UnSeelie Dreams XXIV

“Oh, damn.” He sighed as he broke into a heavy stride then started running in earnest after the pack. The rolling mist was dense and cool against his exposed skin. Howling preceded him and then a rush of electric charged energy sucked him forward. The wolves ran fading in and out as though they were the mist which moved at a dizzying pace.

He had no choice but to keep up. His heart felt like bursting as he struggled to breathe. There was no reprieve just the exhilaration of the now. Fear was overwhelming him as they ran faster until he was swept off the ground. Stumbling along he reached out to keep from falling or being taken down by the wolves.

He tried to locate Lily but the mist fogged his vision. The wind rushed by at a deafening speed popping his eardrums. His head and chest hurt with the exertion.

Suddenly a pulsing pink membrane appeared ahead of them. At first he thought the pack would turn away but tried to scream and fight when he realized they were heading straight for it. As the first lupine hit the thin wall fur and flesh was stripped to the bone. He raised his arms to shield his face as he plowed through. He attempted to scream as it closed around him tightly. The bloody gore was suffocating and he fought against it. Then it tore open and cool air poured over his panting form.

He wiped his face and opened his eyes to see the skeletal remains of the pack standing still, facing away from him. Their hollowed out eyes gleamed from their skulls and he could see their hearts beating within their rib cage. They nosed around a small shivering creature curled in a fetal position. She appeared to be in the beginning stages of a metamorphosis.

He crawled over to her as she lay in shock. Her face was hidden from him but he knew it was Lily. She was bare of fur and human in appearance. Blood covered her bare flesh from head to toe and her muscles twitched painfully. He reached out to touch her but was stopped as Coda snapped at him. The gruesome creature glared menacing at him as guarded its alpha.

Lily whimpered with each seizure and every ripple that ran down her spine. The portal was dangerous and she had to change quickly. She could not afford a moment of weakness. She began to concentrate on her breathing as the transformation took over. The parasites worked their way to the surface and her body bloomed with vivid colors as their wings appeared and tattooed her delicate flesh.

She blinked back tears as her fur returned slowly. Feeling like a new born cub she weakly got to her feet. Coda, her beta, nudged her leg, encouraging her to stand. She had no choice. Lily gathered her strength, her eyes glittered and she sniffed the air. Her stomach growled with hunger and a slow smile grew on her lips.

The hunt was on. She could smell their stench, sense their approach as she licked her lips. She motioned for two wolves to remain with their new charge knowing they would guard him like a pup.

Lily turned to him briefly. “Follow Nika and Dana, they will get you to safety.”

“Where are you going?” He demanded sharply as he stood up.

With a small growl, Lily rushed him, pushing him back almost to the wall. He glared at her as she bared her teeth.

Stop. Look away from her eyes. The voice inside him demanded fiercely. Do not challenge her. He wanted to fight the parasite’s urgency for him to back down to her. She was petite but the memory of the lake came flooding back and he glanced away knowing he would not win this challenge.

Lily stared him down feeling a bit of frustration.