《A Sheep in Wolfskin》 Chapter One One. Two. Three. Four. Test. One. Two. Three. Four. Test. Lioren''s whetstone glided on her blade. Quietly, she listened for the catch of the blade. She tested the edge. Sharp. Lethal. Perfect. The sun glinted off her sword, its last rays kissing her cheeks as they flickered behind the horizon. The leaves were changing and more fell everyday. She huffed as a memory of her and Mira collecting a bundle to dump on Tomas while he slept. She swore, he was finding leaves in his armor for days after that. Lioren glanced up to see Mira corking the last of the water skins. She gave them a good shake and tossed one to Kale. Then to Tomas. "Rory said to drink this before we set off." She opened her waterskin and gave it a sniff. Her nose wrinkled and a slight shudder rolled through her shoulders. "After that face, I''m not drinking shit." Tomas tossed his back to Mira where it landed with a plop. Lioren smiled and packed her stone and blade. She strode over to Mira and retrieved the waterskin. "Really, Tomas, a bitter potion is what scares you?" Lioren snorted and popped the top off. The smell was earthy. Like Mira has just grabbed a handful of dirt and grass and mixed it with water. Steeling herself, she tipped her head back and drank the contents in one very difficult mouthful. Lioren let out a breath to disguise the bitter aftertaste and grabbed another waterskin. Tomas rolled his eyes and she moved to hand it to him. "Well I can''t very well say ''no'' now." He popped off the top and gave it a tentative sniff before recoiling. Grunting, he brought the waterskin to his lips and tried and failed to drink it in one gulp. Lioren turned away laughing as he choked and sputtered the harsh liquid. Kale, in all his stoic nature, was finishing off his portion with only a concerned look at the waterskin. "Don''t waste it!" Mira shouted from where she sat by the fire, struggling to finish off her own. "Rory only gave me enough for one serving." "Fine. Wouldnt want to waste the finest brew, this side of the mud pile." Tomas quipped back and made a show of his discomfort. Mira rolled her eyes and slowly polished off hers as well. Lioren turned back to where the forest deepened. This hunt will take care of us for a month! If it was successful, she would personally thank Rory for his mystery potion. The sky faded to a dark purple as Lioren took the lead. Rory said the beast headed west from the farmstead. So, they should be close to the trail. Lioren wandered further into the trees, looking for traces of this creature that slaughtered 15 cattle. Butchered and mauled, but not eaten. Too fast to be a bear, too big to be a wolf. So what is this mystery creature. Tomas called after her as she bent down to see large canine prints in the earth. Lioren traced the prints and called back to Tomas that she found the trail. The moon was rising and its full glory casted the forest in shades of silver. "At least we won''t need torches." Mira remarked as they caught up. "You hear that, Lioren? The moon is doing your job for you." Tomas smirked at her and despite her best leveled glare, she could not help but make a face back at him. She loved it when Tomas looked at her. His green eyes were so carefree. Even annoying at times, but just the right amount. Lioren just shook her head with a soft exhale, but there was a glint of amusement in her eyes. She turned back to the trail and began the hunt. After numerous trail checks, and countless shushes at Tomas, Lioren found herself at the edge of a clearing. At the center, in a pool of crimson lay a mutilated deer. The acrid tang of blood hung heavy in the air. "Oh Gods." Mira gasped from behind her. Kale retrieved his hammer and moved to take the lead. Tomas drew his sword and moved protectively in front of Lioren. The forest was almost too quiet. Nothing stirred except the light caress of a breeze. The silence was so pronounced, Lioren almost expected the silver shafts of moonlight to shatter when Kale and Tomas made their way into the clearing. Her eyes scanned every shadow. Something felt wrong. What animal kills for fun? Kale and Tomas closed the distance on the deer, Kale taking watch of the surrounding trees and Tomas kneeing to inspect it further. "Whatever did this, I¡¯d like to formally request it stays far away from me." He joked half-heartedly. Lioren rolled her eyes and knelt beside him to try and gleam something from the carnage. Its eyes, black and frozen in horror. Its innards spilling from its body like an overstuffed pillow. A wet, slimy, fleshy pillow. Lioren had to swallow back the bile rising from her stomach. Whatever did this was vicious. It went straight for the kill based on the missing throat and proceeded then to rip the animal apart. Lioren touched her fingers to the blood soaked grass. Cold and congealed. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "It''s been dead for about half an hour." She announced quietly and stood up to look for more tracks. "Guess we just missed the party." Tomas muttered and Kale snapped at him. "Shut it. This is not the time for your smart mouth. Lioren, can you tell where it went?" Kale turned to her but she was already tracking bloody prints. The tracks exited the clearing to the far side. Mira had left the safety of the tree line to take refuge next to Kale who was chiding Tomas for his lack of seriousness. Mira¡¯s bow was strung with an arrow, ready to let it fly at a moment''s notice. Lioren''s quick steps brought her to the edge of the clearing when the blood had faded but the deep imprints remained. Lioren followed them until they were swallowed by shadows. Or, one very big shadow. The scream died before it could form. Two golden eyes pinned her from the tree line, sharp and unblinking. For a moment, the eyes tilted to the side, as if intrigued by her presence. The shadow rose, slow and deliberate, towering as it stood on two legs. Its size seemed to be endless and it rose higher until Lioren swore it would hit its head on a tree branch. Her lips moved silently. Run, run- "RUN!" She screamed as the monster lunged from the shadows, blackthorn claws leading the way. The once silent clearing erupted in ear splitting screams and roars. Lioren rolled away from the monster''s massive, clawed hands. Quick from her training, Lioren withdrew a dagger mid roll. Stabbing into the creature''s side as it passed. Its thick hide almost bounced the blade off, had she not sharpened her weapons that evening. It snarled in pain as vibrant blood splattered across the moon-kissed grass. The monster swung at Lioren, but she ducked under the swing and ran to distance herself. There was a loud battle cry as Kale charged into the creature, only to bounce off like he hit a wall. The monster, unfazed, threw him back like he was a doll. The strum of a bow, led to an arrow lodging into the monster chest. It roared in fury and made a move toward Mira. Tomas intercepted its attention with a quick combo of slices. Each one glancing harmlessly off the creature. The monster swung down, Tomas dodged. The monster swung up in a back hand, catching Tomas in the chest and flinging him half across the clearing to land with a heavy thud. Lioren took advantage of the distraction to lunge, short sword leading to stab into the back of the monster. The hide resisted before giving way with a painful cry from the monster. Lioren pulled her blade back and dove as the monster swung around to hit air. Her heart slammed in her chest as the swing barely cleared her head, breath ragged, blade slick with blood. Kale saw the opening and stuck a heavy blow to its leg. A dull crack reverberated through the clearing and the monster collapsed to one knee. It howled and tried to swipe at Kale. The claws screeched as they scored his shield and Kale swung again, catching the monster in the face. Lioren smiled at the mortal blow, only for her smile to falter as the monster snapped its head back from the blow. Its teeth met Kale''s arm, his armor crunching under the force of its bite. Kale cried out as the monster lifted him up and using its hand, caught Kale''s chest to slam him into the ground. The earth shuddered under the impact and Kale wheezed as the air was driven from his lungs. Mira screamed and fired another shot. The arrow, meant for the kill, glanced harmlessly off the monster¡¯s head. Tomas struggled to catch his breath as he pushed himself up. He blinked, disoriented and reached for his sword. Lioren raced back into melee. She struck the bend in the creature''s leg, aiming for the tendon. The blade cut, but not deep enough. Deep breath. Her sword arced high, spinning in her hand to bring it down hard into the creature''s back. It bucked violently with another howl of pain. Lioren tried to pull her sword free but it felt stuck. She had to let it go. Another arrow flew, granting her precious seconds to withdraw before the creature turned its boiling fury to her. Kale lay stunned at the monster''s feet. Another desperate arrow sinking into the creature''s back. But it didn''t matter. Lioren was the target now. Her eyes widened as she turned and ran. With a howl, the monster pursued. Lioren didn''t get far before five, pointed daggers slammed into her side, launching her across the clearing like a fish. Blistering pain blinded Lioren as she rolled on impact. She came to a stop, breath gone, ears ringing. A distant roar drew her back and she pulled another dagger from its sheath. Tomas cried out but couldn''t get his feet under him before the monster pounced. Everything seemed to slow down. The bright golden eyes loomed over Lioren as she raised her arm to intercept saliva drench teeth. Its teeth crushed down, and her bone snapped with a sickening crack. A visceral scream erupted from Lioren as she plunged her dagger into the monster''s neck and into its skull. The monster recoiled, its mouth stretched wide in a silent howl of pain. It fumbled for the dagger lodged to the hilt in its neck until it collapsed backward. Its body shuddered and convulsed as blood splattered from its mouth with each forced breath. After beats that lasted hours, it stilled, a stream of crimson flowing from its mouth. Tomas staggered to Lioren''s side as panicked sobs wracked her body. "It''s ok. You''re ok." He soothed but his eyes betrayed his terror. Mira slid to her knees beside them, her hands moving lightning fast to reveal Lioren''s wounds. Mira''s face blanched looking at Lioren''s mangled arm. "Deep breaths." Mira whispered, the words shaking like her hands.. Kale stirred and rolled to his stomach. His movements were slow as he shook off the stun. His eyes widened as he took in the aftermath of the fight. Tomas continued to try and calm Lioren, his hand brushing across her face and patting down her sweat slicked hair. Mira mumbled to herself as she dressed Lioren''s arm and moved to reveal the injury to her torso. "Broken arm. One, two.. two broken ribs. Five punctures, ugly but shallow. She''ll be okay." She told Tomas and his shoulders sagged with relief. "You''ll be ok, Lio." Mira met Lioren''s gaze and held her good hand firmly with a weak, but reassuring smile. Lioren smiled back in between sobs. "Thank you¡­ Mira." She wheezed out as the adrenaline began to fade and darkness enveloped her mind. Chapter 2 Lioren bolted upright with a gasp. The sky was drenched in red as a blood moon rose over the tree canopy. Flowers littered the clearing; standing tall, deep purple and veiled in shadow, petals curling like cloaks over hidden faces. Their smell permeated the air, earthy and bitter, as if it was a warning that she shouldn''t be there. Her eyes fell to the tree line and she began to tremble. Those two golden eyes stared back at her from the edge of the shadows. The red light revealed it to be a massive black wolf. It stood, ominously still on the edge of the clearing as phantom voices echoed on the wind. Two beneath the blood moon¡¯s call... One to hunt and one to fall... Lioren scrambled to her feet as the moon rose higher. It broke free of the canopy, its crimson light washing over the forest in waves of heatless fire. The moment its glow touched the clearing, the violet flowers trembled. One by one, their delicate heads bowed and darkened, petals curling inward like clenched fists. Lioren watched, breath caught in her throat, as the monster advanced. Its heavy paws crushed the wilted stems with every step. Lioren spun around, looking for somewhere to run. The light was getting closer. Run. Lioren sprinted for the trees on the far side of the clearing. A howl of pursuit echoed behind her and the phantom voices echoed once more. One to hunt and one to fall... Lioren crashed and stumbled through the underbrush. This is a nightmare. It had to be. She was in the clearing only moments before, safe in Tomas'' arms. Wasn¡¯t she? Didn¡¯t he promise she¡¯d be okay? Then why did everything reek of blood and fear? The pounding of paws grew louder behind her and she risked a glance. She wished she hadn''t. The monstrous wolf sped toward her, panting and eyes burning with excitement. Lioren pushed her legs harder, faster. She wasn''t going to fall tonight. A splash of violet caught her eye. The wolf could not step on the flowers until they wilted. She turned toward the patch of color and the wolf snarled behind her. Lioren burst into the clearing and didn''t dare stop running until she was sure the wolf halted its hunt. It snarled and paced the edge of the flowers. Golden orbs sparked with frustration and desire. When fang meets flesh beneath red sky, One shall live, and one shall die. "I am not dying!" Lioren yelled at the wolf as if it was the one taunting her with haunting words. "You are not real!" She yelled again but her words felt hollow. Lioren was not sure if she believed this wasn''t just some trauma induced nightmare. ---------------------------------- ¡°Watch the ruts, Tomas! She is bleeding again.¡± Mira yelled from the back of a wagon. Her back ached from crouching over Lioren, who barely stirred beneath her hands. The wagon jostled again, throwing Mira on her ass as they sped around a curve. Their horse snorted in frustration as Tomas he flicked the reins again. The sun bared down on their dash for medical help with cruel heat. A stark contrast to the cool autumn temperatures they were used to. ¡°Would you like to drive instead?¡± Tomas snapped back rather hotly and turned back to the dark road. He winced at each bump and shake of the wagon. Each bump drew a weak whimper from Lioren. Her arm was almost black with infection as the bite had become necrotic. Even her side wounds were starting to show signs of infection. ¡°At least slow down! You¡¯re going to run the horse into the ground¡ªwe¡¯ll be stranded!¡± Mira traded out the foul-smelling bandages for new ones. Last bandage. Mira offered up another prayer to whatever God would take pity on her. As if in response, Lioren let out a gasp and rolled over enough to vomit dark liquid onto the floor of the wagon. Mira gagged at the smell and adjusted Lioren on to her side to keep her throat clear. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Lioren¡¯s body shuddered like a breath held too long, her face twisting with pain and something close to fear. Mira¡¯s face fell when she touched Lioren¡¯s fevered skin. She breathed a little easier as Tomas slowed down. Barely. ¡°Fuck!¡± Tomas yelled and yanked hard on reins as the curve revealed a felled tree. Not a large one, but large enough the horse was adamant about not crossing. Tomas leaped off the wagon, swearing as if it was his only vocabulary and began dragging the obstacle away. Despite his best attempt, the log was not moving more than a few inches. "Mira, get over here and help me!" Tomas ordered and pulled again, gaining a few more precious inches. Mira did not join him. "Mira. NOW!" He yelled, still straining against the log. "I.. can''t." She breathed at last and Tomas whipped around only to see Mira, tears streaming like an undammed river. "Maybe if Kale were here--" "Don''t fucking say his name." Tomas snarled and leveled Mira with a glare. "He chose gold over Lioren. If she.." Tomas couldn''t bring himself to say the words. Tears threatened to fall as he turned back to the tree and started his futile attempt to move it. The sun was beginning to set and Tomas had barely made any progress and Lioren was getting worse. Mira continuously held a small mirror to her friends lips to detect invisible breaths. Tomas slumped against the fallen tree, sweat drenched and defeated. The sound of an approaching wagon jolted him out of his wallowing. He scurried to his feet to take a defensive stance at the rear of their wagon. Mira abandoned her vigil beside Lioren to trade her mirror for her bow as the approach grew louder. ----------------------------------------------------- Lioren lowered herself to the ground and sat with one leg stretched out and the other propping up her arm. Her breaths were heavy as she stared back at the golden eyes that had been stalking her. For hours? Days? She couldn¡¯t tell anymore. Her legs burned in a fiery rage that she could only associate with running for days, but the moon never moved. It floated, mockingly in the black sky and shining a big spotlight on her no matter where she hid. She closed her eyes, trying to savor her small relief of rest as the quiet snarls echoed with that accursed wind. ¡°Aah!¡± Lioren flinched as a sharp pain laced her arm. She held her arm up to see a thin red line had appeared and a small trickle of blood slid down her arm, over the crook of her elbow and dripped into the flowers below her. Like a wave of death, the flowers began to die. One by one, petal by petal, her sanctuary darkened and the light of the moon seemed to burn faster. The wolf purred with satisfaction and began its approach once more. Lioren scrambled to her feet, slipping on the dead foliage and willing her legs to carry her further. The wolf howled and the whispers grew louder until they were right next to her ears. In the distance, the red sky was giving way to a light pink. Dawn! She could make it. She would make it. She wasn¡¯t going to die! Tears blurred her vision as the distant light filled her chest with aching hope. ¡°LIOREN!¡± Tomas shouted from somewhere in the forest. His voice was loud with panic and he called to her again. Something in her told her to keep running. It couldn¡¯t be him. This was a dream. Tomas was far away, safe from nightmare wolves. But what if he wasn¡¯t? What if he was also trapped in this prison? Lioren stumbled as a war raged in her chest. Her heart was torn between instinct and fear. ¡°Tomas!¡± She cried, unwilling to risk leaving him in this Gods¡¯ forsaken place. He called her again and she turned to run towards his voice. It grew louder with each step, each breath and each tear that fell. He was begging her. Pleading for her to find him. ¡°I¡¯m coming! I am right here!¡± She yelled back, her pace slowing as the fatigue began its deathly crawl through her body. Breathing was becoming harder and her chest was being crushed under the weight of her exertion. Just a little farther. Pale light illuminated the landscape as the trees parted and Lioren stumbled into a clearing. She gasped for breath and called again to the figure standing in the center of the clearing. It turned slowly and Lioren¡¯s relief turned to ash. It wasn¡¯t Tomas. Chapter 3 The pale light of dawn broke through the trees in fractured slivers, spilling gold and blush across the field like spilled wine. Come back to me, Lioren. The voice sounded like Tomas, but the golden eyes and stretched, inhuman features were the stuff of a twisted dream. Saliva dripped from fangs in a partially elongated mouth. It leaned forward like a predator getting ready to pounce. Behind her, the grass cracked under slow, deliberate steps. She didn¡¯t need to turn. She could feel it. Its gaze, hot and blistering, burning into her spine. Closer it moved, no longer chasing. It didn¡¯t need to anymore. She was caught. Lioren fell to her knees with eyes closed in acceptance. She had run for what felt like days. Her legs burned; her chest crushed. The moon, the ever vigilant stalker shed one last beam across her face. The hooded flowers that offered her moments of respite, shriveled underneath the red haze. What is worse? The thing in front of her with the voice of lies? Or the truth in teeth and claws behind her. She had made it to dawn, and it wasn¡¯t enough. Now she waited. The weight of both pressed down on her like stone. Their wills trying to break her down even more than her body already was. ¡°Good game.¡± She whispered as claws met her face and teeth closed on her neck. The dream began to bleed red at the edges and a feeling rose in her chest and sent a shiver down her spine. The game wasn¡¯t ending. It had just begun. ----------------------------------------------------------- Lioren¡¯s eyes fluttered open and she blinked in rapid succession, chasing away the blur of sleep. The sky was painted in vivid oranges and dark violets as the sun slipped beyond the horizon. Figures came into focus next to her. Two she remembered and one, she did not. Lioren bolted upright and a wave of nausea followed her up and she was unable to stop it. She scrambled to the edge of the wagon, nearly falling off, if two strong arms did not grab her waist and she heaved up a dark, viscous liquid. This went on until Lioren was convinced she would suffocate from lack of air. Eventually, when she was sure there was nothing left in her stomach, Lioren sat back against Tomas. He held her steady and rubbed her back through her ordeal. Now a stranger offered her a small bowl of water. ¡°Rinse and spit,¡± the woman said gently, offering a kind smile.. Lioren hesitantly took the bowl with shaking hands and sipped a mouthful. She swished it around her mouth and Tomas assisted her with leaning forward to spit it out. ¡°That¡¯s better. Now drink. You need fluids.¡± She ordered and refilled Lioren¡¯s bowl. Confused, Lioren looked from the stranger to Mira and then back at Tomas. Mira smiled back at her, tears stained her flushed cheeks and her eyes were red and puffy. Tomas kissed her head and whispered thanks into her matted hair. ¡°What happened?¡± Her voice grated like sandpaper. She took a small sip of water. She was parched and her throat begged for more as she kept taking small sips. The stranger refilled her water again and motioned for her to keep drinking. Tomas¡¯ arms tensed around Lioren, like he wanted to shield her from what they were about to say. ¡°You were poisoned!¡± Mira blurted out, guilt taking over her face. ¡°The herbs Rory gave us. It was wolfsbane and you had a bad reaction to it and I am so sorry, Lioren.¡± Her words tumbled out at a speed Lioren could barely comprehend. She closed her eyes to try and focus on Mira¡¯s explanation, her hand waving to cut her off. ¡°Slow down, Mira.¡± Lioren urged and Mira fell silent with fresh tears streaming down her face. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°Allow me.¡± The strange woman put a gentle hand on Mira¡¯s and turned back to Lioren. ¡°My name is Jessabelle. The concoction you drank two nights back was wolfsbane. Medicinally, it''s used for energy and to fight off pain and infection. However, in rare cases, it can be deadly.¡± She paused, letting Lioren absorb the information. When Lioren nodded, she continued. ¡°You were one of those rare cases. However, it looks like bloodletting and induced vomiting was successful.¡± Lioren looked down at her injured arm. The bite mark was raw and a thin red incision traced the length of her arm. A dark flash of pain, violet flowers and a bright red moon bombarded her mind and vision and Lioren recoiled. Just as soon as it came, it was gone along with the memory. ¡°My arm was broken¡­¡± Lioren began, then trailed off as she opened and closed her fist with only small twinges of pain. Mira looked uncertain and shook her head slowly. ¡°I thought so as well. My initial diagnosis must have been wrong. When I was able to evaluate you more back at town, your arm was mauled, but not broken. Neither were your ribs.¡± Mira confessed with disappointment masking her usually confident demeanor. Tomas¡¯ arms gave Lioren a gentle squeeze. ¡°I thought we were going to lose you, Lio.¡± He whispered and small drops fell into her hair. Lioren smiled softly and turned so she could see his tear-stricken eyes. ¡°Sorry to disappoint you.¡± She turned her head into his chest and his body shook with a slight chuckle. ¡°Quite the contrary. I will never cease to be amazed by you.¡± He kissed her head again and locked her behind his embrace. ¡°Your friend is right. Not many can come back from the state you were in and even less survive wolfsbane poisoning.¡± Her eyes scanned Lioren from head to toe and one eyebrow raised in interest. ¡°It is also quite impressive how lively you are despite losing most of your blood.¡± Jessabelle slid off the back of the wagon and motioned to her own companions. Her companions nodded silently and climbed aboard their own wagon, giving Lioren one last curious glance before turning away. ¡°Should only be a couple hours to Whistle Hollow. Shall we?¡± She gestured to the road as her driver, a short, stocky man with a red beard flicked the reins. Mira patted Lioren¡¯s arm with a weak smile and moved to the front of the wagon. She sat down, picked up the reins and with a deep breath, gave them a flick. With a lurch, they set off into the night. The wagon rocked gently beneath them, wheels humming against the worn road. The wind had cooled since the sweltering afternoon, brushing against her skin like a reminder that night was falling fast. Lioren settled in towards the front with Tomas intently watching her. "Scared I am going to relapse?" She scrunched her face at him as he settled beside her. He smiled and gave a half nod, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Kinda." He admitted with a playful bump to her shoulder. Although he smiled, his eyes were creased with worry. How close she had been to death? Pale and sunken as if death was clawing her away. The wagon jostled slightly, making their shoulders press together again before pulling apart. Dust kicked up behind the wheels, catching moonlight like pale ash. "I''m fine." Lioren placed a hand on his and gave it a squeeze. "Although," She paused, waiting for him to meet her gaze. "It might be worth it if I get to wake up to you caring for me again." Tomas blinked. For a beat, he said nothing¡ªjust stared at her like he wasn¡¯t sure he¡¯d heard her right. Then the corner of his mouth pulled into a soft, stunned smile, the kind that reached his eyes but trembled a little around the edges. ¡°That¡¯s... dangerously close to sweet, Lio.¡± He chuckled under his breath, but there was a tremor in it. His fingers curled around hers, just a little tighter. "You say something like that again, and I won''t leave your side willingly." His nose grazed her ear and a shiver slithered up her spine. Lioren pursed her lips as a longing stirred in her belly. ¡°That so? Might regret making a promise like that.¡± She didn¡¯t look at him when she said it, just tilted her head slightly, like it was nothing. But her fingers were still resting against his, and she didn¡¯t pull them away. His eyebrows lifted, and he tilted her chin so she would look at him. Tomas held her gaze for a beat longer. His eyes softened, and he didn¡¯t speak right away. Just studied her face, the faint pull of doubt still lingering at the corners of her mouth. She hadn¡¯t pulled her hand away. She hadn¡¯t said no. He leaned in, slowly, carefully. Giving her every chance to stop him. When she didn¡¯t, when her breath caught just enough to tell him she felt it too, he kissed her. Lioren¡¯s breath hitched. She didn¡¯t move, but she didn¡¯t pull away, either. It wasn¡¯t urgent or rushed. It was soft. Warm. The kind of kiss that said I¡¯ve been waiting, and I¡¯ll wait again if you need me to. When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against hers for a heartbeat. His voice came low, but certain. "I won''t regret it." Chapter 4 The wheels creaked softly beneath them as the wagon rolled along the forest road, the moon hung high among a spray of glittering stars. Tomas had fallen asleep in Lioren¡¯s lap, his hand clutching hers as she ran fingers through his hair. Her fingers flexed with no tremble, no pain, just a strange clarity. Her body felt good, despite the fever and poison that rendered her at the mercy of her friends. Mira had filled the silence with a recount of what happened while Lioren was sick. Kale stayed back at town to claim the reward even when Lioren became deathly ill. ¡°Medicine costs money,¡± was his defense. Tomas nearly started a fight with him about honor and common decency but Mira was able to reason with them. She suggested she and Tomas get a head start and Kale would catch up soon after. None of them knew just how sick Lioren would become and Mira insisted that if Kale knew, he would have been there with them. Lioren shrugged it off. She understood and accepted Kale never really liked her. Maybe it was because she was too quiet, always observing. Or maybe it was because she knocked him on his ass during a sparring session. Or, it could have been Tomas taking an interest in her instead of their friendship. Whatever it was, it didn¡¯t matter. She was alive, and they would have a decent pay out when he reconvened with them in Whistle Hollow. One thing did bring her a surprising amount of satisfaction though. She seemed to have all of Tomas¡¯ attention now. Lioren¡¯s hand tightened in Tomas¡¯ hair and he let out a soft but deep moan. Her mouth parted slightly as an urge rose to claim the sound as hers. She loosened her grip with a sigh. He is sleeping. She chided herself and leaned her head back against the wall of the wagon. Mira was nodding off until a bump jostled her. ¡°You good, Mira?¡± Lioren spoke softly as to not disturb Tomas. His breathing was slow and deep with small twitches in his eyes as he dreamt. ¡°I¡¯m hanging in there. How are you?¡± Mira glanced back at her, answering softly. Lioren gave her a shrug and went back to watching the sky. Physically, she felt great. Not at all like she was battling for her life hours before. Mentally, she felt as sharp as an arrow shot from Mira''s bow. No fatigue plagued her mind. The past 48 hours were nothing but a dreamless sleep. A thought nagged at her, like a fly that buzzed around her face. Why did she feel fine? "Are you sure? Even after.. well.. everything?" Mira was tense, as if she expected Lioren to hold some grudge against her. "Fit as a fiddle, if you can believe it." Lioren chuckled to mask her own disbelief. She thought back to the fight with whatever it was they fought. Mira said it was some kind of abomination. A twisted, two-legged wolf creature that was a crime against nature. She remembered feeling terror as she faced it down. Its golden eyes, piercing through her like she was just prey. Rage as it threw Tomas like a rag doll. She should feel lucky. Relieved. Something. But all she felt was stillness. Like the world had exhaled and forgotten to breathe again. "I really can''t." Mira responded, bringing Lioren back to the present. Her shoulders sagged and her grip tightened on the reins. "I thought you were going to die. I spent hours by your side, agonizing over which breath was going to be your last." Her voice broke and she took a shaky breath, trying to control her guilt. Lioren watched her back, her brow creased with confusion. She should comfort Mira. Let her know she is ok. "It''s not your fault, Mira." Lioren''s voice was just above a whisper as she returned her gaze to the sky. The moon peaked above them in a silvery shower. "You didn''t know." She murmured and threaded her fingers gently through Tomas¡¯ hair again. He twitched under her touch and adjusted himself, leaning into her touch. Mira''s breath hitched like she wanted to say something, but chose silence instead. The silence stretched long into the night before Mira cleared her throat. "Miracles of miracles, we made it." She breathed a sigh of relief as Lioren stretched up as much as she dared to without disturbing Tomas. In the distance, beyond Jessabelle''s wagon, flickering lantern lights lined a sturdy wooden wall. ¡°Whistle Hollow¡± Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Lioren startled awake, her heart pounding and breath coming fast like she spent the night running. It was quiet, save for Mira¡¯s and Tomas¡¯ quiet breathing. The pale gray light of dawn was slowly filtering in through the window. Lioren wiped the sweat from her neck and paused. Her arm! Bare, smooth, unmarked but for faint scarring where teeth had torn through flesh. She checked her side where five puncture wounds had lined her ribcage and sure enough. Nothing. She looked at the sleeping forms of her friends, still deep in sleep. Something was not right. Lioren slipped out of her bed. One of four they had rented for a few days while they rested and recovered. The bed closest to the door remained empty. Kale had not arrived yet. She dug in her bag, quietly so as to not wake the others and headed toward the door with bandages in hand. She stepped into the hall and closed the door gently behind her. It was empty and silent as she headed to the bathroom. It was a shared space but it had hot water and soap. Inside, it was empty with numerous bathtubs lining the far wall, each one separated by wooden room dividers. There was a space to hang her towel and set her clothes as she turned on the water and stripped down. She pulled the divider closed and once the tub was full, she stepped in and settled in the scorching water. She sighed as the heat relaxed her muscles and chased away the lingering sleepiness. The heat rose around her, curling steam into the air. Lioren rested her head against the cool edge of the tub and let her eyes drift shut¡ªbut her thoughts refused to settle. Her arm floated to the surface, pale and clean beneath the ripples. She turned it slowly, watching the water catch the curve of old scars¡ªexcept they weren¡¯t old. They shouldn¡¯t be old. They shouldn¡¯t look like they happened years ago. She should¡¯ve felt shock. Fear. Relief. Anything, but instead, she felt¡­ tired. Like her body had moved on and forgotten to tell her. She traced the faintest indentation where the teeth had sunk in. No scabbing. No swelling. Not even the ache of bruising beneath the skin. Just faint lines and smooth skin. She flexed her fingers. No pain. No tightness. Nothing. This doesn¡¯t make sense. She leaned back again, letting the water rise to her collarbone, her long hair drifting in the subtle current of her movement. For a while, she just sat there, letting the silence fold around her like steam, listening to the water lap gently at the porcelain. The click of the door handle startled her from her thoughts. ¡°Lioren?¡± Mira¡¯s voice called from the other side of the divide. ¡°I¡¯m here!¡± Lioren called back and pulled her arm back into the soapy water. ¡°Oh good, we were worried when you weren''t in bed. I figured you would still be sleeping.¡± Her tone was light but Lioren could sense the concern in her voice. ¡°Yea, sorry, I just needed a soak.¡± Lioren kept her tone even as pushed some bubbles around the tub. A brief pause. ¡°I understand. How are your wounds? Do they need redressing?¡± Lioren gritted her teeth at her persistence. Was it too much to ask for some peace and quiet? ¡°They are healing well.¡± Lioren lied effortlessly as she moved to get out of the tub. ¡°And no, I¡¯ll manage with the redressing. You have already done so much.¡± She winced and hoped Mira didn''t hear her sarcasm. What the fuck is wrong with me? Mira had done her best to keep her alive and now all she is an annoyance. Lioren stepped out of the tub and snatched her towel, trying to suppress her growing irritation. ¡°Oh, sorry¡­ I¡¯ll leave you to it then.¡± Mira spoke quietly. Clearly she was hurt by Lioren¡¯s words and Lioren felt a twang of guilt. Fuck. ¡°Mira, wait.¡± Lioren called and hurriedly wrapped her ¡®wounded¡¯ arm before wrapping the towel around her chest. She pulled the divider open and crossed over to Mira who stood dejectedly by the door. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I almost died yesterday and¡­¡± Lioren paused, unable to put her mind set into words. ¡°I feel fine but I don¡¯t feel fine. Maybe I haven''t come to terms with the near death experience but I¡¯m trying to figure it out.¡± She took one of Mira¡¯s hands and held it firmly. ¡°You were amazing and I probably would have died without you. I just need time to right my own head, okay?¡± Mira sniffled and a tear fell from her eye as she threw herself around Lioren. Mira silently cried onto her shoulder and Lioren gave her small pats on the back and gave encouraging whispers in her ear. After what felt like hours, Mira pulled back, wiped her tears and told Lioren how much she cared about her and how happy she was that Lioren was okay. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you to finish up. But please let me know if I can help at all.¡± She gave one last teary smile at Lioren before she slipped out of the door and left her alone once more. Lioren stood still for a few moments, both relieved and terrified. She didn''t mean a single thing she said. And worse, she didn¡¯t care. Chapter 5 I didnt care. The thought replayed in her head like a wagon wheel spinning on its axis. I don¡¯t care. Why don¡¯t I care? Should I care? Lioren stood by the door, loosely clutching the towel to her chest as beads of water dripped from her hair in a dull halo around her feet. One by one. Drip. Drip. Drip. Her chest rose and fell in steady beats as the same thoughts echoed in her head. Like Tomas repeating the punch line of a corny joke because she didn¡¯t laugh the first time. I don¡¯t care. Lioren pivoted on the ball of her foot and went back to her tub. The steamy air, once a warm blanket, was now phantom fingers coiling around her skin. It was too hot here. The walls felt too close and her body felt like nothing more than a prison she could not escape. I don¡¯t care. Tighter and tighter it squeezed until Lioren felt like a wound spring ready to snap. She could feel Mira¡¯s constricting embrace like an oil on her skin. Lioren dropped her towel and dunked her hands into the water, hoping to scrub away the residue of her friend''s care. Scrubbing turned to scratching. I don¡¯t care. Scratching turned to clawing as her skin seemed to shrink over her bones. Tighter and tighter, until she was sure her bones would split her perfect pale skin. Her bandage fell into the water, smears of blood marring the white cotton. Sweat, mixed with water, began to slide over her body as her fingers were coming away tinged with red but the tightness refused to let go. Why don¡¯t I fucking care!? Lioren let out a scream as she turned and smashed a mirror with her fist. A thousand cuts sliced across her knuckles as the shards cascaded to the ground in a silver shower. The fragments danced on the stone before falling still. Each one perfectly angled so she could see a thousand tiny reflections of herself. Cold, still, and unfeeling reflections. She stood, amongst the shards, breathing heavily, arms and chest scratched raw and now her hand, dripping blood in tandem with the water dripping from her hair. Drip. Drip. Drip. Lioren stood facing the door Mira had closed behind her. Her towel was loosely wrapped around her chest as she took a deep breath. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. She pivoted on the ball of her foot and headed back to her tub. She closed the divider behind her and unplugged the tub to let it drain. She took her time dressing in her travel clothes, taking extra care to tighten her bandage. Once she gathered her things, Lioren headed back to their room. The hallway was dim as the cool hush of dawn still blanketed the inn. Lioren¡¯s steps were near silent as she approached their door. She twisted the handle with a soft click and the door swung open with a loud groan. Tomas¡¯, who was in the middle of dressing, started in surprise and tried to cover himself up as the door swung wide. Lioren stood in the doorway with an appreciative smirk as she leaned against the door frame. Her eyes snapped to every bend, every muscle and every length as Tomas struggled to fit his foot in his pants. ¡°L-Lio!¡± he stammered, fumbling to put one leg in his pants and stumbling as his foot caught on a twist in the pant leg. ¡°Gods, give a man a warning!¡± Lioren¡¯s smirk deepened as she let the door close behind her before crossing her arms and leaning against it. She was to be the only audience at this surprise show. ¡°You¡ª¡± Tomas pointed at her with a bare, well defined arm, cheeks already bright red, ¡°¡ªare enjoying this way too much.¡± He had finally gotten both legs in his pants and was tying off the laces to keep them sitting snug on his hips. She tilted her head, clearly not denying it. She bit her lip, her eyes hungrily taking in the last of his skin before he grabbed his shirt. ¡°You¡¯re impossible,¡± he grumbled, finally yanking his shirt over his head and scrubbing a hand through his already-messy hair. He didn¡¯t meet her eyes, but a crooked smile crept across his face. Then, quieter, a little more confident. ¡°If you were that eager for a look, you could¡¯ve just asked.¡± Lioren pushed away from the door with a stride to her bed where she tossed her belongings onto the sheets. ¡°I don''t know Tomas, red seems like a good color on you.¡± She flashed him a sly smile and he froze mid motion as he tugged his shirt into place, trying to mask his fluster. His eyes flicked to her, catching the curve of her smile, and the way she didn¡¯t look away. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°I¡ªuh¡ª¡± He blinked, then gave a helpless little huff of a laugh. ¡°You¡¯re really leaning into this whole newfound confidence thing, huh?¡± He scratched at the back of his neck, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth despite himself. ¡°Not that I¡¯m complaining, but I¡¯m starting to wonder if I hit my head harder than I thought back in that clearing.¡± His eyes widened before narrowing in mock suspicion. ¡°Did near-death just turn you into someone who flirts now? Is that the secret? Almost die and come back sassier?¡± Lioren rolled her eyes but could not help but laugh. She looked back at him, laughing with her, so carefree, so¡­ Tomas. She gave him a shrug and picked her bag up off the floor and set it on the bed to start packing. She paused, seeming to ruminate on the question. ¡°Maybe dying just reminds you what¡¯s worth wanting,¡± she said softly, smoothing a hand over her bandaged arm. Her smile was slow, calculated. She threw a mischievous glance at Tomas with a quick pass up and down his body. ¡°And what¡¯s fun to look at.¡± She met his gaze without flinching, eyes unreadable. Her voice was even. Cool. Not teasing. Not warm. Just... fact. Then she turned her back to him and began unbuckling the outer straps of her bag, the moment already discarded like it meant nothing. ¡°Gods Lio, you¡¯re gonna be the death of me.¡± He smiled back, his usual lopsided smile he wore when he spoke to her. The one that made her feel as if she was normal for wanting to sit back while everyone else went about their lives. Like she was normal for always watching and rarely speaking. Like she was someone worth smiling at. ¡°Seriously, though. You keep that up, and I¡¯ll start thinking I¡¯m the lucky one here.¡± He crossed the space between them, trying for lightness. But something in his eyes flickered, for just a beat too long. He leaned against the bedpost, his arms crossing as his voice lowered. ¡°...You feeling alright?¡± His tone was gentle, still teasing, but quieter now. Threads of concern lingered on his face as his green eyes scanned her face for any abnormality. Lioren¡¯s body stilled, as if it was a predator that had just been seen. Her hands paused, mid fold of her nightshirt. Only a brief pause, but the tension in her body coiled. She recognized that tone, the shift of his posture. He used it before when they had first met. When the allure of the quiet girl who knew how to hunt and how to kill was too much for his curiosity. Once upon a time, she would have welcomed his probing. But now, she couldn¡¯t let him. She didn¡¯t know what he might find when she didn¡¯t even know what lay underneath. She didn¡¯t know how deep the poison had gone, only knew that it twisted something almost to the point of snapping. Lioren knew it was wrong. So she smiled. The kind of smile she had never worn before the fever. The one that looked like it belonged to someone who wasn¡¯t afraid of being seen. ¡°Do I look unwell to you?¡± She asked, meeting his gaze as she stepped closer, one hand outstretched to rest on his arm. ¡°Or is that concern an excuse to get close after your little show?¡± Her eyes snapped to his waist before jumping back to his eyes. Her voice was quiet, dripping with confidence she didn¡¯t feel. Tomas¡¯ cheeks flushed as he laughed, running a hand over his face as if he wanted to wipe away the redness. ¡°Okay, okay. Damn.¡± He looked down with a chuckle. ¡°I walked into that one, huh?¡± His eyes traced again over her face and then down to her hand, still resting on his arm. His eyes darkened as bad memories replayed in his head at the sight of her bandage. ¡°Hey.¡± Lioren raised her other hand to his face, tracing the line of his cheek with her thumb. ¡°Don¡¯t think about what happened. I¡¯m here, and I¡¯m okay.¡± She whispered, closing the gap between them until their foreheads pressed together. His eyes closed at her touch. He exhaled slowly, like he''d only just remembered how. ¡°You almost weren¡¯t.¡± His voice was low, hoarse at the edges. ¡°I thought I was going to lose you before I ever got to know you.¡± His skin was warm beneath hers as he took another shaky breath. ¡°This doesn¡¯t feel real. Not after all the blood, the silence or the times I begged you to just breathe.¡± His arms wrapped around her in an embrace that seemed more than just to comfort him. It was a physical act to solidify that this moment was real, and yesterday was the nightmare. Lioren returned the embrace, her head turned so it rested just above his heart. A little quick, but strong and steady. ¡°You have no idea how scared I was. How helpless¡­¡± His voice trailed off and his arms tightened around her, almost uncomfortably so. At first, Lioren didn¡¯t speak. Her eyes stared at the far wall as his heart beating against her cheek. She counted. He needed her to say something kind. Something true and reassuring. If only she could find where kindness an assurance were hidden. So instead, she closed her eyes and buried her face in his chest. ¡°Then don¡¯t let go.¡± She mumbled, and squeezed her arms into his back. Tomas gave an airy laugh and kissed the top of her head. ¡°Never.¡± They stood there, locked in their own moment until a loud stomach growl resonated between them. They both laughed and pulled apart. Tomas¡¯ hand lingered briefly on the side of her neck, his thumb tracing her jawbone. His eyes searched hers before slowly, leaning closer. His lips brushed hers before kissing her. A new hunger stirred in Lioren¡¯s belly. This was something she wanted, something she needed. And it was gone as soon as it came. Tomas pulled away, his lopsided grin returned. ¡°Breakfast?¡± You? Yes please! She bit her lip to stop from throwing herself at him. She looked up at him with a small smile and nodded at the door. ¡°I¡¯ll catch up.¡± With a nod, he turned to leave, stopping only to put his boots on. ¡°Don¡¯t take too long. Mira might eat yours and I don¡¯t know if we are close enough for me to share my food.¡± He beamed a cheeky smile and Lioren turned back to her packing, eyes rolling so far she was surprised she couldn¡¯t see her brain. The door opened and closed behind her and then silence was her only company. She huffed to herself as she folded her night shirt and then her bottoms. That was easy. Chapter 6 The tapping of Lioren¡¯s boots on the stairs were light and measured, but even then, the rhythm felt too loud. Like she was stomping down the stairs, demanding everyone¡¯s attention. She gritted her teeth as she paused again, testing her feet and looking at her boots. Wondering if Tomas pranked her by putting something on the sole of the boot. But they were just normal leather boots. Sighing in exasperation, she continued down the stairs to the main hall. Bright morning light filtered in from the window slats, painting the staircase in unique shadows and fractal patterns. The main hall was mostly empty as the majority of the patrons were still sleeping but towards the center of the room, by the large central hearth, she saw Tomas and Mira and a third someone. Lioren froze as a familiar, arrogant voice drifted to her ears as if she stood just behind him. ¡°I would have come sooner if I had known¡­ I-- I didn''t realize how bad it was.¡± Kale¡¯s voice resonated with false guilt as Tomas sat, slouched with his arms crossed and Mira clutching a ceramic mug with both hands. Kale¡¯s back was to her and her hand twitched toward her dagger, sheathed on her hip. ¡°When Rory told me, no one survives wolfsbane poisoning, I came as soon as I could.¡± His voice cracked just a little and his shoulder slumped forward. Something was off about Kale. His shield lay by his chair, shining as it caught an early morning ray of sun. The screech of claws on metal shield sliced through her head as she watched Kale be lifted up by his arm and slammed into the ground, his armor crunched from the impact. But now, his armor looked pristine. Like he just got it repaired or¡­ Her breath hitched but not from the joyous reunion. From rage. The fucking nerve on this guy. She curled her fingers against her palm, nails pressing crescent moons into her skin. ¡°Lio, over here.¡± Lioren¡¯s eyes snapped back into focus as Tomas stood to wave her over. His face was warm and welcoming but turned cold and distant as he returned his attention back to Kale who turned around, face white as the moon. Lioren took a deep breath, trying to steady her pounding heart as she took small, tentative steps toward their table. Tomas offered his hand to hers to help her into her seat. Right, wounded ribcage. She reached for Tomas¡¯s hand, not because she needed the help¡ªbut because Kale needed to see her being helped. ¡°Morning, glad to see you made it.¡± Lioren greeted him and Kale''s mouth parted like a fish. Tomas offered her some bread, which she gladly accepted as Mira handed her a plate of fried eggs. She offered Mira a grateful smile, silently hoping the awkwardness from earlier had been washed away with the bathwater. Mira returned it tenfold before turning her more pointed expression back to Kale who was still staring at Lioren as if she had come back from the dead. ¡°What were you saying about wolfsbane poisoning?¡± Lioren asked Kale after taking a bite of eggs. She chewed slowly, deliberately. Savoring each second Kale got more uncomfortable. He hesitated, his mouth opening and closing as if he couldn¡¯t tell whether to reply or not. A flicker of something dark passed through her¡ªso quick it almost wasn¡¯t there. A thought, uninvited and sharp: how satisfying it would be to drive her dagger into his hand hard enough to pin him to the table. If only for just a moment. She blinked, and the thought vanished. She smiled gently, as if she hadn¡¯t noticed his growing unease. ¡°¡°I¡­ I just meant that¡¯s what Rory said. That¡­ usually no one survives. After having a reaction to wolfsbane. It¡¯s something in the blood, I guess. Old legends. I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d¡ª¡± He stopped, seeing the way Mira¡¯s brow furrowed. Tomas tensed beside her and she placed a hand on his knee beneath the table. ¡°Didnt. Think. She¡¯d. What?¡± Tomas¡¯s voice was low and clipped, each word a hammer on the table. His hand flexed beside her, like he was debating if flipping the table would be too much. Kale flinched, shocked by the venom in Tomas¡¯ words. Lioren took another bite and made herself smaller in anticipation of what she suspected Kale would say. ¡°That she would survive¡­ I mean--look, Rory said the reaction is lethal. He has seen it numerous times and there were never survivors.¡± Tomas moved his hand from the table to Lioren¡¯s underneath and gave it a squeeze. Lioren lowered her head, visibly shaking as if she was reliving being poisoned. Except this time, by Kale¡¯s words. ¡°So was it my share that bought your new armor?¡± Lioren spoke quietly, her eyes stared down at her plate, hidden from everyone else¡¯s. Tomas squeezed her hand harder and Mira took a sharp breath. ¡°W--what? Kale stammered, clearly taken aback. He sputtered for a defense as Lioren put her fork down and looked up, tears brimming around her eyes. ¡°My share. You know, the money I almost died for. The trail I hunted. The beast I killed.¡± She let the tears flow freely and her voice quavered, ever so slightly. Tomas shifted as if he wanted to say something, but remained silent. Lioren was strong and she didn¡¯t need someone to defend her. Kale stood abruptly, chair scooting back with a screech. Other patrons looked over in interest. Mira sat stiffly, looking at her hands in her lap. Kale was her brother, but even she couldn¡¯t come to his defense. ¡°I--Rory said--¡± ¡°Said I would die?¡± Lioren finished, her voice cracking on the last word. ¡°So you took the gold, bought yourself new armor and rode in with apologies on your tongue because it¡¯d make you look better.¡± Lioren rose to her feet, faking a wince as she stood. Tomas rose with her, his hand moving to her elbow to help her stand. She let the tears continue, but as she looked at Kale, her eyes were not that of a victim. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. ¡°Lio¡­¡± Mira reached out for Lioren, pausing, her heart torn between her brother¡¯s stupid decision and Lioren who she had grown close with over the past few months. Lioren tilted her head to meet Mira¡¯s eyes. They were pleading, but for what, Lioren couldn¡¯t tell. Lioren took a deep breath, nodding her head slightly as if she now understood something. She looked back at Kale and wiped away her tears. ¡°I forgive you.¡± She murmured, almost half to herself. She felt Tomas stiffen beside her, but still he said nothing. She felt his eyes on the back of her head and heard the ever so soft intake of breath as if he wanted to object. Instead, he kept silent and let his presence give her the support he thought she needed. Mira''s jaw fell open as she glanced quickly between Lioren and Kale, hardly believing what her ears had heard. Kale straightened, almost stunned. ¡°You¡­ what?¡± ¡°I know I haven¡¯t exactly been your favorite since day one. And it¡¯s okay¡ªyou thought I was going to die. Honestly, I did too.¡± Her smile twisted, sweet at first glance, but she tilted her head so Kale would see the threat behind her words. ¡°You didn¡¯t know. You just made a choice. And I might¡¯ve made the same one, if I thought someone was a lost cause.¡± She paused, eyes dipping to his armor for just a moment too long. ¡°Though I do hope the new armor is sturdier. Would be a shame to waste my share on something that doesn¡¯t protect you next time.¡± Kale face changed from stunned confusion to masked fury as Lioren gave him one last small smile before turning to leave. Her plate remained, half finished but she wasn''t hungry anymore. Tomas moved to follow Lioren but paused next to Kale. He leaned in close, never taking his eyes off of Kale''s simmering eyes. His hand fished around on Kale''s belt before he found a fairly heavy pouch that jingled when he picked it up. Kale gritted his teeth but looked away and said nothing. Tomas in turn, stored the pouch on his own person and continued to follow Lioren as she left to go outside. As Lioren crossed through the entry way, she heard Mira start to lay into Kale about his abominable stupidity and arrogance. She had once been on the receiving end of a ''Mira Lecture" when she accidentally cut Tomas while teaching him how to throw knives. In Lioren''s defense, Tomas did want to see how good her aim was and now, Tomas has a small scar at the base of his neck. The morning outside hit her like a hammer. Whistle Hollow had woken up hungry. Shouting merchants, screeching carts, dogs barking, kids yelling. Lioren staggered as the noise rolled over her like waves. Every sound sharp, layered, endless. The pulse in her ears matched the drumbeat of the town. Too loud. It was too much, Lioren slammed her hands over her ears in an attempt to staunch the noise. All around her, the voices echoed. "How much is this?" "Do you have any meat left?" "Kids stopped teasing the dog and go help your mother." "Did you hear someone saw a scouting party for the Order of the Four Locusts?" One voice rose amongst the others until it was right next to her. A hand on her shoulder jolted her from the bombardment of sound. She flinched before her mind caught up. Her body was ready to strike first, think later. But it was just Tomas. His hands warm. His eyes wide with worry. ¡°Lio, hey. It¡¯s alright. You okay?¡± She didn¡¯t answer right away. the sounds of the day echoed in around her. She took several deep breaths as she tried to mentally push the sounds away. The world returned to a normal volume as she nodded her head. "It was just a lot. With Kale." She added with a nervous laugh. "Yeah," He agreed, but more serious than he had been since she overcame the poison. "Look Lio, I know he deserved everything you said against him... but that didn''t sound like you." He tried to catch her eye but Lioren looked away and put on a mask of shame. "Even when Kale picked that stupid job. You thought it was too much, but you didn''t say anything." Lioren''s eyes flashed to his, momentary fury igniting in their hazel depths. "So it''s my fault now? I almost died for a job he picked and it''s my fault because I didn''t voice my opinion?" Her eyes flared with false indignation as Tomas flinched and his mouth opened like he was going to protest. But he shifted his weight and remained silent. Lioren could see the doubt and shame in his eyes. Just a little snap. "I get ripped apart, almost die to a random herb some guy happened to give Mira, and you think I am being too harsh?" She trembled, but not with anger. With the fracturing edge that someone who was barely keeping it together would have. Some people passing by stopped to observe the scene unfolding, but decided to keep walking when Lioren shot them a dangerous glare. "I bled for us, Tomas. For all of you. And now I''m the one who has to explain herself? I didn¡¯t know surviving meant earning back my place." She spit the last word, malice threatening to overtake her. Tomas'' eyes widened and his face fell completely to shame. A sight that made Lioren''s stomach churn despite everything that had happened. With a sigh, she stepped closer to Tomas and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I''m sorry," She murmured into his chest and his arms wrapped around her shoulders, squeezing her close. "I know you are just trying to help. I just... I''m just trying to find out if I''m still me." She let out a small breath, one that actually felt like hers. It was the first real thing she had said since she had woken up that morning. Seeing Tomas so wounded had drawn on something deep within her. Familiar, warm, and true. But as it came up to console Tomas, it started to slip back down. "I think all of us changed that night." Tomas whispered into her hair and ran his hand down the back of her head. "But we are still here. And I am finally starting to see you. Not the, ''shy girl with the mysterious background who knows the fast way to drain blood from a man''. But the strong, fearless woman who faced down a nightmare creature and killed it. The one who put herself in danger to save her friends." He pulled away so he could meet her eyes. "She is pretty damn sexy, too." He smiled his silly lopsided grin and a laugh bubbled out of Lioren. He placed a hand on her cheek, his thumb tracing her cheek bone and his eyes beaming warmth and care into hers. "Now, I know what will cheer you up." He reached for his belt and held up a clinking pouch. "Shopping!"