Dark Moon

Chapter Nine

Dune sat on his back porch, head in his hands. He was no closer to solving his problem. It had been three days since he'd seen Caitlin. He stood, deciding it was high time to continue the search for answers. The Warrens would be the next place. He took a deep breath hoping he wouldn't have to go to his third option the vampires. He slid open the back door into the house, grabbing his pack and his helmet. He shoved an apple and two gondolas into the bag. The Warrens were a few hours away and so he would need a lunch and dinner. He slid onto his bike, letting the engine spur. The wind had grown brisk and cold. Clipping his helmet on over his head, Dune prepared himself for meeting the warren dwellers.
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Caitlin crossed her arms glaring harshly at Park. "Why?"
Her younger sister scoffed, silvery hair falling in her face as she turned to face Caitlin. "I already told you, moron. Dad wants you home. I am supposed to deliver."
"And if I say no?"
"He'll have his guards go after your boyfriend." She grinned, eyes narrowing. Caitlin lashed out, gripping her by the collar of the shirt.
"Me coming home has nothing to do with him!"
"That's the terms." Park said, forcing her to release her hair before turning and sauntering away. Caitlin watched the back of her head tensely before finally following after her.
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Dune parked the bike behind a bush close to the road, looking out over the plains, the sky becoming overcast in the distance. He strode into the long grasses, using them as cover as he became a wolf again. His ears rotated constantly, picking the slightest of rustles from the grasses. He came up on a pile of boulders. A grey lynx sat perched on the tallest one.

"Oh Fynix, what an unpleasant surprise."

"Save me the formality Dune, call me Fynx please." The small cat bounced down from the rocks. "What brings you to my Warrens?"

"Who were you expecting, Fynx?" Dune asked, hackles jostled. The lynx tilted his head.

"Are you referring to me on top of the rock when you came?" He cackled. "My hunting party. They are late. Now, little prince, what are you doing on Warren territory?" Fynx leaned in towards the larger, tail erect.

"I was going to seek help for a situation of mine. I had heard your healers were more advanced than those of the vampires, quite impressive. But it seems I have overstayed my welcome."

Fynx growled. "Of course my healers are the best. What would they be looking into?"

"A curse."

"How old?"

"Ancient."