Page 125 of Haunted

As I tuck, preparing to spring, a faint light glows in Niawen’s body, growing brighter.

I laugh. Now she uses her divine gift. Now she will try to save herself and her child after years of concealing who she is.

My Niawen, forgive me!

I leap into the air, my claws aimed for Niawen’s chest.

The wound will be fatal.

Directly to her heart.

To my heart.

I gasp.

A childlike screech fills the air before a crushing blow slams my feline body into Niawen’s.

Her flesh tears under my paws.

Pain rips across my ribs—the cat’s ribs. My spine cracks in two, or rather the cat’s does.

Releasing the animal, I fall to the floor of my chamber, not really broken but hurting all the same.

Niawen! My tears puddle on the floor. It had to be done.

I gasp. My body convulses with sorrow.

The poor cat took the lashing. I won’t be going back into that beast. At least it is free.

Then I smile.

Ahnalyn attacked me. That final blow came from her.

Her power finally unleashed.

Her dark power.

And it was glorious.

A father can’t help being proud.

80

A few hours later, I wake in my bed from an anguished sleep. I am already haunted by Niawen’s loss.

My body burns with sweat, but not from fever. I swipe at my brow and swallow. My throat aches from dryness, as if I’ve been crying out in my dreams.

I don’t remember them.

My body tenses. A strange sensation of relaxation melts me into my bed linens.

I become… aroused. I pant as waves of pleasure wash over me. My body reacts on its own accord. From what stimulus, I’m not aware. After long minutes of blinding bliss, I expect a release.

It never comes. Gradually my body tightens. My stomach cramps in on itself. My muscles spasm.

Pleasure gives way to pain.

I gasp.

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