Lerato rode off into forest like a man possessed. His steed thundered past the trees heeding his masters call to fly as fast as he could. After what seemed like hours Lerato pulled his horse up as they neared the beach. The sound of the waves crashing along the shore line, the familiar smell of the salty air could not calm his raging nerves tonight. Dismounting he left his horse to graze at the forest’s edge, and walked off towards the water. The water glistening under the moon’s light, lapping up the sand to his feet. He stood there, grasping his hands, trembling with need. Need of her. Need to take her, and make her his once and for all.
What is wrong with me? He muttered to himself.
He walked along the shore line, hoping to ease the growing fire in his belly. Unable to quench his hunger, he stripped off his clothing and shifted into his wolfen form, glimpsing only once behind him before running into the forest.
………………..
It was almost dawn when Lerato arrived back at his stables. Tired and somewhat sated he returned his horse into the stall and walked back into the great hall.
Restless tonight brother…
Lerato smiled at the familiar sing song voice. He turned to see his sister cross the hall to him. The petite woman with raven hair and eyes that were as black as coals, smiled up at him.
Ravina, I see I am not the only one up at this godless hour.
She laughed, gods how he loved her laugh. She sounded so much like their mother. She looked like her too, her ivory porcelain skin, and petite frame. He hated the thought that one day soon she would choose a suitor and leave him to wander these cold halls alone. They were all that was left of their lineage. Their parents killed a few years earlier, Lerato was left a young man to raise his sister. He brought in the best tutors but it seemed she always knew more than they did. He always thought she was gifted that way.
He swept her up into his arms, swinging her around.
Lerato! Put me down….she laughed….I am not a child anymore.
Laughing together he set her down, no she was no longer a child but a young woman. The thought sobered him once more.
Why do you frown brother, she’s here. Now maybe you can sleep and not be tortured by your dreams. She is real, you have seen this for yourself.
I know, but it’s all I can do not to kick down her door and take her.
In time brother, how could she not be drawn to you.
Lerato scoffed at this. But he knew his rogue looks caught the eye of many women, young and old. He had many parents try to marry their daughters to him, and a few wives who made promises of favors to him, just to try and crawl into his bed. Back then he thought nothing of it. In his travels he met many and tasted many, but none seem to sate the hunger that burned in his belly. It wasn’t till his change that he started to keep more and more to himself. His temper was a thing of legends now, and the only one who seemed to soothe him was his sister. Oh young Ravina, whoever she decided to cast her weave upon will be lost.
He smiled at her and kissed her forehead.
Goodnight brother
Goodnight my sweet Ravina.
…………………………….
Raelyn, could not rest. Her nerves still shaken by the man who had been in her room. She could not get the image of him standing there out of her head. How self assure he seemed of himself, with the scent of a predator. It still shook her, but she could not stop herself from watching him enter back inside the gates when he arrived a few moments ago. It was as if she needed to see his face again. But why?
She had so many questions, and her body felt so strange behind these walls. Who were these people? What do they want with me?
Her bedroom door opened, but she was so lost in her thoughts she did not notice until she almost bumped into the young woman.
Startled by the presence of the young woman, Raelyn jumped back.
I’m so sorry I did not mean to frighten you, I could not help but notice you could not sleep and I thought I would bring you some tea to ease your nerves.
Raelyn eyed the young woman suspiciously. But she couldn’t help be drawn to her, she could feel a sense of a kindred spirit as she did with Maura, letting her feel like she would not be harmed.
Do forgive me, my name is Ravina. I hope you found the room to your liking I insisted on picking out everything to make sure you would have all you would need. If there is anything else that you might want I’m sure we can arrange it for you.
How about setting me free.
That I am sorry I cannot do.
Raelyn, sighed. She knew it wouldn’t be that easy, but she had to ask. Feeling a bit more at ease, she sat on the edge of her bed and watched the young woman as she set the tea service on the table.
Would you like me to join you for a cup, or would you prefer to be alone.
I would prefer to be home, to be free. I don’t understand what I am doing here, who you are and what this is all about.
As I said my name is Ravina, my brother you met early owns these lands. As for the rest, well all in good time. But please do not be afraid, no one will harm you. And you will not want for anything.
Except my freedom.
In time, I will take my leave. Perhaps we could dine together tomorrow night. I am sure you have many questions, but for now you need to rest. Please the tea is still warm and it will soothe your nerves.
Without another word, Ravina left the room. For her small size she had a aura of nobility and strength about her. She was not as fragile as she first looked Raelyn realized.
Left alone once more, she crossed the room to have some tea.
What harm could it be, she thought. Why would they poison me now?
She walked out to the terrace with her tea and watched as the dawn reclaimed the sky. Starting to feel the effects of the day on her, Raelyn barely made it before she collapsed upon the bed.
He waited and watched from behind the secret wall. He waited for her to finally sleep before he entered her room.
He couldn’t get over she was here and real. His hunger temporarily sated from his early hunt, he took his time watching her, taking all of her in. Her hair like soft caramel spilled out behind her, the glow of her skin, the curves of her body she could not hide under her robe. She was not like the waif like women in the villages surrounding his lands, she had a body sculptures would kill to mimic. Her lips a pale pink slightly parted as she slept so peacefully. He hated to have her drugged so she could sleep, but she would never know. And he needed to be close to her, if even for a moment.
Gently he brushed the hair that had fallen across her cheek. When he touched her he felt his body burn again with fire. His need growing again. He held his breath, fighting to take hold of the beast in him. He would not harm her, no he needed her.
And with that thought he took out the gold chain-link the witch had given him. He placed it delicately around her neck. He knew she would not wake from his touch, but he did not want to disturb her. Now she was his, and no one, not even she would be able to remove it. The golden links complimented against her skin as if it should have always been there.
Lerato, took one last look at his captive, and walked out her room as silently as he came in. Content to know she would be here in the morning when he awakened.
Raelyn, soaked in the warm sudsy water. As comforting as the bath was she could not fully relax. How could she, she was kidnapped and being held prisoner. Well at least they know how to treat their prisoners, she thought to herself. She looked around the room taking in the elaborate lengths they had made to make her comfortable. What was this all about and why am I here, she thought.
Unable to sit still any longer, Raelyn emerged from the tub, drying off before wrapping herself in the silk robe that had been left out for her. She explore the dresser in her room and found a brush and hair accessories.
They’ve seem to have thought of everything, who are these people? Raelyn thought to herself.
Brushing the tangles out of her hair she turned back towards the bedroom and nearly jumped seeing him standing there watching her from her doorway.
Clutching her robe tighter she held the brush out as if it were a weapon. She backed up against the wall, ready to defend herself if she needed.
Who are you? What do you want from me?! She demanded, trying to make herself seem fearsome and ready to fight.
He smiled in spite of himself. He admired how she was ready to fight and defend her honor, even knowing he could overtake her if he wanted. Stepping forward he took her in. Her skin still damp from her bath, he could smell the sweet musky scent of her, like the morning dew in the forest. Her eyes wide and uneasy, the black orbs swirled with golden flecks as if mimicking her racing heart. The robe hung loosely on her shoulders exposing her golden skin, as if tempting him to taste it.
Smiling he bowed his head slightly, I am Lord Lerato of Limerick Hall, I see you have made yourself at home.
Raelyn kept her back against the wall, unsure of what to expect but ready to fight if she needed to. He was tall, so tall. His thick dark mane of hair was loosely cropped around his chiseled face. His eyes a warm brown, surrounded by thick lashes making them stand out even more. His dress made him seem larger than he was but she could still see the strength in his frame. Dressed in dark leather pants, with heavy riding boots, his shirt a heavy linen dyed a dark green opened at his neck line made his tanned skin look warm and soft. The black cloak that hung off one shoulder made him look ominous and daunting, making her want to back up even further into the wall. The thick timbre of his voice as he introduced himself vibrated through her.
Forcing herself to stand tall, and look fearless Raelyn took a step forward, I demand to know why I am here! Why have I been taken?!
You are here for me, and no other reason, the smile that crept across his full lips made her shiver for more than one reason.
For now be content to know you are my guest and all your needs will be met. Tonight your dinner has been served for you alone on your terrace. I do hope you enjoy what the cooks have made, it was with you in mind.
And with that before she could respond he turned and walked out of her room, closing the heavy door behind him. It was not till she heard the locking of the sliding bolt did she actual let out the breath she did not realize she was holding. She looked down at her trembling hands, unable to move.
Lerato stood there for a moment, listening by her door. Waiting to hear a scream or cry, but he was shocked to hear nothing but silence. She is tougher than I realize he thought to himself. His guardsmen bowed to him, and retook their post in front of her door.
He needed to get out, and as far from her as possible. His blood boiling over with need of her again. If he had not held back and left when he did, heaven knows what he would have done to the poor child. Walking out into the courtyard he called for his horse and rode off into the night alone.
Raelyn made it out to the terrace, needing fresh air, anything to shake the feeling of the walls closing in around her. She stepped up to wall of her balcony gripping it tightly as if her life depended upon it.
Stay strong Raelyn, she whispered to herself. But she could not stop the trembling of her own body betraying her fear.
Looking down into the courtyard she saw him mount his horse and race off into the woods. A shiver ran down her spine again as she watched him take the reins and led the black horse out into the moonlight. It all seemed strangely familiar, but she didn’t know how.
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