Wolf-Shifter

Dancing among the Stars 42

That night the funerals took place. Certain doors hung black crepe on the frame to tell others they were in mourning. Salem volunteered to take over Wyvern's Court for a time but the queen insisted that she still do her responsibilities. Salem left it at that, knowing Oliza needed a distraction.

Chu'si's POV

I let the veil of black cover my face, salty tears making tracks down my cheeks. Gazing into the mirror at myself dressed in a black gown and veil, I sighed heavily: "Time to say goodbye…" The image of my father's brave face appeared in the mirror and I turned from the mirror, ashamed.

I made my way to the chapel, glancing at others who walked around me. My family. Sharing a glance with Rose, I bowed her head, hating the reserve in which she hid. What was she thinking right now?

Blending with the crowd, dressed in colors of black and gray, I noticed four men--two avian and two serpiente--entering, carrying one casket draped in black. Choking back a sob, I realized that I had done a terrible, terrible thing coming here.

They set the casket down and joined the crowd of mourners. I saw my father, serene and ashen with his arms crossed over his chest. I buried my head in my hands, unable to watch the funeral continue. I felt so lost, knowing I had to soon take the throne at the age of seventeen and I would carry a very heavy burden with it: Guilt.

A priest stepped forward, murmuring prayers and spreading incense over my father's body, the smoke of the sweet-smelling incense burned my nose. My mind was screaming and my heart weeping. I felt numb. Colors and sound blended in the haze of my tears, blending like the regret in my veins and the tears that were now being shed because of my actions.

I now stood to pray to the gods for the safe passage of my father, the lump in my throat choking me. I could almost hear my father's voice in my head: "You are no more alone then you seem, my child. Keep your mother and cousin close for I must go."

"No..." I whispered, "I'm sorry, father...I'm sorry." I felt my reserve begin to fall and I buried my head in my hands, wishing the body in the casket was my own. I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to face Rose, a sympathetic look in her eyes...If only she knew who caused this.

The blessings were finished and the four men bent to pick up the casket, carrying it on their shoulders to the courtyard.

A large hole and gravestone lay in waiting for the casket. Here, the men took the burden and carefully lowered it into the ground and covered it. I saw the white moonlight wash the stone in an eerie light and gave the courtyard a sense of darkness. From here, I disappeared into the shadow, taking refuge in the darkness.

Taking wyvern form, my anger grew as I neared the wood where I knew Ralon was camped. He was probably warm in his bed by the fire that good-for-nothing, gods-cursed man! I was angry and I would get my answers, if it killed me.

Landing and taking human form, I stormed through the camp and found candlelight in a nearby tent. I forced myself to be calm, "Ralon?" I said all innocence.

He appeared just as I suspected and I walked over to him, swaying my hips seductively, and "I've been looking for you."

He smirked, "I heard about your father...such a tragic loss isn't it?" His eyes dulled in mockery and that's when I had it. He pulled me close and I pushed him away. "Stop it." I ordered.

Ralon raised his hand to cup my cheek and I slapped it away. "Stop it." I said again, stronger this time.

The boa constrictor grabbed my wrist, "You'll do well to respect your elders, girl." His grip was painfully tight and I struggled, eyes wide. Taking a knife from his belt with his other hand and cut my cheek. I winced as the warm blood dripped down into my mouth. Swallowing hard, I spat in his face, finally free from his grip as his let go.

"You killed my father!" I cried, tears streaming down my face. "You killed him!"

"He was in my way of the throne. With him dead, your mother is powerless to stop me." He casually replied.

I ran at him, fists beating his chest and sobs choking me, "You killed him." I kept yelling at him, slapping him, raking my nails against his face. Gods! I was angry, why had he done this? I just wanted to gouge out his eyes and leave him to the maggots!

Enraged, he pinned me down and beat me as I whimpered and tried to stop him. "That'll teach ya to respect me." he cried, his eyes wild. I felt the pain that I had given him and regretted ever getting so angry. Gods, just stop this. Please I beg of you, you've hurt me enough...

Then he dragged me up by the collar and threw me aside. "Go. You sickened me enough, whore!"

Face bruised and bloody I scrambled away, not caring if I was cut by the branches or tripped by the stones.

I just needed to get away from him. Far away.