Shadows of Voryn

Chapter Thelve

The image above is Verro and Rina

T'ara

T'ara ignored the ache in her body since she'd doubled her training by day and night. She knew it was silly to try and match the strength of hyenas, but she wanted to at least see how close she could get to their level. She'd never seen an arena before or who fought inside. It wasn't about surviving, it was about being the best for the day she fought for her freedom.

The tournament was days near and it riled up many of the hyenas; enough that T'ara preferred to sleep elsewhere. It was hard to close eyes with a hyena that didn't like her, ready to attack from a bad dream. There were still many she had not gained acceptance and T'ara could not trust their intent to leave her be.

Night fell in sky, the moon half filled. Training ended and T'ara placed training swords on rack and walked to the space where they were served meals, cleaning her hands in the bucket of water left out.

From the corner of her eye near the stairs leading down to the hyenas private areas, T'ara noticed Livei and was about to call for her, losing the opportunity Esina, came from up the stairs, pulling Livei into her body. Instinctively, T'ara had noticed Livei's avoidance of eyes and conversation for the last two days since returning from task to protecting Lord Thad on a quest. She thought they had moved past their troubles and couldn't see what could have occurred for Livei to be so distant. She watched them disappear down the stairs and sighed.

Rina walked up with a smile on her face.

T'ara stood to greet her friend. "What brings you bliss?" She asked.

"I gain permission for you to sleep in my quarters tonight." The smile on Rina's face was pure joy. "We can share truths that bring us to higher opportunities."

"How did you achieve that?"

Rina gave timid smile. "I told Master Cadius...I sought to make you happy tonight."

T'ara arched a brow.

"In his head, that would be the only reason you share my bed tonight. You prefer night with untamed hyenas. It is a full moon in few moons."

That explained the increase in moods for the hyenas. T'ara forgot their reaction to a full moon. It explained why Master Cadius sent them to hunt on the last full moon. But Lord Thad had restricted them of leaving, not risking trouble or disruption for their chance at them going to tournament.

T'ara bowed her head, relieved to have a loyal friend and whispered. "Thank you."

They shared small conversation until Verro's approached. He grinned widely at Rina as if she was meal, his teeth showing without fangs. Rina kissed T'ara's cheek and smiled timidly, then scurried away.

T'ara shook her head and laughed. "You will never gain a woman like that with such unenlightened approach."

Grunting, Verro grabbed hold of himself. "My cock has made home to many women."

"Right." T'ara nodded toward Rina as she disappeared into the villa. "But never her."

He stifled growl, eyes narrowing to T'ara before sucking in breath. "Full moon approaching. Be wise not to insult the few companions you have."

T'ara smiled and gave him an apologetic squeeze over arm. "I forget what full moon does to you. It might take having you try and rip off my limbs from me, for me not to forget again."

"Let it not come to that. I would regret such actions." Verro words were sincere. She could trust his intentions. There was no malice in his heart toward her.