FOREVER KNIGHTS: #12 Primal Intent

Merwood, Dread Hideout

ACHARIUS

Chastain had lain in the dark again tonight. After several sennights of Acharius’ silence, she couldn’t sleep.

Not since she came to me in the cave.

He’d told her after they made love that it couldn’t happen again. That she had to stop coming to the caves because he couldn’t fall in love with her. And that it’s not safe for her to keep searching me out.

Completing her chores quickly, she’d spent move of the afternoon waiting in the gardens anyway.

Hoping I’ll come. He knew.

Now she stood at the window slit. Only leaving to pace her chamber. Not even the mist seeped across the landscape despite her hope it’d come.

As if Acharius was completely gone from this country. She misses my companionship.

She dwells on her loneliness. He knew.

Last night she’d made her way to the caves searching for him. Praying the bats would leave her be. Luckily, they merely watched through wide yellow eyes. Acting as though they no longer protected anything here.

She sighed.

Acharius was perched on the bell tower behind Meredith House, watching her far below in the garden. Great red wings spanning momentarily before folding to curl above his well-muscled shoulders. Crimson scales sparkling like shining drops of blood in the rising sun’s light.

Chastain talked to Margaret and Agatha. Shaking her head as she talked to them. Making a few helpless gestures and pointing to the caves on hills.

She’s telling them I’m avoiding her.

He caught Margaret’s gaze flick to the peak of the vined Bell Tower for such a brief moment he’d barely seen it. She saw me.

Clever woman.

She’d known right where to look.

She knows me so well. A fond smile curled scaled lips. Revealing small, pointed teeth.

Acharius sensed movement in the trees and looked. Catching the sunlight off the coppery shade of Mardichi’s head.

Bast’s always true to his word.

Mardichi looked plenty displeased as he made his way to the caves.

He’ll take care of the artifacts. Acharius thought in relief. Lunging from the bell tower caused chunks of stone to crumble under his talons as he left the wall.

I need some advice…To confess what I’ve done. He needed to talk to Deragan above all others. He’ll be upset I’ve laid with her and offered her no honor.

What I did was wrong without an offer of marriage or immortality. I should’ve let her find a proper man to wed instead of surrendering to my baser desires. I know better. And he knew Deragan would be disappointed in him.

I never intended to let him down. Acharius steeled himself. Somewhat afraid to confess his sins to the alpha.

He’s always wise. He’ll know what to do. And if my deeds warrant punishing then I will take it with honor.