The Taming

He Hunts

CHAVIAS

Chavias was a shadow moving behind Acharius.

Edging closer. And closer.

Close enough to breathe on his neck. Chavias thought. His eyes turned shining black in their intensity. His black hair was slicked back from his forehead. The pitch-black goatee trimming his lips was made starker for how tightly they were compressed. He looked severe.

Vicious.

Watching them walk ahead, he saw their hands flexing and tightening against their clothing. It was plain to Chavias, they both suppressed the urge to reach for each other.

Take her bloody hand! Chavias willed him.

He couldn't even remember what it felt like to hold a woman's hand.

How could I kill him when he's just now finding what we've all sought so desperately? Chavias swallowed hard. Eyes narrowing, as he slowly shook his head.

I won't. He decided. Not while she's with him.

I'll give him that much, at least.

I'll spare her that pain. I owe him that.

The man's dark face was set with characteristic determination as he turned to leave the woods, unable to tolerate the sickening knowledge of what he had to do. But as he rounded to go, he came to a dead stop.

Thadeus screeched and took to the sky. Abandoning Chavias' shoulder.

Chavias stared back at the stony face of his former friend. His gaze staring coldly through the giant leaves.

"Sebastian."

"Chavias." Sebastian stated. Seething with rage. His gold eyes turned blue-green with emotion. "You spy on us now?"

"I have to." Chavias said dully. Feeling the air seep out of him at Sebastian's uncharacteristically icy tone.

"Nothing you do, is something you have to." Bast's mask slipped, revealing betrayed anger.

Hatred for me. Just for a moment.

"I do have to." Chavias forced himself not to flinch under that penetrating look. "You don't understand."

I do it to protect you.

"How could I possibly?"

"You couldn't. You know nothing anymore." Chavias growled viciously. Summoning strength to hide his weakness. His back was rigid.

"Educate me." Bast challenged.

"If you were in my place, I wonder if you could still stand so tall?" Chavias said. His own rage blatant. "You think any of this is my desire?"

"No? Then why do it? I would choose to die rather than have betrayed you."

"Circumstances have changed."

"I could never have done what you have." Bast's voice was contemptuous.

Chavias couldn't define his expression. Pain? Disappointment maybe.

Bast shook his head at Chavias and gestured for him to go. "Leave these woods and don't come back."

Dismiss me?

In all these years, that's all you have to say to me? 'Leave?'

"And miss seeing old friends?" Chavias grinned hollowly in response to Bast's veiled threat. Reaching to pull shining black hair obscenely tight in the leather thong. Cinching it and letting his arms fall. His armor was rolled up over his biceps to cover his shoulders as though ready for a fight. He rolled his head and levelled a hard challenge on Sebastian.