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Why She Left
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2024-10-29 19:42:56What is on her mind? He couldn't resist being curious.
Shrugging she mouthed she wasn’t hungry.
The hell she's not! Brows rising he eyed her in obvious skepticism.
Pointedly looking away, she tried to consume as much food as her unsteady appetite would allow. But the pink just beneath the flaky top layer made bile rise in her throat.
Glancing up she saw he now gave vague attention to the conversation Almora and Lonnix had been having, across him.
Plucking at a hunk of meat gripped in one hand, he put the small portion in his mouth. As Lon said something to him, dimples appeared and there was a quick flash of even white teeth.
The brightest sort of smile on such a typically dark countenance.
His strange good looks combined with aggressive masculinity. Making him nearly mesmerizing.
How long had it been since he’d given her that smile? In some ways she envied Lon.
In many ways, she envied Almora
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The Price of Vengeance A Restless Night
Tilting her head back to look up at him, Nim froze. Blatant pain marring her face. “Why wouldn’t you just say it then?” Because it would've been a lie. “Honor is everything. Honor your woman, your child, your ground and above all, we honor truth.” He quoted the Harbinger code. “It wouldn't have been the truth. And I had no intention of ever honoring the words they were demanding me to say. I'd never have left you alone.” “You could’ve died.” She gasped. “They burnt you and cut you.” "Burnt!" Almora interjected in appall. Nim hadn't gotten to that part of the story. They'd beat him. Then they tortured me. Trying to get me to say it. He looked at her as though she’d gone mad. Lifting his tunic he gestured to his muscled chest and abdomen. “I have not a mark on me.” It wasn't enough. He turned to expose his bare back to her before dropping his shirt. "That is far from the worst b
The Price of Vengeance Surely, Not
Surely, she'd not betray me again when I'm on a mission to save her son? His eyes narrowed on her delicate shoulders and slim back narrowing into her fine waistline. As she headed back to the camp. Those shoulders rose and her head whipped, as she realized he wasn’t in the camp. Fear made her breath quicken. He could hear the soft huffs from where he stood. Knew she feared he’d witnessed exactly what he had. Damn her! When Nim turned abruptly, fearing she’d been caught, she found only an empty forest. A branch cracked as Disseus stepped into the clearing opposite her. She froze at the sight of him. “What are you doing up this hour?” He drawled. Piercing blue eyes seeming all-too knowing. “What are you?” “Couldn’t sleep. Thought some food might help.” Let your little minions come. I'll kill them all. We'll see who's left to defend you then, First Water. He strode to her,
The Price of Vengeance What Have You Done?
Waking with the rising sun, Nim felt him long before she peeled her eyes open to see. His warmth fit her perfectly. Wide corded arms folded around her back, crushing her against him. Her legs were bent over his thighs. She’d fallen asleep in his lap, and he’d laid down with her. Refusing to relinquish her to the nightmares. Looking at his face, she was amazed to see the peace there. Black lashes framed high cheekbones. That hard mouth was lush when softened in sleep. The faint lines of dimples marked the corners. Black brows slashed across his forehead and the white-blue hair was still curling over his forehead and back to his collar. A direct contrast to his bronze skin. In his sleep his face was touchably soft. Irresistibly drawn, she ran a finger over that full lower lip. His eyes snapped open. Gaze vital and alert. Far more than someone just waking should be. Warrior's instinct. Gasping at her own actions, she lurched to he
The Price of Vengeance A Missing Nag
“What’d you do with the horse?” Almora queried. “She’ll never find it.” He tightened the cinch dismissively. Not denying that he was well aware of what’d happened to it. “She’ll be mad at you for a long while over this.” “Which would make today vary from any other day?” He gave Almora a long look over his shoulder. She’s been nothing but mad at me since she joined our little team. When she couldn't answer, he finished cleaning camp. She knows I'm right. Nim returned, soaked to the bone. Clothes limp and clinging and hair sopping strands down her back. Madder than a hornet. Disseus ducked his head to hide his mirth. “What happened to you?” Lon asked. “I cooled off.” She snarled. Staring at her doubtfully, Lon wiselychose to say nothing more. Mounting his steed, Disseus reached down for her. Glowering up at him, she hesitated only a
The Price of Vengeance No Others
“The Firoque said there were no others. He told me that was how he could devote,” She choked on the word. “His time to me...With me.” She couldn’t help the bitterness that bit into her voice. No other women. She was the sole one to bear his torture? That thought sickened Disseus. Inciting both his jealous rage and his protective instinct. Making him want to slit the enemy’s throat for ever touching her. With his filthy, dirtied hands. The thought of the black skinned monster touching her with those bleak nails, sharp as talons, and long bony fingers. Or filling her body with his hideous parts. Again, Disseus felt the heat climbing his body. Fine hairs along his spine and neck rising instinctively. I’m surely going to light afire, if I can’t calm this morning. He closed his eyes momentarily. Letting his stallion lead as he drew several calming breaths. Banishing the thoughts and envisioning more peaceful times
The Price of Vengeance Dependance
“Guess you’ll have to learn the value of depending on others. And proving yourself worthy of them doing so to you.” He gave her a meaningful stare before turning to go. Halting when her hand shot out to grab his bicep. Sending waves of warmth through him in lightning flashes. Twisting to look at her hand, his gaze slid pensively to her face. Eyes wide and cheeks flushed, it was apparent she’d felt the hot surge as well. The spark between us. “I can’t guarantee their safety.” She whispered pleadingly. “No. You can’t guarantee much of anything when offering something of yourself, now can you?” He spat. Suddenly angry. Such as once your love is given it won’t be rescinded. Bitterness swelled through him in a wild wave. “Let them decide if it’s worth trusting you.” He added loud enough Lon and Almora heard him, from where they huddled staring over the ridge. Hand dropping, Nim watched him
The Price of Vengeance Away with the Dread
Nim lay awake in the dark. Awash with fear and pain. Perhaps it was the cold. Perhaps it was that Disseus wasn't there to warm her. But most likely it was that Lon and Disseus had vanished with the fading pink sun but only Lon crept back. Quiet as his bumbling feet would take him, he woke Almora. After he’d escorted her somewhere, he’d returned to curl up in the Dread’s bedroll. Inhaling deeply, before sighing. Some scouting. Nim thought hatefully. They were supposed to be preparing to leave to get her son on the morrow but instead Disseus was sneaking off for a dalliance with the gorgeous woman. So, after all Almora's pretty words and lovely attempts at friendship, the Dread had persuaded him to stall another night so they could sneak off together. Nim flopped to her other side and heard her teeth grinding. She hadn’t even realized she was doing it. She was nearly quaking with rage. *** Disseus lay next to the
The Price of Vengeance The Dog of Battling
“Disseus! You’re-” Lon’s elated shout was cut short by his friend’s liberal head shake which made him finish blandly. “Back.” “You charmed the dogs.” Disseus commented. Eyes alight with pride. How was she doing it? “I charm most things.” Shouldering past him she hopped on Disseus’ stallion. Except me, she means. His blue eyes shined silver as they narrowed on her. What’s wrong with her this morning? Lifting her chin impatiently she said nastily. “If you two are quite done, I’d like to save my son.” She looked meaningfully from Almora to Disseus, her eyes lingering on the blanket wrapped around him. All I could reach when I’d heard her shriek. But his jaw ticked, seeing now what she was thinking. Blinking dully up at her realization dawned on Almora’s face. Straightening her gown she pulled a handful of hair out far enough to eye the twigs and brambles caught within. “O
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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
