Ch-10

Chapter 10

A week later, as the sun rose high over the Forest, Randolf got dressed quickly and quietly while Klara slept soundly behind him. He had some things to do that day and wanted to get going before Klara woke up. He couldn’t stand leaving her alone for long periods of time especially if he thought she would need him.

She moaned and he turned, thinking she was in pain again. Instead, he was tormented with the sight of her stretching, displaying her voluptuous body. Despite being covered with a sheet and her torso wrapped up in bandages, he knew exactly what she looked like and his animalistic instincts were flaring to life. He clenched his fists and quickly left the house before he made a fool of himself. Before he departed however, he snapped his fingers and a protective spell shimmered around the door. Confident she would be kept safe, Randolf turned to check on his Forest.

Once he made his rounds, Randolf decided to go for a run in his wolf form. He needed to burn off the pent up energy of his feelings. “Damn it!” he swore. “I can’t get her out of my head!” He ran faster, jumping wide gaps between creaks and climbing up trees with ease. “But what can I do? She isn’t strong enough to leave.”

He raced on then changed directions as a strange smell caught his nose. “Even if she was...would I let her?” he wondered. Randolf slowed as he came nearer to the scent, not wanting to give the source a chance to fight. It was a hooded figure, walking alone and quickly through his land. The only thing he could think of was Klara, and though he wished otherwise, he knew then that he could never let her go.

Snarling, he rushed forth and grabbed the man by the cloak, lifting him high in the air. “Who are you and what are you doing on my land?!” he demanded. The hood fell back and a familiar face appeared.

“Ugh, it’s me you dummkopf!” Gerone gritted. “Put me down!”

“Sorry about that.” Randolf sat the man down instantly. “Where have you been?”

“I don’t have time to explain. I need you to do something for me.” Gerone said quickly.

“What is it?” Gerone reached into a pocket in his cloak and drew out a small glass orb with shimmering green magic inside.

“Klara’s magic was stolen from her by Gertrude. I need you to return it to her.” Randolf stepped back and growled viciously.

“You can’t ask this of me! Why can’t you do it?” Gerone glared at the wolf.

“You know perfectly well that I can’t.” He forced the orb into Randolf’s paw. “Put your rash fears aside, and do what’s best for the Forest.” Without another word, he turned and disappeared back down the path he’d come from.

Randolf transformed then sat heavily on a log with a groan. “Damn you Gerone. Putting this decision on me...” The wolf ran his hand through his hair. “What do I do?” he demanded.

Behind him, soft animal footsteps came forth and then a soft voice, “Oh my, talking to yourself Randolf?” Turning, Randolf smiled at a beautiful female deer.

“Good afternoon, Princess Carina.” The deer shimmered before morphing into a beautiful gorgeous fairy with orange butterfly wings. She was a petite creature with beautiful emerald eyes and golden hair that flowed all the way down her back. Her body was covered in a nearly transparent gown that shimmered with every movement. “Your transformations have improved immensely.” Randolf praised. The fairy giggled.

“Thank you! I heard you were having trouble.” She sat down beside him, still smiling brightly. Randolf sighed.

“You know about Klara...?” he asked.

“The wiccan you care for?” Carina replied.

“The wiccan I’m caring for, yes.” Randolf corrected.

“Of course, of course.”

“Her magic was taken from her...and I have to choose whether or not to give it back to her.” Carina shook her head slowly.

“The answer is simple, my friend. The choice isn’t yours. The magic belongs to her.” When Randolf didn’t reply she touched his arm. “I know you fear a repeat of the past. But I can sense the purity in her magic and I know she will be a perfect fit.”

Randolf smiled at her, knowing she was right. “Thank you, Princess.” Bidding farewell, Randolf made his way back to his house. As he walked, he thought about what the princess had said. She was right, he had to let Klara make her own choices. If Carina was right about the magic as well, maybe he and Klara could be together.

Randolf suddenly halted, frozen in place. He stared for a moment in disbelief. The door of his house was wide open, the spell gone. He ran forth, bursting through and yelling,

“Klara!” The fire was dead and the house was cold. No one was in sight. On the bed was a note. Hoping it was from Klara, Randolf snatched it up and read it. His heart stopped dead before his anger filled him with fire. “Son of a bitch!” he roared, crunching up the letter. Without hesitation, he darted back out into the Forest, praying he wasn’t too late.

Author: Katie (Crios) Editor: Elizabeth (Eala)

Patreon: patreon.com/ealacrios