by R. G. Porter
"I hear you two out there.” Talon's voice echoed from inside the cavern. God how she wanted to be alone with Gabriel, somehow she had a feeling it would be a long time before that would happen.
"Yes, we are back Talon, in one piece none the less.” She couldn't help but rib him some. He'd been worried when she'd left. As Alayia entered the cave she noticed black and blue marks along the side of Talon's face. “What happened?” She rushed to his side, her hand reaching behind to grab her backpack.
"I'm fine, just had to deal with some ruffians. It was nothing much.” Men, why did they always have to play the big bad hero?” How was the flight?” He was changing the subject. Well she could play that game as well.
"It was fine. Saw lots of wonderful places, played in the water, enjoyed the sunlight. You should try it sometime when you aren't getting beat up.” A smile crossed her face as she knew she'd won that battle. “Now what happened and how badly are you hurt. And before you try it you won't win. Remember I can see things if you try and dodge the question."
A grunt barely escaped Talon's mouth as he folded his arms. “Persistent aren't you? If you must know I was headed here when I heard the trapper headed in this direction.” Alayia's breath held in her throat as she waited. “I made sure he heard me and followed. I lead him away toward the bluffs. I hoped to keep him there."
"And? How did you get hurt?"
"Well let's just say my memory of that area is a bit ‘off'.” She watched as Talon attempted to sit upright a muffled moan stopping him from moving further.
"Just stay where you are.” Alayia moved over toward Talon, her concern growing with each step. How could she have left him to fend for himself and gone off with Gabriel like that? How foolish could she have been?
"Don't."
"Don't what?"
"Don't blame yourself for me getting hurt. I took it upon myself to lead him away. I knew the area, or thought I did.” God, the man was stubborn.
"No sense fighting with him. I have a feeling you won't win.” Gabriel's voice echoed across the caverns wall sending her soul ablaze.
"You're back.” It was more of a statement then a question from Talon.
"Yep. Miss me?” Both men sat in quiet for a moment as if waiting for the other to speak.
"Are you two through? I'd like to clean his bruises before they get worse.” Alayia swore if the testosterone levels increased any more she would have to leave. Something about it just annoyed her to no end.
"I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention.” Gabriel moved around to her side, lifting the bag from her hand. “Here let me help.” She watched as he walked over toward Talon, his face a mask of indifference. There was a feral quality to him. Whether it was because the dragon had just been put to rest or something more she wasn't sure.
"I'm fine. Alayia can finish up I don't need your help, Gabriel.” There was a bite to Talon's voice that she'd not noticed before. Something wasn't right. The room began to spin around her, the air thickening. She watched as a haze emerged from the fire to wrap around Talon, shrouding him in darkness.
"I don't think so.” Gabriel pulled a vial of water from inside her bag and splashed it on Talon, washing away the dust. A shriek reverberated through the cave; the sounds so high pitched it brought Alayia to her knees.
"You've won this time Gabriel, but you will lose in the end.” Alayia turned her head in time to see the figure of a man stand where Talon had been sitting, his eyes glowed red with hatred. “She will not save you. The curse will not be broken."
"You go and tell your master that I've had enough of his games. I will determine my own destiny. Not him.” Gabriel moved toward the man, his hand gripped tightly to his sword. “Now if you are smart you will leave... quickly.” No sooner had he spoken than another swirl of smoke moved up from the crevices of the cave to envelope the man in darkness till nothing was left but the sound of his laughter on the wind. God she was tired of demons.
"Alayia..."Talon's voice coughed out from within the darkness. Alayia turned her head to find Talon lying half conscious near the back of the cave, blood dripping from his mouth.
"Gabriel... come help me.” Pushing aside the fear from what had just happened, Alayia moved to the back of the cave. Talon's body lay on the floor, his face full of bruises and cuts. Sadness welled up inside as tears shimmered in her eyes. “Why? Why do they persist in doing this to us?"
"I don't know but we will find out and end it once and for all.” She wasn't sure if she believed him or not. For now she chose to hold tight to his words as an anchor in the dark times that lay ahead of them. Only the gods knew the outcome and either way she would fight to her death to free Gabriel of his curse.
How much time had passed he wasn't sure. Talon had to be moved carefully, his wounds not life-threatening, but Alayia hadn't wanted to chance it before knowing for sure. He couldn't blame her for it. She'd taken a few hours to cleanse the wounds with fresh water that she'd made him fetch from the stream at the back of the cave. Yet another person pulled into the nightmare of their lives.
"Ouch, watch it please.” Talon's stuttered cry broke Gabriel's thoughts. He turned his head toward the fire lit corner to find Alayia hunkered over Talon, her hands stitching one of many cuts. He could only imagine the pain Talon was going through.
"Will you stop complaining? You would think you've never been hurt before.” Gabriel tried to suppress a grin at Alayia's ribbing. She was trying to divert his attention. He'd suffered much on their behalf and he feared there would be much more before it ended. That thought bothered him.
"I hate to break it to you, but most times I'm not the one on the receiving end of the abuse.” Gabriel watched as Talon attempted to get comfortable when another grunt ripped from his lips. He didn't envy his position.
"I'm sorry you were hurt.” Gabriel spoke before thinking, something that never happened. This man had saved Alayia on more than one occasion and now he was hurt because of them. He didn't deserve that.
"Don't worry about it Gabriel. That thing wasn't even human.” He knew.
"How?"
"Come on. I may be blind but I'm not stupid.” Gabriel stepped back as Talon tried to lift his body into a better sitting position. “That thing had strength unlike anything I've seen before. Not to mention the little fact that it took on my appearance to trick you two.” He'd almost forgotten the guise.
"You knew?"
Talon's head nodded. “I could hear him talk to you two. It's strange hearing ones own voice. Till he left I had no way to warn you two. He's a strong demon that one."
"True enough.” He couldn't sense apprehension in Talon's movements which brought a sense of relief to his mind. He'd found a strong ally in this man and he didn't want to jeopardize it. “Did he say anything before we got here?"
Talon's head turned toward the darkness, his eyes dead to the world seemed to search for something he couldn't fathom. Silence draped across the room while Alayia continued to clean the wounds along Talon's skin. Just when he figured his question would go unanswered Talon returned his stare back to him, his face a mask of hidden emotions.
"Much that made no sense to me Gabriel, many things that riddled as he spoke.” Talon's words rang true. The demon had consistently annoyed him with sentences that circled any real meaning. “He spoke of a ring of fire that burned cold to the touch. That it only came around during the shining of the moonlight at high noon.” Gabriel's mind swam at Talon's words.
"That doesn't make sense.” His head felt like thousands of hammers were going off inside as he moved to the edge of the cave. “He had to be saying that to disorient you. There is no rhyme or reason to it. You can't have those things like that, it's not possible."
"Can't you?” Alayia's voice brushed against his soul like a soft caress.
Her hand touched the side of his face and he felt lost. “What are you saying? That there is fire out there that doesn't burn?” His mind flew at the possibilities.
"What I'm saying i
s not to underestimate the possibilities.” She moved further out into the night, her hair lifted up by the evening breeze. Each strand reminded him of spun gold, his mind forgetting about the demon's words. He knew if his fingers reached out they would feel like silk between his finger tips. “Gabriel, I need you to pay attention."
"I am.” He'd been caught but he didn't care. She was beautiful in the rays of the moonlight. His eyes drifted up to the fullness of the moon. Never had it seemed so big before. “Spring is coming soon.” Perhaps he could change the subject, get her to forget the demon for now.
"No you weren't but I'll forgive you this time.” His heart hammered in his chest at being so close to her. “Gabriel there is wisdom in the demon's words."
"No way. That's not possible."
"How do you know?"
"Why would the demon want to help?” Gabriel couldn't believe it.
"I didn't say he wanted to help.” Now he was confused. He moved back into the fire lit cave, his focus never leaving the woman at the entrance.
"Now you aren't making sense.” Talon's voice reminded him they weren't alone.
"Think about it. He came here expecting to kill you Talon. Why not talk about things that you wouldn't be able to repeat, items that would make no sense to you should you live?” A crack of thunder roared from the distant. Gabriel could feel the dragon begin to get restless inside. There was knowledge in the demon's words and the dragon could sense it.
"Alayia, do you understand what it means? Can you decipher the meaning?” He held out hope she could but didn't want to put all his hopes in one idea.
Gabriel couldn't help but watch as she fidgeted at the entrance, her body swaying in the night breeze as she thought deep on the demon's words. “I'm not sure. I think I might be able to with a bit of research but it will take a few days.” He could sense something in her words, as if she knew something she was holding back. Never in his life did he wish he could read minds as he did now. “I'll see what I can do. This can be undone. I know it's part of the ritual, Gabriel, I just know it.” Her enthusiasm was contagious and Gabriel found his heart lightened by her smile.
"Fine then, you do what you must to figure out the riddle, but make sure you stay safe while you do.” He moved back to her side, each step his heart beat heavy in his chest. “I want everything back to normal so we can begin our life anew once more. I don't want to worry about Elroy or the demon or Innok anymore."
Gabriel cupped her chin with his finger and turned her to face him. Her deep emerald eyes glistened like gems in the moonlight. If ever he'd believed in magick tonight was the night. She'd woven her spell around him long ago and rebound his heart to her with that one look. It was so simple an action, but one that melted both the man and beast in him. In that one moment he knew no matter the time of day he would know her, know her and protect her from whatever might try to harm his woman.
"Gabriel, we will finish this. I vow to you with all that I am.” Her words so simple brought a release of the vice that had threatened to choke the life from his body. Both the man and dragon roared to claim their love, their life. In that moment, as his head dipped to capture her lips in a hungered kiss, he felt the presence of Danielle. His blood rushed through is veins like lava, a firestorm of emotions he'd swore he'd never feel again.
He took a deep breath in slowly, calmed his heart and stared deep into her eyes. “I have all the faith in the world in you my love. If anyone can do this it is you.” There it was his pledge of trust to the one woman who had his heart and soul in her keeping.
"I'm glad because I've given you all my trust as well. I will not fail you, I promise.” Her arms reached around his neck as her head lay against his chest. The warmth of her body began to seep into his and something he'd not felt in so long emerged. Belonging. He finally felt as if he belonged to someone. There was a place for him in this world and it was with her. Now if they could just finish Elroy and get rid of the rest of their problems he might be able to live a happy life.
"I'm still here you two."
"I'm sorry, Talon.” He could feel Alayia snuggle deeper into his embrace. Selfish as he was he didn't want to let go. “We couldn't have gotten this far without your aid. I cannot ask you to continue though. It will not get any easier.” There was no doubt in Gabriel's mind that things would definitely get much rougher.
"You are joking right?"
"No, I'm not one to joke, at least not most times.” A slap on his shoulder drew his attention. “What was that for?"
"You are not a joker? Since when?” Alayia's smile brought a stutter to his heart.
"I've never been a joker. I'm the serious one.” A round of laughter echoed through the cavern.
"See what I mean Talon? He is not to be taken seriously.” He loved that she was teasing with him but he'd been serious. Somehow he had a feeling he wouldn't win this argument.
"Talon, I can't promise what might lie ahead. Elroy has many men and the demon... well you've seen first hand what it can do."
"Gabriel, my friend, listen. I've hunted in the forest for more years than I can remember. I've lived through floods, fires, wars and famine. I'm not about to give up on you two. Besides, I have a score to settle with that demon now.” What could he say? The man was his own boss, he couldn't very well tell him to leave. Besides, he liked having someone to watch over Alayia during the daylight hours.
"Fine, just as long as you understand the odds we are against. I don't want you hurt either Talon... I just want this to end.” He was tired of running, but more than that he was just tired. He'd begun to understand and even accept the dragon side of his life, now he just wanted to be able to control it and get rid of Elroy.
"We will be fine during the day Gabriel. Don't worry.” He could feel Alayia's grip tighten on his arm. “I have a feeling things will be coming to where they should be soon. Be patient Gabriel, for all will be revealed to us in due time.” Gabriel tilted his head in time to catch that knowing twinkle in Alayia's eye, the one he'd seen so many times before in Danielle when she was planning something that always got someone into trouble. He prayed this time it wouldn't get anyone killed. Instead of asking further Gabriel wrapped his arms around Alayia and pulled her into his embrace. He needed to feel her close; to memorize every bit of her before the sun began to rise once more.
"Please keep safe Alayia. My heart cannot wait another life to find you.” He never realized how much he needed her till that moment. The thought of losing her a second time terrified him. She was his everything and he would rather die than lose her again.
"I won't be lost again Gabriel. I promise you this.” He felt her move further into his embrace, her body molding perfectly to his. Never would there be another for him, and gods or demons be damned he would not lose her again. Even the dragon inside his soul echoed his thoughts as his blood boiled at the thought.
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CHAPTER: 12
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Alayia couldn't help but love the feel of his arms around her. Every time he was close her body went into a melting phase. She wondered if he had this effect on other women. The thought didn't sit well with her. So much time had passed since they'd been apart, so many years he'd been alone. She couldn't fault him if he'd satisfied his needs elsewhere. Still, her heart broke at the thought. Should she ask? Part of her didn't want to know the answer.
"Gabriel, where you ever with someone else after Danielle died?” The words left her lips before she could sensor her thoughts. Damn her stubborn tongue. “I'm sorry. It's not my place to ask that.” She pulled out of his arms and moved back toward the entrance to the cave. The night was so calm even with the approaching storm.
She could hear him shuffle behind her. The muscles of his body tensed and relaxed with each movement. Her mind had memorized every contour as he'd moved earlier and it brought a fresh blush to her face. He was close, his breath a soft caress on the nape of her neck sending chills across her spine. He'd not answered her
yet and that scared her. Was he afraid to? Could he have found love in the arms of another even for a short while? Jealousy never tasted as vile as it did right then and Alayia didn't like it one bit.
"No my love. Never did I even consider another.” His words calmed the raging storm in her heart. “When I found you and the pull was so strong I fought it as best as I could. The moment I figured out the real reason why I gave in.” His admission answered so many questions that Alayia found herself wanting nothing more than to hold him close.
"I'm sorry Gabriel. It was wrong for me to ask. I should have trusted you and truthfully if you had I would have understood.” Or she would have tried she kept telling herself. In her heart she would have screamed and cried but she would have made her mind understand the reasons why. “You were alone for so long. It had to have been so difficult.” Alayia's heart broke for him in that moment. How much he'd suffered just for loving her.
"It's ok."
"Is it?” She spun around to face him tears shimmering in her eyes. “Sometimes I wonder if perhaps you should have just let Elroy have me. Then this...” her hands moved up to his face and the scars from years of change. “Would never have happened to you. I am selfish in believing that you should suffer so much while I do not.” She wanted to run, to turn back the hands of time and redo the harm that had befallen him.
"Don't my love. I would redo it all in a heartbeat.” She couldn't turn her gaze from his, the look on his face so serious she felt her heart stop for a moment. “You are my life. If you would have given yourself to Elroy then I would have died that day.” His words ripped through her heart.
