After a few moments, the prowler slid menacingly into view. He paced back and forth for a few heartbeats before steadily drawing closer. While still several feet away from Nev, he abruptly stopped. As he unsheathed his dagger, the red gems that adorned the hilt became clearly visible. The prowler’s intentions also became plainly evident. There would be no enforcer or explosion to distract him this time. Standing silently, the prowler studied Wyatt and Nev thoroughly.
Any doubt Wyatt had that this was the prowler from his nightmares vanished at the sight of that dagger. This was the prowler. He’d been the one that had hurt both his sister and Nev. Now he was here to kill Nev… or worse. Wyatt felt uneasy at the realization and at having the prowler size them up in such a way. He shifted on his feet and stretched slightly. You won’t be hurting either of them again, he thought.
Nev watched the prowler’s approach and analyzed his movements, weapon, and armor meticulously. If he had a weakness, she needed to discover it. The dagger he wielded looked deadly and similar to hers, except for the blade. The blade of Nev’s dagger was truly unique, perhaps giving her an edge.
However, even with her new chainmail shirt, the prowler was much better armored. His black leather shell glistened from the dampness that clung to it, and it seemed to grip his body like a second skin. There were small metal adornments in patches along his chest, shoulders, elbows, knees, and hands. Beyond that, he also wore a dark hood that obscured his eyes. Even with the hood, however, Nev could sense their piercing stare.
Watching the prowler’s movements, Nev felt increasingly uneasy. Despite his average size, he was incredibly intimidating. The prowler stood in a position that made Nev feel like he could leap upon her at any moment. He was definitely human, but he had a primal… almost animal quality about how he moved. It made Nev very uncomfortable.
“Ah, the boy from the apartment. I see my instincts on you were correct, you are quite intriguing. How fascinating to see you here, with her,” the prowler said, sneering at the heiress.
Nev said nothing in response, still painstakingly studying his movements. He was unlike any opponent she had faced. The unfamiliarity making Nev doubt her ability to defeat him.
“So, tell me, boy. How did you keep her hidden from me?” he asked, turning his glare towards the man.
Wyatt felt the prowler push into his mind with a ferocity that was missing in Serenity Falls. He groaned with mild pain as he pushed back. This time, however, Wyatt did not need to be subtle in his resistance. He focused his thoughts on pressing back against the prowler’s intrusion and forcefully ejected him from his mind.
“Nicely done, boy. It seems you have at least some talent,” the prowler said, grinning and staring at the heiress’ companion.
Wyatt smiled at him and replied, “Thanks, so glad you approve. Now if you will kindly stay out of my head, that would be great.”
“Oh, I found what I needed already. Keep the remainder of your paltry thoughts,” the prowler sneered.
Wyatt suddenly felt very uncomfortable as he tried to comprehend what he meant by “found what I needed already.” Wyatt shook his head and cleared his mind of the thought for the moment.
“Well, I suggest some introductions are in order. I am Sagrine, a pleasure to finally meet you face to face,” he stated, smiling.
Nev stared at him, remaining silent. His toothy grin was just barely visible from within the shadows of his hood.
“So, you have found yourself a Tink and a somewhat talented one at that. Good job getting him to fall in love with you. Love and blood are, by far, the best ways to ensure someone’s loyalty. I wonder though… does he know what you are yet? Do you?” the prowler asked, pointing at her still glowing amulet and taking a deliberately slow step towards the heiress.
Nev wanted to yell back at him to shut up, but she resisted, knowing he was simply trying to rattle her. She was not going to provide him that satisfaction.
Wyatt felt a spark of fury begin to grow, as his recently shared feelings for Nev became a toy to the prowler. “Don’t tell him anything,” Wyatt whispered angrily.
“Now, now. That is terribly unfriendly advice to give to the woman you claim to love, Wyatt. And I assure you, terribly unnecessary. Now Nev, where were we?” questioned Sagrine with a satisfied tone. He was taking great pleasure in watching their feelings of unease and rage grow before his eyes.
Is that what you stole from my head, our names, and my feelings for her? You deserve to know nothing of her. Oh, but please let that be all you took, thought Wyatt.
Sagrine stepped forward again and examined Nev intently. “Hmm… that sword and shirt. I suppose that means you found what I could not all those years ago. Aren’t you very clever and ever full of surprises? Well, I may know something you still do not. Come closer, and I shall whisper it to you,” he said, smiling and motioning her near.
“There is nothing you know that I want to learn,” Nev declared, sounding defiant.
“Are you truly so certain?” Sagrine inquired, raising his hands in an attempt to appear less menacing. The dagger, however, remained firmly in his grasp and left no doubt as to his true intentions.
Nev immediately replied, “Yes, I’m sure.” She hoped she sounded more convinced than she was. In truth, she was desperate for more answers about her past, but not from him.
Sagrine grinned and said, “Lying? Tsk… tsk. What would your father say? Perhaps it would be the same thing he said when he uttered his last?”
Wyatt could sense Nev’s resolve falter. As her hands began to tremble slightly, he reached out and warmed the air around them and then compressed it. He
