Chapter 13

They had to hurry.

Beca drew the reins, holding Blaze steady as she waited to Jesse to mount. That high pitched wail they had heard in the cave was bone-chilling enough; there was no further need for an explanation and both of them had hastened to get ready. Time was of essence and whilst Jesse prepared their mounts, Beca tried to get dressed. Her legs were still so weak and such an easy chore as getting dressed was difficult. In the end, Jesse had to help. It was a little awkward. He was murmuring apologies as he helped her into her clothes, all the while averting his eyes and Beca was blushing to the roots of her hair as she tried to do up her buttons quickly. He also had to carry her to her horse, hoisting her up onto her saddle and once she was astride, Beca felt more in control. Blaze was trained to respond and on her horse, Beca knew her weak legs were not a disadvantage.

"Here."

Jesse was handing over that short sword she had been practicing with. Beca took it without question and kept the blade loose in its sheath, ready to be drawn. A quick nod to Jesse and they were off with Jesse leading the way.

There was a tense silence, broken only by the soft clip clop of the horses picking their way carefully in the dark. Beca had not gone this far north before. The familiar verdant forest she usually hunt in was long behind her. They were riding on the mountain pass, the trail cutting into the bedrock and fringed with a forest of tall, scraggly trees on either side. It was cold, with the type of chill that cuts to the bone. Not the most hospitable condition to ride in, especially in the dead of the night with only a weak moon to light their way.

That high pitched wail they heard just now rent the air again.

Beca could not quite make out what was making that sound or where it was coming from. It rose and fell like an eerie command and then went silent. Jesse stopped, stilling his horse. In the weak moonlight, Beca could make out the grim line of his jaw. His head was partly turned, like he was carefully listening.

It was altogether too quiet.

Then she heard it.

Soft yelps and guttural barks. They were coming nearer and instinctively, without even hearing that warning shout from Jesse, Beca urged Blaze on. Both horses leapt forward, breaking into a run. Shadow was galloping ahead clearing the way. Beca leaned into Blaze, her eyes trained on Jesse's back. She had to keep up. Riding this fast in the dark, under these conditions, were dangerous but she knew whatever was behind them was even more so.

They rode as hard as they could but whatever chasing them was catching up. Beca had glanced back and thought she saw hounds. Two of the animals were drawing near to her, four-legged creatures running abreast her horse on either side, yapping and barking. When they made it to that break in the forest and the moonlight shone down, Beca realised she was sorely mistaken.

Those were not hounds.

Their bodies were too elongated, too sinuous, ending with a barbed tail. Mangled fur covered their bodies with a row of spikes on their backs. The creatures smelled rank and when one turned its head, howling at Beca, she shuddered at its skeletal looking head, muzzle drawn back into a rictus grin. Its mouth was foaming, long fangs dripping with drool, but the most frightening of all was the dull madness in the creature's eyes.

Beca urged Blaze to sprint faster.

More were coming and Beca saw with dismay how, at least, three of those hounds had caught up with Jesse. He had drawn his sword, slowing Shadow down to hack and slash at those dogs. She could not focus on Jesse and Shadow right now. The monsters were now nipping at Blaze's knees and the mare neighed in distress. One leapt up to attack the horse's neck and Beca had to bank sharply, pulling Blaze to one side for safety. When the other tried the same, without further thought, Beca hit that foul beast hard with pommel of her sword. There was a sharp, satisfying crack and yelp before the dog fell away. She held tightly to the reins and Beca drew her sword, hacking at the creatures as they leapt at her. Blaze seemed to find courage at her mistress' defiance,rearing and stamping on the creatures with her hooves.

Beca was too busy fighting off the attack on her right she didn't see the second wave sneaking up from the back. She felt fangs sinking into her left arm and saw the hound's jaw clamped tight. Beca tried hitting the creatures on the face to let go and then felt herself being pulled backwards. She struggled to keep astride, her legs tried to grip Blaze's flanks. Something else were dropping down from the branches above, directly onto her and she felt hands. Thin, bony fingers sinking, clutching her right arm and her shoulders. She tried to struggle free from those hands. Her hair was pulled hard, yanking her head back and for the first time, Beca saw a feeding creature up close. It was similar to the ones who attacked them at the inn. White lifeless skin stretched too tight over a faintly human looking face with hollowed cheeks and hungry grins.

Some bit of preservation was within her and Beca struggled hard, crying out loud in anger and yanking her right arm free. Her sword had fallen from her hand but she drew her dagger, slashing upwards, meeting bone and flesh. Her sheer terror was fuelling her fight but when one feeder fell away, two seemed to take its place. She fought valiantly but when she was jerked off her horse, Beca fell onto the ground and she felt those bony hands grabbing her and carrying her away into the darkness.

"Beca!"

He saw her fell.

In the midst of cleaving and slashing at those snapping jaws and leaping hounds, Jesse saw Beca was being attacked. He tried to fight his way towards her, his sword moving like a blur. It was a trap. Jesse realised a little too late that it was a trap. Those foul hounds had neatly ran them under the trees. Those feeders were waiting on top, right until they were underneath before dropping onto Beca on her horse. He saw her falling with those feeders swarming over her. A roar erupted from his chest and without a moment's thought, his wolf took over. Jesse jumped clear of his horse and in a blink of an eye, transformed. He furiously attacked back, ripping and breaking through the pack surrounding him. He had to get to Beca but the feeders were too quick. They were already retreating, carrying her struggling back into the dark forest.

They were only after her.

Now that they got hold of her, those dogs and feeders seemed to melt away, leaving the horses and Jesse unscathed. He ripped the last hell hound apart and loped towards the forest, running after Beca. He could find her blindfolded, the colour of her scent like a trail of yellows and red through the dense trees. They were dragging her and she was struggling hard, cursing angrily. There were just too many and Jesse dreaded to think where they were going to do to her.

He sped up.

She was just beyond those trees. He would see her and that band of foul creatures once he cleared the trees when cacophony of dreadful smells, all black and sickly greens exploded within feet from him. Jesse growled out loud, momentarily disorientated. He lost her scent, confused by the sudden onslaught. Those creatures were cunning. They deliberately set off that awful combination of chemicals to throw his off. Once his mind cleared, Jesse saw a ring of feeders, gabbling and laughing, trying to crowd over him. With cold efficiency, he ducked and rolled before leaping forward, taking out each and every one of those foul things. They tasted vile yet their bones crunched up most satisfyingly under his teeth. Jesse spat out the last one and stood still trying to find Beca's scent again.

A roar went up on his right and sudden flicker of fire caught his eye. Jesse was off like an arrow let loose. The trees were dense, tightly packed together, hampering his movement. It was not until he was almost on top of that steep slope that he saw what was before him. The clearing was bright in the gloom. Fires licked up the trunks of trees. Feeders were lying still on the ground, burning into a crisp. And in front it, outlined like a dark shadow against the raging fire, was Beca, with her back to him, standing ramrod straight. Jesse transformed back to his human form, not wanting to startle her.

"Mi'lady," he called out.

Beca did not move nor did she looked like she heard him. He moved slowly toward her. He could see her shoulders heaving like she was panting. Jesse called out to her again, a little louder this time. She seemed to start at his voice and Jesse watched carefully as she slowly turned round to face him. He saw the fear in her eyes first and then slowly, Beca raised both her hands up in front of her. Flames licked and danced from the tip of her fingers up to her forearms. Jesse drew a sharp breath, his eyes jumping to meet hers.

"What is happening to me?" she whispered hoarsely, her eyes dark with fear.

"Mi'lady -" Jesse said, taking one step towards her.

"No!" She took a step back. "Don't come near me!"

"It's fine..." Jesse started, taking another step.

Beca shook her head wildly, stepping back. He just managed to caught her cloak as she turned to flee. As soon as he grabbed that handful of cloth, Jesse jerked her backwards, whirling her around. She hissed back like a cat, trying to struggle free as both his hands caught her on her upper arms. Her forearms were still flaming in between them.

"Let me go!" she spat, tussling against his hold.

"No!" Jesse yelled back, holding her close. The flames on her arms burned against his chest, charring his leather jacket.

"I said LET ME GO!" Beca screamed.

And she burst into flames.

He was unable to tear his eyes away. She was as beautiful as ever. Incandescent. Suspended in a column of flames surrounding her. It was dazzling yet terrifying. He was still holding on to her arm. The fire were burning into his bare hands and Jesse yelled out in pain.

"Let me go," Beca cried out. "I am going to kill you. Please! Let me go."

He should. He would be consumed in these flames if he didn't, but all Jesse could see, all he could think about was that hysterical, frightened look in her eyes. She needed to calm down. Her fear was fuelling the flames and he could help her if she would only calm down.

"No!" Jesse answered back defiantly, tightening his grip on her. "You can kill me but I will never let you go."

Her eyes were darting wildly, like a trapped bird fluttering in a trap.

"Look at me!" Jesse yelled.

His hair was singed. His hands were already blistering. The flames were eating into his flesh.

"Please! Look at me!" Jesse shouted desperately. "Beca," His voice dropped a notch as he stared down at her. "Please."

Beca.

It was the way he said her name. Beca drew a sharp, startled breath. A faint sound like a click of a golden clasp sighed at the back of her mind and her blue eyes met his. Through the dark fear that was overwhelming her, she saw the look in his eyes. And as if starved of air, the fire surrounding her dipped and then, went out like a snuffed flame.

Be kind to her.

Jesse rifled round his pack and closed his hand round the neck of the wine skin. A quick jerk and he pulled the wine skin free. Jesse winced a little uncomfortably, feeling the dull pain on his hand. He had tried his best to treat his burns just now, applying a salve and wrapping them up with strips of the cleanest cloth he could find. He had never been burned with magic fire before and was not quite sure how to best to treat it. The salve would have to do for now. It would be up his healing abilities to do the rest.

Once he had the wine, Jesse picked up the makeshift wrap of leaves containing some berries and nuts he had foraged nearby. She would need something warmer, something more sustaining than this paltry meal but there was no way he would leave her to hunt. Not after what happened last night.

Day had broken now and they were some distance away.

Once the flames went out, Beca had been numbed with shock. He held her pressed against him and for the longest time, they had just stood still in that clearing, him holding her close. He knew they couldn't stay there for long, because who knew what other terrible creatures the O'Cullenains would send to claim her. Once Jesse felt more in control, he had swept her up in his arms and walked slowly back towards where he left their horses. She laid in his arms unresisting, weighing almost nothing.

Shadow and Blaze were unhurt. That handsome stallion seemed to sense his master needed him and was waiting with the mare by his side. Jesse didn't trust Beca to ride on her own and had her ride with him, tucked against his chest. They managed to pick their way through the trail and put some distance before stopping for a rest. They would be safe during the day. Jesse was not too sure how safe they would be later on that night. Their best hope was to put as much distance as possible during daylight.

She was sitting away from him, wrapped in that dark sable, her brown hair tumbling down her back. Slowly, almost hesitantly, Jesse approached. He stood to one side until she turned her face, looking up at him. Jesse carefully swept his eyes over her pale face, noting that numb look was still there.

"I'm sorry for such simple fare," he gravely apologised, placing that green parcel and the wine skin near her. "We don't have much time. Please drink some wine. It will help."

She stared woodenly at what was offered. Jesse hovered uncertainly, wanting to make sure she ate something. Anything. But she made no move. He sat down next to her. Carefully, he undid the bundle of leaves, picked up the juiciest berry and offered it to her.

"Please have something to eat." Jesse pleaded softly.

For the longest time she was silent. He was about to put the berry back when he saw her nodding slowly. Gently, Jesse brought the berry to her mouth, feeding her and he continued to do so until she was done. He offered the wine skin to Beca, urging her to take a sip. Her hands were tucked under her cloak and Beca reached out to take the wine. Her pale hand closed round the neck just over his, and she stopped. Her eyes flicked over his roughly bandaged hand. Jesse saw where her eyes landed and hastily tried to draw his hand back. She dropped the wine, swiftly catching his hand, refusing to let go. The way he winced when she held his hand too tightly did not go unnoticed.

"Sir knight. Your hands -" Beca whispered hoarsely. "Show me both your hands."

He didn't want to but she was staring at him stubbornly, brooking no argument. He could not refuse and with a sigh, Jesse held out his other hand. Beca took it, holding both in hers. She stared down at the rough binding that covered most of his palms but not his fingers.

With infinite gentleness, her fingers caressed and slowly unwrapped the bandages. He was healing but she noted the blisters not quite healed, the rawness of the skin, the slight moistness from the salve. In comparison, her hands were perfect, pale and flawless. Her eyes travelled up his arms, noting the black char on the sleeves and further on the front of his jacket. Beca looked up at him, at his singed brows and hair, at the redness on his cheekbones and forehead where the flame had had probably licked but not burned into him.

"I told you to let go," Beca said. There was a tremor in her voice. "Why didn't you let go?"

"I wouldn't, mi'lady," Jesse replied.

"You could've been killed!"

"You were frightened. I had to help you."

She did not know why those tears sprang to her eyes. Perhaps it was the culmination of what happened over the few days. Perhaps it was the sight of the burns on his hands. Perhaps it was the quiet way he was speaking to her. But those tears were threatening to spill over and Beca hastily rubbed them away with her fingers. She continued to trace those burns with her wet fingers, wishing there was some way she could make it better.

"What is happening to me?" she asked wretchedly.

Answer her truthfully.

"You're coming to your birthright," Jesse replied.

"Amy said the same thing," Beca said, shaking her head in confusion. "It's not making any sense to me."

"What did Lady Amelia told you? Was this before we part ways?"

"Yes. Amy said I am my mother's daughter. That her gifts are mine and I would come to my...my powers," Beca stuttered. She clenched her teeth hard, willing those tears not to fall but it was too much and Beca burst out in frustration.

"I don't understand any of this! Those...things were all over me. I remember being so angry. I wanted them to burn and the next thing I know they were thrown off me and my arms were in flames. I was in flames." She heaved another painful breath and added, a little softer and full of regret. "I nearly killed you."

Jesse bit his lip trying to think how best to explain it. He gazed down at her. Her head was bowed over his hands. She had took his hands in hers again.. He could hear her trying not to cry. Jesse closed his eyes. The unbearable gentleness of her touch was making his head spin and it took several moments for him to marshal his thoughts.

"You know what I am," Jesse said finally.

Her fingers stopped for a second.

"Yes."

"Then you'll know I am not entirely human," Jesse said softly. "Nor are you."

She lifted her eyes to meet his.

"What monster am I then?" Beca spat out bitterly. "Am I like Luke? Am I like those filthy feeders and those foul dogs? Is what why they trying so hard to hunt me down?"

"No, mi'lady. Far from it," Jesse answered. "You're... extremely rare. There are not many of your kind and you have incredible powers. That is why the O'Cullenains wanted you so badly."

"Why is that?" Beca asked. "Why do they wanted me so bad? What do I have?"

"Do you remember your mother?" Jesse suddenly asked.

Beca was slightly taken aback by the question.

"Yes. Why?"

"Can you describe her to me?" he asked.

She was about to object. What did her mother have to do with what they were talking about? And then, she remembered what Amy said. Beca looked down, focusing on Jesse's hands instead. She liked how square and strong his hands looked. His hands were so warm. Comforting, familiar and warm.

"My mother was beautiful," Beca started. "I got my pale skin from her but she had red hair. I remember because I used to sit on her lap, twisting her hair round my fingers. It must have hurt but she never scolded me. She laughed a lot and everywhere she went, it was like the place brightens up whenever she was there."

Beca traced her fingers on Jesse's palms again. His healing abilities must be phenomenal. The burns were almost gone and his palms looked as good as new. The lines on his palms were fascinating and she traced the heart line from the side of his hand to the space between his middle and index finger. She could stare for hours at his hands.

"Was your mother healer?" Jesse asked.

Beca frowned.

"We have physicians at the hold if anyone needs tending. But she always make my hurt better. Every time I have a cut or a scrape, she will kiss it and it will be healed almost instantly Why do you ask?"

Jesse slowly drew his hands away from hers and flexed his fingers, turning his hands over. They were perfectly healed. No blisters or burn in sight.

"In time, with my abilities, my hands would have healed," he said gravely. "But never this fast. Thank you, mi'lady."

"I..I did that?" Beca stuttered, her hands falling to her side.

"Yes. That is one of your powers," he answered. "Tell me more about your mother."

"She seemed to know things before they happened and I swear she can talk to animals. She seems to understand them," Beca continued. A crease came to her brow and she glanced up at their horses who were resting nearby. "That makes sense now. Maybe that's why I can talk to Blaze. And Shadow."

"You can talk to Shadow?" Jesse asked, following her glance.

"Not exactly. I can hear his voice in my head. He has a deep baritone."

"What else?"

"She loved heights. And as long as I can remember, every morning before dawn, she would always bring me up to the highest tower in the hold. She would carry me up there, even when I'm asleep and we faced east to greet the sun as it rose. When the sun rays hit my face -" Beca stopped. A thought seemed to cross her mind and she was silently turning it over in her head.

Jesse saw the contemplative look on her face and gently said,"If it hurts talking about your mother, we can stop, mi'lady."

Beca did not seem to hear him and then, with a dreamy look on her face, she spoke up. "I remember flying."

She always thought those were just dreams. The times when she thought she was flying over the hold, over her father's lands, over the green forest and the winding rivers. Wind in her face, sun on her back. Those were just dreams, right? Dreams she had when she was little, lulled by her mother's sweet songs and stories. Stories and legends of tiny dryads with golden fluttering wings, river nymphs with seaweed dresses, dragons with jewelled scales, beautiful wolves with coats of brown, black and silver and beautiful birds with a plumage of red and gold.

Snatches of images danced in front of Beca's eyes.

Her mother's kind face and her father's loving eyes as they looked down at her. How she held out her fat toddler hands towards them and they laughed.

She saw tapestries behind her mother.

Exquisite needlework she spent hours poring over, marvelling at the intricate design of the birds in the middle, surrounded by flames. Always surrounded by red and gold flames.

Then of course the fire when she was six. A fire that had consumed everything in her mother's room. It was coming back to her now. How her mother had held her so tight before she went to bed. She had wondered why her mother's cheeks were so wet. But her mother still had sang to her and tell her stories until she nodded off to sleep. And that dream she had. The flames that just rose higher and higher. And her mother calmly stepping into the middle, turning round slowly. The flames obscured her mother from view and she had heard a high shriek. And Beca found herself shrieking awake, her nanny already bundling her up in her blankets and taking her out of the burning castle.

Beca opened her eyes.

"A phoenix. My mother was a phoenix."

Jesse nodded slightly, his warm eyes gazing at her.

"Yes, she was," he replied. "And so are you."

AN : Hey. Thank you for all your reviews and PMs. I love them. They are like having pizza and ice-cream without the calories. I'm sorry I've been really bad at answering your lovely reviews. I'll come round to them, I promised. Thank you for still reading. Two more advice from Stacie that Jesse has to follow. Show her how you feel and Be gentle with her. ;)