The Legend of the Blood Forest

Chapter 2

       A few years had passed since Kat's recent transformation. Even though she still wasn't use to hunting, Leo was always by her side. She had seen the villages change from towns to cities. Excited to see the new buildings she continued to bug Leo about it. However he would not budge from his decision to keep her out of the city until she was ready. Which she understood, but still longed to see the street lights.

Kat spent most of her time tending to the black rose garden outside Leo's castle. She figured it would be better than moping inside not doing anything. It was your typical evening, and of course Kat was outside tending to her roses. Tipping the watering can, she watched as the water rushed out. Seeing it flow swiftly made her think of the blood flowing through a humans veins. Shaking the thoughts from her mind, she focused on feeding her hungry plants.

While being so focused on her plants, she wasn't prepared for a surprise attack. Her world suddenly became dark. Frantically she threw the can of water in the air, and let out a shriek. Her breath became short burst of air, as she tried to calm down. After slowing her breath, she heard laughing from behind her, as well as the can hitting the ground. Confused, she raised her hands to her face. Feeling long fingers pressed against her eyes, she lowered her hands, and focused on the laughter.

"N?" She questioned.

"Ding ding!" N said removing his hands from her face.

Turning to the grey haired man standing behind her, she smiled. N had always teased her this way, and every time she would react the same. Lightly punching him in the arm, she let out a chuckle. N and the others only ever showed up when they needed to speak with Leo, or to go on a group hunt. Still Kat enjoyed their small visits. Hyuk and N would always help her with the garden while Ravi, Ken, and Hongbin discussed the night's itinerary. Looking behind N, she couldn't find Hyuk.

"Where's Hyuk?" She asked.

"My company isn't enough for you." N teased, "He's inside with the others."

Smiling, she too N's hand, and lead him deeper into her garden. Excitement filled her heart as she showed him the new budding flowers. Smiling, N placed a hand on her head to congratulate her. Together, they walked through the garden back to the castle, to meet with the others.

***

Leo sat at the dining room with his legs resting on the table. His blonde hair in a mess from the morning's lack of sleep. Hearing the double doors open behind him he let out a small sigh. He watched as Ken, Hyuk, and Hongbin all sat down at the table. His eyesight however never left the window. He had been watching Kat water her flowers since he sat down. However, just as N had shown up outside, Ravi began blocking his view.

"She's grown a lot." Ravi stated as he watched Kat's reaction to N.

"She has." Leo said softly, "Still rough when it comes to hunting. Which I assume is why you're all here."

"It is." Ken replied.

Removing his feet from the table, Leo sat straight. He knew they wanted to go to the new city, just outside the woods. However, Kat was not ready or he just wanted to keep her safe. A strong silence fell over the room. Leo had always denied the request for her to go with them. Yet they still insisted on going. Feeling annoyed, he got up from his warm seat.

"My answer is still no." He said sternly.

"No to what?" Kat asked as she entered the room.

N ran from behind her, and wrapped Leo in a hug. To which, Leo evaporated and reappeared in front of Kat. Taking a small clump of her long wavy black hair he brought it to his nose. Catching the scent of roses as he took a deep breath, he smiled. Even though he had smelled roses on other girls before her. Her scent was the most beautiful to him.