The Dormant One

The Wild Hunt

The intensity between the wolf and the white stag was truly palpable, reverberating throughout the room in waves like a deep bass tone, vibrating the chests of those in it. They were giving off infectious joy and passion, their eyes still locked. The wolf slowly lowered his face to hers until their lips were only a millimetre apart. Hydrangea felt a surge go through her as a faint golden glow transferred from her, to the wolf, if only for a second. She noticed that the hunger in his eyes dulled ever so slightly. What? Did he just feed on her? What was the food source? She wanted to be angry, to push him away, but she couldn't. Something about her had made him hungry, ravenous and he only took a tiny bit of whatever he took, he was still starving. Why he only took a small taste when he was so hungry was confusing her, she was also relieved about it. A hint of worry and concern flashed in his eyes as he tried to read her. He was concerned that her trust in him would wane, but it remained unshaken, even as a realisation began forming, her eyes showed understanding and compassion.

"Fae." She whispered, mainly to herself as the knowledge finally struck her. His smile changed to relief as though keeping it hidden had been eating away at him, even his eyes seemed to look as though they had relaxed. Of course, the full scope of her situation still had not dawned on her. She was reeling in thoughts of a species she had been studying the folklore of. She was in a room teeming with legendary, powerful creatures. She slowly raised a hand which lightly traced around the eyes of his half mask before then tracing down his cheek to his jawline. Her light touch made his eyes close, fingers feeling like flames gently burning his skin. She noticed as he inhaled a shaken breath, never had he been so exposed. This vulnerable feeling gave him a twinge of annoyance. He was usually guarded and it was for a good reason. How did a human, albeit an exquisite tasting one, get past his barriers? Opening up and showing himself wasn't part of the plan at all. Why wasn't she afraid? Why had he told her his name? Hydrangea raised a single eyebrow as she noticed frustration and conflict in his now re-opened eyes. She gave a wry smile and moved to pull away from him. If she was causing this, he needed time with his thoughts, to work through it. Though as she moved away, the air changed, a sense of pure dread thickened it. In that instance, Novus grabbed her arm and pulled her to stand behind him, sending her heart into panic, the joy draining from her which seemed to anger Novus.

Three figures walked in, dressed all in white, their hair void of any colour. Their outfits, a horse, a fox and a lizard. Wait, did that tail just move? The one dressed as a fox was female, she raised a hand and the music seemed to slow before it stopped, a deep silence adding to the dread gripping everyone else. The one dressed as the lizard turned his attention to the wolf and the white stage, hissing slightly as he sensed her fear. The one dressed as the horse seemed to be the leader of the group, he stepped toward them. "My, my, so protective of what isn't yours. Be careful, wolf, the ancient laws mustn't be broken. The hunt will not be stopped." His European voice had an almost fake softness to it which made Hydrangea feel sick to her stomach. His aqua eyes locked on her, glowing with a hunger deeper, more savage and untamed than she had seen in Novus. "She will make a fine feast." He spoke after inhaling deeply as though taking in the scent of freshly baked bread. The Raven, who had moved to stand at her side, stepped forward, a stormy yet silent anger in his now silver eyes. Novus shot out an arm to stop the Raven from advancing, glancing over his shoulder. "Don't give him what he wants." Hydrangea heard a light growl in his voice, which somehow caused her frightened heart to skip a beat. "I suggest you wait at the portal as agreed, you are trespassing." He snapped to the three in white who all chuckled to each other. They all turned to back out the way they came, the lizard's red eyes stole a glance at Dre and flicked an actual reptilian tongue at her before they all left, the music slowly coming back to life.

Realising what had been said, Hydrangea pulled her arm free from Novus' grasp with a force that surprised them all. She was starting to freak out. Her best friend, who claimed not to believe the folklore, hid the fact that she was Fae. She had been brought to a Samhain party, dressed as The White Stag and some white haired guy mentioned the hunt and ancient laws. Her heart was aching as it threatened to run as fast as she should have been. She steadied herself against the drinks table as panic tried to force her to pass out, trying to take deep breaths. "The Wild Hunt? I'm part of... the hunt? Were you going to tell me!?" She spoke trying to gather her outrage but only manifesting the hurt and feeling of betrayal as her emerald eyes searched the faces of Leighla, Illy, Novus and the ever silent Raven. The Raven could feel her pain, she could tell, but she flinched away when he reached to touch her. "Don't!" She exclaimed, picking up more of the glowing drink, knocking it back and then throwing the empty glass at the wall behind the table. She felt bad about that, but she walked out the room to find a bathroom. Novus was about to chase after her, hating the guilt knotting up his stomach, but this time he was stopped by the Raven who shook his head.