Essence

Chapter Three

It had to be me she fell on, out of all the people in this blasted realm it had to be me. I don't need anymore excitement in my life.
"Stupid girl, stupid prophecy," Raven mutters to himself. He looks over to Klaus and notices him skipping between Frost and Shadow.
"And stupid familiar!" Raven yells in frustration. Klaus' stain twitches in reply, but other than that, does not acknowledge Raven's outburst.
       "Your partner is a bit of a jerk, isn't he." Frost whispers to Klaus.
        "He's no fun, he's always so serious. I don't know how I ended up with him as a partner." Klaus says loudly.
        "I'm the one who should be asking myself that!" Raven shouts in irritation. Suddenly Raven stops and looks up at the sky. Clouds are gathering and the sun is beginning to set.
       Crap, we can't be out here in a storm.
       He looks down at the unconscious girl in his arms.
      Especially since she's extremely vulnerable right now. I can't take her back to the city because the "princess" would claim she's an imposter and have her executed so the truth won't come out.
      Raven looks and notices a cave a couple hundred feet away. He quickly makes his way in that direction while telling Klaus to go collect firewood while it's still dry. Klaus trots off and Frost and Shadow move closer to Raven, flanking him. They make their way into the cave just as it starts to rain. Raven props Selene up against a cave walk just as Klaus arrives with a jaw full of firewood. Shadow and Frost lay on either side of Selene trying to keep her warm. Raven quickly leaves to make sure the cave and perimeter are clear.
                                    ~*~*~* 15 minutes later ~*~*~
     Raven returns and wrings the rainwater from his hair. Luckily his clothes are waterproof. He walks over to the pile of wood and starts a fire. Raven glances around their temporary shelter and notices Selene shivering against the cold walk, even with two familiars surrounding her. He sighs in exasperation and walks over to her. Crouching down he gently picks her up. She snuggles into his chest and wraps her delicate fingers around his tunic. He sits in front of the fire and sets her in his lap so they are both comfortable. Frost and Shadow glance at him questionably.
      "What? Can't have the key die of pneumonia now can we?"
       Selene's warm breath tickles his neck sending shivers down his spine. His eyes slowly close and he slightly relaxes letting the darkness take over.