***Warning: Blood, Gore***
Bella
Once Thorne is redressed and settled in the back room I get Ian to help me move the washbasin so Thorne can rest. I get everything cleaned up from the bath and try to help with getting Sally to bed but Sarah waves me off, “You need to go rest too,” She says with a glare, “If you run yourself ragged you won’t be able to help him.”
I sigh, “All right,” I go to the back room where I’ll be sleeping too. I open the door and can hear Thorne snoring softly, I smile and go to check on him. He’s lying on his side with his back to the door, the borrowed clothes don’t fit him properly making him look awkward and over-sized. After his haircut he looks less wild, but his body is frighteningly thin and his swarthy skin has a sickly gray pallor to it. Even in sleep there’s a tension to him that reminds me of a cornered animal; like a starving wolf who’s taken food, but is still wary.
I make my way toward the sleeping mat I’d set up for myself when Thorne whimpers. I turn back to him frowning, at first nothing is amiss then he grunts and stirs, it sounds as if he’s in pain. I take a step toward him and he shudders, another pained whimper following as he begins to thrash as if fighting something. I go to his side and take his hand in mine; he settles at once.
I start to pull my hand away but he squeezes it and tries to tug me closer. I squeeze his hand again and pull my hand free, as I break contact his brow creases and he starts to shift restlessly again. Thorne turns toward the wall abruptly and curls in on himself, a soft sob slipping from his throat. The pained sound twists my heart and, without hesitation, I lay on the bed beside him, wrapping my arms around his middle; he quiets down.
I press my face against his back and sigh, despite my earlier misgivings I feel safe around him. It’s been so long since I’ve been around another Fae that I’d forgotten how important physical contact is for us. I take a deep breath, the scent of soap and Thorne’s magic swirl around me and it’s not long before I slip into sleep as well.
Thorne
I run through the forest, my vision clouded in a haze of red. My paws hit the ground in a steady beat; my prey’s scent is getting stronger, letting me know that it’s close. I bare my teeth in anticipation, eager to sink my teeth into my quarry. I break through the underbrush and my prey is there. I leap forward, pinning my target to the ground with a snarl. To my horror it’s a man, I want to stop, I try to stop, but I can’t. I bare my fangs and lunge for his throat.
I flee through the forest, the scents of a half dozen strange hounds surround me. I can’t seem to get away, but I know I need to escape. I must make it out of this, I have a duty to my tribe, a duty to the Balance. I have to stay free, stay safe. I leap through a section of underbrush and skid to a halt, an Order Caster stands before me; Their silver markings shine bright against their dark skin, “Hello, Hound,” they say, voice dripping with malice.
Suddenly I’m standing in a field, the sun shines on my face as a soft breeze tugs at my hair. I look up toward the sun and smile, the scent of wildflowers mingling with the wind. There’s something in my hand, I squeeze it gently then it’s pulled from my grip.
I inhale again wanting to drink in the sweet aromas, but I’m met with the scent of blood and death. My eyes snap open and I look around in horror, bodies are piled around me, littered with familiar faces, so many faces. My brother, my mother, my Caster, everyone I knew, everyone I loved, lying dead and mangled at my feet. The guilt crashes in, tearing into my soul and ripping my heart apart. “You left us. You abandoned us,” their voices chant. “You were supposed to protect us, but you didn’t. You couldn’t.” Over and over they berate me with accusations, calling out my failures, demanding retribution.
I stumble back, trying to flee instead I trip over something and fall to the ground, the dirt is damp. I look down and gasp as I realize the ground is soaked in blood, it coats my hands and arms and seeps into my clothes. I barely have time to process the blood when hands grab at me, pulling at my limbs, tearing at my clothes and dragging me into the earth. I curl up on my side, trying to protect myself from the onslaught.
Peace encircles me again, the warm press of a hug chases the nightmare away. I’m in the meadow again, this time there’s someone with me. I can feel their arms around me, their face pressed against my shoulder and their breath tickling my hair. I sigh contentedly and drift into peaceful sleep.
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