The full moon cast a silvery glow over the forest bathing it in an eerie stillness. Xanthe's pulse quickened as she stood at the edge of the clearing, sensing a shift in the air. The familiar sounds of the night - the rustling leaves,the distant howls- were swallowed by the creeping silence. Then the growls low and menacing, echoing from all around.
Lynam appeared beside her,his expectation as hard as he surveyed the dark shadows moving in the trees. From the shadows emerged Vampires stronger and scary unlike any the pack has seen. Tall, cloaked in most with eyes burning like embers, they moved with an unnatural swiftness. Shadows seemed to cling to them and their skeletal hands sharpened to point, reached out hungrily.
Xanthe tightened her grip on her weapon steeling herself. This is a chance she thought. If I can protect them, maybe they'll finally accept me. With a fierce battle cry, Xanthe leapt forward her every move fluid and precise but the creatures relentless. Just when it seemed like the battle would turn against them, Lynam joined her, his strength and speed reveling a side she had never seen before.
Xanthe, he called,his voice raw with emotions. We're in this together. You don't have to do this alone.
For a moment their eyes met and she saw something in him that she hadn't noticed before - a vulnerability, a genuine care. But before she could react, the vampires lunged towards her and she was thrust back into the fight.
As dawn broke,the last of the creature retreated.
The ground was littered with debris from the forest, branches snapped and leaves scattered, a hard ominous wind lingering in the air. Xanthe stood breathless, clutching her side where one of the creatures had slashed her. Blood stained her hand as she pressed down trying to numb the pain.
Xanthe you're hurt! Lynam's voice was thick with worry as he rushed over to her, his hands hovering but unsure of were to touch without causing more pain. I'm fine she muttered though her face was pale and her breathing ragged. She tried to push him away. I just need to get back to the pack.
You're not fine Lynam insisted, his tone sharp and frantic. You'll only get worse if you keep this up. I can help you both....I need to show you something first.
Xanthe blinked, confusion flashing across her face as she looked up at him. What...are you talking about?
I've been hiding something from you. Lynam hesitated searching her eyes his face filled with a mixture of fear and determination. I never wanted to tell you this way but the situation...
The weight of his words settled over her like a heavy dog. Lynam, now isn't the time -
It's the time Xanthe. If I don't do this, you'll die. Please trust me.
With that, he took a deep breath, closed his eyes and began to murmur under his breath words that sounded ancient and powerful.
As he spoke, a faint glow surrounded his hands, illuminating his fingers with a silvery light. Slowly, he pressed his hands against her wound and the pain began to fade, a soothing warmth replacing it.
Xanthe's eyes widened and she gasped feeling the torn skin begin to knit together under his touch. What....how are you.... ?
He stepped back, the glow fading but the look on his face was conflicted. I'm not mainly human Xanthe. I come from a different lineage. For today I'm a witch and that's not ail.
She stared at him the words taking a moment to sink in. Her heartbeat quickened but she couldn't find her voice. This man, her husband had hidden this from her all this time?
I wanted to tell you he continued his voice thick with emotion. But I didn't want to scare you or force you to feel like you had to stay with me because of what I am. I wanted you to....to care for me for who you thought I was. But I couldn't keep this a secret anymore not if it meant losing you.
Xanthe's mind raced but despite the shock she found herself calming, her gaze softening. She realized that everything he had done was in his own way to protect her. Slowly she reached out touching his head.
Lynam....I don't know what to say. But thank you for saving me and for finally trusting me enough to show me who you are.
He looked down at her hand in his, relief mingling with hope. I don't expect you to forgive me Instantly but if there's even a chance that you'll understand, that you'll let me be by your side as we face this....then it's worth the risk
Xanthe squeezed his hand, a new determination settling over her. We'll face this together. But don't ever hide anything from me again.
A small smile broke through his worry. You have my word.