ng breathing. As he knelt by Elara's side, his massive shado

s touch unexpectedly tender. Elara woke

am I?" her words

umble softening to something

ha... What happened?" she aske

lenched. "Malak's pack amb

nted, her words t

to the ground stained with blood. "

anything other than the sounds of leaves rustling. Elara brough

words came softly with an

the fear, but also the unbreakable strength in those eyes.

te powerful to save or destroy both ou

ed, her face stunned. "Wh

in ways you can't even imagine, this

as her form changed, which pained her

red, his hoarse voice somehow

ergy. It's frightening and thrilling," s

her, his touch lingering. The heat welled up, this awkwa

you are something greater t

nder. A burning protective instinct arose in him, something deep in his nature that cau

snapped, and

d, his growl more in defence than in m

athed, her eyes flicking to

face was

survival is all that's importa

g for half an instant too long. Between their bodies moving together

rowled, his ears sharp f

sense it

r mouth shaking. "It's a

ds a low rumble. He sensed increasing dange

ds hardly more than a whisper but determinat

hing in me. Something I have not felt in centuries

them have you,

cked her from a chill gust of wind. The u

et them take

smile as she gazed upwards. There was an unexpressed understandin

. His strength and protective nature. It's beyond fear-be

d menace. The sounds of pursuit came closer, creaking boughs, rustling leaves, distant wolves' breathing-a chorus of horror. Lerde

in on us," Lerde

t change to the cacophony of pursuit. He looked over at El

e do?" Ela

a silent rebellion. There unfolded in her chest a heat that c

nch... We run," Lerder snarled

sprinted more quickly, propelling her through. His strength f

sense it," E

on't know if I can hold it in." Her brea

her. His eyes locked with hers, his ex

you, Elara. I'm he

scared her-a deep concern, a fleeting look. He placed his hand over her cheek. Such a tender misplaced care by this giant monstrosity that one tear dropped onto h

n't anymore about survival. This is about protecting her, this wonderful woman who in return

increasing danger, I am secure in his arms. The concern... his protection... Frightening

Elara painted, Elara's golden aura glo

canthropy heightened, his hand guidi

enly, there arose a scream. It wasn't the wolf's howl nor

fear wrapping itself a

a whispered as fear u

his was something new and this would alter everything. Lerder's inner thoughts: 'This changes everything. We are not working with Malak

nside me, a power which is overwhelming as much as it is thrilling. Lerder is all I