Claws of the Dragon

Chapter 10

You had been released by word of Lady Dimitrescu after a long, quiet week. You hadn't seen her or even heard her. When you did manage to get a glance at her, you could see her golden eyes from down the hall just behind her door. When your eyes locked, she quickly closed her door. What happened? Sent back into the village, you went back to your little cabin, thinking. Alcina was normally all over you, giving you gifts and trying so hard to earn your love, but then she changed at the drop of a hat and she seemingly wanted nothing to do with you. Why does this make my heart ache?

You went to the bar, your manager happy to see you and welcomed you with open arms. As you attended to everyone, you noticed that the girls weren't there. Another week had passed and you didn't even have a letter. Every day you spent away from the castle, you found yourself gazing at the masterpiece of a structure from your window before you went to sleep. It was only just before you went to sleep however that you felt eyes on you. Turning over, the feeling went away.

It was like this for another week, which turned into a month. Still, no sign of Alcina. Why am I so caught up on a woman that hurt me? This isn't healthy. You forced yourself to sleep with a pill and a sip of water, laying your head down and feeling sleep wash over you.

There was a familiar feeling across your torso, realizing you had woken up just a few hours after you took your pill. Eyes adjusted to the dark, you trailed your gaze from the limp arm holding you in place. The glisten of red lips, pale skin, and the soft rhythm of breathing made your heart flutter, but also your blood run cold. You slowly got up, going to the other room to get your flashlight. As you came back, the door was wide open and Alcina wasn't there anymore. Have you been sleeping in my bed when I sleep? A ball of ice sat in your stomach. "I have to go back." I've decided how I feel.

You packed your bags and kept a rifle on you, making the long walk to the castle. You knew the path already, having taken it with the girls. As you came to the door, you opened it and saw Alcina forcing herself to stay awake in front of the fireplace. Her head was lolling to the side until she heard you take a step in. As she whipped around, you dropped your stuff in front of the now closed door. "What are you doing here?" Alcina's voice was raspy, the sight of tear-stained cheeks, smudged lipstick, and a bottle of wine told you everything.

You didn't say a word, walking towards her. Just halfway to her, Alcina got up, facing you as she attempted to walk away. "You shouldn't be here." Alcina's voice became aggressive, flashing her fangs as a warning. Finally cornering her, you took her hands and pulled her down. I should be here. Wiping away a tear with your thumb, you gave her a soft kiss. Her lips tasted of wine and salty tears, but under all that was Alcina. The Alcina you savored. Had you jumped directly into a wolf's mouth? Yes, but behind the sharp teeth was a woman you wanted. A woman who took you physically and soon romantically.