The Evanescent

Chapter Thirty-Two

Mae found herself in a dark forest surrounded by eerie calls of animals.

She could catch glimpses of something moving just beyond the tree line.

Mae frowned and limped towards the movement.

Black prongs poked out from a nearby bush, a few tufts of pale hair showing as well.

Mae frowned, then gasped as her leg gave out, sending her to the ground.

The bushes rustled as a hunched being came lumbering out, looking to her with worried black eyes.

She looked up at the massive form over her. Her eyes widened.

It sat down before her, watching her as a clawed hand scratched at the soil.

She frowned, sitting up slowly.

The beast watched her, hesitantly moving back a few feet.

Mae tried getting to her feet, but she collapsed.

It flinched back with a quiet yelp.

She frowned, looking over to the beast.

His quills were bristled as he watched her, slightly panicked.

She slowly extended a hand to it. "Hey there..."

He stared at her hand, then lifted a hand, pressing the pads of his fingertips against hers.

Mae smiled gently, as to not scare him. "There you go..."

He lifted his gaze to look at her, bringing his other hand up to brush his unruly mane from his face.

She looked him over, smiling softly.

His quills soon smoothed back as he relaxed, letting his hands drop.

Mae slowly made her way towards the beast.

He watched her, remaining completely still.

Slowly reaching out, she brushed a hand through his mane.

His eyes shut and he bowed his head, enjoying the feeling of her hand.

Mae smiled to herself, enjoying the texture.

The beast soon drifted off where it sat, a soft purring breaking the silence.

Her smile widened as she continued to brush the beast's mane.

He was soon sprawled out by her, eating up her affection.

How sweet... Mae thought as she pet him.

He leaned onto her hand.

It was a little while before she stopped.

He relaxed, purring quietly.

Mae smiled to herself.

The beast soon began stirring again, looking up at her.

She gave the beast a gentle smile.

He lifted his head a little, displaying his fangs as he yawned.

Mae looked at the fangs for only a moment.

He shook his head afterwards, getting his hair out of his face.

She smiled, "Hey there..."

He furrowed his brows, vaguely recognizing the sounds she was making.