Blake and Stephen
The creature’s first punches landed on Blake’s face in fast procession. It was taking full advantage of Blake’s guard being down.
Blake put his hands up to protect his face as he maneuvered. But his efforts were futile as the creature’s strength sorely overpowered his own.
It took several punches for Blake to realize who was attacking him. His head was ringing, and his face throbbed. Adrenaline pumped through his veins.
It was a natural occurrence in humans. Every creature had a flight or fight response; most monsters, though, did not get the adrenaline boost. They had another mechanism.
Blake wrapped a leg around
ClarissaBlake wrapped an arm around Clarissa and guided her back to their campfire. She snuggled into him, enjoying the contrast of his body heat against the cool night air. “As glad as I am to see you awake, what are you doing out here?” He asked. “It’s dangerous.” She shrugged. “I woke up looking for you.” He gave her a grateful smile and nuzzled the top of her head. Clarissa smiled happily and wrapped an arm around his waist. “Where were you?” She asked as they sat down on her blanket togethe
BlakeAfter seeing Stefan in the woods, Blake realized he didn’t have time to wait. He had to tell Clarissa everything before she found out from someone else. Or something worse happened.He would tell her everything and trust their love to see him through. She deserved him coming clean. She loved him. He could feel it in his bones. It would be alright. That is what he told himself as he began confessing. As they talked, he pulled her into his lap and had to stop himself from checking to see if Stefan was watching. Instead, he accepted that it was probably the case and took devilish delight in it. But the topic of conversation made him feel edgy. He wanted to move ab
ClarissaHe knew! Blake knew where Stefan was the whole time! He allowed Clarissa to worry and fret without a single word.She knew she should be angry. If it were anyone else, she would be furious! But coming from Blake, the deception hurt more than anything else. Stung to her core.‘What is it?’ Mimi asked, sounding sleepy. ‘Your distress awakened me.’Clarissa's only answer was a flood of raging emotions directed at Mimi. While she was upset with Blake, another issue required her immediate attention.Stefan was human. It was the only thing that made sense. Her mother would never have agreed to the marriage if he weren’t.
Blake Looking at the woman he had loved all his life, Blake felt a terrible ache in the center of his chest. She looked so sad and lost, sitting there with Centra. He hadn’t meant to keep secrets and didn't want them. If he could go back and shred them to pieces, he would. He would do anything to ease the pain he had caused. “Clarissa! Can we talk?” He asked, his chest constricting painfully. Centra looked at Clarissa, and she nodded once. Centra got up and strolled toward the water. Blake sat next to Clarissa as she rested on t
StefanWhen Stefan got back to the small campsite, Clarissa was curled up in a tight ball on her blanket, sleeping. Her heavy breathing came in raspy bursts. Centra sat by her side, gently rubbing Clarissa’s back. When Centra saw Stefan, she lifted a quizzical eyebrow and put a finger to her lips, silencing him. He snorted and went over to stir the dying fire without a word. The wood-burning on the fire beckoned welcomingly with a warm, smoky aroma.It had been a long, difficult week for them all, and Clarissa needed the rest before they could continue on the journey of their quest. He had no intention of waking her. Although he was frustrated to see th
Clarissa Clarissa awoke to a bright sun rising on the horizon. The cool air clung to her, bringing the freshness of a new morning. Birds merrily sang in the trees as they flitted from one branch to the next while the morning dew smelled like renewed life. As she sat up and stretched to the sky, minor aches smoothed themselves out. Her head was no longer pounding, and the sharp pain in her face had become a dull nuisance while she slept. She couldn’t help but smile as she watched Stefan sleep. Centra was sleeping on the other side of the fire, looking so peaceful. ‘Good morning,’ Mimi murmu
Stefan Clarissa lay curled on the ground, her head between her hands. The terrified expression on her face stopped Stefan’s breath as he knelt in front of her. Her eyes were open wide as if in shock, but she wasn’t home in them. “Clarissa, what happened?” He asked as he placed a hand on her shoulder. She didn’t respond. As he was lifting her to carry her back to the camp, Centra came up. She looked concerned as she took in Clarissa’s state. “I don’t know. She seemed fine when she left to pick berries. She even smiled.” Stefan grunted, cradling her carefully in his arms.
Stefan Stefan angrily stormed through the irritatingly noisy forest. Even when Blake was not here, he was still messing callously with Clarissa’s vulnerable mind. Stefan did not understand! He grumbled incomprehensible words. How could a woman as strong as she be so easily deceived by that evil cretin’s guile? She was smart, but she still could not see what was right in front of her. Blake had not even bothered to stick around! Stefan angrily ripped berries from the plant, refilling the cup he found lying on the ground. Her constant obsession with the Old King’s hero stung like betrayal. She was his bride, for Celestial’s sake!