Exton

Inari felt something strange, a sixth sense, a foreboding, something that wasnt right. It was in the stillness of the wind, the silent birds; the paths were quiet too, no comings and goings like there had been the last few days.

When she hears the scream she runs for the lake, whistling for Ky to follow.

As Inari and K'thyri burst from the trees they see the tragedy on the dock. Morgan stands knife raised again to strike. She turns and sees Keon racing up the dock and Ky running from the direction of the trees. Ky leaps to the dock and lands just in time to see Morgan disappear, seemingly into thin air.

Ky races after her, Cloaking spell wont save your ass, I have your scent now, bitch. Ky fades into the trees and Inari hears a long whistle, Ky calling her horse.

Raina is stunned by the sight. “Goddess... no... damn it... we should have stayed... I should have...”

Inari touches Rainas arm, her face is pale, but hate seethes from her eyes. She shakes her head, “We have no time for recriminations. Keon and the baby will need all the help we can offer. Ky has that whore's scent and will track her to hell and back.”

Keon gently turns Cassie. Mera is fine, Cassie had protected her from harm during the attack. But Cassie is pale and still.

Blood starts to come from Cassie's mouth. She tries to cough and is too weak to even manage that. She is fading fast, childbirth, blood loss and the trauma from the attack taking its toll.

Keon strokes back her hair, pressing on the pulse in her neck, brogue thickening with desperation. “Mela, stay here lass, don't be goin'. Help is coming, hold on..”

Her voice barely a whisper, “Ke... I love you... and Mera... forever...”

“Cassie... ye are the Moon of my Night.. Is tú mo ghrá* "

"You... have made me... so happy...."

Keon stays with her trying to stop the blood as her pulse fades. She struggles to breathe at the end and then is quiet. He holds her as she passes, silent tears slipping over the harsh angles of his face. He throws back his head and howls, keening breaking into heart-rending sobs. When he finally lays Cassie down, his eyes take in his baby daughter. She had lain quietly, as if knowing her parents needed each other. Keon picks up his shirt to wrap her in and tenderly picks her up and kisses her cheek.

“Ach, puir lass. Some da I am. I don't even ken how to care for ye? What would yer ma hae wanted?” The thoughts bring the tears again and Keon just holds and rocks his tiny girl. He cant bring himself to leave Cassies body, hoping beyond all reason for some miracle.


* I love you