Vuroth's Tear: Even the Gods Cry

Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Analda was awakened by beastly grunts and growls that Jazel made while she slept. She sat up and watched the sleeping Lycan kicking and thrashing in her sleep, she couldn't help but giggle quietly to herself. Analda thought about it, she had slept in the same hut with Velana for weeks and she couldn't recall a single sound from Velana while she slept.

Analda stood and lifted the tarp of a door to look outside. It was late and quiet, peaceful, with a star filled sky above. She decided to sit by the fire for some fresh air and enjoy the night. As soon as she was outside, she smiled. The breeze was gentle and cooling, the low burning fire offered just enough heat that she felt comfortable. The peaceful sounds of the forest echoed through the night, she closed her eyes and listened to the crickets song mixed with the sound of the crackling fire.

She watched the glowing coals in the bed of the pit, they made her think of Aven. She missed falling asleep in his arms, listening to his heart beat until she drifted off. She was unsure if he felt the same way, if holding her as they slept each night was as meaningful or if he did it simply because he knew it made her feel safe. She told him that she loved him, but he didn't say anything in response but she couldn't help feeling that he felt the same.

She had no idea whether Aven was alive or dead and compared to that, her fear that he didn't love her seemed trivial. She knew that he was strong and an amazing fighter but was his skill and instinct enough? Even with three Lycans and Donovan by his side, even if they found Verik, was that enough to escape a city full of hundreds, if not thousands of the undead creatures?

Analda's thoughts were broken when she heard a sound behind her and turned around to see Sanub walking towards her from the woods, "Beautiful view here, isn't it? I've heard that the sky isn't as clear in the city, all the light makes it hard to see the stars," He smiled and sat next to the speechless Analda, "I sometimes venture out here to listen to the forest and enjoy the stars. It's even more stunning when the fire is out."

Analda was hesitant to speak, "It is very nice here."

Sanub nodded, "Yes, yes it is," He drew his face closer to hers, "and I really want it to remain nice and peaceful here. Unfortunately, you being here threatens that." He stared at her, his face wore a gentle smile, but his tone and eyes made the threat clear.

Slowly, she began to stand, "Well, I'm gonna head back to bed," she was afraid of provoking him. Jazel and Stein were both asleep and she doubted the others would offer her, a human outsider, any help if she needed it.

Sanub grabbed her wrist and pulled her back down to sit, "I'm not done talking, don't be rude."

"Please, I don't want any trouble," Her voice quivered as his grip tightened.

Sanub smiled, bearing growing teeth, "Then you shouldn't have come here."

"Let me go!" She shouted while she tried to pull her arm free from his now clawed hand.

A roar tore through the night, the forest went silent around them. Jazel grabbed Sanub by the throat. His grip on Analda loosened enough for her to pull away and she scurried to her feet and away from them both. Jazel lifted Sanub to his feet, her grip tightened until he gasped for breath. His claws tore at her wrist and forearm before he decided to draw them across her bare chest, she roared and threw him into the glowing coals.

His howls woke and drew out the rest of the Lycans as he rolled to his feet and slapped the sticking coals from his bare flesh. Out of breath he looked with hatred at Jazel, the burns healed quickly but left small circular scars over his body.

The slashes across Jazel's chest had already healed, leaving her covered in blood but no wound. She looked at everyone that stood gathered, "Listen well, all of you!" She pointed a clawed Lycan hand at Analda, "Nobody is to lay a finger on this woman or you will answer to me!"

Sanub dove at her, Jazel caught him in mid air and slammed him to the ground. He rolled from her grip as he came to his feet, he changed into his wolf form. Jazel changed and roared as her front paws slammed to the ground. Analda noticed how much bigger Jazel was than Sanub, her wolf form towered over his. She clawed at the ground with her massive wolf hybrid hand.

Jazel stared at him with a fierceness until finally, Sanub dropped his head in submission. She let out a deep, throaty growl before turning to the others, wrapping a beastly arm around Analda as a sign of protection while she continued to growl.

Analda heard and felt the bones popping while Jazel turned back to her dark skinned, beautiful human form. Silently she led Analda back into the hut while the rest of them stood motionless, afraid to move until the two women were out of sight.

Sanub stood on human legs, angrily staring at Jazel's hut. He looked around to see everyone returning inside their homes, all except Stein, who stared at Sanub with disapproval. He shook his head and turned his back on Sanub, returning inside as well.

Sanub stood outside alone, felt alone. He lowered his head with a sigh and went into the woods to find a place to sleep.

"I didn't realize it until now but why are you and Velana bigger than the others when you turn into wolves?" Analda asked while she pulled the blanket over herself.

Jazel laughed, wiping the blood from her chest with the first piece of cloth she found, "Female Lycans are larger than males, I never really understood why."

Analda found it interesting, "Probably because women are better than men," She and Jazel laughed.

"Analda, Sanub is very stubborn and can be very dangerous. When he gets an idea in his head, nothing will stop him, especially when it comes to someone he thinks is an enemy. I can't be there to keep you safe at all times so please, just try to avoid him if possible," She smiled and kissed Analda's forehead before going and laying down on her bed.

Analda had to know, "Why does he hate me so much?"

"It's not you, it's all humans. He witnessed the evil of mankind once and now, evil is all he sees in them. Don't take it personally, he's an ass," She laid her head down, "goodnight, Analda."