UnSeelie Dreams XXI

It called to him with its beauty. Pulled at him with a haunting melody he could not resist. A low rumble growl issued from its hidden position. Standing up, he stretched and kicked dirt onto the fire pit. He checked his belt for the bag and dagger. All was where he left it; he was ready to head out again.

“Hush, beast.” He muttered under his breath to it. The grasses moved as he moved, traveling with him almost like a companion. He didn’t understand why it hadn’t attacked him. Maybe he wasn’t prey. Or it could be it was just curious. He shook his head, perplexed by the situation. His skin crawled in anticipation when he thought about it. There was just something he couldn’t put his finger on.

The song tugged and flowed into his veins, pushing him along. He had to find the source. His head pounded whenever he focused fully on it. He seemed to think clearer when the beast was filling his thoughts.

He had only witnessed the eyes burning into him from a short distance. If this place was normal he would assume it was a wolf but he knew he couldn’t assume anything here.

Lotus fragrance floated along with the music. He stopped hesitating for a moment. The air crackled with electricity and he felt like his skin was being pulled from the bone. It was not a gentle seduction but a demand now. Mesmerized he found himself ankle deep in the water before he realized it. A woman played among the current. She leaned back and dove so gracefully under the waves.

The lake was pristine crystal. Her laughter echoed around him, the song building to a crescendo and he could not move. She swayed toward him, her eyes held him enthralled. She coiled around him slowly. He tried to turn to watch her but was paralyzed in place. She slid a hand down his chest, her touch cold as she came closer to his face.

The voice of the parasite was screaming inside his head. Echidnea! No! Suddenly a black blur raced between them, knocking him to the ground. Water sprayed everywhere and he heard a great growl and screeching as he was pushed aside and fell back onto the bank of the lake.

He crawled backwards but could not look away from the battle. The woman thrashed as the beast had her by the throat. Blood spewed from the gash, her snake like tail coiled and tossed about. It became a blur of blood and water; black fur and fair skin. He wanted to stop it. Shout to the beast to let her go but deep inside he knew the beast had saved his life. Without the enchantment he could see her true form; no longer was she beautiful but pale as death. Her mouth opened to show rows of sharp needle like teeth from black lips and her eyes held malice.

She whipped back to strike at the beast but could not dislodge it. Howls called from behind him and the grass opened up to a pack. Wolves? They quickly jumped in for the kill; dragging her to the ground as they tore at her limbs.

He gagged yet another part of him yearned to answer the call; to join in and sink his teeth into her heart. The beast looked up and he met its eyes only to quickly glance away. He sat stunned by what he had seen there.

What am I becoming? He just wanted to get away but couldn’t move. The bloodlust raged within him yet he denied it. I won’t give in. He couldn’t afford to loose his humanity.