The Beast Within

Chapter 10

~ Eli's Point Of View ~

FINALLY, AFTER DAYS of wandering aimlessly through a sea of trees, we stumbled across a village. The sun was starting to set below the trees as the outline of the place came into view. It was a small town with wooden houses lining up along the streets. There were people still out, probably getting home from work or rushing to finish last minute shopping.

"Thank gods..." I heard Emily breath beside me.

"Lets see if there is an inn." I said. I was relieved to finally see some civilization. I had never been so happy to see other people.

"Wait," Emily said. There was worry in her voice.

"What is it babe?" I asked.

"What if that vampire alerted... you know... Marcie. What if they are looking for us..." she trembled, her knees shaking together.

I pulled her close. "Then we will fight them." I kissed her forehead. "I'm not going to let them take us."

"But... they may have a bounty out on us... the inn keeper..." Emily gulped.

"Shh... it's okay babe. I won't let anyone hurt you." I whispered into her ear.

"That's not what I am worried about..." she sighed. I knew what she meant.

"I will be fine, babe." I promised. I gave her hand a tight squeeze.

"B-But..." I cut her off with a stern glance her way.

"It's okay. I will be fine. I can look after myself." I smiled reassuringly. "I am more worried about you."

Emily punched my arm playfully. "Hey, I am a strong girl. I may not be an assassin any longer, but I still remember my training." She kissed my cheek. "I can handle anything."

"Still," I smiled at her. "I love you and therefore I worry." I patted her back. "Come on, lets go. It's getting dark." She just simply nodded. I held her hand in mine, giving her a reassuring squeeze of the hand. We headed down into the village. I kept my guard up, scanning the area for any sign of threat. Luckily, no one seemed to recognize us. We passed by people, giving small nods in greeting.

I stopped one of the people. A man. Middle aged with graying hair. His tunic was baggy, hanging off him like some sort of grayish brown second skin.

"Excuse me, but could you point out the way to an inn?" I asked.

"New here, huh? Just passing through?" The man asked.

I nodded.

"Take this street," the man said. "Head down it. At the end the path splits in two. Take the right path. It will lead you to the inn."

"Thank you," I replied and headed in the direction he pointed us in. I was still holding onto Emily's hand, guiding her along.

I let go of Emily's hand once we got to the inn's door so that I could open the door. The two of us stepped into the building. Inside there were a couple people sitting at a table eating. The innkeeper was standing behind a bar. I approached the man.

"Hey, we would like a room for the night." I said.

"Upstairs or downstairs?" The man asked.

"Doesn't matter." I replied. I was just exhausted. My arm ached from carrying the duffle bag for so long.

"That will be fifty gold pieces." That was a high price for the night. I just shrugged it off and paid him
The innkeeper smiled. "Follow me and I will show you two to your room."

The room he gave us was one downstairs. It had two beds with an end table in between them.

"I will leave you two now." The man walked away.

I shut the door behind him and dropped the duffle bag. Emily did the same. I grinned and pulled the end table away, letting it rest by the door.

"Come on, help me." I said to Emily.

"With what?" She asked.

"Pushing the beds together." I replied, getting on the side of one bed that was by the wall. She got on wall side of the other bed and we pushed the two beds together. I collapsed onto the soft surface. Emily laid down beside me, snuggling up against me with her head in my chest. I kissed her forehead.

"I love you babe." I smiled.

"I know," she replied. "I love you too."

"I am glad you do." I whispered, rubbing her back. I could feel her relax against me. I sighed happily. I was blessed to have her. Truly blessed. She was an amazing woman. I felt lucky to know her. She was my life and my light. I vowed to protect her, even if it cost me my life. Emily came before anything. I had never felt this way about anyone else. Ever. There was just something about her. She was beautiful and smart. She was kind. I could tell she truly cared about me.

"Emily?"

"Yeah?" She muttered. I could tell she was tired.

"I am so blessed to be by your side right now. You are amazing."

In the pale light of the room, I could see her flush. "T-Thank you. You are too, my love."

I yawned. I was exhausted. I closed my eyes, beginning to drift off into the world of dreams.

...

I was running. I could hear the crashing of vegatation behind me as my pursuers continued their chase. I ran through a clearing and my pant leg snagged onto a patch of brambles. I winced as the thorns dug into my skin, causing me to trip. I hit the ground face first, getting a mouthful of dirt. I spit the soil out, almost gagging. Ugh. Disgusting.

I tried to get up. The thorns dug deeper into my skin. I winced. I tried to pull the brambles away but my leg was completely entangled in them. My pursuers came closer, stepping into the clearing.

The Alpha being ahead of the group. "Well, well. Look what we have here."

"Get away from me." I growled.

"Now why would I do that." The Alpha smirked. As he grew slower I could see his eyes. They were red and glowing!

"G-Get away!" I spat at him. I tried to kick but my bramble binds only grew tighter.

"You broke the Code." The Alpha said. He knocked me completely on my back, pressing his boot on my chest to hold me down. "And you know what that means."

I struggled and growled. "Away from me now!" I tried to keep the fear from seeping into my voice.

The Alpha unsheathed his sword. "Pitty." He said, ignoring my words. "You had the makings of a great assassin." He sent the sword through my chest. Pain exploded into my body and then.....

...

I woke up, screaming. My heart pounded against my chest. It was just a dream... I thought. It was just a dream...