The Cloak Of Moonlight

Ch. 9: Sparks

Maze returned to the village in the valley with Rainstorm sometime after midnight, the moon was bright, the sky clear, a cosmos of lights above them. The air was crisp and dew had settled on the limbs of the trees making the new growth sparkle and shine. The stable was empty except for the livestock, the workers had returned home long ago. She lit a lantern and tied Rainstorm to a hitch in the corridor of the barn. She began unsaddling him and brushing him down, cooing to him softly. Studying him and smiling at the way his ears twitched and his eyes glazed over at the sound of her voice. He really is a spectacular horse. Full of potential and life. Once trained with the Alpha on his back it will truly be a sight to behold. She thought running her eyes across his body, she was growing quite fond of him. This horse was one of immaculate blood and breed.

Ariam stormed into the stable, looking angry and annoyed.

“The first day you’re released, you leave the safety of the Village? What is the matter with you?”

“I had an errand the Luna sent me on, Besides why do I have to answer to you?”

“Because it’s my duty to protect you, what would of happened had Cathwulf been waiting to finish the job? Why didn’t you have someone escort you?” Ariam roared angerly, forcing Rainstorm to spook and annoyingly hoof at the ground.

“And who would I take with me? Should I have pulled you out of the ring and left our warriors without their teacher again? Or should I have taken the BronzeClaws’ only healer? How would the Alpha react if I had done that? Besides you’ve been treating me like crap ever since I woke up.” She snapped back at him, snarling.

“Mazicane, I’m worried for you, and I wanted to give you time and space to recover. You should of at least told me where you were going.” Ariam pouted, lowering his head.

“I didn’t really know, All I know is Luna told me to go to a spot and call out for an elf. He’s supposed to forge me a sword.” She soffened her tone. Wait a minute is he submitting to me?

“You could of given me that location, Mazicane I was scared you weren’t coming back.” Ariam said, swallowing back emotion.

“This is my pack, my home, and you’re here. I may leave Ariam, but I will always find my way back”

He gathered her into his arms and pulled her close. He rested one hand on the back of her head, pulling her to his chest and the other on the small of her waist. She inhaled sharply, dropping the brush in her hand from surprise as sparks flew and her stomach rolled with butterflies. Ariam had never been one to show emotion. He was always so cool, collected, and withdrawn. This was the first time he hugged her, or anyone that she could remember. This was the first time she could feel his attachment for her.

She breathed him in deeply. The smell of rain and timber greeted her. That smell, it’s intoxicating. She closed her eyes and laid her head against his chest. She could feel his heartbeat, strong steady, rhythmic. It quickened as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and released a soft exhale, breathing out his name. She felt so safe, so complete in this moment. She felt a stirring inside her, one she had never experienced before.

She pulled away slightly to look up at him, they locked eyes. She could see the apple in his throat bob as he swallowed down the emotion. His blue eyes dark in thought, the light from the lantern dancing in them. His bottom lip tucked slightly under his teeth his perfect eye brows were furrowed ever so slightly. She could gladly live within this moment forever. She reached up to tuck a lock of his dark hair behind his ear and he grabbed her hand. Putting the other gently on her cheek, he slowly, tenderly lowered his head to hers. their eyes half open, breathing in unison.

They were less then an inch apart before Rainstorm blew his nose and stomped at the ground impatiently, breaking their spell. Ariam shook his head and stepped away.

“I guess I should probably finish putting him up” Maze laughed awkwardly, cheeks burning.

Ariam nodded in silence picking up the brush that had fell from her hands and continuing where she left off. She grabbed another and helped.

“I had heard there was an elf nearby, but I always thought it to be a legend.” Ariam stated thoughtfully, trying to fill the silence. Although he failed to fill the empty aching void between them.

“Well he may be a legend, but he’s also very much real.” Maze replied half paying attention and scowling deep in thought. How can he pretend that didn’t happen? Did I read to much into it? Did it happen? Did I imagine it? We were so close, I can still smell his scent lingering in my cloths. It happened. Maybe he didn’t mean it. I wanted to kiss him so bad. I want to kiss him still. It’s unfair, why did he pull back. Oh yeah, Rainstorm.

“Well then perhaps the stories really are true then.” He pondered, avoiding her eyes. He was struggling not to look at her. Fighting for control, if he looked into those eyes again Fenrir might take over. If Fenrir takes over then the voice of reason would fade and he wouldn't be able to hold himself back.

“I’ve never heard them, so I couldn’t ask even if I wanted to. He’s a skilled swordsman, I can vouch for that. He wants to train me in his ways once I return."

“You spared with him? You were just released today!” Ariam yelled, his eyes darkening.

“I know, and he knew, that’s why he mended my flesh.”

“I want you to go see Lovetta.” Ariam stated.

“Tomorrow, it's late and I’m exhausted.” Maze yawned, eyes watering.

“You are truly okay then?”

“Better then I have been for weeks.” she said with a smirk untying Rainstorm and leading him to his stall. The barn hand had already refilled his water and had fresh grain and hay waiting for him. The perks of being in a pack. Back home she would have had to refill his food, hall water, and clean the stall before she could leave.

Ariam walked her to her cabin, he held her arm as he always did. She could swear he held it a little more closely though, and now that she could recognize it she could smell his scent. It taunted her, reminding her just how close their lips were only a short while ago. They small talked along the way. Both caught somewhere between trying not to think about what had almost been and what could almost be.