Chapter Text
The morning dawned cold and clear, with a crispness on the air that hinted to the end of the autumn season. You had set forth at first light to see a mage within a further settlement many days travel from the coastal home you resided in. Sat aside a dark stallion now, your master guided the beast along the forest-led path. You stationed by its side easily kept pace despite his strong hooves beating against the ice hardened forest floor.
“We are entering the North.” You phrased as an obvious statement when you left the furthered territory you had been to, but the question was evident.
“Does the North frighten you, huntress?” You did not rise to the bait. The chain of his majik did not allow you to lie to him, but you knew better than to show fear in front of your master.
Instead, you focus your attention on the surroundings. The tree line had broken, giving peaks of the ice-capped mountains that lay sleepily in the distance. The air grew colder, as if warning of the dangers that lurked in the fading light. You chose your words carefully.
“I’ve been trained not to fear any land, master.” You replied evenly.
He chuckled, the sound deep and rumbling. “Good.” He said. “Fear will only hinder your abilities. And we are going to need everything you possess where we are heading.”
You don’t press the matter further, but you couldn’t dismiss the rising unease that licked the base of your spine. It was not uncommon for your master to bring you along for quests, but this journey felt particularly different. Chilling even. He was keeping something from you, and although the majik tie between you didn’t extend any obligations of truth to your side, you felt the shifts of anxious energy dancing along the connection like rope in the wind regardless.
See, your master was a sorcerer of Eastern lands. Millennia of knowledge housed itself behind the presentation of a handsome young man. Sharp and slender like a knife, only dark knowing eyes gave away his years. They fixated on the thick forest ahead as thighs wrapped in all things black and militant pressed into the horse’s underbelly. The inky leather that covered his chest bleed down his forearms to the dark leather gloves that squeaked under the pressure of his otherwise low grip on the reigns in his lap. As relaxed as his demeanour suggested, you could not deny the quiet preparation for the mage. At least as far as his wardrobe was concerned.
But it was his cloak that was his crowning glory.
Flowing, thick and soft the sin. It rippled behind like a slice of the night sky from his shoulders, and you couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. The rest of your attire paled in comparison. Your fur line coat was practical, but didn’t have the same flair as your master’s cloak.
A hand shifted and your body reacted promptly, set into motion by his lazy command. You had been trapped within his majik since he saved your life. You scowled, whether at the thought or his gesture, distinguishment did not matter. Your life had already been decided. Saved to become nothing but a plaything in the aftermath of your curse.
Not just for you, it loomed over the world. The moon spirit readying each cycle to cast damned children, and turn them into terrible half creatures. Both man and animal living within one vessel, driving them to merciless instinct. A single soul split between morality and carnal desire.
It was man’s gamble. As your father had put it, when he tucked your family tightly into beds and reminded you never to look out at the sky during a full moon. Thick canvas sheets that covered your farmhouse windows each month a stark threat even your young mind could understand at the time.
They said girls were rarely subjected to the curse, for elders assured they were more connected to the celestial being herself. Almost mercifully, those unfortunate enough to meet her touch were taken in a single nightfall. Bodies laid soulless under the fullest of moons. Returning back to their mother’s arms spread out wide across the stars before they could be lost to the curse that tried to split and feast upon their humanness til all that remained was a shell of beast.
You longed for that to have been your ending instead. Poor family stumbling upon your tiny body resting lifeless out in the fields. They would have seen the silvery scar the lined your throat; the curse’s mark. They would have buried your body there. Watched as life strings forth from it again. Observing from your new position in the constellation. They could look to the sky, seen the new star and know their solemn answer. Rather the waking to the empty cot that you should have been asleep in. Confused by the disappearance of their youngest daughter the night beasts roam freely. You looked to the man on his horse. The moon had not taken you. He had.
You tried to focus on the journey you were so painfully unknowledgeable of but your own bruised fingers burned in memory of how your body ached that night.
How as one edge of the sun dipped along the horizon of your family’s farmland edge.
Being the youngest of too many siblings allowed you to slip too easily from the old farmhouse unnoticed as they bustled around waiting to wash up before rest.
You remember the moon. So large in the sky, it’s all encompassing form caved into your brain like a knife to bark. You couldn’t take your eyes off it as the light stretched to touch each corner of your sight, big bright. Foreboding. You hadn’t noticed your feet were moving until you were in the middle of your field, barley swayed so slightly in the warm breeze of the ends of summer. The moon just rolled further across the inky expanse until you could see the reflection of your own eyes pooling within the light.
It became harder to breathe, lungs consumed by the spreading silver that dripped from the sky straight into your eyes and into your bloodstream. Thickening the veins until your hands and feet tingled spreading up further, the sensation only grew more intense in pain.
Your steps missed a beat of the horse’s pace.
Still, your head could not tilt from the vision before you. Blinding white entered your body and knees hit earth. Goosebumps line your body as you recall the bloody shriek that left your throat. It sounded more animal than human. Your nails gripped dirt, plants flatten as you wither. Body convulsing with a foreign need. Your skin felt too tight for your own bones, as if your organs may spill out of your mouth from the pressure. Yowls and screams released from your burning chest, the tears in your eyes bleed from the ancient light above you.
Your memory of the pain was hazy after that. No recollection of how long you twisted and cried, only breaking from the touch of skin on your forehead. It ripped a growl like scream too big for your own lungs to have produced. Muffled sounds different to the rushing in your ears whipped around you, you’d have thought they were bleeding from the pounding beat of your heart hurdling around your skull.
The hand returned with more pressure forcing your head back to touch the ground. Another steely grip on your shoulder. You barely saw the shadowy figure that loomed across you, blinded in replace of the moon. So bright.
Your shoulders relaxed as you stared. The words of the stranger entered your mind, slivering into its darkest deepest parts like a snake burrowing into the rabbit’s warren. The heavy weight of it set as you slump your body. Exhausted.
Your skin prickles where the phantom touch brushed against your forehead and waves across your eyes. “You will be my familiar.” Is all you can recall came from his mouth.
You jaw gaped as you stared, even as you tread carefully you feel the thread in your mind connecting you to him.
The same thick cloak now settled on his shoulders once draped your neck, preventing you from backing away. He gave you a lopsided smile and the threads pull tighter. You were bound to him for the rest of your days. A small price to pay for your own life, you suppose. You jab the skin of the horse. Muscles flickering, the stallion does not react, just carried on steady. Another wild beast broken into obedience.
The majik thread yanks across your neck again as your master pulls you through the foresting.
As you approached further into northern territory, you could feel the energy shift in the air. Majik cracked and hummed around you, there was only one being in the region powerful enough to create such a presence, the only sign your travel was coming to its climax.
You nodded, keeping your eyes on the path ahead. The North was a dangerous place, filled with all manner of beasts and monstrosity. But you were a huntress, trained under your master’s hand to track and kill any creature that crossed your paths from a single command. You were confident in your abilities, even in the face of the unknown.
Huntress.
Electricity prickled your skin. The name followed you as a sounded manifestation of the curse. Promising the wildness kept beneath your skin at your master’s beckoning.
Silence filled the space between you as the forest finally opened to a market square. The smoke and steam from the many lines of stalls flowed down like thick waterfalls drifting into powdery streams against your feet.
The herbal and greasy scent stuck to your lungs as foods were displayed first to ravenous travellers within the northern settlements.
People lined the paths calling out their goods. All were mortal peasants that traded. Farmers, hunters, merchants, each dressed is thick woven clothes with their kinsfolk colours dyed into the fabric from natural plants. A sea of dark muted palettes against the icy bright of the winter sky was a stark comparison. You huffed through you nose. Irritated already by the assault on your senses. The crowds must have felt your otherworldly aura, either the majik radiating off your master and the cursed wild look you know your eyes held. Or maybe the powerful stallion spooked people to step from your path as your sorcerer easily manuvering towards the mage. A trail of majik leading them to each other.
You followed through the crowded stalls, his piercing eyes drifted to the trees edge enveloping the forest edge rather to the market. As a seasoned hunter himself, he tracked he each weak point a commit them to memory.
As you ventured deeper more stalls entered sight in a never-ending horizon, winding paths between each counter and booth lead to more, you noticed the bustling activity of merchants and travellers alike. The sound of haggling and laughter surrounded, and you felt out of place in the lively atmosphere. Even with your masters staunch attitude adverting gazes from your direction. You couldn't help but feel watched.
Tracking your eyes through the crowds your attention was soon diverted to a man looking straight at you accompanied by a hulking dog. As quickly as you held contact he was gone. You couldn't help but feel drawn to their energy, even as the thread urged you to keep moving, you eyes remained on the once empty space now filled with merchants again.
Strange place indeed.
Finally, you arrived at the mage's tent, it was obvious by the intricate runes and symbols that adorned the seemly thin fabric of the entrance. You knew even the claws of an angry bear could not slice through the protection spells painting in red ink generously around the material.
Your master stepped forward. His hand traced a symbol, muttering incantations under his breath and tent flap opened soundlessly, revealing a dimly lit interior.
As you wandered inside the space, you were immediately hit with the sweet scent of incense and spice. The cheery face of a woman greeted you, her long black hair cascading down her back in waves. She wore a flowing purple robe where small crystals hung from chains around her neck.
"Welcome, travellers," she said, her voice soothing and melodic. "What brings you to my humble abode?
She sat cross-legged on the ground layers of intricate carpet lined beneath, her hands pressed together in a meditative position.
“Business. A time sensitive one at that.” Your master quips as he smoothes detaches his cloak from his back and gracefully sinks to the floor in front of the mage, in a neat mirror of her own position.
Her attention wasn’t on him as he moves however. Instead they settle on your form still stood at the entrance, unsure whether to follow. Her out-worldly pupils expands as she takes you in and you shift under the weight of it, holding her graze she smiles when you don’t break the contact.
“You actually brought the huntress out for winter. How daring.” No innocence was found in her voice despite the youthful glow of her skin. Full tinted lips spread further over sharp pearly whites, as you inclined your head into a polite bow.
Your master shifted again bringing her attention to slowly slide from your form back to him.
“An unfortunate circumstance.” He huffed.
“Now that’s not the way to speak to your elder, Chan. Seems you lose your manners while being hunted by the courtsmen.”
His lips quipped in a pained smirk. “So you are aware.”
“Of course. My domain brings people far and wide. News of that calibre spreads like ink in water.”
“Then you must have sympathy’s for what I am so abruptly to propose.” She hums. “Take the huntress as your familiar for the winter. She will serve you while I diffuse the tension.”
Honestly you are shocked, but quickly school your features. The mage’s knowing eyes shine in mirth.
“To not even forewarn her. Tch. You do know how to make a woman stressed.”
He ignored the remark and pressed on. “You are the only one that can handle the spell outside of the court. Rest assured it is only temporary. And you will be graciously repaid for the generosity.”
“We both know there is only one thing I desire, and it cannot be brought in mere currency.”
His graze drops to the protection runes ensnared her fingers and peaking across her neck.
“I have taken into account your own bad fates with the spirits, but her curse from the moon goddess will not bring you any more ill harm. Your majik will simply connect in place of mine. It will not be a soul tie, her powers can’t extend to us so you both be safe. Think of it more as a red string of fate that will lead you back to each other. Her soul craves that, and nothing more.”
Your stoic express swallows the bubbling of tension brewing in your belly at the mention of the curse. You were unsure of his words, the art of majik something the sorcerer kept from you, of course you knew he had to have a better understanding of the spirit realm to cast the spell, but the depths he lamented so casually to the elder as if you were not present quickly burned any apprehension way in place of anger. It had been a part of you for so long, twisting and turning your mind until you hardly recognized yourself. Yet so foreign to you still.
Your master uncurled his legs and rose to his feet, a hand rested on your shoulder. "Do what you must, mage. We will be your loyal servants until the debt is repaid."
The mage smiled, intelligent eyes crinkling at the corners. "Very well. Let us begin."
~
She held out a hand, more twists of protective runes tattoo every curve of her skin, curling around her nails towards the palm of her hand and disappearing up into the pillowy sleeve of her cloak. The sorcerer took it easily in his own, but the rigid grip wasn’t mistaken the moment their fingers intertwined. Tendons and veins project in protest of the majik that passed between them like currents fighting in a rain-torn river. Sparking golden light thrummed between their connected skin. Lighting striking upon the waters rapids.
You felt the fixed feeling of the thread recede for a moment and marvelled at the sensation. You could think clearly, breathe easier, and for the first time in a long time, you felt like.. free.
Then as fast as it rushed in, the euphoria ebbed away. Familiar weight in your mind as the threads stitched back into place. The rolling tides receding back into calm deep water but it fills you with nothing but emptiness.
Your master placed a hand on your shoulder as he released the mages hand, his grip tightening in warning. You knew what he was trying to say without words. Be careful. Do not let her use you for her own gain.
But it was done. The thread of majik connecting you to the mage had been woven, and you were bound to her for the rest of the winter.
'I'm surprised you want to hide her in the North, this is wildling country after all.” The mage's voice broke the silence as she glanced at you again. You were annoyed by the amusement that dripped from her threads. You were not some small toy to be poked and played with.
"She can handle herself," Your master replied, his tone laced with warning. "I believe your people have also passed along the stories. Rest assured they are true."
The mage chuckled, the threads weighted oily and thick with her tone. "No need to be so defensive, my dear. I meant no offense. I am well aware of the huntress's..reputation."
A beat passes through the room and that sharp smile never leaves her lips as she shrugged off her comment. "Very well. I suppose we shall see how well she fares in the North. But enough talk. Have you had chance to look around the market?" She slinks to your side. "I know Chan can get in a rush about these things and neglect the glaringly obvious." You shook your head no.
"Wonderful. Then I shall accompany you myself, there's a lot for you to take in and to get used to."
Chan moves to follow you, but she waves him off. "None of that. This is a ladies conversation. Relax and have a drink here before your journey back." She motions to the array of glass and bottle along wooden tabletops.
She was pressed to your rib-side, ringed fingers taking yours. “Come there's much to see and discuss.” You throw one last look at the sorcerer before the mage pulled you away, now unaware of his emotions without the thread. He gives a soft nod and smile before the tent closes behind your face.
As you walked through the bustling marketplace, the mage’s arm hooked around your bicep, you couldn't help but feel a rekindled sense of unease. The mage's grip on your arm was tight, almost possessive, and her eyes seemed to scan the crowd for any potential threats.
But as you walked you noticed that people seemed to part in the mage's wake, giving her a respectful nod or bow as she passed. It was clear that she held a certain level of power and authority that demanded respect.
“They seem afraid.” You voiced as another merchant shakes under the mage’s eyes on his stall. “Fear keeps order and evil in check. This market is a haven within the north and I intend to keep it that way.”
“Have you always looked after it?
She smiled. “Since before the books could even record it.” She relaxed her vice like grip on you to turn towards a display of colourful stones before she continues.
“This land was once rolling fields, did you know? Not too long ago” She stared dreamily into a smooth gemstone on the stalls countertop, but eyes were distance in reminiscence turning the gem for closer inspection. “I was a guardian of the court’s horses. Still am. Among other things.” She drops the gem and it thuds as she withdraws from the stall. You pace a step behind her wordlessly.
“We have so few here now the court can’t make peace with each other. Beautiful aren’t they.” She guestures in passing to the towering clydesdales resting in the shadows of a stall. Their giant heads rearing down to graze the minimal grass along the icy ground.
“Kaida and Bai. They are the only ones left the court hasn’t taken yet. Not particularly war horses, they are too smart to be loyal to that ring of narcissistic idiots.” Her voice was laced with something dark but her touch was gentle as she stroked one of the horse’s noses. It lifts its hulking skull further into her palm like a happy dog and she smiles. Tension passing her face at the affection before settling on a frown. “They once had miles to run. But the conflicts displeased the spirits, so the forest took it from us.”
She glanced to make sure you were paying attention but before you could move to ask more, she was already walking again.
You notice her pace felt frantic and jittery as she led you to a small tent near the edge of the market. It was unremarkable, with arrays of brown fabrics and blankets.
The mage perused the wares, her eyes flicking over each item with an ever critical eye before moving on.
Feeling her leave your side, you couldn't help staying. Your rampant attention on the blankets grounded your feet to a halt in front of the stall. Slowly taking a calloused finger to the gentle fabrics you felt delicate, carefully handwoven softness under your touch. You stroked soothingly in awe.
The mage seemed to sense your fascination and returned, smiled indulgently. "Yes, it is quite impressive, isn't it? But be careful not to be swayed by every attractive object you see. Some things are not what they first seem.”
“I tend to trust my senses" you throw out casually but she straightens. Throwing her hair back past slender shoulders, a new hardened look sets her face. "That is why I am putting my trust in you."
Confusion must flood your features as she continues. “You see, my huntress. I have a task for you. A task that requires trust and discretion.”
She takes your arm in hers, voice short as she draws closer to you in a whisper. “There is a way to break all spells and curses placed on a mortal soul. The venom of a wildling fang, it is powerful enough to break binds even the one that chains you to your master."
You look sceptical and she pulls a necklace buried deep in her cloak, the pendant still clutched tightly to her chest in secret, you make of the shape of a sharpened tooth. Hallow and terrifying. A fang like no animal you’ve seen from before. "Bring me one and I will grant you freedom in return."
Your heart skipped a beat. The forest this far north alone was dangerous, and not something you were sure you were capable of, but the mage's gaze was intense, the thread pulls so tight in the her urgency you feel like choking. You swallow thickly, and grunt out. "I didn't know the tales of wildlings were even truly real. That no one can survive the curse.”
She looked you up and down. Obvious that your own existence defined your better judgement. But your masters interjection make you the abnormality, right? “They walk amongst us as men, huntress. Do not be deceived."
Eyes were on you. Not just the mage’s piecing gaze as she slips the fang back into the safe place against her heart. Your eyes instinctively flick towards a man. The same figure that watched as you first approached through the market, but his back was facing you.
You lower your gaze and large glowing yellow eyes and razor white teeth stared you down. Its tall ears pointed and flicked under your attention.
It was not a dog - it was a wolf. Your body tenses. Wiry grey fur bristled along its spine, and it stared at you intently. You felt a chill run down your spine and sweat building on your brow, and quickly turned away. “You truly promise to free me?" You voice breathless to even your own ears.
The mage nodded solemnly. "I swear it on the moon herself".
You considered it. That short feeling when the majik weakened like a break in the waves, you felt free, you missed it. Craved it. Desperately want to free even if it certainly kills you.
You take a deep breath, steeling yourself for the task ahead. "I will do it." The mage smiled; satisfaction evident in her eyes.
"Good"
She lifts her hand out and the same beastly horse’s heavy hooves beat towards her side. She hands the reigns to you, urging you to mount aside it.
'There's not much time. Go now, I will send away your master. You have till spring's beginning when he returns to bring me a fang and ensure your freedom."
Her voice drops to a low whisper, "And there are those who would try to harm you. So be careful, my huntress. Trust your instincts, but do not let your guard down."
If her tone sent shivers down your spine you don’t show it, you realize just how dangerous this market can be.
The mage's hand tightens on your arm, and she tilts you closer before you could jump onto the horse. "But do not worry. I will protect you. You are my familiar now, and I will not let any harm come to you."
Her words aired reassurance as you gripped the reign. You had just met this woman, and yet you were bound to her. The red string of fate. You swallow.
There was no turning back now. You had made your choice. Swinging your leg over you rest against the horse. "Good luck huntress." She sings.
You nod and pull your horse into a trot the other way of the tent and direction you had come from, turning further north into the woods knowing that was your best chance to begin tracking. The thread around your neck slacken as you canter away, growing distance between yourself and the markets. Until you were even much alone in the thick forest.
The tree grew so dense as you quickly and silently slip away, you had to bend your neck to avoid girthy snarled branches. The was no path this far so you let your instincts and sounds of the forest guide you through the thicket.
Your heart races as you ride deeper in, the woods soon let up and you gained speed. Enough room between trees for the horse’s legs to stretch out into a thundering stride. The wind whips through your hair, and you feel renewed life in your system for the first time in a long while. But the excitement is short-lived as you realize the gravity of the task ahead of you.
You need to find a wildling, kill it, and extract a fang before anyone else can get to it, or to you. And you have no idea where to start.
You pull the horse to a halt and catch your breath. Your eyes scan the packed foliage around you, searching for any signs of life.
You hear a rustling in the bushes, and your hand instinctively goes to the hilt of your hunting knife. But it was only a small rabbit, scurrying away into the undergrowth.
You let out a sigh, realizing that you need to focus if you're going to succeed in this task.
You begin to move again, your senses on high alert.
Every crunch of a twig underfoot, every rustle of leaves, left you on edge. You rode cautiously, your hand never far from your knife.
~
The hours pass, and the sun had long since dipped below the horizon. Exhausted you decided to settle in for the rest of the night.
Dismounting, you tied the horse to a solid oak tree that faced a small clearing.
Hopefully easier to spot anything creeping up on you that in the thick forest. As you collect and build a small fire you keep your gaze towards the forest’s edge. It is not the first time you had hunted on your own but never this far, the fabled creatures that resided here did not let you underestimate the danger.
With the modest fire made. You sat back, shoulders cut into the tree you rested against. The stars were full as you gazed up to the glowing moon and huffed. It was deep into the night and you had yet to find sleep, instead you took to mindlessly carving thoughtless shapes into the stray wood you had collected with your hunting knife. Shadows shifted in your corner vision, and your heart flew to your mouth. Just the beady eye of your horse stared back in indignation.
Irritation cut you deeper than the prickled bark against your back, knife twirling again as you took in the creature before you. "So, are you Kaida or Bai?" You threw out into the night, and large eyes just watched unblinking. Air blew from your nose. “You look more like a Robert anyway.” And you threw the branch away, energy truly seeped.
Maybe you were going crazy. You looked to the moon again before easing back, slowly drifting into a light rest.
But the woods were quiet. Too quiet, and you felt exposed. You tried to ignore the feeling of vulnerability and continue sleeping but your mind was on high alert.
You opened your eyes and nothing changed, you had slept for mere minutes by the still blackened surroundings. You stood to stretch your legs. Moving back into the forest to survey the area and appease your growing agitation.
Finally, you notice broken branches, disturbed undergrowth and the faint smell of animal musk. As you follow the trail, treading carefully in silence, you came across another more open clearing.
In its centre stood a colossal tree, the huge trunk ugly, gnarly and twisted.
And there, in its deformed branches, sat a creature. A wildling? You question as you move in closer for a better look, fluidly reaching your bow and arrow from your back, feeling the weight of the weapon in your hands.
You breathe deeply to steady yourself, and take aim. The creature was humanoid in shape, but covered in clumps a thick furs, with exposed dagger-like claws that gleamed in the moonlight. No. Not a wildling. You breathe. Slowly retreating back into the bushes without its notice.
Just as you creeped into the forests shadows a branch snapped under your foot and the creature whipped its head to your direction. It stared directly into your eyes.
Your fingers take aim again.
The animal moves swiftly in response, dropping heavily onto the earth in a painful launch from its branch. As it charges towards you, you tighten the bowstring. You release the arrow and it cuts through the air, striking the thing deep into its shoulder. It lets out a ravenged grow but continues its charge undeterred.
You quickly draw your hunting knife, readying yourself for the approaching fight.
The creature lunges forward, sharp claws aiming for your throat. You twist to the side, avoiding the attack. With practised precision, you strike the creature with your knife, aimed for its flank. The beast howled in agony but continues swiping its stabbing claws with unrelenting ferocity.
You feel your strength wane as you dodged attack after attack. But you know there wasn’t room for error. You manage to land a fierce kick to one of the creature’s leg, unbalancing it for a moment and take advantage of the weakness. Plunging your knife into its chest. The creature lets out a final, pitiful gasp. And you breathe a shaky sigh. Studying the foreign animal for a surreal moment before you rise to your feet and start your trek back to your little campsite.
As the clearing entered sight another terrible growl pierced through out the night. You turned quickly barely missing the claws that came to strike your arm. The creature was back, but there was now three you register as you dodged the lunge, falling to the ground you reached for your knife again.
Your heart raced as you face off against the creatures. They circled around you, their eyes glowed in the darkness as they hissed. This was not a fight you wanted to have, but you had no choice. You needed a way out.
You took a deep breath and steadied yourself, waiting for the right moment to strike. The creatures moved in closer, and you took a step back, keeping your knife poised against your thigh.
As one of the creatures jumped forward, its claws stretched towards at your chest, you sidestepped its attack, and quickly slash at its exposed back. Cries of in pain rang out and it staggered back, giving you a moment to catch your breath.
The other creatures took advantage of the distraction and swung for your throat. You barely managed to dodge, feeling its razor-sharp claws graze your skin. You turn, lashing out with your knife, and manage to land a hit on its neck, falling away it a heavy pile.
The third howls in anger as its rushes towards you. The sound was also attracting more you realise. Fresh eyes glinter in the darkness as haunting copies entered. You were outnumbered. You throw the creature off of you, but not before it tears into your arms as you rip it from your flesh.
Pain shot through your being, but you ignored it, focusing all your attention on the growing horde. You strike out with your knife, aiming for one’s head. You manage to land a solid blow and turned to escape.
You sprinted towards your horse, barely you managed to cut the tie before the things were on you again.
You scream as knives tear into the skin of your arms and back, helplessly they surround you more.
Your horse squealed and reared back as one bites into him. Terror burned you as you watched them pile and force the horse down onto its side.
Kicking and clawing them off you as their teeth try to sink and restrain you too, you make it to your feet and you hurdled into a sprint. The curse made you faster than men, but as your bloody arms swayed helplessly at your side, they were gaining on you, You tried to grab your knife but a creature tore into your exposed hand, gritting teeth you rip away the meat of your palm from its jaws. Adrenaline pumped your legs as you wove through the trees.
~
Breathless, you didn’t stop. Putting as much distance between yourself and the snarling pack, your heart thundered in your chest. You felt blood pooling down your chest and arms, a gruesome mix of theirs and your own but you know you couldn’t stop know.
The sounds faded as you pressed on. Breath ragged as your body stared to give out and you slowed to a walking pace. Your eyes scan the darkness for any signs of the creatures but silence ascended the forest floor again.
Your eyes drift to the bloody mess of your limbs and sighed. You were not going to survive even a single night at this rate, and you started to question if the mage had purposeful sent you on a death quest.
Tilting your head up, you finally feel their presence. This time it was not one of the creatures, but one you recognise by now. And just as terrifying.
“You should help damsel in distress, rather than watch her bleed out.” You call, not wanting to reveal the weakness in your voice.
A chuckle rang out and you looked up to the sound. And there among the trees, stood a man. He was covered in the same furs, now with a bow and satchel slung across his back. The same man from the market you tense and unsurprisingly the wolf emerged by his side again. It stared at you.
“We wouldn’t let you die, sweetheart. So don’t worry about that.” You backed up cautiously. “Not that you need the protection. Taking on the halazias is impressive. A grown man couldn’t face one. Too bad they feed by the dozens.”
You grit your teeth. “You’ve been watching me. Stalking. This whole time.”
He regards you quizzically. You couldn’t help notice he was handsome save for the almost pitiful look you held for you in his bright eyes. “It wasn’t our initial intention, seems you’ve been naive about the gravity of your situation.”
Your eyes narrow in challenge. “I am searching for the wildlings.” He hums in approval.
“And congratulations, you have found them.” Gesturing to himself and the wolf. You faltered, knees weakened in pain and disbelief. People didn’t not survive the curse. Your thoughts cursed. Those that did couldn’t even be considered alive, twisted monsters trapped in an ugly purgatory between beast and man. The figure in front of you was starkly human.
“It’s fate.”
You trailed back, feet stumbling under his unyielding gaze. You didn’t know why you felt so weak looking into them but you held your ground and you bite out. “You’re deranged.”
He sways towards you, his solid form moved with the deadly grace of a predator, until you were an arms length from each other, even from this distance you had to look up to met his gaze. He was big. You let yourself flinch as he lifted an arm, but he doesn’t go to touch you. Instead, he pulled down the collar of his buckskin shirt, revealing the tan length of his neck. The silvery scar that matched your own glared back at you.
Inhalation caught your throat and a soft smile slipped across his lips. He reached that hand towards you, and you slapped it away, causing him to step back.
Your mind drowns from the information. Exhausted, hungry and in pain you lash out the only thing your brain can conclude. “Liar.”
The man considers you for a moment head tilting slightly like a dog that had found something amusing.
“Oh really? Wooyoung, prove her wrong.” The wolf hunched into an unnatural shape without a second word. Curving in a way that made you want to shut your eyes nauseously. The sounds of bones cracking and muscle reforming drowned your ears but you can’t look away as the wolf morphed further into a very real, very naked man. The same deep yellow eyes remained for a moment before darkening into brown, the scar on his neck evident as he tilted his head curiously towards you too. Unfortunately just as dangerously handsome as his companion.
Pretty. A thought that did feel like your own calls and you feel the pull towards them deep with in your chest resurface, leaving you gasping for air. You didn’t feel in control of your own body anymore. The leaves were still withered from the once heavy paws of the man calling out to you and it all just becomes too much. Wordlessly you turned and ran. Sprinting as your fears overtake and come crashing through your chest. Wooyoung doesn't hesitate on giving chase.
He shoved you to the ground, easily pinning you down. Your arms were useless to throw him off as you kick and thrash, biting at the limb holding you down, despite your wild aggression the male doesn't growl or bite in return. Carefully avoiding the deep wounds scattered across your body he pressed his bare chest against yours, covering you.
The weight wasn’t uncomfortable, even as you struggle. Stuttered gulps of air through your nose brought the masculine scent of the man towering above you deeper into your system. And you breathe in heavily, heart slowing.
You’re confused and overwhelmed, unsure what is was your body or the men wanted, only for him to nuzzle your neck and you couldn’t bite back the whine that escaped your throat.
"Don't get too ahead of yourself, Woo. We still have to report this back to the pack." The other warned a-bit amusedly. The weight eased and you didn't realise you missed it until arms wrapped you around you. No. You squirm away but the grip followed you.
"Relax. You're safe now. Sleep." A deep timber tone seeps into your bones and you’re too weak to comply. You heard continued murmurs as unconsciousness drags you under before feeling your body being lifted.