Winter seemed reluctant to release its hold. The cold seeped into my bones like icy fingers and I shivered against a bitter wind that pulled me this way and that. I longed for the gentle days of summer, for the ground to turn soft beneath my feet.
When I was a safe enough distance from the village I allowed what little strength I had left to cloak me in the radiance of a forgotten sun. It was an illusion, but one my body responded to in earnest.
The life I carried stirred inside me, impatient to be free of his binds. I ran a hand soothingly over my stomach and willed him to be still, just for a little while longer.
He could hear my thoughts, I know he could. But he wasnโt yet mature enough to communicate his, not clearly. I got a series of images, memories of a time I didnโt belong to. Still I understood his need. It was the reason I had ventured out alone, away from a community that feared us and wanted only to be rid of him and all he represented.
When I saw the cabin appear in the clearing, at first I thought it another illusion. One brought on by my desperation.
The moment I saw the wolf I knew it was him and my heart quivered, for him, for our child, for all of us.
Joel transformed then, though it was forbidden. His eyes gleamed with a knowledge I could never possess. It hurt just to look at him.
โIf they find you here, theyโll kill you,โ I whispered, unable to move towards him because I feared that weakness.
โYou think Iโd allow you to go through this alone?โ His voice thundered around us, as deep and raw as the emotions rippling through me.
โIโve studied well. Iโm prepared.โ I took a step forward, only then noticing the scar on his arm. โWhat have you done?โ I asked, forgetting for a moment, that to be with him was punishable by death.
โThey canโt find me now, Teagan, youโre safe. Let me help you.โ
As though waiting for a sign, our son made his intentions known. The pain robbed me of breath for a moment, the first signs of labour. I had studied this, was prepared for this and soothed him once more.
โItโs time,โ I whispered, trying to calm my beating heart.
Joel was by my side in an instant, lifting me off my feet and carrying me towards the cabin.
โHow?โ I managed, remembering the structure that shouldnโt be, but was.
โItโs Audreyโs power. Her will,โ Joel said, glowing again with a knowledge that he had yet to speak of. โOnce we cross over thereโs no going back. You have to be sure, Tegan. Will you come with me?โ
โWill he be safe?โ
A cloud passed across his face. โIโll always keep him safe.โ
โThen Iโll come with you.โ
His face was very close to mine now, and his eyes, so like the wolf, were hypnotising. โWill you leave everything behind?โ
I knew what he wanted me to say, and I hesitated, too weak to dull all of the pain. It seared through my stomach and made me wince against the growing contractions. I would have to give up my powers, give up everything, for him and the child weโd made together.
โIโm afraid,โ I choked out, and I was. Afraid to hope, to want the life together I thought we could never have.
โIโll keep you safe,โ he said, loosening his grip. But it wasnโt his words that swayed me, it was the love I felt in every fibre of his being. It cocooned me in warmth. It was brighter than any star, stronger than any sun I could conjure.
โYes.โ
We stepped over the threshold and into the kind of room that didnโt belong in a cabin. It had been an illusion after all. It was a doorway, nothing more. Joel had brought us to safety, risked everything to protect his family. For we were a family and had been since the moment Iโd looked into the eyes of his wolf.
As soon as our presence was detected the medical staff rushed forward and guided us to a bed.
By now the pain was intense. I was no longer in my own time and my power had no place here. I was on my own, and would have to rely on what medicines they would allow.
***
Thanks for reading.
Mel
34 responses to “Under a forgotten sun – Speakeasy #157”
Very descriptive and utterly captivating yet again. I just love your style.
Thanks, Callum, your words, and your support mean a lot. I can’t think of a higher compliment than knowing a piece of work captivates you as a reader and a valued comrade.
You’re very welcome. I always find myself immersed in your work. The flow of the language you use creates the perfect amount of intrigue to keep me hooked.
That’s lovely ๐ It seems I’m lost for words! Perhaps I’ve used them all up at camp!
Wow, I mean your stuff is always good, but that opening was incredible and drew me in so much! Great piece ๐
Thanks, Mishka. I was inspired by the lovely sentence starter ๐ I appreciate the comment.
I was sucked in quickly. Great read!
Thank you, that’s lovely to hear. I’m glad you enjoyed it ๐
Very evocative and full of love – it oozes everywhere! I like you style,.Cheerio, Jane
Thanks, Jane, for the comment and the great feedback. I appreciate both ๐
This was a fascinating story! I’d love to read more, how they met, what happens next – anything ๐
๐ Thanks, Janna. I’m so glad you liked it, and I appreciate the comment.
I love the magic and the mystery at work here, the characters seem so real, so believable. Nicely done!
Thank you. I’m glad the characters stood out and that you enjoyed it. I appreciate the comment ๐
This is a compelling read. It seemed like much more than 750 words (in a good way). ๐
Thanks, it was a great opening sentence ๐ It was a challenge to stay within the limit, so I’m glad the story didn’t lose anything in the condensing!
Very nicely done. Plenty of back story for a reader to ponder.
Thanks, I appreciate that. I can’t wait to get my teeth into that back story! ๐
This was so beautifully written! I was captivated by the entire story the way it flowed swiftly and easily from line to line, the way the suspense unfolded, the slight easing of tension as the situation appeared to have become safer… I wish the characters all the best for their new life, I loved what you did here ๐
Thanks so much for your lovely comments. I really appreciate the feedback, and I’m thrilled you enjoyed it. ๐
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A beautiful love story-of a different kind:-)Am curious about the back story and hope you will write more about this:-)
Thank you ๐ I will be writing more, when I can. So don’t be surprised if they pop up in future speakeasy sessions!
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“Cloak me in the radiance of a forgotten sun” – lovely. The language throughout this piece was beautiful.
Thank you so much. What lovely feedback. I’m so glad you enjoyed it ๐
Some nice writing in here.
Thank you ๐
This is fantastic, Melissa! I love the mystery of her world โ and their unborn child. And there’s an intensity about Joel that’s really appealing. Can’t wait to see more of this! ๐
Thanks, Suzanne. I’m really glad you liked it ๐
This was a fantastic story!
Thanks so much ๐ I really appreciate that.
I love the magic of this story! And I kind of have a crush on Joel. ๐
๐ I can’t blame you for that! Thanks for the comment.