The day moved along without any new developments, the road long and bare. As dusk came they found a spot on the side of the road to camp, and Xael offered to collect wood alongside Ashlin and Reyn.
“I’ll be back soon,” he murmured to Luna, kissing her head, “Save me a spot beside yours to sleep tonight angel.”
The three of them tromped off, waiting until they were well out of hearing distance, and then a few minutes after that before speaking.
“Think she has any clue?” Reyn asked, filling her arms with branches and twigs.
“I sure hope not,” Xael laughed nervously, “Are you still okay to do this Ash?”
She shrugged, “Doesn’t hurt to practise my magic a little. Although I’m still unsure why you want to do it out here…now.”
“He doesn’t want to wait any longer,” Reyn smiled, “Have you seen that woman? I can’t blame Xael. She’s gorgeous.”
“And the forest is her home,” Xael added, “I want her to be as comfortable and relaxed as possible.”
“Romantic suck,” Ash teased, but relaxed her shoulders, “Well if you are going all out on this, let’s make sure to go absolutely…all…out.”
Reyn returned to the group half an hour later, making up an excuse about them running into a few deer and Ash and Xael wanting to hunt down dinner.
“I’m not sure when they’ll be back but at least we will get dinner,” Reyn smiled, dropping down between Jay and Eli, content to be shared by both men, “Does anyone know how to start a fire?”
While she kept them distracted and unaware, Ash and Xael finished up on the final touches, and Xael did a quick dry run through his head to make sure nothing is missing.
“So we are clear on how my magic works,” Ashlin exclaimed, standing with him in the trees, “Once I cast it, there is a certain amount of time before it just evaporates. Depending on the spell, the result can last shorter or longer.”
“I just need a couple hours,” Xael replied, wringing his hands nervously, “I just…need everything to go well.”
“It will,” she promised smiling at him, “Oh my god Xael, she will love it. I sure would.”
“Braxton hasn’t done anything for you?” he teased, raising an eyebrow.
“Mind blowing sex all night is enough for me,” Ash laughed back, “Plus his constant support and attention. What more could a girl ask for?”
They both chuckled before setting off towards the camp. The walk was a quiet one, turning deadly silent as they kept far enough off to keep Luna unaware. When they were in position, Ash gave Xael one more look.
“Ready?”
“Bring it witch.”
~~
Ashlin raced into the camp, practically falling over panting. Everyone was on their feet in seconds.
“We…ran…into…a…beast,” she breathed, leaning on her knees, “But…we…got…away.”
“I thought you were hunting deer?” Reyn asked, looking into the trees, “And where’s Xael?”
“Behind me…” Ashlin’s voice died as she looked behind her, her eyes growing wide, “No…no he was behind me. He told me to run, that he’d keep up!”
Braxton pulled her into his arms, as her head cracked back and forth looking for him, “He was just there.”
“Maybe you two got separated,” Reyn sounded nervous, folding herself into Elijah, “Just pray it doesn’t come this way.”
Suddenly there was a crackling in the distance and a loud yelp that made everyone jump. Silence ensued then an ear splitting scream that made Ashlin’s stomach dropped. Before anyone could react, Luna dashed into the trees, not pausing to look back.
Jay, Braxton, and Elijah bounced forward to run too but Ash and Reyn turned on them quickly, pausing their efforts. They said nothing, holding their hands up and silencing them until they were sure Luna couldn’t hear them.
“It’s a trick,” Ash explained quietly, looking at the three men, “We will explain…”
This thing was massive, and annoying. Ashlin had conjured it so he had something to fight and trick Luna to split from the group and come find him. What he hadn’t been counting on was it fighting him, and putting up a good fight at that. Still, he threw a few punches, got a few knife jabs in, and the beast was down for the count. In the distance he heard her running towards him, and he called out to her.
“Don’t change!” he yelled, “Luna I’m okay!”
She’d still come and check, and find the dead beast to her relief…but no Xael. Quietly he snuck off, knowing she’d follow her nose to find him. He walked a mile than stopped, listening to her get closer.
She called out his name and he responded, stating he was still fine but he had gotten himself stuck.
“Can you come help me? My foot is caught in some damn trap?” he called out, taking more steps back.
He’d continue this game of hide and seek until they reached the destination he’d picked out
Your support makes Blue Moon possible (Patreon)
