentrated hatred and hunger. She miscalculated the prowler’s movements and paid the price for her mistake. Feeling Sagrine’s blade slide lightly across her cheek, the sting of the wound caused Nev to shriek in pain.
Pausing, the prowler held the blade close to his face. He relished the sight of her blood upon it. Grinning at Nev, he licked the blade clean and visibly shuddered from the intense pleasure. “Well, isn’t that interesting. The power of your blood is undeniable. So much more potent than your mother’s. I must have more. I will hunt you until every drop of you is mine,” he growled, flashing a hungry smile at Nev.
Wyatt’s thoughts were suddenly jerked back into the moment when Nev cried out in pain. Grimacing, he watched the prowler lick the blade.
“I can see why you are in love with her. To have her, all of her, must be a truly exquisite experience. O
ne I shall be looking forward to indulging in myself,” Sagrine taunted, looking at Wyatt and flashing a toothy grin.
Nev was growing tired, but the prowler propelled himself at her with seemingly renewed energy. Make it right, she repeated. Nev deflected Sagrine’s attack at the last moment and landed a successful hit. A sliver of the prowler’s armor floated to the ground, and blood drops from his wounded arm soon followed suit.
The prowler laughed as he saw his blood falling to the ground. “Excellent. Show me what you have. I have waited twenty years for this. For you. I do not want my prize to come too easily or too quickly,” he smirked.
Wyatt watched the events unfolding and felt increasingly helpless to save her from the prowler’s attacks. This time, however, he would not allow his mind to waver. Instead, he endeavored to let his anger grow controlled and concentrated. It burned with focused intensity. Wyatt pictured the air within the prowler’s throat, and then he aimed all his energy into one thought. Burn!
Nev saw a flash or bright light escape from the prowler’s throat as he collapsed. In an instant, he was gasping and pawing at his neck. Nev thought briefly about piercing his throat with her blade, but she quickly felt Wyatt pull her back and away from Sagrine. She watched the prowler sputtering and swinging his dagger wildly as he worked to regain his footing.
Wyatt didn’t wait to act, nor did he really think through what he was doing. He simply knew he needed to get Nev out of there, and it had to be now. Grabbing Nev’s arm, he pulled her close to him. “We can’t beat him, not now. We need to run,” he said emphatically.
Nev didn’t necessarily disagree, but even a wounded prowler would be damn near impossible to outrun on foot. “How? Where?” she inquired, looking back at the prowler. Luckily, he was still reeling a bit, and that had granted them a very brief reprieve.
The Obsidian Throne Page 10
