With Strength and Steel
Copyright© 2012 by Silverwolf691
Chapter 20
When I awoke, never realizing when I'd become unconscious, it was She who led, not me. I cowered in on myself in a small corner of my mind, numb thanks to Her. I knew every word She spoke, every action She made for Us, but I didn't care. Nothing mattered anymore.
"She hides within Us," She told them. "I cannot let Her out until I am certain She won't kill Us. There is great agony, for which our mate will pay. He forgets what We told him when he ran the first time and, when the time comes, We will follow through. But I don't know how to help Her now and I cannot let Her stay buried within Us for long."
"How long can you give us to find a solution?" I knew my father's voice, even in my broken state. I could hear the pain but had nothing left to help him.
"Two more days, no more." Her voice was firm. "By then, I'll have to force Her up or else the sentience will leave Us and We'll become Beast-Lost."
"It means that there is nothing but the animal left inside," my father explained. "It happens when we lose a mate sometimes. They usually have to be killed quickly to prevent them from turning feral."
"But he's not dead." I knew that female voice but shied away from identifying her. That way led to pain and I wanted to stay numb.
"He has rejected Us, which is worse. It would be easier if he were dead because it would be a clean break that We could maybe heal from." She shook Our head and growled. "Instead, he's kept the bond connecting us so damaged that She cannot know what he feels. Then, he gives out little hurts that cut deep and leave Us broken and wounded with the certain knowledge that he no longer cares. It is this that I cannot fix." Our chest rose and fell in a heavy sigh. "She needs a safe place to heal. Here is no good - there is pain for Her when She remembers this place. We cannot go home and we must not be left to Ourselves."
"How about I take you with me?" Nathania asked valiantly. "I can take Her to a place that will hold no memories and may keep Her mind occupied long enough to mend."
"In the Demon Realms? Is that safe? I mean, her Life Force is still vibrant and I doubt she'll be capable of defending herself for some time." His concern was obvious in his voice.