Werewolf

Randolf couldn’t help but smile a little when the two left the room. Faelan was the perfect wolf to help the princess heal, no one was kinder or more gentle. Klara whimpered in pain while Iskra lifted the bandages and Randolf flinched. Even after much healing, large chunks were missing from where Gerrick’s teeth had ripped through, leaving ugly divots and mangled flesh.

“Foolish fairy,” she growled. “It’s too late now, I can’t do anything to fix the shoulder.” Carefully, Iskra rewrapped the bandages and helped place Klara’s arm in a sling. Klara clutched the blanket around her tightly, trying to hide the disfigurement.

“There must be something.” Randolf pleaded, his voice catching. Iskra shook her head.

“I’m sorry. The fact that I was able to get her through the venom effects is a miracle alone. The fever nearly took her from us.” Randolf raged.

“You told me she was going to be alright, now you tell me I could have lost her?!” Iskra didn’t flinch.

“She is fine. I knew if you saw her struggle with the fever you would have lost your mind, just as you did now. And I wouldn’t have been able to save her.” She smiled slightly. “I’m impressed with your strength Klara. To use that kind of magic and still be alive is…miraculous.”

“Thank you.” Klara muttered. “I…I wish to be alone with Randolf, please.” Iskra nodded then went to check on Carina and Faelan, giving them privacy.

“Don’t worry Liebling,” Randolf whispered gently, holding her close. “We’ll find a way to heal your wounds.” When she said nothing he tilted her chin up to look at him. “What are you thinking?” Tears instantly spilled from her tired eyes.

“I... I betrayed everyone...!” She replied. Randolf shook his head.

“You defeated them Klara..”

“I didn’t listen…I opened the door and…” she sobbed. “Gertrude was able to turn me so easily!” Her body shook with shame. “I remember everything. How…how I hurt you…” she cried in despair. “You begged for me to stop…!”

“Shh…” Randolf held her tightly, letting her release her anguish. “You didn’t hurt me sweetheart, Gertrude did.” She shuddered heavily.

“I killed the prince.” He stiffened and looked at her in horror. “She made me….use the sword. I almost…” She covered her mouth, wanting to retch her stomach. “I almost killed Carina too.”

“I’m sorry sweetheart,” Randolf stroked back her messed hair from her pale face. “I’m so sorry.” The wolf wished he could help her, make her see that it wasn’t even remotely her fault. The despair and defeat she had ate away at him, making him feel he’d failed to protect her.

“Carina will never forgive me.” Klara wept.

“Enough.” Randolf growled. “None of this was your doing. She clearly doesn’t blame you for her brother’s death since she tried to protect you. And neither do I.” He held her close for a long while, whispering sweet nothings to her and combing his claws through her hair.

“I overheard Iskra talking last night, after my fever broke.” She whispered after a while. “Do I…do I belong to Gerrick now?” Randolf stiffened.

“No!” he replied. “Why would you think that?”

“He marked me Randolf, your culture believes that I am his property now.” Tears welled in her eyes and she trembled in fear.

“Listen to me, sweetheart.” He pleaded. “He did mark you physically, but you didn’t turn. If you had then…” he stopped.

“Then what?” Klara asked. “Please tell me.”

“Then you would be loyal to him instinctively. There would have been nothing we could have done for you.” She shivered heavily. “But you didn’t, you’re a free woman.”

“Can…can we go home?” she asked. He kissed her but sighed.

“I’m sorry Klara, but we have to stay here a bit longer. You’re going to need care that only these wolves can provide.”

“I don’t want it.” Klara suddenly became angry and stood up. “I won’t be a burden again, I won’t!” He tried to comfort her but she whirled away. “You don’t understand! My father raised me to be a strong independent woman, not a weak little bird to be taken care of!”