Chapter 6: Page 5

Dewi was lying on his back, tail wagging, back leg kicking, and his tongue lolling out the side of his mouth, as Sabelle scratched his chest, tickling him. She was giggling, her eyes filled with glee, having loads of fun. Oben was leaping with carefree abandon around the area, chasing Romie and Milmar like a puppy. The two Fairies were swooping around the wolf in ever more daring feats of bravery.

It was a rare idyllic afternoon for their small family.

A huge blast sounded, reverberated, from where Neak was speaking with Toff and Ruby startling everyone. Dewi rolled and scrambled to his feet taking a protective stance in front of Sabelle. Oben was at his side within moments and together they looked for the threat. Dewi howled seeing Neak flying through the air and smashing to the ground, her body bouncing, lifeless.

“Take Sabelle inside.” He took off running knowing Oben would do as he ordered.

Reaching Neak’s side, Dewi changed, unaware of the wolf ears on top of his head, his half-state, and gathered her into his arms, searching for a heartbeat. Her beautiful green skin was pale, almost colorless. “Neak, baby…answer me. Neak…”

He howled again, his hand pressing over her heart unable to feel it beating. Tears started to well in his eyes, terrified. He never told her of his suspicions, that she was his mate, hoping to gradually work up to it. He had wished to give her time to get used to their new relationship, despite knowing he would have gone to her on the next Frenzy, which was in five days, and tempted fate.

“Neak, please…answer me.” The tears spilled over uncontrollably. “Please, don’t leave me, not when I just…”

“Dewi…I’m sorry.” Toff walked up, guilt eating at him, making him sick. He was quite certain that this was his fault. Neak had thought to help him, wanting him to be happy.

“Fix her! Fix her, dammit!”

“I…I can’t. I’m…I’m not strong enough.”

“You’re a fucking Divinity, how can you not be…?”

“Go home, Toff.” Lady Arbor knelt in front of the Lobo, her eyes on the still form of her great great granddaughter. “Take Ruby and go home.”

Toff blanched. “I… My mother…”

“Do not speak to me of your mother. She’s lucky to be alive—I was tempted to dump her in the Pit.” The Tree Goddess looked over her shoulder at the two Centaurs. “Go home.”

“Toff,” Ruby took his arm, “let’s go. We can’t do anything here.”

Toff nodded and the two of them disappeared.

“Give her to me, Lobo.” Lady Arbor held her arms out. “Or do you wish her to die?”

“Please…please save her.” Dewi released Neak into Lady Arbor’s arms, but stayed close.

He watched on helplessly as the Divinity closed her eyes and rested her hand over Neak’s heart. A green glow soon surrounded that hand, surrounded the Tree Goddess. As she drew on her power, the trees grew fuller, the grass grew lusher, and tiny saplings sprung up around the Divinity, drawn and fed by that power, the life force of Lady Arbor.

He changed into a wolf without thought and started pacing the area, returning time and again to Neak’s side. With each return, he would lick his mate’s cheek, daring the Divinity to say anything. He wanted Neak to know he was there, to feel him, his need for her. What would he do if she didn’t pull through? How was a Wolf supposed to live without his mate?

It felt like an eternity before Lady Arbor opened her grey eyes. She looked tired, drained. “She will live.”

Dewi changed back into a man, again unaware of his half-state, and once more knelt at Neak’s side. He took her into his arms, tears welling again. He brushed her hair off her face, willing her to open her eyes. “Why is she still unconscious, didn’t you heal her?”

“I healed her heart enough so that she will live. I cannot do more without breaking some serious Divinity laws. I’ve already bent them quite a bit because she’s my blood.”

“She will live though?”

“Yes, Dewinar, your mate will live. Take her inside to her bed and I will send one who can heal her further.”

“Thank you, I am…”

“Hush, Lobo. She’s my blood; I would have done it anyway. Besides, my son never would’ve forgiven me had I allowed her to die; he already lost his daughter and granddaughter.” Lady Arbor stood. “Take care of her and create lots of pups.”

Dewi nodded. He stood and started carrying her towards the Tree House.

“Dewinar.”

Dewi looked back, Neak held tight against his chest.

“Hold no grudge against young Toff. As much as he wanted to, he couldn’t have helped Neak. He’s too young, not even a millennium. If it drained me to help her, it would’ve killed him.”

“I understand.”

“And one last thing, the one I send, he is like Sabelle, though FaieLion and not FaieWolf. When he arrives, allow him immediate entry despite any natural distrust you feel. He will heal the rest of her injuries.”

Again, he nodded. When Lady Arbor disappeared, he continued on his way to the Tree House.

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