Free Bound By Blood by C.H. Scarlett Page B

spirits of large cat s living within their souls. They could shift , if A wakened , with true ease. Trynaté was inexperrectus , though , like Samanthŕa and her sisters , so she had not shifted into her own beast yet . Dǒntáe, like most warriors, was not plagued with such limitations.
                  "I do not like rain." Trynaté frowned, pulling the edges of her cloak as if shielding her from unwanted wetness.
                  “It appears to be only electrical. I am sure what is happening now will be the extent of what we will see , ” Dǒntáe assured her , and then focused on Samanthŕa . His long mane hung down his muscular back ; his golden eyes flickered with reflections of the flashing scarlet lights above them. “Of course if you are frightened, Priestess, my beast will carry two.” He flirted while patt ing her horse’s neck.
                  She heard his words , barely , but as always, paid them little attention . She rein ed her beast in a half circle, looking up at the storm swirling above . Her mind raced , trying to sort out her thoughts and presentiments. H er dream ’ s words . . . It is time -- A s torm is coming . . . made her dizzy with anticipation.
                  "I do not like the chill, either." Tryn a t é 's voice snagged Samanthŕa's eyes, as the Theŕéan Vii seemed to be shivering while the wind picked up speed . Her small body tightened , causing her horse to sense and rear slightly . This drew Samanthŕa’s attention to all of the beasts . Were they sensing something she had yet to put her finger on? Could they calm down enough so that she could touch their minds and thoughts? No , they would not .              
                  "Dǒntáe, your eyes continue to fill with a weird longing , " Dezarãe teased for some reason. "Wonder why? Do you know Samanth ŕa?" What were Dezarãe and Sameŕald giggling about now ?
                  "I've no time for riddles, s ister." Samanthŕa hissed. Her senses were grabbing everything from everywhere. Her heart was pounding beneath her chest. Her thoughts were a tornado, unable to touch down on any one place. “Any trouble sneaking away?” Samanthŕa finally said something , annoyed by the snickers and laughing that stirred up too much noise. Her horse moved into the darkness of the forest where Dǒntáe was , beyond her sisters. Despite their games, would a warrior offer a little bit of seriousness during such a sporadic time? "Do your Elders sense your absence? It is important that we go forth unseen."
                  “Not at all,” he admitted , waving his hand above the flame of a torch . He seemed lighthearted as always , but at least focused on her concerns, which was more than she could say for her own sisters . “ Our Elders are not as strict with us as Dĩas seems to be with you. "
                  "Consider yourself lucky , then ." Samanthŕa nearly groaned.
                  " At one time they seemed concerned , " he still spoke of the Theŕéan Elders. "B ut over the last few months not so much. They stay away mostly , which is b etter for us . ” H e winked.
                  She ignored his gestures the same way she ignored Staphãyn's, even if the two males and how they acted around her was as different as night and day. This, itself, gave her enough reason to ignore Dǒntáe. Within their bloodlines, warriors were becoming dangerous to a Vii unclaimed. Never thinking Dǒntáe would ever act as though Dĩas had . . . it was still wise not to give him reason. Not that Samanthŕa truly expected Dǒntáe held such interests.  Still, to be safe . . . .
                  “Your horse looks nervous. " He noted. " Are you sure you don’t wish to ride with me ?” H is offer ing again caus ed Samanthŕa’s sisters to choke a little more . They had to fight back their laughter, squinting, hiding