My Wild Beast

Bark crackled beneath the flames, casting shadows that danced like spirits across the room, stretching far and wide. Nova watched, entranced and completely at ease, her stomach full from a meal of fish, berries, and coconut. The world had narrowed to this moment. Everything around her was him. His warmth, his scent, his presence, Yoa was etched beneath her skin, and she had no intention of letting any of it go.

Her back rested against his chest, their bodies wrapped in a shared hide. It wasn’t chilly tonight, but sitting like this was snug and cosy. Her arms ached from archery, and the rest of her body throbbed pleasantly from the self-defence drills Yoa had put her through... and what came after.

They’d been unable to resist each other, there was always tension brewing between them, even now as they rested. But earlier, it sparked between them, like the physical effort of fighting was a catalyst. Between every strike and every touch it grew. Eventually, they’d given in, surrendering to the fire between them just as easily as she now melted against him.

With the night drawing on, Yoa finally told Nova what had been troubling him. Even without the bond sending his emotions through her chest, she could tell something was up from the pinching of his brows whenever his softened gaze wasn’t on hers. The Akhlut had made another appearance and Yoa barely managed to save some children from its attack.

Was that the first victims since the vampiras? Or the only victims Yoa was aware of because he had been present. After discussing his troubles with Nova, he agreed to send a message to Vulcan by using one of his many spies. While Nova finished eating her meal, Yoa left to alert Vulcan about the Akhlut through a green parrot that had been bravely perched nearby.

It wasn’t within Yoa’s territory but close to the border where no animal was foolish enough to stray into.

Although Yoa doubted the Akhlut would cause any problems for the flock, it was best they were aware of the creature lurking around the shores and possibly venturing far into the jungle. It had already proven once it could go further than the beaches and even overpower the vampiras.

Yoa wondered if that was more a power move to prove its strength though. Hunting one of the harpy eagles would be foolish when there were weaker animals nearby that wouldn’t drain its energy nearly as much.

"Do you feel better?" Nova whispered, turning her head to gaze up at her striking man.

Yoa nodded though his brows still arched together. "I do, but I keep wondering why now... Why cause Tayun problems beyond what has always been known about the creature. What is it’s purpose?"