Lykaon

Chapter 5: Lacuna

Night had fallen over Erebus forest. The massive celestial orb graced the dark sky; its rings stretching out like arms. A billion stars speckled the blackness as if they were tiny holes in the fabric of the universe. It was a beautiful night, but far from a peaceful one.

A tall pale-skinned figure stood leaning against a tree that had grown on the edge of a cliff. Staring out across the landscape he could hear the sound of a fight echo in the distance and he knew exactly from where it came. He had ordered the attack himself after all, but not to kill them.. No. For him it was something more. It was a test. A test to see whether or not they were powerful enough to entertain his endless need to grow stronger. He smiled slyly at the thought of even more energy flowing through his veins. It's the only thing that makes me feel alive.

He could sense someone approaching from behind him but did not bother to turn around. Waiting several more seconds he then spoke, "Yes?" His voice was calm yet had a deceptive undertone to it.

A small, young girl stepped out from amongst the undergrowth. "I spoke to one of them," she murmured quietly.

This statement seemed to catch his interest as he turned around to talk to her, "Oh? Which one? What did you find out?" A sinister grin once again formed on his face, revealing his perfect smile. This is what I've been waiting for.

The girl wouldn't look him in the eyes as she spoke, "The one who is named Dakoda." She shuffled her feet nervously, "I could sense something very strong inside of him. I've never felt anything like it before. I- I don't know about the others." She slunk back a little after her last statement.

He took several steps toward her before kneeling down to her level. He reached out his hand and lifted her chin, "Don't be scared to look at me, child. You know I won't harm you." He said softly.

She slowly looked up at him, his bright yellow eyes looking back. She could feel his emotion in them. Deception and lust for more power flooded her senses. But she saw past that and knew he was telling the truth; he would not harm her. She dare not go any further into his mind for she knew he would know and the consequences would be fatal. There was something more though; she knew it.

"Did you learn anything else?" He questioned her, still remaining completely calm.

She shook her head, "No... But he knows my brother."

Raising an eyebrow in surprise he said, "That is rather interesting. We haven't heard anything from young Kell in such a long while. I wonder if he would know anything about Dakoda.. That might be useful." He then stood and walked back toward the cliff. Once again looking off into the distance he spoke, "Thank you, Lacey."

Lacey's gaze dropped back to the forest floor, "I want to leave this place.. I want to see my brother again.."

"It's not as simple as that. I'm sorry." A slight tone of regret sounded in his voice.

A single tear slid down her face, "I know.. Bye, Anieri." With that she vanished back into the the forest; not a single trace of her visit remained.

Anieri didn't move, just kept his unwavering gaze upon the horizon. His mind endlessly trying to make sense of everything. He had managed to not react when Lacey had said the name Dakoda to him but truth is, it had sent his brain into a frenzy. He knew Dakoda. He didn't know how but the name was all too familiar. There was missing information and he vowed to find out what it was by any means necessary.

*****

POV: Dakoda

"Move back. I'm going to finish this." My words reverberated throughout the forest though I had not spoken that loudly.