All Chapters of Beauty Behind The Shadow: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Months later into winter...It was a particularly cold winter night and both Kendrick and Twillow had gone to their respective beds. Twillow's hanging bed was positioned strategically near the fireplace to keep her extra warm and Kendrick had even sealed off the outer entrances to his home to keep out the cold for her.The fire in the fireplace crackled gently, lighting the darkened cavern with a soft, warm, orange glow. Kendrick was about relaxed enough to drift off to sleep when he heard a small hissing sound. He lifted his head and strained to listen. It didn't take him long to realize it was sniffling accompanied by gentle sobs. Quietly he propped himself up on the backs of his elbows. It sounded like Twillow was crying. He mentally tried to rationalize why she would be crying.Was she sick? Was she upset with him? Did he do something to make her cry? Was she afraid?With an abrupt swing of his legs he rose from his bed and gently padded across the stone floor toward the fireplace

The next day...Twillow had been excited about the invitation to see Sig and Leida. Kendrick, on the other hand, was feeling sick to his stomach. He couldn't eat his breakfast and he hadn't slept much the night before since his brain wouldn't quit torturing him with all the 'what-if' scenarios of the next day's plan. Most of the situations always seemed to end up in the worst way; the worst of all being Twillow felt so appalled by the idea that he loved her that she left and he never saw her again. Every time he thought of that his guts clenched painfully.Surely it wouldn't end that badly?"You're quiet today." Twillow mentioned in his ear, "Are you ok?"Kendrick jerked slightly, jostling her, "Oh. I- I don't mean to be."The fae moved her wings a bit, staring at him, "You seem...nervous."He made a scoffing noise but didn't say anything because he knew he'd have to lie."She's on to you dummy...she's going to keep at you until you fess up and ruin everything!" his mind warned him om

A few days later...Kendrick was returning from the daily patrol of his territory, as was his routine. It had been a quiet day; no poachers, no trespassers. However, this also left him alone with his thoughts, which as of late had been consumed with Twillow. A little over a month had passed since he had made the difficult decision of burying his feelings for his fae friend in lieu of admitting them to her. He, in essence, sealed up his hearts' desires behind metal plating and doors to ensure they would be contained and their friendship safe. At first he was convinced he would be content with that choice.However, little things would pick and probe at the metal doors of his hearts, searching for weak points. Her soft, demure smile, the quick flutter of her wings when she was amused, the way her skin would light up when she was happy, the musical sound of her laugh. And the gods help him if she ever kissed his cheek; it was like setting off explosives against those metal doors. They buc

At a distance over the forest...The afternoon sun shone brightly over the Northern Woods, early summer in full flower. Then, the ideal setting was disturbed by a crackling of yellowish lightning and a sudden gale of wind whipping the trees. Golden liquid fell to the trees in thick globs as the portal opened with a bright flash that challenged the Lower Realm sun. The portal to the Parliel Realm was opened just large enough for two figures to fling themselves through before it closed with a violent crackle of energy. Then the day stilled, returning to pleasant normality....Earlier...Kendrick arrived back at his home a little over an hour later as Helia had been killing the spiders well beyond the border of his typical range. He traversed through his home to find Twillow in the garden. He placed Hershel on the ground, making sure his tiny reins were tied to one of his corn stalks so he wouldn't run away. The horse freaked out a bit but began calming, even sniffing and nibbling at th

Kendrick's nose had been hit with a whiff of strong fear scent coming from his garden. Something was scaring Twillow. His first instinct was that he had been right all along and the slayer was responsible. Without hesitation he came charging down the tunnel and ran into his garden to see what was wrong.Twillow screaming "STOP! STOP THIS! PLEASE!" spurred him on.But what he saw sideswiped his expectations. He saw Helia battling what looked like another fae on the branch of the tree. Then there was a bright light that he couldn't look at directly it was so intense. But he could smell Twillow's fear and see her silhouette.Then Helia yelled at him, "Kendrick! They're taking Twillow!"A surge of protective rage crackled through him as he demanded she be returned. Whoever they were, they would not get away with this. He would destroy them until there was nothing left and Twillow was safe. Kendrick reached out toward the light and the silhouettes but suddenly the winged being wearing the