Demona placed herself in front of Kearne’s view. “I think you should go find us some food.”
Kearne pointed at himself. “Why me? Lover boy is more than capable.”
“Shut it,” Demona said. “You are going to find some food, because you seem more than happy with this situation. I don’t see why it would hurt for you to walk back into the rain. Besides, Darius sent you here, because you knew Dissium. I’m sure you know what you are looking for.”
“I’ll need a few items, before I go,” Kearne said. He could not resist a challenge.
Felix reached into his pack and searched for something. He pulled out several items that he had placed inside before they left Gleannbroch. He produced a tightly woven net, picture wire, and a small pocket knife from the pack. “I’m sure you can find something by using these.”
Kearne took the items from Felix and stuffed them into his pockets. Without saying another word he walked out into the soggy weather and disappeared into the forest.
Ileana was back in her human form. “What a creep.”
“I know. I guess we can be thankful that he hasn’t threatened to use his influence over us?” Demona said.
Ileana shook her head. “He’s more cocky than most. There’s something else going on with him.”
Aero nickered, The Gancanagh have egos that grow in the presence of women. They also become more competitive when they sense the affection of another male towards one of their potential victims.
“I thought he couldn’t hurt us,” Demona said.
He cannot, but that does not mean that his instincts have left him, Aero said.
Felix was still huddled near the fire. He took off his shirt and wrung the rainwater from it.
“Where do we go next?” Demona asked.
We continue through the Forest of Grief and cross the river ahead. Let us hope that the rains have not caused it to swell, or we may be waiting a day or two for it to recede, Aero said.
“I can see why they call if the Forest of Grief. I’ve never felt so miserable,” Felix said. “At least, I’m drying off now.”
Demona must have fallen asleep as they continued to rest under the great pine. Kearne had returned carrying a skinned rabbit at the end of a piece of picture wire.
Demona woke to find him roasting the meat over the fire that still burned. “A rabbit? I’m impressed. I thought you’d come back with berries or something…How did you catch it?”
“Having spent enough time in Dissium, one learns how to use the resources available. I simply looked for rabbit activity and I fashioned a snare with the wire. Voilà.”
Ileana maintained her distance, but even she seemed impressed with Kearne’s skill. What was even more startling was that he had returned with an almost normal attitude.
Maybe walking in the Forest of Grief did him some good.
Demona drank rations as the three others chewed the cooked meat. Aero stood silently staring out into the forest. After Ileana, Felix, and Kearne had eaten, they gathered their things together. Felix placed the hunting items back into his pack. They gazed out into the rain and wished they could remain under the tree where they were now warm and dry.
Aero was the first to step out of the force field. The others reluctantly followed. The day seemed to drag as they walked through the dampened forest. Finally, the sound of roaring water could be heard over the heavy rain. Fog hovered thickly around them as they continued toward the sound. Demona, Felix, and Ileana held hands so they would not be separated.
The ground grew rockier and they soon found themselves staring at a flooded riverbed, that seemed to be contained by the deeply cut rock at their current location. They followed the river upstream, but found themselves walking back towards the trees. The river had overrun its banks at the shallow ford of the river and they had to walk around the flooded area to continue their journey.
“Now what?” Demona asked.
Aero stomped his hoof. Now, we wait. There is no better location, than this, to ford the river. The water moves too swiftly for us to cross. Let us hope that the rains from the forest do not continue to cross its borders much longer, or we could be here for days.
“If we have to wait it out, then we better find a safe and dry place,” Felix said.
Returning to the woods would be best, Aero replied.
“No,” Kearne said, “I know of a cave not far from here.” Kearne began walking farther up the river; the rocks became larger and more numerous.
They found themselves looking carefully where they stepped. Aero moved slowly, because the risk of stepping in the wrong place was far greater for him. They needed their guide, so Demona made the group slow their pace for him. Soon, they arrived at a small cave large enough for them to fit inside. It did not leave much room for them other than enough for a fire and a place to lay their heads for the night. It was enough to keep them dry and hidden.
“I’ll look for firewood,” Demona said. “No trouble while I’m gone, Kearne.”
“I’ll go with you!” Felix said.
Ileana smiled at Demona. Demona narrowed her eyes in return.
Demona and Felix walked out into the rain, once more. “You should have stayed in the cave,” Demona said. “The weather doesn’t affect me like it does with you. You could get sick out here.”
“I would be just as soaked inside the cave waiting for you as I would be out here with you,” Felix replied.
They walked a ways into the forest even though their vision was minimal. Demona tried to look at the ground as she walked through the fog. She used her feet to kick around hoping she could feel for wood.
“We better not go too far. This fog is easy to get lost in,” Felix said.
“Good point,” Demona replied.
They had not been having luck in their search as they continued to walk side by side first out from the direction of the cave. They back tracked and traveled towards the right. The fog began to dissipate enough, so that they could see the ground. There was nothing to find. The ground had been picked clean of twigs, branches, and fallen trees. They would have to find a source for the fire some other way.
“Well, I guess we should head back to the others?” Demona asked.
“Not yet,” Felix replied. “I haven’t had a chance to really talk to you since we left Gleannbroch. How are you doing?” He stood looking at her with concern.
“As good as I can, considering everything that is happening,” Demona replied.
Felix reached for her hand and gripped it. “I know, but you can tell me if things are bothering you.”
“Of course things are bothering me. I’ve got a prophecy hanging over my head, a huge gaping hole in my past, and I’m traveling through a world that has done nothing but make me even more miserable. I’m tired of it. I’m tired of this stupid prophecy, I’m tired of being a dark being, and I’m tired of needing to feed. I’m just tired!” Demona said.
Felix looked into her eyes. “You are stronger than you think.”
Demona looked at the ground. “I don’t feel strong.”
“You can’t see what I see. You’re braver than any woman I’ve ever known. You took on the task of going to Dissium to search for this artifact without question. You’ve also started to become a leader.” Felix continued to look at Demona, even if she refused to return his gaze.
Demona pushed him with the palm of her hand. “You are such a sweet talker.”
Felix grabbed her arm and pulled it around to his back, bringing Demona only inches from his face. “I mean every word I say.”
Demona could hear Felix’s heart rate increase. She found herself staring into his blue eyes and she tried to look away.
Felix placed his hands on her jaw line and forced her eyes to meet his once again. “I mean it.”
Demona knew what was coming. She knew it and her mind fought to pull away, but her body had other intentions. Demona’s eyes closed as if on auto pilot and all she could think about was the moment when she would fee
l his lips on hers. The moment after their lips met a spark jolted through Demona.
Felix’s touch felt safe and honest. He made her forget everything in that moment, but the two of them. Felix’s lips caressed Demona’s tenderly. His head tilted one way and then another. Demona moved in response to his movements. Each time her lips parted from his she wanted to feel them back where they had been.
Demona pulled him closer and pressed against him more intently.
Felix pulled back only momentarily. “You are amazing.” Then, their lips were locked once more.
They were lost in each other. In that moment the world revolved around them. The feeling of each other’s lips and the brush of a hand were magnified. Every sense heightened as their emotions surged.
Felix kissed her cheeks and moved to her right ear lobe. Then, he kissed her left one. Demona looked into the sky as she enjoyed Felix’s endearing kisses. The rain had stopped pouring, but the droplets of water whirled around them. They seemed to dance in a rhythmic pattern forming an arch that met directly over their heads and then spout out into the sky above. It was a beautiful performance, thanks to the emotions that Felix stirred inside her. It made the border of the Forest of Grief almost seem beautiful.
Demona giggled at Felix as she turned back to him and looked into his bold eyes. She grabbed him roughly and pressed her lips against his, and then she gave him a peck on the nose. Then, they pulled apart slowly. Felix took Demona’s palm and kissed it. Then, he caressed the spot his lips had just touched with his fingers and he looked into Demona’s eyes.
“Hear me out,” Felix said. “I know we belong together. I’ve always known and I made a mistake leaving you back then, because I thought I was doing the right thing. I know you said that you didn’t want anything right now, because of what you have been through. And because of everything you are trying to figure out.
“I need to be near you,” Felix said, “I want to be your support and the person you turn to when you are frustrated. I know that everything happening right now takes precedence over us, but please at least let us take it slow. You know, do the boyfriend and girlfriend thing again…for as long as it takes. Right now would be kind of difficult to take you out on a date.” Felix looked around at the tree that stood witness. “But when we get back and things calm down…Maybe then we can continue getting to know one another.”
“I…okay.”
Felix’s eyes lit up. “Okay?”
“Yes, okay,” Demona replied.
Felix’s gorgeous smile returned, the one that made Demona’s non-beating heart flutter when she saw it. “Thank you!” he said. He wrapped his arms around her and held her closely.
Chapter 15:
Lessons Learned
Demona and Felix walked into the cave hand in hand. They glanced at one another and smiled when they saw the looks on their companions’ faces. There was mixed reactions to the display of affection. Aero had greeted them with a whinny and nodded his head. He seemed to be the least affected by the new relationship between Demona and Felix.
Ileana’s eyebrows rose higher than ever. “About time!” A smile grew on her face and she winked at Demona. It had been no secret between them that Felix was still interested in Demona.
Demona could feel the waves of emotion spread through her body. She knew that Kearne could view this as a challenge and was hoping that it would not become a problem. He watched Demona cling to Felix’s arm with each surge he sent her way. It only seemed to anger him more and he scowled at Felix.
“By the way, the rain has stopped,” Felix said.
Ileana hopped up from her rocky seat. “Awesome! I need to stretch my wings.” She cracked her knuckles and ran through the cave. She leaped into the air and her feet never touched the ground again. Ileana transformed into a magnificent phoenix and soared through the cave’s entrance and upwards out of sight.
Kearne rigidly stood and walked from the cave in silence. Demona could feel the seductive emotions that he sent her way, but she still clung tighter to Felix. Demona could tell Kearne was sulking. Aero was right, it is difficult for him to give in to the challenge. She was impressed that he had not thrown more of his pheromones her way; it seemed that he was making an effort to try and remove himself from the situation.
Aero walked toward them. His hooves clopped on the stone flooring with each step. It is hard for the fairy. He too is one of the last few of his race. Have patience with him, he tries to resist his instincts. I will survey the river’s breadth and determine our next course of action. He exited the cave leaving the two alone once more.
Demona turned to Felix not knowing what to do with Kearne’s attitude.
Felix shrugged his shoulders when he met Demona’s eyes. “This journey has been hard on us all.” Felix reached for Demona’s hand and gripped two of her fingers loosely.
“I can’t imagine being the last of a race, or species. Can you imagine how Aero and Kearne must be feeling?”
Felix shook his head. “I don’t think there is any way we can really understand how they feel.”
I bet it feels lonely. “I wonder what happened to Kearne in the TGHC dungeon. He’s different…I mean, he’s cocky just like he was when we first met, but he seems sad. I saw the TGHC dungeons; they were not a place I would want to live. If he had been shackled to the walls like some of the prisoners were…” Demona shivered at the thought. “I can only imagine what he went through. He was down there for months.”
“Maybe you should try talking to him about it. I mean, you know what the TGHC was like and why you turned from them. Maybe, he can relate to how you felt…or still feel,” Felix said.
“I guess it’s worth a try,” Demona replied. “Thanks for the advice.”
Felix kissed her forehead. “No problem.”
Demona exited the cave and looked around for Kearne. She turned around and found him seated on a rock several yards above the entrance of the cave. She hesitated a moment and tried to decide how she could approach the subject of TGHC lightly, without triggering Kearne’s instincts. He could not hurt her, but that did not mean that he could not make her very uncomfortable.
Kearne watched as Aero grazed at one patch of grass and moved on to another. He looked sad, but tired also.
Demona climbed up the side of the cave. “Hey, do you have a minute to talk?” Demona asked.
Kearne tossed a pebble at the river. It made a plopping sound as it fell through the water’s surface. “I am not doing anything particularly important at this moment.”
“Darius had you in the dungeons…I-I can’t imagine what that must have been like.”
Kearne scoffed at her comment. He searched for another rock on the ground below his feet.
“Look, I know what those dungeons were like. And I know that you had to have suffered down there,” Demona said.
Demona felt a compulsive wave of lust spread through her body and she lurched towards him in response. She held her hands up when the feeling began to dissipate. “I get it, that topic is off limits,” she said. “I gather that you know a little bit about me. Darius would have told you why you were being sent here.”
“You are the legendary Mythos and a traitor to TGHC. Darius needed you to be watched. He wanted to make sure that you obtained the artifact in order to serve a purpose for both TGHC and GLC’s interests. Yes, I know the story.”
“A traitor! That’s what he told you? There was more to it than just betraying TGHC. My hand was forced and I made a choice based on what I felt was the right thing to do for myself at the time. The dark beings never accepted me and I did not belong at TGHC!” Demona yelled.
Kearne was wide eyed. He had clearly lacked experience with angry women.
“Sorry. It’s just a sore subject.” Demona looked away and tried to determine how to salvage the conversation. “I found out that Darius was my master and for some reason he abandoned me when I was a fledgling. Then, I found out about being the Mythos and that Darius had made me a vampir
e, because he knew what I was. He and Kerrick set me up; they made me think I was part of something important at TGHC, after I had tried so hard to fit in with the dark beings. Then, that damn demon gave me a vision that showed me the truth.
The Artifact of Dissium (Demona Book 2) Page 14
