Lord of Wolves (Phantom of the Opera)

Chapter 4 - Titania

Erik's POV:

I woke several hours later and examined the cupboards. There was little food in there and I knew I had to go hunting again. I looked toward Crystal and realized I would have to leave her alone. If I was to take down a seal or large catch of fish I would need all the dogs to bring back the kill. I made sure she was sleeping soundly and I walked toward another cave where I kept the sled. I hoped she would be alright so I harnessed the wolves and glided away onto the ice sheets.

Crystal's POV:

I opened my eyes and was in much less pain. I shifted and pulled the blankets back. The cold hit me but when I walked to the small fire I felt a good deal warmer. It seemed my sore throat and sickness had worn off. I had always been a quick healer. I looked around but there was no sign of Erik and the wolves were no where to be seen. I frowned but was sure he knew what he was doing. I checked to see if there was anything to eat but the cupboards were empty. That is when I realized what he must be doing. He was going after food. I decided since he wasn't around to stop me that I was going to explore the ice caves more. I wanted to know what was there. After picking up a blanket and wrapping it around my shoulders, I notice a trail of prints and followed them. I soon found the place where he kept his sled and very equipment. There were several nice harpoons and piles of fishing nets. Not mention barrels of flour, sugar, salt, tea, and other food stuff. From this cave there was a large tunnel and I followed it. I gasped when I reached the end. It was the path outside of the ice caves. I was staring at the vast expanses of the ice sheets. A steep path led down to the sheets. I could see the sled marks on the ice. I was about to turn back when I heard the swishing of a sled and the howling of dogs. I stared and saw Erik was on his way back. I smiled and clapped my hands together happily. Then I froze as I realized what I had just done. I was glad that he was coming back. That struck me as funny. I had just met this strange man but I wanted to be around him. It was a frightening thought. I smiled and watched as the sled came closer. Then my smile faded. Only seven wolves were running. As he came even closer I saw a wolf laying on the sled. I ran to meet the sled and in the possess managed to slide down the steep incline. I slid to a stop as the sled halted. I ran to only so see Titania whimpering at me.

“Titania!” I exclaimed as I saw what was wrong. Her left hind leg had been crushed by a powerful set of jaws. Erik jumped from the sled and dropped down to his knees beside me.

“I don't know if she will be alright. Would you try to help her?” He looked at me with desperation in his golden eyes. For one moment he was showing worry. It made him look human.

“Don't worry, Erik. I will.” I was very bold and laid a hand on his arm. He froze and his eyes went wide. I released his arm but not before noticing that it was extremely muscular. I had to admit that this was the first time I had touched him of my own accord. I mean he had picked me up but I hadn't really touched him. I gave him a half smile and he tried to return it. I coaxed Titania up from the sled and helped her to the bed room/kitchen/dining room area. Behind me I heard Erik putting the sled and other dogs away.

Erik's POV:
She touched me. That sentence echoed in my mind even after she was out of my sight. Another thing that had surprised me was her joy when she saw me. I saw her clap her hands when she heard the sled. But I had also noticed that she had stopped and looked at the ground with a funny expression on her face. I hadn't had another human willing touch me in years. I realized how much I missed the touch and comfort of another human. I had brought her here because it was closer than the village and she needed attention. In other words she needed my help. The more I thought about it the more I realized that I might need her help. She was perfect and I wasn't. I wanted someone who would stand by me but I knew that I would never happen.

“Stop thinking, Lord of Wolves. It will do you no good. She is a free human who will leave as soon as she is able and the weather clears.” I told myself. I had gotten into the habit of calling myself by my title so I would forget my name. I still remembered my mother shouting and cursing me and using that name against me. Erik. It meant praise worthy but my mother hadn't ever seen that in me. But this girl seemed to like me. I couldn't help but realized what was blooming in my chest. I didn't understand it but I liked it.

Crystal's POV:

I carefully washed Titania's wounds and bandaged her leg. I had tried to set it but her leg would never be as strong as it had been.

“I hope you will be alright, pretty girl. I don't want you to be out of commission forever. You're a great sled wolf.” I tucked her into my bed and turned when I felt a presence.

“Will she be alright?” I heard the fear in his voice. These wolves were his family.

“I don't know. Her leg is almost completely crushed. It will take time to heal. For now you will have to run with seven wolves. I am sure they will pull their weight and her's. I think she'll be fine.” He walked over to her and sat down on the bed. I laid my hand on his shoulder and felt him tense again. I drew back but his hand stopped me.

“Don't let go just because I flinch. I am not used to the touch of a human.” I heard his voice breaking. Then I did something most would have thought crazy. I had always been crazy but this was the ultimate. I hugged him. He froze in position as I wrapped my arms around his torso. Then I felt it through his clothing. Though I could feel his strong muscles and the power that would normally ripple through them I felt something on them. It was scars. Some cut deep into his skin and others roped across him. I hesitated for a moment then pulled him closer if that was even possible. We all have scars. Mine were inside while his were outside and inside. I secretly wondered why anyone would do it to him. He seemed to be a good man. I felt safe with him. I knew he wouldn't hurt me. At last he seemed to recover from his utter shock. I felt his strong arms wrap around me and I relaxed. Suddenly he pulled away and walked out of the room. I was left with my arms still in the form of someone hugging someone but without someone there. Something stabbed my heart and I felt alone.

Erik's POV:

I couldn't bear it any more. I had to leave. I couldn't take that hug any longer. I loved it too much and I was about to cry. That was as close as anyone had gotten to me in fifteen years. I couldn't believe that an American teacher would be this open. I fell to my knees on the stone and started to weep. This was more that I could handle. I slammed my hand against the ice wall and my tears froze. I heard a crack. I couldn't move quick enough. The ceiling fell inward on me. Black covered my vision and all I could think was that if I died that moment, I would die happy. I had been hugged by a woman.