Remus wasn’t spared as the instant he ran past Cynric towards Arabella, his father’s firm hand gripped him by the fur of the neck. The boy squeaked while his feet kicked the air.
"Please, don’t hurt him!" Arabella took a step forward, but Silas’ arm rose before her and stopped further distance from being cut between them and the wolf people.
The vampire could only be thankful the attention wasn’t on him as he was sure his expression betrayed him.
For so reason, watching the child’s features twist and his body squirm did not please him in the slightest.
the stinging twinge that took a hold of his entrails at the sight refused to leave him.
"I know he looks all small and mooshy, but make no mistake, your bones would have stood no chance against the speed at which he ran in your direction," Remus comnted, his eyes harsh, focused on his son.
Ayyura who per usual stood not more than ten feet away from Cynric clicked her tongue against her palate before sneering, "Typical human...,"
Her deanor instantly shifted from annoyance to straight up fear when Cynric’s gaze snapped onto her.
Arabella’s hand wrapped around Silas’ arms, her expression firm, "Remus and I have t before. He is aware of the difference between us and knows to hold back when dealing with ," her voice steady, she only blinked when really necessary as she eyed Cynric.
"Well, alright then, if you say so," the Alpha simply released his son whose fra fell to the ground.
He imdiately rose to his feet and ran up to her again and for yet another reason Silas couldn’t fathom, his muscles didn’t harden or prompt him to shield her from him.
Right before colliding, Remus halted in place and then very slowly and cautiously, wrapped his arms around Arabella.
The serious look on his face as he seed to calculate the right amount of pressure to apply around her middle stole the young woman’s heart.
She laughed until content under the astonished azure eyes that looked up at her.
"Let us get over with this then,"
Cynric turned around and after him, followed every pack mber.
Arabella and Silas were next to trail behind them through the forest trees until the great gaping entrance of the caverns beca visible.
Eventually, after careful consideration, Silas determined it was best not to stir things any further and decided not to bring anyone else along, human or otherwise.
Arabella’s hand held Remus’ in hers as her eyes darted all around, taking the ti they hadn’t during her previous "visit" there.
The wolf people were kind enough to accommodate her by holding ignited torches. Those that did walked the closest to her.
"Look who decided to co see us!" Cherreka’s raspy and low voice was easily recognizable, "I didn’t think I’d ever see you again and definitely not this early after your last visit," the old woman put emphasis on the word visit.
"Neither did I," Arabella smiled, not eting Cherreka’s eyes.
"Well, co in! Don’t just stand there," the wolf woman ushered towards the cave.
When first guided through the giant rocky opening in the mountain, Arabella hesitated for a mont, her feet glued in place.
All the faces staring at her, reading each and every move and expression on her did not make the situation any easier.
"Take your ti," Silas stood by her side, "They are not looking at you. They are looking at ," his voice soft and warm, he’d placed a gentle hand on her back.
The young woman took a deep breath, thanking whatever God watched over her that the inside of the caverns were brightened by torches too.
Finally, she crossed the threshold leading inside still gripping Remus’ hand and Silas’ arm.
"So, you claim these caverns aren’t ours," Cherreka half asked, walking before them.
Cynric let her do the talking and moved ahead.
"Technically, the caverns’ walls are what say they don’t belong to you," Arabella remained guarded as though ready to react.
"And why should we trust your word on it?" Ayyura’s voice blared from behind.
"I never said you should," Arabella murmured.
"Soone should teach you to mind your tone," Ayyura retorted.
"Ayyura, darling, if you do not keep your tongue still in your mouth, I’ll learn to stitch those lips of yours,"
Whereas Cynric handled her physical outbursts, Cherreka had the words to keep her in line.
Ayyura huffed and stomped forward, past the three of them.
So tracts were narrow, giving way to larger pockets where a group of wolf people seed to be settled.
Even though a number of caverns were shielded with leather curtains, it only provided a level of visual privacy to whover it concealed.
Living in such conditions was inconceivable to the young woman. Then again, she believed she was too spoiled and should remain grateful for what was given to her.
"That brooch looks good on you," Cherreka spoke again without glancing behind herself.
Arabella’s fingers automatically rose towards the piece of jewelry pinned to her chest.
"Thank you," she mumbled while fondling it between her fingers.
"But do you think it is wise?" the wolf woman added which left Arabella stunned and out of a response.
"Thankfully, it does not concern you," the answer ca from Silas. Calm but sharp, his arm wrapping around Arabella’s shoulder.
"She is a lovely soul. Why shouldn’t I be concerned with her fate?"
Without skipping any beat, Cherreka piped up.
"Of course, I have no say in the matter, but I can still judge," she paused and turned around montarily, "Judging is free,"
"But it can yield consequences," the vampire added, eyes strictly on the old woman.
In reply, a hearty chuckle escaped her. After clearing her throat, more words ca of her, "Pardon , it had been a while since anyone has made ntion of consequences around . It’d certainly do us more good to think of them from ti to ti," her voice had deepened at those utterances.
"I heard that," Cynric chid in from the very front of the line.
"Good," Cherreka hissed.
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