The Torn Weft ~ COMPLET

The Mad Cerberus

The Cerberus panted in anger above him. Gwen could feel the creature's hair standing on end against him. He dared not make a move. Around them, the blue fire was slowly spreading and people were beginning to scream downstairs. Sytry was sitting on the ground and not making a move. His eyes were connected to those of the angry beast. The slightest movement from the vampire and a roar emanated from the Cerberus. Gwen frowned. Something was wrong.

— Misery ?

The beast growled continuously. A low, almost silent vibration. Around them, a group had formed, consisting of the members of Sytry's group. The vampire was motionless. His voice, soft and calm, flew to his followers.

— Do not move. Please do not move.

Gwen placed his hands on the Cerberus' arms, hard as stone. Yet he could feel the muscles twitching in waves. The Cerberus' anger was out of proportion. Gwen lifted his head as best he could to try to see his partner's face. The latter's eyes were literally burning and the drool that flowed from his mouth crackled as soon as he touched something, as if it was boiling. Gwen moved again and put his hand on Misery's beating heart. It was beating hard... fast... too hard. The young man closed his eyes and unconsciously sought Misery's presence in their bond. He opened his eyes wide.

— Sytry... Misery, it's not... it's not...

The vampire smiled quickly.

— Yes. He is not himself.

At that moment, Agony and Tragedy arrived. The two other Cerberus slowly advanced towards their brother. The latter shrank even more, his ears back and his fangs bared. Gwen found himself pinned against him again. The blue fire continued to spread and was now nibbling at the leather couch with the stench of burning flesh. Gwen began to cough. This caused Misery's taut, cracked body to unfold and leap at Tragedy, who greeted him with a monstrous pawing. Misery's head flew back and a few drops of crimson blood crashed into the woodwork, leaving blackened imprints. Misery came back with a howl. The screams of the other two answered him. Sytry took advantage of the confusion to grab Gwen by the arm and pull him to safety.

— There is nothing we can do. Let's give them the space they need.

The vampire and Gwen moved away from the combat zone. Agony had thrown herself into the fray, biting her brother to immobilise him. The latter broke free with another blood—curdling howl and rushed towards Gwen and Sytry. The vampire tightened his grip on the young man's wrist, ready to move him out of the way of the mad Cerberus. Gwen jerked free and took the three steps that separated him from the Cerberus' path. He spread his arms. If Misery wanted to kill him, he would have done so already. If he was going to get hurt it would be by him. The Cerberus lunged at him, hitting him like a locomotive. Gwen closed his arms around the creature's neck, groaning in pain. He was slammed to the ground, all the air leaving his lungs, but he didn't let go. Misery's fangs tore at his top and Gwen groaned but realised there was no pain. The nose roamed his belly, the tongue tasted him and the beast rubbed against him, drowning him in its scent. Gwen's hands went over and over the thick, dark fur, whispering words to him without following through. Misery moaned more and more muffledly, rubbing against his partner again before collapsing on top of him, unconscious. Gwen slowed his stroking and sighed. He relaxed all his muscles and found himself cross—legged on the floor, his eyes lost to the ceiling. He had felt the others surrounding them but none had moved. He took a deep breath. The beast was heavy and almost suffocating him, his body was wracked with pain but he would not move. Sytry appeared in his field of vision.

— We cannot stay here. The fire of the Between—World is still burning. The wizards have to stop it. How are you feeling?

Gwen smiled at the vampire.