Two of the Same

Chapter Eighteen *Avian*

Avian thanked the gods above that Arul was by his side, there to spur him into action, to shake him out of his shock. He was at his side in a second his hand on Gwyn's back, staunching the bleeding as he yelled orders to his men.

"Arthan get the horses, Gane go with him and scout the area to make sure we won't be taken by surprise, Remus, I need something to tie against Gwyn's wound now!" His voice was so calm and authoritative but there was deep set panic in his eyes; the way he looked at Gwyn, the way he touched her and tended to her wound, Avian knew immediately, Arul was in love with the princess. That realization brought a wave of emotions surging to the surface: Respect for Arul's feelings, the intensity showing clearly in his eyes. Curiosity, did Gwyn feel the same way about Arul, she had known him for practically all her life, it wouldn't be such a stretch of the imagination if she did in fact care for Arul back. Jealousy, hot a fresh making something in his chest squirm menacingly, he could feel the wolf inside of him gnash its teeth; it wanted nothing more than to crouch over Gwyn, protect her, make her his and let no one else come near her. Avian rebelled against his instincts, against himself, he felt conflicted and confused; Avian knew how dangerous his other half could be, how utterly uncontrollable it can become when given what it wanted. The fact that it now wanted Gwyn with such ferocity made part of Avian only want to run as fast and far in the opposite direction. Though that same part yearned to be with Gwyn it wanted even more to keep her safe, even if that meant keeping her away from himself; he would give anything to keep Gwyn safe and happy.

"Avian, get it together, I need your help!" Arul's loud voice followed by a sharp smack to his shoulder brought Avian back to the present, dragging him out of his inner turmoil. "Carry Gwyn, and make sure you keep your hand on her wound. Keep pressure on it, we have to stop the bleeding as fast as possible." Arul spoke rapidly as Avian got to his feet keeping Gwyn curled close to his chest; her body felt like ice against his skin. He looked down and saw sweat beading itself across her forehead and her eyes darting back and forth from beneath her eye lids; she was caught in a fitful dream, or maybe it was a nightmare. Her hand reached out and grabbed at his chest, her fingers griping tightly on to the fabric of his tunic. The strength of her grip gave him hope that they were not too late, but he realized if they didn't at quickly that strength was not going to hold.

"No! You don't get to have her, she's mine, mine forever!" the deranged scream came from behind them as Seraphim came flying at Arul and Avian. Arul drew his sword quickly, stepping in front of Avian and Gwyn and Avian turned shielding the fading princess with his own body. There was a sudden blood curdling scream of pain that erupted from Seraphim's throat; Avian turned to see her clutching at an arrow that was embedded in her chest, an arrow of white and gold. Avian turned to see Davian with his bow in hand still pointed at Seraphim, his eyes betraying the torment within his heart. Seraphim fell to the ground and Davian rushed to her side, Avian could see the tears in his eyes threatening to spill over.

"Sera," he whispered his hands hovering above her body, not knowing if he should touch her or not.

"Davian?" She asked her whisper was watery and she coughed violently, "You came back for me." Sob escaped Davian's throat and he stroked her cheek gently.

"I'm so sorry Sera, I'm so sorry it had to come to this." He murmured stroking her cheek and hair gently as though he could sooth her pain with his touch, and by the serene look on Sera's face maybe he was.

"No, no this was my fault, this was what I wanted." She said, her voice gaining a little strength as she spoke firmly, assured in her own reasoning.

"Don't say that-" Davian started but his voice was lost as he looked at Sera, his first and maybe only love, dying in his arms. Sera looked up at him and smiled slowly her hand covering his own.