Rise of the Warrior of Everfen

Chapter 83: Shattered

"Erinne," she frowned as she looked up and met Wren's gaze. "You know you're not allowed out without an escort."

She curled her lip at him, "It's been six months, don't you trust me yet?" She demanded. "Where would I go anyways? It's not safe by the border, I would look nothing more than a human woman." Not to mention Anyse was nowhere in sight at the moment, did he honestly believe she'd leave without her?

"What are you doing?"

She heaved a sigh as she continued tightening the straps on Lothar's saddle. She didn't answer, she could have, but she was ever angry at Wren. She remained silent as she continued working and sensed him drawing nearer to her. When his hand touched her arm, she yanked it away. "Do not touch me."

"Where are you going?" His tone was hardening with every word.

"She's going with me, my king." He turned and looked towards Khash as he ventured into the stable. "One of Farswar's men has been given to us for the ride, we won't be long."

She finished setting up Lothar's saddle and turned, putting her back against his side. She could feel it every time he breathed and he curled his neck around so that he could look at her and she patted his nose while watching the king. Wren was still right next to her, so close that his shoulder brushed hers as she turned to speak to Khash, "For what purpose?"

Khash didn't acknowledge the sour tone, his voice was more chipper than he had a right to be, "I recall a young lady who often rode her horse into the woods for peace and pleasure. I thought, after so many months tucked behind the safety of our castle, Erinne would enjoy a ride while I go gather my herbs." He nodded towards her, "She has also been learning with me in the library and can help me find some of the herbs I need."

Wren cut his head sharply to look down at her. His eyes were that green color as they shifted somewhere between blue and gold. She could see the fury in them, whipping out at her. "Simple words, Erinne, too hard to speak?" He demanded. "Could you have not just said you were riding out with Khash? Instead you speak of trust and ignore me."

"I believe my name is Lady Erinne."

"Must you insist on defying me at every turn?"

She lifted her gaze to his, narrowing her eyes as a wave of torment poured through her. He had no idea what he asked to unleash. Defy him? She had nothing left but her defiance. "Must you imprison me?"

"You are not a prisoner here!" He snapped and Khash shrank back. She had nowhere to go, her back was to Lothar, so she kept her chin up, staring at him with the insolence he disdained upon her face.

"You know you're not allowed out without an escort." Erinne tactfully quoted him and his face flushed red before she asked. "I may not be in a barred cage, but this place is my cage. The walls of your castle, you, all of it!"

"Enough!" He cut her off, voice bellowing through the stables. Lothar shied sideways and into the far wall. Other horses whinnied.

She hadn't said this many words to Wren in months unless they were in a meeting with the other advisors and she was doing her job. He stood across from her, panting for breath, and through his parted lips she could see elongated, canid teeth. His eyes weren't the golden color of the beast's yet, but they were stuck somewhere between with that greenish hue. As her eyes dropped back to his transforming teeth, he must've realized what was happening because he drew his hand up over his mouth, his brows furrowing. He looked shocked to the core as he touched his fanged teeth.

His eyes met hers again before he stumbled backwards, throwing his hand out against the stable wall and she saw his arm shaking as he held himself up, as his fingernails turned dark and pierced the wood.