When the Land meets the Sky: A Tail of Two Mages

Chapter 7 - The Blood Wolf

Lycidas' POV

All of us in the shadow wolf clan take it in turns to patrol the clan's territory and today it's my turn.

"Master Lycidas, a pleasure as always" a member of my squadron said to me

I just bowed with a stern expression but out of the corner of my eye I saw Dawn headed to the tainted forest

Where is she going? That forest is off limits. Even to us...

"Could you take over my patrol shift for me for a bit. Something's come up" I asked the squad member. They nodded and I gave chase after my sister.

She ran into the forest then stopped to turn and face me

"You followed me Lyci...but why?" she asked. Lyci was the nickname she gave me as a child since pronouncing Lycidas was hard for her at a young age.

"Why wouldn't I follow you Dawn...you're my sister and I vowed to our mother before she left that I would always protect you!" I shouted to her with tears in my eyes

"Mother.....What did that woman ever do for us Lycidas? She never cared for us even when she was around so why would she care about us even after she's gone?!" Dawn replied.

Dawn and our mother always got along, but she's right. Our mother didn't care for us when she was still here. We're not sure if she is dead or not but she's been missing for 12 years so everyone in the clan has assumed she died.

Scarlet Shadow - The Blood Wolf and the mother of myself and Dawn. Noir Shadow's Wife. She was the most feared wolf in our clan - and also the strongest. Out of every wolf, only Noir can even come close to her strength.

"Go home Lyci - this forest isn't safe for those without the taint in their blood like I have" Dawn told me then ran into the forest itself.

Damn it Dawn! I won't let you suffer alone!

I ran into the forest but my feet were burning and in agony with every stride, at one point I tripped over then burnt my hands when I caught myself but I couldn't let that stop me. I had to catch up to Dawn.

"What's....that?" I asked her when I caught up but I was in complete pain and agony. Black Spots began to cloud my vision.

The taint was taking effect on my body and the pain is horrendous.

Dawn's POV

As Lycidas was talking to me I could see black marks running up his limbs. The taint was taking effect on his body but I can't undo the damage here otherwise it will just keep hurting him.

I watched as my brother collapsed unconscious due to the pain that the taint is inflicting on his body.

I lifted him as best as I could then began to leave the forest and head towards the clan's territory. My pack's territory to be specific, since we inflict this damage onto others with our dark magic, we know how to undo it.

"Dawn! and Lycidas?!" Father shouted when he saw us

"Master Noi——" I replied but got cut off when I saw a dagger coming out of my shoulder. Someone stabbed me with it then I blacked out. The last thing I heard was Noir running toward me and Lycidas with worry in his voice.

I'm not sure how long I've been unconscious for but when I came round I realised I was in the house Lycidas and I live in. Our family's home. My father was at my side.

"F...ather?" I muttered with my weak voice.

"I'm here Dawn. I'm here" he replied then stroked my hair.

"How's Lyci?" I asked

"Doing better. After you were injured I sent for members of your pack who healed your brother to full. He hasn't woken up yet though but I suspect he will soon enough. You've been asleep for about a day Dawn" Father explained.

"I'm guessing members of the clan will figure out the relation Lycidas and I have with you though..." I replied

"Actually they've known since you were born. But out of fear and respect for your mother and I, they never said anything to you and Lycidas as you rose through the ranks" Father told me.

So Lycidas and I had no reason to hide it? Good to know

"If you're feeling up to seeing him, Lycidas is sleeping in his room" Father added when he helped me sit up.

I smiled at him then went to see my brother.

"He followed me into the tainted forest....despite me telling him not to" I said to my father as we sat next to my sleeping brother. His hair was lying loose and he has more than I thought he would, although he does keep it tied back in a braid.

"Father....did...did mother ever care for Lycidas or myself? Or just you and as well as the pride and glory of the shadow wolves?" I asked

"*sigh* Scarlet was....unique. She loved you and Lycidas and did care for you. Although I will admit she didn't care for you both as much as I did my little pup"

I was about to say something when Lycidas began to wake up.

"Lycidas, my son, you're awake" Father said. I was just crying silently.

"Dawn....please....don't cry..." Lycidas asked me

"I'm your older sister - I should've blocked the forest off to you in order to prevent this. I'm immune to the taint there but you aren't" I said to my brother.

"Why were you in the tainted forest anyway Dawn?" Father asked

"I like to go there when I'm feeling down. Being immune to the taint I know I can be alone and with my thoughts there. But this time I felt a voice calling me to the heart of the forest but I'm not sure who it was" I replied then Lycidas sat up but he winced in pain

"Take it easy son, the taint is gone and your wounds healed but the pain is still going to be there for now" Father told him.

"Aye, but it's explaining this to our packs will be the issue Father.  Not to mention if they know we're your children they'll come after us for thinking we're next in line to lead the clan when it could be anyone couldn't it?" I mentioned.

Things are difficult without mom around, she knew how to keep the entire clan in check. Including us three. Where are you Mother, why haven't you come home yet?