Bound To Cazmus

Chapter Four

Its gaze was filled with malice and anger as it locked eyes with Cazmus, who stood ready for an imminent attack.

However, Cazmus noticed the werewolf's gaze shift to somewhere else, causing its eyes to widen slightly before it let out a piercing howl at the sun.

Chantelle's senses heightened as she heard the haunting howl, and an icy fear gripped her body, freezing her in place.

Her mind raced with concern, she couldn't help but assume it was Orpheus, that he had finally found her, as she turned to look for Amis, only to find him now standing in front of her, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger.

The majestic wolf spared a single glance at Cazmus before darting off in the direction of the others.

Cazmus wasted no time in pursuit, it shook off the powdery snow that clung to its fur.

As they neared Chantelle, the growls became increasingly menacing.

Suddenly, Cazmus sprang at the wolf, and a chaotic struggle ensued.

Time seemed to stand still as Chantelle watched, feeling utterly helpless, until Cazmus finally gained the upper hand, securing a tight hold around the wolf's neck with his powerful claws. And swiftly twisted it, The echoing c***k pierced through the air, and she witnessed the wolf crumple lifelessly. "Brother, are you okay?"

Amis inquired, dashing towards Cazmus.

He pushed the wolf aside and rose to his feet.

Cazmus could feel his blood boiling; dealing with this right after waking up was not ideal.

He felt a bit weak, having not had blood since he emerged from his slumber. He would not resort to feeding on a wolf.

"There's more in the area, Amis. What has Victoria done? And why are there wolves here?"

This was the first time in centuries that a wolf had set foot onto the soil of his kingdom.

The sight of the majestic creatures prowling in his domain stirred up suspicions.

There was no logical explanation for their presence unless they were after something specific.

"I – I mean, she... I..."

Amis stammered out, struggling to find the right words.

He felt the weight of the unspoken truth pressing down on him. Victoria was surprisingly innocent, the wolves' appearances were tied to Chantelle, and that was a secret that he had vowed to protect at any cost.

Chantelle hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Maybe it's because hunting season is approaching. I recall Shazer granting permission for wolves to hunt in this area."

It wasn't entirely untruthful; Shazer had indeed allowed the wolves to hunt, but instead of preying on animals, they had been attacking humans. Unfortunately, Shazer seemed indifferent to the situation and had not taken any measures to address it.

"That damn fool." Cazmus groaned, mounting his horse and pulling his cloak back on.

Shazer was incapable of being a king, not with how selfish he was.

"Brother, you aren't hurt, are you?" Amis asked as they continued on. Rich crimson blood stained Cazmus's skin, emitting a strong odor of both wolf and his own blood.

"I'm fine."

"I can smell your blood-"

"Amis."

Cazmus cut in, dismissing the concern. It was merely a minor scratch; he was not on the verge of death. "I am alright."

Amis was troubled, but he held back his words of worry.

The snow crunched loudly under the horse and Amis's hooves, shattering the silence.

The only other sounds were the faint trembling and clenching of Chantelle's teeth despite her tightly wrapped coat.

Despite her thick coat, Chantelle was teetering on the edge of frostbite. Urgently, she grasped her jacket.

Amis spoke, imploring his brother, "We must set up camp before the sun disappears beyond the horizon."

"Why do you think so?" Cazmus inquired, turning to face her. Amis also shifted his gaze towards her.

"We are traveling with a human; they cannot endure the cold like we can. She's freezing right now."

Cazmus glanced at Chantelle, who had closed her eyes, her bronze skin turning red from the cold. "Help her dismount," Cazmus commanded, halting his horse again. This wasn't going well. There were too many pauses in minutes, and Cazmus was not patient.

Amis carefully lifted Chantelle off his horse and carried her over to Cazmus. He then helped her onto the horse, his robust body providing much-needed warmth. Amis then mounted his horse and rode alongside them.

Cazmus was a man of impressive stature, with broad, powerful shoulders and muscular arms that hinted at his strength.

His imposing build instilled fear in others, serving as a stark reminder of his ability to unleash destruction and chaos upon the kingdom, or even the entire world.

Despite the intimidation he inspired, his presence also commanded the attention and admiration of women.

Amis noticed that Chantelle's quivering had stopped and asked, "Feeling better, Chantelle?" She replied, "Much better, your majesty. Thank you."

Amis then playfully remarked, "Oh, drop the formalities! Chantelle." To which she responded, "I couldn't possibly, your majesty. I want to keep my head attached for the time being," adding a touch of humor, although her words were not entirely in jest.

Amis laughed and said, "I give you permission. We've known each other for years. I think of you as a little sister now."

Chantelle, with a touch of humor, quipped, "Little sister? Humor me, Amis. I am five years older than you." Their playful banter was a testament to their close bond, despite Chantelle's being a more responsible figure in many ways.

As they sat chatting, completely engrossed in their conversation, time seemed to slip by unnoticed. It was only when they looked around and noticed the sun had already dipped below the horizon that they realized how late it had become.

"This spot should do for now. Amis, stay here with Chantelle. I'll go gather some wood," Cazmus instructed as he dismounted his horse and helped Chantelle down. After securing the horse to a nearby tree, he led them to a hidden cave he had found behind a large boulder. Cazmus had carefully inspected the area to ensure it was free of any potential danger, making it a suitable shelter for Chantelle.

"I'll come with you. I can be of some use since I'm here," Amis offered, following closely behind his brother. Meanwhile, Chantelle stood next to Cazmus's horse, feeding the animal some of the carrots he had brought along.

"Stay with Chantelle, Amis. Keep an eye on her," Cazmus insisted. He understood Amis's desire to be helpful, but he couldn't risk his safety in unknown territory.

"I'm not a child anymore, Cazmus. I can take care of myself, and I want to do my part. Please, let me go. I'll be fine, I promise," Amis pleaded, looking at his brother with determination in his eyes.

Cazmus hesitated, then sighed. "Fine. But stay close, and let me know if you need help."

"Of course! I'll be back before you know it!" Amis assured before setting off into the woods. Cazmus sighed again. Stubborn boy.

"My lord," Chantelle called out; Cazmus turned sharply and strode over to her. "What."

"Concerning personal hygiene, I would like to freshen up; I spotted a crystal-clear spring not too far from here. It's within walking distance."

Cazmus could feel a headache beginning to form in his temple. Dealing with such matters was not his preference, but he knew he would have to address it, especially since he would be free of Victoria once they found the Sorcerer's hideout.

"Very well, as you wish," he said begrudgingly, though it would have to wait until Amis returned with the firewood, which, given Amis's capabilities, wouldn't take long.

"I'm back, brother; I had to venture a bit further for the quality wood."

A gust of wind whipped through the air as Amis stood before them, his tousled hair falling over his forehead from the speed at which he had moved.

"Good work, Amis; just place it inside the cave and take Vixen with you."

Amis nodded, "Are you two heading somewhere?"

"The springs, Lord Amis. Would you care to join us?"

"No, it's alright. I'll stay behind. Enjoy yourselves." Amis said, winking at Cazmus in a suggestive manner. Cazmus struck Amis upside the head with his fist. "Get your mind out of the gutter. Go on now."