Lucette’s uncharacteristic aggression was palpable in the close confines of Suwor’s home. The drive to protect her new master was paramount, though she waited, ready on the couch for his wise direction. His words flowed in her brain… Kill him… Kill him… Suwor did not approve of Talen! Lucette’s nose wrinkled as her head lifted to smell the Denval’s soldier’s scent. The Kelvic’s own experiences with the man mattered not, for the song of words played hypnotically in her mind and urged her to do that dark bidding. But before she could act, something forcefully ripped Suwor’s crown from her head, taking with it a small chunk of her soft hair. Lucette cried loudly at the pain and at the suddenness of the broken connection with the old man. Immediately the Kelvic was lost, without direction. Frightened by the immediate aloneness, and immobilized as the magic tendrils of Suwor’s work were pulled from her mind, with the flinging of the crown. Lucette recoiled from the onslaught of sensation, but pain and confusion left her unable to react as Suwor pulled her close. Lucette leaned willingly against him, seeking solace, until she heard his words and the prick at her neck. Oh! He would hurt her! And thought came unbidden - the baby! She wished it safe! But fear rolled across her mind then, so heavily that she yowled, her body unmoving and afraid. Her eyes rolled, showing the whites, helplessly, pathetically Lucette looked upon the others – fear marked them, she could smell theirs as well as her own. Confusion reigned in Lucette’s mind… who was friend and who was foe? Why had Suwor betrayed her? But with the ring pressed against her long neck and Lucette knew the man no longer cared for her… and the crown lay at Siwa’s feet. Understanding was slow to come to the Kelvic. Still the Kelvic couldn’t act - not now… the baby had to be protected. The only way to do that was to remain still. Almost she wanted to cry as her human hand lay upon the protruding belly… she would protect Veldrys baby! If she got free… and the collar upon her neck was released… |