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A Burnt Tree
Last Updated:
2022-09-23 04:06:34Related chapters
The Price of Vengeance Pained
A strange sort of calm pain began to seep into every fiber of his being.He needed to salvage his hatred. But her words had cut. And she was right. She had a son out there, one in danger. And even that trumped the importance of Disseus’ game of cat and mouse.He sat rubbing his face and squatted against the tree trying not to think about that warm sensual body being lapped by the ripples of cold water. He shook his head roughly.Trying so hard not to focus on the sounds of her washing he barely heard the slosh of her rising from the lake. Teeth gritted he stared at the ground. His fingers burrowing into dirt, leaves and moss as he concentrated his control.A bare expanse of leg moved into his peripheral. He followed that long silky length up into the parted folds of her cloak. She stared down at him knowingly. Lifting her chin slightly, she stared at him chastisingly.As if she thinks to reprimand me for watching her. When I’d merely been out her to protect her. Blowing out a whooshin
Last Updated : 2022-09-23The Price of Vengeance Yearning
Nim sat near the fire listening to the soft crackling. Taking in the scent of burning logs and a coming rain. Though she dreaded its arrival, for now the lull was peaceful.Disseus had not said a word more to her since their argument and subsequent loving this evening. He somehow managed to make even his silence toward her hostile.Yet she preferred that over his biting comments. Or so it seems by her utter lack of conversation.Right now, he turned a couple plump rabbits on a spit. Occasionally, his eyes slid sideways to glower at her.Although Nim had expected his impatience and irritation, she’d not anticipated blatant animosity. In-fact she’d only rarely seen him lose temper. Especially when he was permitted to sate all that rage within her body.***Lonnix and Almora had continued talking to him as though oblivious to his sour mood.Nim was huddled under her cloak shivering.She’s always cold at night. Disseus thought in annoyance. Wondering why she’d not brought more clothes or
Last Updated : 2022-09-23The Price of Vengeance The Dark of Night
Feeling his body tightening he abandoned his meal, muttering. “I’m getting some kindling.”Upon returning he found only the bare bones of his portion of food. His gaze flew to Nim shivering beneath her cloak and saw the remnants of hers as well.Apparently, her appetite hadn’t changed. Though his stomach grumbled objections at the stolen rations a smile pulled at his lips.She was unspeakably lovely in slumber. He could forget how plush her lips were in the light of day when they were so often tightened in frustration with him. Now they were thick and slick and begged to be kissed. Her Long dark lashes rested against the smoothness of her cheek. The firelight played with the slim shadow of her cheekbones. Easing closer to stare down at her, he noticed the quaking of her shoulders and clacking of her teeth.Rain began to fall. It’d be much colder in a short time.Cursing himself for a fool, he dragged his bed roll close and dropped down behind her. Scooting an arm beneath her he pulled
Last Updated : 2022-09-23The Price of Vengeance Nightmarish Things
“It’d taken me decades of ending the fight. Of pretending I’d given up.”“Resisting him?” Disseus cut in. His voice harsh.She swallowed hard and he noticed that her body began to tremble in his grip. “Yes. For months I pretended I had not the merest hint of fight any longer. I let him take the husk he held captive and no longer clawed or bit or attacked him.”“You pretended to submit to his violation?” Disseus’ throat tightened and he was sickened. Imagining her, fierce creature that she was, playing dead for so long to meet the needs of some long game plan.It must’ve killed her.And though he’d already harbored deep hatred for the Demon King, now it rose to new heights.But am I really any better? That made Disseus mouth dry and his strong heart thrum fiercely. She’s doing the same for me now.And he wondered what he was doing to her mind. She has to be nearly broken from what she’d endured.Though he’d seen no sign of that yet.***“It was for a purpose.” She dismissed. Unwilling
Last Updated : 2022-09-23The Price of Vengeance Sheltered
“Don’t worry about it.” He growled.I’m not stopping. He was savoring the feel of their skin melded but even more than that…Her response. Her desire and her heat.“Just look at me, Nim. Please.” He softened his tone.To his surprise she tossed up her red hair and clung to his shoulder. Meeting his intense gaze.They stared at each other, nearly afraid to blink as they moved together in fading firelight. The sounds of their pleasure swallowed by the storm.She bit her lip to stem the sounds which had been bubbling up her throat and parting her lips with wild abandon. She strove to control her primal reaction.“No. No walls. No shells. Just be with me.” His voice was a low rumble. Marked by a flash of lightening which brightened the harsh lines of his face. Brightening his blue eyes until they seemed nearly white in the night.He felt her soften. The tension in her thighs easing as she embraced him with those and her arms.In no time, he had her making that mewling purr.Just the way I
Last Updated : 2022-09-23The Price of Vengeance Rebuffed
“So...Good night?” Lon’s familiar voice cut through the blissful peace of slumber.Disseus peeled open his eyes to see Lonnix standing over him. Peering over his wide belly with a knowing smirk.“Was.” Disseus rolled over to get up. “’Til I woke to your face.”Where the hell is she?She wasn’t next to him.In-fact she was nowhere in sight. He frowned at Lonnix.“Don’t glare at me, My Friend.” Lon frowned. “Wasn’t my doing that drove her off. She headed down to the river.”“Said she had to go ‘wash off a mistake’.” Lon mimicked a shrill womanly voice.“So…how good a mistake was it?” He wiggled his brows suggestively. “Was it?”I’m not talking about that. Disseus glared at him.“She can wash all she wants.” He called loudly down to the river. “But she won’t be able to wash away what she did.”Came to me warm, wet and willing.That was no fault of mine.Glancing over his shoulder toward the bank, Lonnix winced and shuffled away. Unwilling to see her come stalking back after biting that b
Last Updated : 2022-09-23The Price of Vengeance Who Was Nim?
“Who is she?” Almora rode close now.Disseus had been oblivious to her long scrutiny. I forget how perceptive she is.He lifted his head to stare at her back. “She calls herself Nealinim now. I knew her as Nim.”“I didn’t ask her name.”I know what she’s asking.He eyed her. “She’s a woman wanting to save her son.”“Disseus,” Almora sighed. “I’m asking who she is to you.”I know…After a long look, he sighed. “She was a young First Water fey girl when I met her. She wanted to be a warrior like her father before her. She was orphaned young and wanted to honor his memory.”He stared at her back thoughtfully.“Fey named her, because she was too little to remember her name. They dubbed her Nealinim, meaning ‘lost warrior’ in our tongue.” He explained. Giving a harsh laugh.“As if someone knew what she’d become.”She has indeed become a warrior.“Elders said she was freckled with copper hair and meek eyes and would not be able to marry well. First Water Fey are supposed to aspire beyond th
Last Updated : 2022-09-23The Price of Vengeance Guardians Arriving
The rest of the ride was relatively peaceful until a sound like flapping ship sails.Tilting up their heads, they watched a giant orange bird fly over. Its shadow engulfing them.“Guardians.” Disseus hissed yanking up his hood and folding his cloak carefully around him.Did she call to them? He sent Nim a sharp look.Horses shying, they moved from the landing path of the massive bird.Descending through the trees it shrank, wings disappearing. Legs reducing and scales falling away. Clothes climbing up his length like snakes winding over him. Polished boots crunched over the branches as he took a few steps and came to a stop.“Nim.” He greeted. His solemn face typically impassive.She gave a slight nod.She knows him. Disseus looked from her to the Guardian. Waiting to find out exactly what he was here after.Pulling his hood low over his forehead Disseus willed his features to be mottled and slack again. Tipping his head sideways he leaned away from them.***Fortunately, Bernus had e
Last Updated : 2022-09-23
Latest chapter
The Price of Vengeance A Broken World
Nim looked down the valley and finally saw at least part of what they had done, at the same moment the wind came up and the smell of smoke and rot filled her sinuses. The sticky sweet scent lingering there in a way that made her want to vomit. It clung to her throat. Only one thing could smell like that. Nierwae’s fortress had possessed that same horrendous odor. The scent of death and demons. A village in the distance emitted too much smoke to be from hut fires. There were spots of smoke in various directions that looked the same. Once they walked a bit down the hill, they came down the backside of the rise, she found the whole valley bottom was covered in bark like darkness. It looked like rotting tree roots with spots of pus and splitting boils. Twining over the ground. From this vantage point, it was apparent that the nearest village was abandoned. Long since, torn to shreds. “How long were you gone?” Disseus look
The Price of Vengeance Goodbyes
“Come.” Disseus caught the sleeve of Sebastian’s frilled shirt and pulled him along with him. Growing more certain by the moment, that if left alone, Sebastian would continue to taunt Teverius until the other man returned to take the bait. “If you wish to.” Sebastian didn’t seem to mind though. Stumbling along for a moment while laughing over his shoulder at Teverius. Bright turquoise eyes dancing. Then he focused on the group ahead of them. “I find your Bernus, a bit unpleasant.” Sebastian sobered, to comment. A man who clearly says whatever he’s thinking. It was a trait Disseus could appreciate. “We do as well.” Nim agreed. “Was he always like that?” “No.” Nim said. Surprising Disseus. “He was a nice child.” “Unfortunately, children grow up.” There was a sudden sadness in Sebastian’s voice. But before either Nim or Disseus could mention it, Sebastian walked a bit faster. Catching up to Lonnix and Almora.
The Price of Vengeance Playful People
“I told you,” She said softly. “I need higher assurance then yours, that we will get to live together in peace.” “Without First Water interference.” Disseus felt the need to clarify. “I’m coming.” Another stranger pushed through the fey guardians, and Trap, working his way to the front to peer across the clearing at the Forever Knight leader. “Alpha.” He lowered his head, covered in long white hair, in deference. “Marcus Teverius.” The alpha eased. Eyeing him. “You know these from the lower lands?” “I speak for their Netherland Region.” Teverius said, nodding. “I know their King well.” “He calls you, his King of the Netherlands, does he not?” The alpha clarified. More for the fey’s sake, than his own, obviously. Disseus had heard of the fey King of the Netherlands, though in all his travels, he’d never glimpsed the man. He wouldn’t have denied he was just as curious to watch everything unfolding, as all the re
The Price of Vengeance A Place of Chaos
Disseus’s and Nim’s gaze followed all the rest. Taking in the shadow under two huge trees. Generating massive amounts of power. “This must be the strangest morning...” Almora muttered. Wondering who this newest interloper could possibly be. “Who is that?” Lon pondered. “Ah, hell!” Trap, the other Harbinger, swore. Backing further into the crowd of fey guardians, in an effort to blend. Disseus recognized the blonde man sauntering into view, as the man that had helped heal Nim. The Forever Knight called Sebastian. A black-haired man emerged next to Sebastian. His face was an unreadable mask. Cutting blue eyes slid over the scene. He exuded authority and power unlike any Disseus had seen before. What is he? The way Sebastian eased a bit behind him, was telling. The dark hair is the leader. RedBayne was still grumbling profanity as he ambled out of the grove to join them
The Price of Vengeance The Legend and the Man
It was reasonable that Lon would mourn the death of all they’d built together. It had been Lonnix that had spread news of Disseus’s feats far and wide. Inspiring others to hire him. And keep our pockets fat with coin. It was Lonnix that built the name. “You keep it going.” Disseus suggested. “Most only dealt with you anyway.” They’d hardly know my face were I standing before them. “Nobody would believe that!” Lon cried in appall. “Talk to King Phalanx, he’ll back your story as a favor to me. Remind him how he became King of the Paladines.” Disseus gave him a stunned look. Disseus knew Lon had it in him to do the job. But at the very least, Phalanx would offer Lonnix a job or a new Ardae assassin to befriend. Lon had a cunning way about him that made him very personable. “Don’t fear yet.” Nim assured. “We’ve a bit before we must go.” “No.” Another voice interjected as Bernus
The Price of Vengeance Are We Going?
Disseus sat on that rock, holding Nealinim well into the night. Relieved and in awe to have all his joy back in his arms. What a strange journey it has been. She’d fallen asleep at some point. Lying on that rock with her head on his leg while he stroked her hair. Listening to the water and her soft breathing. As much as he yearned to make love to her. He wanted her to heal more. She needs her strength now more than ever. He heard a branch snap behind him and knew what he’d suspected for a while now. “How long have you been there.” “I’m a bit ashamed to admit, the whole time.” He rumbled from the shadows. His dark skin blending with the night darkness. Only the orange of his eyes glowed from the trees. “Why?” “You weren’t here when she wandered off.” Styx explained. “I was worried about her out here alone. Away from camp. Especially after all she’s been through.” “You as well.” Disseus reminded.
The Price of Vengeance Growing
Marnie’s quiet words shattered Disseus’s composure. He watched Marnie walking away. As if dropping that tidbit hadn’t just rocked him to his core. He needed to get away for a bit of fresh air. He wandered into the dark. Letting the cool evening air fan his skin as he listened to the happy laughter coming from the camp. He could smell the burning wood and what remained of the boar. Mixing with the freshness of the burbling river nearby. He must’ve wandered out there longer than he thought. As he aimed back toward the camp, he realized the laughter had stopped. In-fact he now caught Lon’s soft snoring. As he drew closer, he heard another sound. Something soft and lilting. Barely separated from the sound of the river. Disseus followed it hypnotically. Drawn to the rhythmic sound. It was soft and alluring and he was moving irrevocably toward it. A beautiful voice he’d have known anywhere. Even though I’ve never heard her hum before.
The Price of Vengeance Together Again
Disseus hesitated. They were all inviting him to climb atop Aardix. Though he would be in bird form, it didn’t particularly change how Disseus felt about it. The idea of mounting another man’s back, even in the shape of an animal, was a bit more than he could tolerate. “No need.” No chance in hell, I’m doing that. “You’ll fly?” Nim turned to him. He nodded slowly. “I’m well-behaved as long as your near.” I hope. He felt more connected to his monster form now than he ever did before. More confident that he could control the Dark Harbinger’s thirst for blood. Even in that shape, all I wanted was to protect her. The Dark Harbinger was no longer some terrifyingly unpredictable creature. It was just another part of him that would look after her. At least it seems that way. He was willing to give it another try and find out. Nim would protect them if I get out of line. The Dar
The Price of Vengeance They Already Know
“I missed you, Son.” Nim confessed to her lumbering offspring. Drawing back from him to give him a loving study. Still holding his arms as she looked at him like any proud mama assessing her child. Styx towered over her. Looking at her with heart wrenching affection that belied the terrifying look of him. “And I, you.” “I was worried when the wound took you.” He confessed. “I feared I might lose you again.” “Never.” She shook her head. Forcing a strong smile as she banished thoughts of old pain. She smiled softly as she asked. “Have you seen your sister?” “No. Not yet.” She likely doesn’t know yet that he’s free. Disseus guessed word hadn’t reached her yet. Disseus dismounted the prancing horse, to join them. Leading the mare as he walked. “Thank you.” Disseus mentioned to Styx. Nodding to Lon and Almora who were now sitting up. Blinking blearily. “For looking after them.” If he hadn’t, and we were anyone e
