Werewolf

Her voice caught but she continued. “I can’t…I can’t shame their memory again.”

“Damn it Klara,” Randolf said firmly. “You’ve shamed no one! You’ve worked hard to become a great hunter and fighter…!”

“And what good did that do?” Klara demanded. “I was helpless against our enemies and even more so now that this…!” She flung the blanket aside and gripped her shoulder. “…is ruined forever!”

“You don’t know…!”

“Iskra was clear, don’t you dare lie to me!” Klara screamed. “I’m a crippled, worthless wiccan…!”

“Stop it!” Both turned to see Faelan emerging from the second room. “Yes you have battle wounds, it comes with the territory of being part of the wolf pack.” He said firmly. “But we see them as marks of glory, not disfigurement.” Klara blushed heavily.

Iskra stepped forward and said gently, “If we thought you were a danger to our pack, or not worth our time, I would have put you out of your misery.” Randolf stiffened but Iskra didn’t stop. “It would have been a mercy, you know this Randolf.”

When he didn’t reply the younger wolf continued. “Klara, we admire your strength, and I for one am amazed that you’ve not only survived the venom, but have enough strength to argue with our Beta.” Klara looked at Randolf in shock and he rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. Iskra pinched the bridge of her nose and Faelan gulped. “Oh…I-I thought she knew…”

“Faelan, get out.” Randolf ordered. The younger wolf nodded then scurried out, Iskra followed, trying not to laugh. Sighing he said, “I didn’t want you to know yet.”

“All this time…how I’ve been speaking to you…” she covered her mouth.

“This is what I didn’t want.” Randolf took her in his arms and looked at her pleadingly. “I didn’t want you to change. I love you the way you are.” Her eyes widened at his last words.

She had thought she’d imagined him saying it to her. That it was her wishful thinking after he nearly proposed to her. She wanted to say so much, but her rapid heart felt like it was going to burst from her chest. Luckily he knew her so well and smiled brightly then kissed her passionately. Everything would be alright.

************

Klara sighed as she redressed the bandages on her shoulder. Days of treatments and medicines and the wound was as gory as ever. The pain had subsided slightly, but the mobility of her arm was compromised severely. Bathing used to give her peace, but now it was a painful chore. She tried not to let the despair hit her as she gingerly put her arm in a sling. A small cry of pain escaped her though and Randolf rushed over to the riverbed.

“I’m fine.” Klara whispered even as she winced still. Randolf looked at her with sadness and it broke her heart. “Please don’t look at me like that.”

“I can’t help it.” Randolf stepped closer. “You’re in pain and I can’t do anything to help you.” She smiled gently at him.

“You’re here, that’s enough.” He shook his head with a small smile. She tried so hard to make him feel better when she was in so much agony herself. A man cleared his throat and the couple turned to see Faelan approaching.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Slightly better than yesterday.” She said honestly. Faelan chuckled slightly. “Is there something you need?”

“Actually, it’s more about what you need.” Klara looked at Randolf in confusion. He shrugged. “Randolf told me you were a learned young lady, and I know you’ve been feeling lost since…” He stopped, feeling slightly uneasy as Randolf glared at him.

“Since Gerrick bit me.” Klara finished.

“Well, I was an apprentice in philology, and I thought you’d enjoy my collection…” Klara hugged him tightly, stunning him and making him blush.

“Thank you, Faelan!” she cried happily. Turning to Randolf she gave him a sweet kiss. “I love you, Randolf.” Following Faelan closely, she felt happiness coming alive in her heart once again.