Ch-8

Chapter 8

He hadn’t noticed how much time had passed as he’d worked to save Klara, but the sunlight peaking in from under his door told him it was late morning. The pounding continued.

“Open the door hermit!” The voice grated his ears. He knew perfectly well who it was without even needing to hear that awful sound. “I know you’re in there!” Knowing they wouldn’t go away until he answered, Randolf quickly dressed and pulled his hair back with twine. He cracked open the door, making sure that no one could look inside, and sneered,

“What do you want?”

“Hello dear,” Gertrude chuckled. Her harsh grey eyes were like daggers. Hard to believe that he once thought this old, manipulative witch was beautiful and loving. Despite having cursed him, she would from time to time try to weasel her way back into his good graces, to what end he didn’t know. She knew he would never have her again. If he could, he’d be rid of her forever, or even live somewhere far away. But it wasn’t within his power to do so.

“I’m looking for my niece.” Though she kept a polite demeanor, knowing her true personality allowed Randolf to see through the facade. Adding in the two hulking body guards behind her also ruined any chance of her looking innocent. Randolph’s blood boiled, imagining these brutes hauling poor Klara back to the Hell she’d escaped. Were they the ones responsible for her injuries?

Randolf shut the door behind him and stood like a barrier between his home and Gertrude.

“Haven’t seen her.” He snarled.

“Really,” Gertrude mused, crossing her arms. “Because we found a tra-.”

“Yes, now leave!” he ordered. Gertrude didn’t flinch. With a dark smile, she whispered,

“Oh come now dear Randolf...” Pressing a hand to his chest she leaned forward. “There’s no need to be so short with me. I know you still...” She whispered in his ear, “...have feelings for me.” Rage fired in his belly and the wolf wanted nothing more than to tear her to shreds. But he had to think of Klara. Instead, he grabbed the older woman’s arms and pushed her back from him.

“Enough witch!” he growled. “I want nothing from you.” Still undeterred, Gertrude smirked.

“Not even a cure to your...predicament?”

“Nothing! Now get off my land!” Randolf roared. Realizing she wasn’t going to get through to him, Gertrude tore away with a gruff of disgust.

“Let’s go boys. I want my niece found.” Once they were out of sight, Randolf went back inside and slammed the bolt shut. He then sighed, massaging his forehead as he thought,

“God, what have I gotten myself into? I swore I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice!” Looking up at the sleeping woman on his bed, Randolf somehow knew that there was no going back. She was under his protection now and he found himself caring for her, despite knowing she could turn out just like Gertrude. Though he couldn’t help wondering why the witch would hurt Klara, if she was just as dark.

His thoughts were interrupted by her sudden whimpering. It wasn’t in pain, but from fear of her nightmare. “N-no...please...!” she begged. Her hands clenched in the sheets again as she cried out. Before he realized what he was doing, Randolf lifted her into his embrace then settled in with her on the bed, cradling her against him. Something about her made every protective instinct come to life, as if she was his.

“Shh...it’s alright Klara.” he assured, combing his fingers through her hair. Her body lost its tension and she lay comfortably in his arms. Randolf rested his cheek in her soft hair as he vowed to himself he wouldn't allow any more darkness in this land. That he would give her a fair chance and keep her safe from harm. “It’s alright.”

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

Patreon: patreon.com/ealacrios