Shadow of the Wolf

Chapter Fifteen

Saleene watched as Viktor entered the home, his eyes scanning the interior for his prey. Eventually his eyes rested upon the object of his inquiry…her. Sitting quietly in the corner, the shadows obscured her from his view. Saleene acted oblivious to his presence, which she knew bothered him immensely. Covering her body further in the cloak, she wanted to make as little of her appearance visible to him.  Viktor cleared his throat in an attempt to gain her attention.

“Hello Miss, I am Viktor, acting leader of this village. I am glad to see you are feeling better and that our healer has once again performed a wonderful deed in saving your life.” Though he said the words, Saleene knew he didn’t mean them. She was a stranger to the village and as such, he held no compassion for her. “I would appreciate it if you would move into the light, so we can discuss some questions surrounding your appearance within my village.”

His eyes seemed to hold some secret meaning that sent chills up her spine. Something seemed very off with this man, Saleene was just not sure what it was. She knew she would have to be very careful when in Viktor’s presence, and only allow him to see what she wanted.

“You can ask what you want from where I sit. I can hear you perfectly.”

“I prefer to face the person I’m questioning.” He insisted.

As she stood up she pulled the cloak tighter around her, its warmth a comfort against his prying eyes. Moving slowly towards the  middle of the room, the firelight danced across her skin. Viktor’s eyes watched her every move, never once leaving her.

“So what questions do you have for me? However, I would like to commend your village on having an adept healer at your disposal. He is one of your many treasures is he not?” Saleene glanced over at Nadrin sharing a secret smile that she knew Viktor would never understand. She could sense his resentment toward the old man.

“I would like to know what you have witnessed so far since coming to my village. Have you spoken to any of the other people who reside here?” His questions seemed to hold a secondary meaning, as if he was searching for some type of proof of wrong doing in which he could use against her. She stared back at him.

“I have met no one outside of this home.  I was not awake when Dartian brought me to the healer and just today woke from my deep sleep.” Her words were said so quietly that she knew Viktor had to strain to hear her words. “I can only say that I’ve spoken with your healer since I’ve awoken and that was long enough to assist him in fixing the wound he had sustained while out walking in the forest.”

She intentionally left out the fact that she was the one who had saved Nadrin’s life and instead put the entire praise on him. She wanted to make sure she aroused no interest about her, or her abilities.

Viktor had no choice but to not press the issue further, not until he had more time to corner her for additional information. They stared at each other for a few minutes, her deep green eyes against his black ones. She could feel his interest in her grow, but not due to the obligations of being leader. He wanted to interrogate her, but for what she shuddered to find out.

“I appreciate your honesty to my inquiries and will take my leave for now. I am happy to see that you are recovering well and that Nadrin has not suffered too badly from his injury.” Saleene had the sensation he was issuing a warning that both her and Nadrin could not fathom. Her only hope was to make good her leave before having to encounter him again. He reminded her of a hungry mountain lion, strong and deadly, ready to pounce on unsuspecting prey. She needed to make sure that his focus was not solely on her as the object of that intention.

Without much thought, Viktor moved quickly over to her, pulling her close to his body. His arms circled her waist and crushed her soft body to his. He quietly whispered in her ear, the feel of his breath across her skin sent coldness through her body.