Venom (Book I) ✓

Chapter Twenty-Three

Ulric was still on the verge of tears when he ran into Eira outside of his quarters. She gazed at him for a moment in shock before dropping the bag she was holding with a clatter and rushing toward him. Before he could react she had wrapped him in a hug and surge of liquid warmth shot through him. The power, however, did not serve to calm or comfort him, instead it made him feel more downcast.

"What is it?" She asked, drawing away, "Is she alright?"

He shook his head, blinking tears away stubbornly, "She's alright for now. Only, she's found a way to...Free me."

"That's wonderful news, I just...I don't understand what's making you so upset?"

"She wants to kill herself to draw the beast out of me. Just so that I will save the man she loves."

"Oh, well are you going to do it?"

"Eira, I can't let her die for me."

"But she's not, is she? She's dying for him."

That stopped him short and he scowled. "She shouldn't have to die for anyone."

"She doesn't. She chose to."

"That should never have been a choice." He insisted and she shook her head sadly.

"But now it is and that's how life works."

"She's too good for these things, it isn't fair."

"This world isn't fair. It chews up goodness and spits it out. You of all people should know that."

Ulric gazed at Eira for a moment before something occurred to him. "We don't have much time, do we? What's the news out there?"

"Aidan should be back soon with news." She said, though the worry in her eyes said that the young shifter should have been back already.

"And Master?"

"She is still not back."

"Maybe she's dead."

"I can't say that I think so highly of our luck."

"You're right." He muttered, shaking his head. "Go get Red ready, I'll figure out what's happening out there."

"What do I tell her about why I'm making her flee in the middle of the night?"

"Nothing. Just ask her to trust you."

"You really think she will?"

"I know she will. Now go, and let her take her book. Oh, and don't forget her cloak."