FOREVER KNIGHTS: #6 Malevolent Attentions

Merwood, Dread Hideout

ACHARIUS

Acharius quickly assessed what'd happened.

Chastain had eventually slowed her headlong pace through the caverns. Dragging her palm along the wall.

She’d fumbled her way through the corridors until finding the crack of moonlight to light her way.

Seeing the shine of her knife stuck in the blockade she’d used it to slowly pry boards loose. After that she’d crossed the feet of bare dirt and rocks to the broad entrance. Glimpsing the fog-coated forest floor and starry silver night beyond.

Inhaling deeply of the night air she entered freedom, glancing at the rising sun. Noticing it twisted her red hair into a ghastly copper. Beyond the high underbrush to her right. Beyond that and far down the hill were the gates of the House. Holding up her skirts she ran downhill.

A smile teased his lips at her ingenuity. I’d no idea she was so crafty.

Missing the sound of leaves crushing behind her and sticks snapping, Chastain was utterly shocked when knocked to the ground as though no more than a butterfly.

He easily overpowered her. Pinning her hands, still gripping the sullied dagger, above her head.

“Will you listen now?” Lowering his voice, he let it take effect on her senses. Pouring over her like warm rain.

When he used that tone, humans were quickly persuaded. I’ve refrained from using it long enough this night. His breath teased the hairs along her nape. He yearned to press his lips to the soft flesh above her collar.

Sighing he eased his weight from her.

Bast is right. She no longer looks a girl. Part of him objected to moving away.

“You think you’ve cornered me again?” She hissed.

He eyed her length still pinned by a hand gripping her wrists and a leg draped over hers. “Appears that way.”

Her face darkened.

He put up a staying hand. “All I’m asking is for you to hear me out.” He used a coaxing whisper and was gratified when he heard her breathing hitch.

Let it take effect. Don’t fight it. He willed her.

Her mouth moved but the words came out a sigh. Her body relaxed.

He twisted his body off her.

Drawing a sustaining breath, she rolled to her stomach to crawl away.

He twisted his hand palm up and her body lifted to float parallel the leafy forest floor. She stopped moving, arms out reflexively to balance. Her hair dropped around her face to rest on the leaves two foot below her.

Stunned green eyes turned to him. He blinked innocently and kept his face impassive. “How about now?” Had she known him well she may’ve caught the smile dancing at the corners of his mobile mouth.

He groaned. “Have you any idea how long it took to waterproof that blockade?”

Her gaze was unapologetic. Rolling smoothly to his feet caused her to lift so quickly her arms flailed as she came another several feet off the ground. Her hair and nightgown floating around her as though in water.

“I don’t mean you any harm, but I am long tired of these games and wish you to listen.” He let the inflection of magic enter his words.

To persuade her…Perhaps change the viper’s attitude a bit.

“Then why don’t you put me on my feet?” She challenged impudently. Chin notching up.

“You’ve displayed a clear penchant for fleeing me. I’m not so fool as that.”

She eyed him askance.

Which he didn’t appreciate.

Their eyes met in a clash of wills.

Why isn’t she succumbing to my voice? He stepped close enough to touch her and she floated before him as though laid out on a table. Throat working convulsively as she realized she was at his mercy. He found himself fascinated with the ribbons lacing the gown at the throat.

If I loosened them would there be more perfect porcelain skin? Or would there be a line from her rare exposure to the sun? He doubted that. No freckle dared mar that perfection.

Turning her head away she locked her lips. A crook of his finger brought her over until her side bumped his waist. Making her gasp and arms toss at the sudden motion.

As if she thinks she could fly if she were to fall. A turn of his finger rotated her right side up away from him. Her eyes wide and horrified.

Like a terrified animal. He plucked twigs and leaves from the muddied mass of her hair as he circled her assessingly.

“I’m willing to stand here and wait until your more placating.” He thoughtfully rubbed a hand across his chin.

“You’ve no idea how long that could take!” She said scathingly.

“No, I don’t. But.” He sat on a nearby boulder. “I’m willing to wait.”

She watched him get comfortable.

“You’re intolerable.”

“Huh.” He said thoughtfully as he leaned back to rest his spine against a narrow trunk behind him. Putting his arms up to rest his palms behind his head. “News to me.” Settling in he closed his eyes.

“You’re the very devil.”

“I appreciate your candor.” He peered at her through one cracked eye.