Burned at the Cross

Burned at the Cross ~ Ch. 15

{[Alyssa]}

My toes hurt. There's no way getting around it, I'd have to put them on ice when I got the chance. That was the only really serious thought that went through my mind when I faced my Mother, Danielle Bell.

She smiled sweetly. "Good morning, Alyssa."

I played her game. I gave a polite bow. "Mother. It's been a while."

"Yes, yes, too long." she murmured and sat down on the chaise, pouring some tea. "Come sit, daughter, and we shall talk some more."

I looked back at the decaying body, the stench so strong, it was impossible to ignore. Loui's teeth were bared, snarling as Danielle's familiar flew into the house. Jason, a predatory hawk, glowered at us with distaste.

"Of course, Mother." I said, smiling and sitting next to her.

Danielle followed my gaze to the mangled boy's body. "Ah, yes. The little chit wouldn't stop crying; quite annoying, really. Always wanted more food, another blanket. Were you that needy when you were a child, Alyssa?"

Gritting my teeth, I blocked the rage of being in the presence of her. Goddess, how I hate her! "I'm not sure. I was a pretty independent child." Considering that she was never there.

She took a sip of her tea and nodded in consideration. "Yes, and you still are. I guess that's partly my fault for leaving you alone. You never did go out."

"Because people would become suspicious." I said, dismissively. "I never wanted any friends to begin with, really. Too much hassle."

"Then how are you faring at the Overlord's place?"

I tensed. "Just fine. Why do you ask?"

"You've hated Shifters, knowing that I would go away to protect them all those years ago and for your sister's death. I thought you'd hate me when you figured out that I left to get away from the promise I made them." she said calmly.

I clenched my fists. I couldn't let her know that they meant something to me, that I've changed. "I still do. They don't deserve to live, but I can't just abandon my duties."

"But you've grown attached to them, it seems. Especially one in particular."

Eamon. "Lies." I said fiercely. "He's the only enjoyment I have in there. All innocence and I just wrap him around my finger. He hardly knows anything of our world."

Danielle looked at me speculatively. "It seems I misunderstood your intentions then. I thought you would become attached."

I sniffed and looked offended. "You haven't been around me long enough to know my hatred. When I'm out for something, I guarantee, that I'll get it."

She looked pleased and sipped her drink again. "I'm glad to hear it."

{[Eamon]}

I've worn the carpet out. My tracks have made a lasting impression in the rug, both man and animal. I've been agitated these last days and nothing would relieve the tension. Not running, hunting, screaming at the servants, and not even screaming at my father would help.

I just wanted her to come back.

Every time I passed a servant, I asked if Alyssa had returned and it was always the same answer: no. Where could she have gone? The town was still riled up about her, but it should've been safe enough to come back.

Erica refused to eat, refused to come out of her room, claiming that the devil would have all their souls.

For the tenth time today, I went out to the woods and shifted, trying to get a scent of her. I don't know what she did, but I couldn't find anything, not even a trace. Only when it started to rain did I decide to head back.

I shook the water off my fur and went home, a smug looking Maria waiting for me. Without saying anything, I snarled at her.

When I got to my quarters, I fell into a blissful sleep, only to get back up in a couple hours.

The servants were shouting and running about in the hallways. I went out and saw my father hurry towards the garden, his face annoyed and confused. He didn't know what was going on either.

We pushed our way through the crowd of servants to the front, standing at the doorway, out into the pouring rain.

A figure was stumbling towards the house, a black cloak on and a little dog trotting beside her. I recognized her and rushed towards her.

"Alyssa!" I said, sounding breathless as I reached her. "Are you alright?"

I couldn't see her face, but I knew it was Alyssa because of her scent that I've been trying so hard to track.

She didn't answer back, and I had to shout to be heard over the down pour.

"Let's get out of the rain!"

Alyssa mumbled something.

"What?" I called.

I barely heard her repeat what she said, but it chilled me to my bones. "A life for a life."

Then I could see her face and it made my breath stop. She looked angry, furious. Hatred that was directed at me, her gray eyes burning brightly as she took a knife from her cloak and plunged it into my stomach.

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I know, short chapter. :'( I sorry, but... I just had to.

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