Unsevered Ties

8. Sick as a Dog

Chapter 8: Sick as a Dog

Naki stretched as the sun peeked into his bedroom, furry ears sticking out as he worked the kinks out of his body. Sitting there, he realized it felt great to be in his bed. The whole kidnapping thing had taken its toll. He'd never run so much in his life, and fighting renegade wolves, well... It was awesome and all, but man, did it wear him down. Stuff hurt, bruises reminded, thankfully their kind healed minor injuries quickly.

Poor Cerise, he thought with a frown, stuck at home now under strict guard, probably not allowed out for a few days. He sighed, feeling relieved that everyone was safe and sound, but boy, had they gotten the scolding of their lives.

Being yelled at while getting disinfectant sprayed on cuts and bites did not make for a great night.

Naki plopped his cheek into the palm of his hand. He was grounded as well, and Liathan and Vio were on hunt duty. At least he and Cerise got off easier than those two. He couldn't imagine having to spend the entire day running with the hunters after all the running they'd done yesterday.

Naki glanced out of the slightly open window, watching as the white curtains gently blew in the wind. He still felt tired for whatever reason, and surprisingly, he had no appetite despite not having dinner.

Perhaps it was because Naki knew that Rafeo went off to do business things and left him by himself in their father's home. Rafeo still lived in the manor since his father wished for it, but his brother stayed on the opposite side of the manor with their father and little brother.

Their father forbade Naki from living on their side, and even worse, Naki barely knew his little brother. He huffed. Now and then he could see Auzra playing happily in the courtyard across from his own, and they waved and smiled at each other, but other than that... Naki's body sagged.

Sometimes when their father went away, Auzra's keeper would bring him over, and they could play for a little while. Naki adored the bubbly woman for doing such a nice thing. It was no secret to any of the staff that the Lord of the Manor had a hatred for him.

He walked barefooted to the window, tying back the curtains as he pushed it all the way open to stare out at the beauty that was the rolling green fields of their lands. Sometimes Naki wondered if his father would ever like him, look at him, or even acknowledge his existence.

He cast his eyes down, it was a wishful hope. Whenever the man's eyes did fall on him, nothing but a look of pure disgust could be seen. Perhaps the hate stemmed from what happened all those years ago. Perhaps his father still held anger because his mate gave her life to protect him. At least that was what everyone told him.

Naki frowned, no matter how hard he tried or how many times he tried, he couldn't draw out a single memory of the time frame that his mind seemed to refuse to remember. Naki plopped his head down against the sill as he slid to the floor. Today would be a lonely day.

"Naaaaakiiiii!"

Naki's ears perked up as he sat straight, looking around to see where the call came from.

"Naaakiii!" The call seemed impatient as a small voice whined Naki's name, "come out! I want to play!"

Naki smiled to himself. He instantly recognized the little, demanding voice as he easily hopped over his window sill, landing effortlessly in the soft grass outside of his bedroom. He trotted to the high, vine-covered wall that made up the right front courtyard of the manor.