FOREVER KNIGHTS: #7 King of Assassins

“I’ve run these woods. Moving with the wolves, to get closer to you. I’m destroying the darkness in Ardae…I’ve done it all for you.”

-Serdephe said to Teverius one moonlit night amidst the neon fey hears of the Netherwood.

Netherlands (Exiled for fourteen years)

TEVERIUS

Tonight, Teverius watched Serdephe again. Immediately going to see her upon his return. Drawing near he caught the scent of someone following her. Someone tainted with Cimmerii.

But despite all his checks of the perimeter he found no one.

She walked the Northern Netherwood tonight. Looking hapless in an oversized white tunic trimmed in gold embroidery. Seeming small and vulnerable. A long length of bare leg exposed. She was barefoot and clinging to trees as if too tired to go any further.

Tev straightened at first thinking she needed help but after observing her a moment he recognized her movements. She’s hunting.

Presenting as bait to lure demons. Looking ridiculously helpless. A smile teased his lips because he knew how untrue that was. Clever cat.

Further back in the trees he caught the subtle movements of leaves rippling as something moved parallel to her, opposite him. Demon Dogs.

He heard a low rumble human ears wouldn’t have caught. Coming from his right. He glimpsed one. Turning to face it, he missed the other three quietly cross the road in a black blur. Enveloping in the trees on his side of the road.

Groomsman? Why over here? The laziest of the bunch, Groomsman usually distracted the quarry, so he didn’t have to be fast in the chase.

Then Driver would lead the other five to cinch in on the victim.

He heard rushing steps exploding all around him and realized exactly what was happening. Too late.

I am the quarry. He turned toward the forest in an incredibly fast spin. In an effort to escape her view but came face to face with the tall purple-haired woman.

She looked at him levelly. Chin upturned slightly to face him.

A tall woman. Only a couple inches shorter than me.

When did she get so tall?

“Hello My Wolf.”

He deflated. Oh, good memory…His blue eyes were intent, roving her face as he assessed the odd situation.

Her striking teal gaze was incredibly familiar. He’d seen a similar pair years ago, before she’d confronted him on the road.

I’m certain of it.

“Very clever.” He admitted to her, realizing he was outdone.

“You’re always watching me.” She said decisively, ignoring his comment as she tilted her head. Beginning to loop around him slowly. Inciting the dogs to circle him as well. Moving the opposite way to guarantee there was never a gap in their cage.

He heard the fall of paws in every direction. The rustle of dried leaves, the slide of moss, and the crunching of small branches.

They’re everywhere.

“You have them cinching me in?”

“I do.” She nodded, unabashedly eyeing his tall form.

Why are you doing this? His curiosity was piqued.

“You’re more handsome then I ever knew.” She ran her hand under a section of his hair, making him spin abruptly.

“Why are you touching me?”