FOREVER KNIGHTS: #5 Subjugation of Beasts
Flesh and Blood

She lay facing the wall. Curled away from him in a plain white muslin nightdress. Red hair sweeping over her shoulders and spilled over the edge of the cot to swing issues from the floor.

Acharius knelt on the floor behind her. Fingering long strands of her hair and watching their shine in the firelight. Hand brushing the dipping neckline of her nightgown at her back.

“Your touch is so hot.” She murmured.

“I know.” His voice dropped. Pained at his difference from mortal beings.

I’m not human. Not like you…

“It feels nice.” She said.

What?

You shouldn’t be here. I put you in danger. A tiny voice whispered in his head.

“Lay with me.” Her soft voice broke into his thoughts.

He nearly came undone. “I-”

“Just lay with me Acharius.” She persisted.

He sighed heavily and stood. Staring at the shimmering burgundy hair draping his fingertips. Stunned at the array of colors sparkling through it. Vivid and bright. Sparking with color.

“I can’t…” He murmured. He slid an arm around her waist and drug her to the edge of the cot, so her back was against his chest. He dropped a head to her shoulder.

“I shouldn’t be here.” He murmured into her shoulder.

She drug her arm from under him so she could run fingers through his long blonde hair. Carefully setting his warrior braids aside so she could sift through its heavy thickness.

In moments, her soft caresses slowed and breathing deepened. She’s asleep.

What a strange night this has proven to be.

“I worry about you.” She murmured blearily. Startling him.

“You shouldn’t worry for me, Chastain. You need never worry over me.”

She reared up at the words. Twisting to face him.

Hissing an indrawn breath, he withdrew his warm embrace. Leaping from the window and hitting the grass at a run. Moving very agilely. Jogging with a long stride. Mist swallowed him as Chastain ran to the window to see.

“I know it’s you!” She called out the window. “You’re no ghost, and you’re no shadow!” She accused vehemently. “You live in those caves. I smelled you as I smell you now in here!”

He winced as he heard Mags and Agatha’s footfalls rushing through the house for Chastain’s room. To see why she’s screaming.

“You’re a flesh and blood man!”

But I’m not human. He winced as he slid through the gate.

“Chastain!” Margaret tossed open the door.

“What are you doing at the window?” Agatha demanded rushing to her to rub her forearms. “You’re freezing!”

“What in the world are you yelling about?” Margaret demanded.

“I saw something.”

“What?” Margaret went to the window and leaned out to look.

“An animal?” Agatha asked.

“Yes. It-it was…” Sighing she blew a breath. “An animal.”

Agatha caught her cheeks and inspected her carefully. “Honey are you ill?”

“Feverish?” Margaret put a hand to her forehead.

“Here. Here, come to bed.” Agatha led her by the arm.

“Aggie I’m okay.”

“Listen to her, Little One.” Margaret urged.

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“Rest.” They insisted. Hugging her tight.

Agatha pulled the coverlet up around her shoulders. “Now you close your eyes and we’ll sit here with you until you fall asleep.” Agatha assured. She tossed her head toward the window and Margaret went to pull the shutters.

The ladies exchanged a long look.

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