Weeping Willows

Chapter 7

Lukka paced around the cave impatiently with his arms tight around his back as he waited for Aiden that morning. He peered out of the mouth of the cave at the glowing sun peeking through the tops of the trees and a foreign emotion stabbed his heart, taking him by surprise. He was startled at the disappointment that fogged around him and he couldn't help his thoughts as they raced against the walls of his brain. Although he had known her for a couple of days, his mind remained on the memory of her smile and in that moment the world had seemed brighter that day. He sighed and trekked from the cave to the willow with sluggish feet dragging in the soft morning dew. The snow had melted to slick piles lying haphazardly throughout the woods as the sunlight heated the frozen earth. Lukka could feel the eyes of his people within the treetops, boring into him with curiosity and pride. His skin tingled as he felt others gaze down at him with resentment and betrayal. He felt the pressure of their expectations as well as his own and it crushed him under the weight with every striding step. He made it about halfway when a small and colorful hummingbird fluttered before him with vibrating wings. He smiled vibrantly.

"Gemma, do you have a report on the girl for me?" He whispered, a white cloud escaping through his parted lips. The bird quickly swirled and grew into the pale woman, and Lukka stopped mid step at the frown that creased on her beautiful features. His heart jumped in his chest as his thoughts turned dark. She hurriedly curtsied before frantically glancing around and brought a finger to her lips, then led him to the barrier of the meadow. Her fear rolled off of her in waves, choking Lukka as he followed closely behind, maneuvering easily through the frozen leaves and lifted roots upon the forest floor. Gemma placed a hand in the air before her when they met the tree line. An opaque wall shuddered as it appeared, stretching up to curve into a dome-like shape, and she pulled it apart to enter. The wall cracked as though made of glass as it opened for them. Gemma struggled to pull apart the wall as the barrier was at its strongest during the day.

"My king. I fear that Lady Aiden may be in danger. I sensed a creature filled with malice and evil intent. I smelled her fear, tasting it on my tongue." She murmured as they crossed the field to the Willow tree. The wall repaired itself as they entered, becoming seamless and then transparent. Lukka's eyes slipped to black as his teeth elongated into sharp fangs, scratching just below his jaw. His fury burned through him and his fists curled at his sides as he walked with Gemma to the back of the tree and marched down the winding steps. He slapped a hand to the double red doors at the end of the hall, his palm glowing, and twisted his hand with his claws digging grooves into the red wood. The doors began to glow within the markings of the wood and as they swung open, they revealed the throne room. The room was bathed in a soft light from the torches that lined the wall as the flames bounced their shadows among the marble pillars. Lukka stormed his way to his throne and whipped around as he faced Gemma with snarled teeth.

"Bodach. After all these years, they make an appearance?" He snapped, black liquid dripping from his cheeks. He leaned against his throne with one clawed hand scratching the stone and waited for her to speak, as though she knew the answer. The silence grew between them and as she averted her eyes with pursed lips, his vision blurred with black tears. Lukka's chest heaved as he struggled to calmly breathe, his teeth gnashing together as he fought for control. He pushed off from his throne and circled Gemma, his purple pupils shaking slightly with anger. Even within the dim light, his eyes were striking, and fear rippled down Gemma's spine as they glowered over her. "They must be in the kingdom."

"Do you believe that we have a spy among us?" Gemma asked with a cautious tone, her back straight and her chin held high, like the perfect soldier. She kept her eyes glued to Lukka as his eyes darkened and his brows knitted together. Black blood dripped from his fangs to splatter upon the stone floor. Gemma held her stomach and breathed evenly as she eyed Lukka wearily. He rounded on her, toe to toe with his nose brushing against hers and a rumble vibrated within his chest as he stood over her. His fists shook and black blood oozed between his fingers.