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Nashita Natumie 4- Nothing Lasts Forever

By Alclave Ryu. Shinzui

This story contains adult situations and is not intended for any one under the age of 18. So if your under 18 stop reading. This story and its characters are copyright Alclave Ryuujin Shinzui, please do not redistribute, or use characters without permission.

Questions, comments, and requests are always greatly appreciated at [email protected]

Story info: M/F Buck/Doe/Fox

As time went by Meria's visits became more frequent, sometimes she would even spend the night with him, knowing full well that Eric would never harm her while she held his mate captive. He spent nights laying awake thinking of a way to escape, but Meria made any scenario impossible. Eric shifted trying not to wake Meria who slept to his left. He glanced over at her making sure he did not wake her. Eric looked around the room his eyes stopping on a knife left over from last nights dinner. He tried to force himself to look away, but the more he tried the more something inside him tried to convince him to use it. His gaze shifted from the knife back to Meria. She would be caught completely off guard, and nothing she could do would be able to save her. The temptation was great, but Eric knew if anything happened to Meria the guards would kill Tess without a moments hesitation. Still the thought of being able to end Meria's life made him smile. Eric almost jumped as he was pulled from his day dream, by hands massaging his back.

"Good morning lover boy." Meria said with a smile

Eric only grunted, gritting his teeth.

"Always so grumpy in the morning, but I know how to cure that." She said seductively as she pushed him back into bed laying on top of him, placing her hands on his shoulders. She cooed softly moving her body so that her breasts were in front of Eric's muzzle. Looking down at him she smiled. "You know what I like." Eric felt his gut drop as he brought his muzzle to her breasts, gently sucking the supple nipple. Meria's head rolled back as she moaned "Yes that's it".

She smiled to herself as she brought her right hand to Eric's sheath giving it a slight squeeze. Eric grunted bringing his hands from Meria's hips to her breasts squeezing them firmly, making Meria gasp. Slowly she began to massage Eric's thickening sheath. "Mmmm that's what I want." Meria said as Eric's length pushed its way out of his sheath and into Meria's waiting hand. Eric gasped feeling Meria grasp his hardening member. She smiled down at her captive buck as she began to slowly stroke his hardening member. Licking her lips Meria Released Eric's member and pushed herself off of Eric breaking his grasp on her sensitive nipples. He watched as she positioned herself over his muzzle her sex hovering inches from his nose, the feint smell of hormones clinging to it. Eric inhaled deeply breathing in her musk. He could feel his mind start to slip, and found him self nuzzling her sex with his mouth. Meria moaned as Eric began to slowly lick her folds. Meria grabbed Eric's horns bucking her hips against his lapping tongue. Eric grunted as Meria pulled on his antlers, as he began to nibble on her clit. Meria gasped as Eric spread her lips pushing his muzzle into her sex. Meria's body shook in pleasure her hips bucking quickly against Eric's muzzle. Meria cried out pulling his antlers as her orgasm hit her, her juices flowing onto Eric's lapping muzzle. Meria panted shaking a bit as her orgasm subsided. She smiled down at Eric, as he continued to lick her clean. She slid off him rolling onto all fours. "Don't keep me waiting, lover boy." Meria said as she looked back, giving Eric a rather demanding go ahead. Eric grunted as he positioned himself behind Meria, grabbing her hips to steady himself. With a final nod from Meria Eric slowly thrust into her, causing her to moan. Eric's grip on Meria's hips grew tighter as he pushed more of his member inside her. With a final thrust Eric hilted himself inside her. Meria lifted her hand back and pressed it against her stomach feeling the noticeable bulge Eric's cock was making, placing her hand back on the bed she looked back at him. Eric replied by pulling his member out and then slamming back into her, Meria cried out gripping the edge of the bed and pushed back against Eric's thrust. Meria squealed as Eric began to thrust into her. Meria cried out in pleasure as Eric continued to slam into her, his thrusts rocking her body. Meria screamed, ripping the sheets with her claws, as an orgasm ripped through body. Eric moaned as Meria's sex squeezed tightly around his shaft. Eric could feel his orgasm approaching, and began to pick up speed, thrusting madly into Meria, making an audible slap every time their bodies met. Meria moaned as Eric pushed into her quivering sex madly. With a final thrust Eric let out a growl as he exploded into Meria, sending waves of deer cum into the vixen. Meria clenched her jaw, her grip on the sheets growing tighter, as the warmth of Eric's seed, sent a second orgasm ripping through her body. Her sex squeezing tightly around Eric's squirting member, her love juices splashing onto the sheets below. Eric grunted a bit as the last of his seed splashed into Meria. Panting heavily Eric pulled out a mixture of their juices leaking from her sex. Eric and Meria collapsed on the bed, panting heavily completely exhausted.

"Mmmmm that was nice." Meria said between gasps. Eric cringed at her words, closing his eyes. As he started to drift off he felt Meria grasp his sensitive member making him gasp as he opened his eyes wide

"Ooo we are not done yet, lover boy." She said squeezing the shrinking shaft. Meria lowered her head, bringing her muzzle to his shaft giving it a long lick. Eric moaned despite his minds opposition to what was happening.

"Ready for round tw..." Meria was cut off as the door swung open and three guards stepped in. Growling she stood up and covered her self with the torn bed sheet.

"Queen Meria we mu..." Meria cut him off with a loud growl, "Turn around NOW!!"

All three guards jumped a bit turning their backs to her. Meria sighed picking her robe off the ground.

"Now what is it commander?" Meria said adjusting the robe to cover herself. The soldiers turned around and knelt in front of her.

"We located the band of..." He fell silent as Meria waved her hand.

"Leave us, I will discuss this matter shortly." Meria looked back at Eric. His eyes were closed a content look on his face. Meria sighed "Men."

"Yes Milady." Gritting her teeth she looked back at Eric, angered that her fun had been interrupted.

As the door closed Eric's eyes shot open. Quickly he jumped out of bed, and ran to the door, listening intently.

"What is the problem."

"We are suffering heavy losses on the field Milady."

"You interrupted me for that?" Meria scoffed.

"Milady the two remaining kingdoms have band together, even with our numbers we are hard pressed.."

Eric could not believe his ears, the kingdoms of Creus and Sertiya have formed an alliance to push Meria back. .

"If you fail to hold the line commander, not even death will save you from my wrath. Now ready my armor and troops."

"Thy will be done." The commander replied, his voice a bit shaky.

"And commander, the next time you disturb me will be your last." Meria said glaring at the commander he eyes glowing a feint yellow.

"Yes Milady." Me managed to say, quickly taking his leave.

Eric sighed as their footsteps faded. Eric turned walking back to the bed grabbing the necklace that hung around his neck. "This is going to make escaping difficult, but if there was ever a time it is now." Eric sighed even with Meria gone he had no way to leave this room. "Forgive me Tess I don't think I can make it out of this one." Eric let out a soft laugh filled with more sorrow then any tear could show. .

Eric was ripped from his thoughts as he heard the door open. He turned his cheeks wet with tears. Before Eric could speak one of the guards threw his helmet to the ground. Eric's eyes widened in shock as he saw who it was.

"Well you like mighty good for a play thing." The bear said with a laugh.

"Will we should not be here, Meria's orders are to stand guard." The fox reminded the bear..

"I know that, it's such a shame...he tried to escape and we had to restrain him." The bear grinned. Eric stepped back unsure of what to do, both were wearing heavy armor, and nothing in the room would be able to penetrate it. Not to mention that without his powers the bear had the advantage. Eric's thought was interrupted as the bear charged forward, Eric attempted to dodge but his movements were slow and sloppy. The bear slammed him into the wall making Eric gasp and cough as he staggered forward a bit. Before Eric could recover, he was greeted by another powerful blow to the chest. Eric once again fell back against the wall trying his best to block the onslaught of punches.

"Don't hurt him to much Lady Meria will have our heads, and our hides." The fox said checking the hallway.

"I know...piece of shit." The bear yelled back kneeing Eric in the stomach. Eric coughed as the knee hit him, a bit of blood falling from his mouth.

"Shit Will your going to far."

The bear growled and pushed Eric's dazed body back against the wall. "Maybe I should..."

"WILL if you do that there will be no end to our torment, we are not safe from Milady's wrath... even in death." Sean pleaded one last time. The bear looked back at the fox, his last words striking what was left of his reasoning. With a grunt he released Eric sending him falling to the floor. The bear turned around taking a couple steps away from Eric.

Looking back the bear smiled "Your right Sean, but I still have a lot of aggression to work out...I think its about time I made my way to the see his mate." The bear said his smile widening revealing his fangs. The bear laughed as he turned away from Eric. Eric's mind was set ablaze by the bear's taunt, something deep inside him bursting. Lifting his head he watched as the bear walked away laughing. His breathing increasing as the bear's words echoed in his mind. Eric screamed as he scrambled to his feet, charging the bear. The bear smiled, "What more? How fun." The bear chuckled swinging back, Eric ducked under the blow, his hand falling upon the guards sheathed blade. The bear growled and turned attempting to strike the buck again. Eric placed his other hand on the bear's side pushing away as he pulled the blade free, dodging the blow. The bear's eyes met Eric's for a moment as he swung the blade. Eric glared at him with unrelenting anger, the bear opened his mouth to scream but all that came out was a gurgle. The fox's eyes widened as he watched Eric shove the blade in the bear's armpit striking his lungs. The fox unsheathed his sword as Eric pulled the sword from the bear, letting the gurgling body fall to the floor.

"You son of a bitch." The fox cried charging Eric. The fox swung his sword, but Eric evaded the strike easily. The fox growled and swung again, his sword landing a blow against the oak table. Eric chuckled as the fox attempted to free his sword but failed. The fox turned his eyes meeting Eric's. The fox recoiled falling against the wall, as Eric approached.

"Please spare me." The fox pleaded

Eric gritted his teeth and raised the sword, the cowering fox begging him to spare his life. The fox's blood ran cold as Eric's only reply was "DIE."

The fox winced yelling out "I have a family!!!."

Eric stopped, the blade just above the fox's head.

"Please" The fox said tears falling from his eyes.

Eric paused for a second glaring at the shaking fox. Turning Eric picked a vase off the table.

"Wha...what are you do..." The fox was cut short as Eric slammed the vase against the fox's head knocking him out.

"Be thankful I allow you to live." Eric spoke turning his attention to the dead guard. Quickly he grabbed the bears belt and sword sheath and placed them around his own. Taking one last look at the dead guard Eric turned to leave the room, stopping at the door. Leaning out he checked the halls making sure they were clear before stepping out into the hall. Quickly and quietly he made his way through the hallways and down stairs, all the while careful not to alert the patrolling guards. As Eric made his way to Tess' room, which was on the east side of the Castle...near the barracks. He paused slightly as he reached what would have been the king's room. Something felt, wrong as Eric approached the door. The feeling of unease grew as he touched the door. Eric tried to continue, but something ate at him. Unable to shake the feeling, Eric opened the door and entered the room. As he stepped into the room his eyes widened in shock. What was once an elaborate bedroom was now turned into an unholy abomination. Remains of various animals and body parts were strewn through out the room. Several large stone tables either had alchemic ingredients, or some sort of unnatural experiment laying on them. The very air in the room was twisted and vile, smelling of decaying flesh, and earthen grave. As Eric ventured into the room the feeling in his gut increased. He looked around the room, until his eyes fell upon a book sitting upon an altar. Quickly Eric made his way to the book stopping in front of it. As he stared down, Eric's eyes widened, there in front of him lay a book straight from legend. Touching the book he let his hands trace the name

"Ahshta Fule Necrofha". Eric closed his eyes "The book of Flesh".

An ancient tome that bred evil and malice where ever it went. Created by the founder of necromancy, Cashun Necra. Who left the Magicians Order to seek immortality. The book contained all of his knowledge. The book was created before he turned himself into a living lich, fastened from his own flesh and blood.

Opening his eyes Eric looked back down at the book. Tilting his head as he noticed something protruding from the book, a red ribbon. Unable to resist Eric opened the book to the marked page. As Eric read the ancient text his blood froze, inside was the ritual Meria needed as well as what she needed to claim the his clans power, for her own. Eric's gut dropped as he read that the ritual called for the sacrifice of the father and first born.

"At 5 years to the day of birth, lay the child unto a bed of earthen soil. Place apart the runes, and mark the child. Let the first born drink of his father's blood. Chant the incantations while the child drinks. When the blood be drunk, and thy chalice empty, raise thy dagger to the heathen god's. Chant the curse, so the blade be blessed, and thrust it into the child's heart. Fill thy chalice with the blood mixed with sin and drink. Rejoice to the god of death for you drink the power of life itself. Thy deed be done and done thy deed, payed the dues and granted a new life you will be."

Slamming the book Eric gritted his teeth. "So that's what she plans..." Eric said as he placed the book into a bag. With a final look around the room Eric fastened the bag around his shoulders. Uttering a prayer he turned and fled into the dimly lite hallways, making his way to the east end of the castle. Turning right Eric approached a heavy wooden door. Carefully he placed his ear against the door, listening for the sound of foot steps, letting a sigh of relief when none came. Carefully he opened the door, stopping suddenly as the door groaned, the sound echoing through out the halls. Eric paused his heart beating fast as he expected to hear guards, any second. After a moment Eric breathed another sigh of relief when nothing came. He turned his attention back to the door, the hinges were badly rusted and in desperate need of oiling. Eric frowned, the door was only opened about 7 inches, and opening it any farther could alert a passing guard. With a deep breath Eric angled his antlers and body through the small opening, careful not to move the door. Eric breathed heavily trying to calm his heart, he could hear the feint hustle and bustle of the castle barracks. Tess' room was just around the corner but it would no doubt have guards standing watch. Slowly Eric peaked around the corner, there at the end of the hall sat two cards playing dice in front of an ornate wooden door. "Crap." Eric thought. "Two guards, both awake at the end of a long hall way...and no throwing weapons." Eric bit his lip trying to think of something to do. After a moment he sighed, the only way to kill the guards would be to draw them out....his thoughts were interrupted as he heard foot steps stumbling down the hall slowly. He looked back and smiled to himself as he saw a familiar fox walking down the hall, one hand on the wall the other on his head. Slowly he stood meeting the fox half way down the hall. The fox stopped looking up, obviously dazed and confused. His eyes widened in terror as he the figure in front of him became clear.

"Oh god plea..."

Eric silenced the fox by placing his hand over his muzzle. "Proposition; If you help me dispose of the guards around the corner you get to go home tonight." The small fox whimpered a bit and nodded. "You are to approach them and get them to come to me, I'll be watching if I see any sort of signal from you, you all die. Is that clear?" Eric glared at him making the fox shudder in fear as he nodded his head frantically. "Good." Eric slowly moved his hand from the fox's muzzle waving his hand in the direction of the guards. He slowly unsheathed his sword as the fox rounded the corner.

"Phillip, Diah, I'm here to relieve you."Sean said as he walked down the hall towards the other guards.

Eric heard a deep voice that was slightly slurred as he hugged the corner. "I haven't heard anything."

"The commander sent me to relieve you, and told me to tell you to suit up your joining Meria's personal squad."

Eric gritted his teeth as he heard the other guard speak. "Our orders came directly from Meria, no one goes in this room, no one comes out of this room unless she present, and we are not to leave till she relieves us."

Eric swore under his breath, this plan was failing, and plan b would most certainly raise the alarm...Eric's thoughts were interrupted by the fox's loud voice.

"Alright fine I'll go back and tell the commander that your not coming, and he will in turn tell Lady Meria, who is currently getting ready for battle, and she will come down and relieve you both...permanently."

Eric paused he could almost hear the hearts of the two guards beating as they thought of the consequences of disobeying Meria. He heard some shuffling and the turning of a key.

"Alright we'll check in with the commander, but I'm keeping the key to the room." The fox nodded and took a seat next to the door as the two guards made their way down the hall. The fox breathed a sigh of relief and looked down at his shaking hands. He looked up to see the two guards turn the corner, there was a flash of steel and a dull thud as the bodies hit the ground. Eric turned the corner key in hand. The fox swallowed hard as Eric approached his blade stained with blood. He looked down at the fox the halls light casting a shadow over his face. "I suggest you take your family and flee, if not you're all dead." The fox nodded quickly and bolted down the hall tears falling from his eyes. Eric watched as the fox disappeared around the corner then turned his attention back to the door in front of him.

Tess looked around her room, it was well decorated with flowing curtains and elegant furniture, the colors red and gold dominated everything. If she had to guess she would say the room belonged to the prince. She sighed as she moved about the room her hand sliding over the furniture. How many days/weeks had it been? She placed a hand on her stomach feeling the slight bulge. It was getting harder and harder to hide the bump, and her morning ailment. Eventually she would raise questions and eventually some one would mention it to Meria. She shuddered sitting on the edge of the bed. "What would she do?" She shook her head "No its better not to think of it." She said aloud. She jumped suddenly as a loud click echoed through the room and the door opened slowly. She stood backing up as a figure entered from the dimly lite hallway. Her eyes widened as Eric stepped into the light. "Eric!" She cried running to him. Eric smiled and took his mate into his arms, for the first time in days he felt his heart beat again as he held her.

"I'm so sorry Tess."

Tess buried her head into his chest tears of joy falling down her face. "For what?" She managed to say between breaths.

"For not being able to protect you."

She smiled up and him nuzzling his neck. "You did all you could, no one could ask more of you." Eric smiled down at her. Tess' smile vanished as she broke the embrace. "How long do you have today?" Eric smiled at her sliding his hand over her cheek.

"Today tomorrow forever." He spoke softly taking her hand in his. "Tess today we are free." Tess' eyes widened as the words hit her, she looked behind him to see an empty hall, then back to Eric a look of disbelief in her eyes. "Come we must hurry." Eric turned and made his way into the hall guiding Tess. His heart raced as they made their way through the castle halls, dodging between shadows and ducking into rooms. Eric's sword getting quite the work out. As they made their way down the hall and passed the kings room a large noise echoed through the halls. Tess cringed covering her ears. "What is that?"

Eric cursed under his breath. "The alarm, I thought it would take them longer to notice we were missing." Eric gritted his teeth. "Was it the fox or..." Eric grabbed Tess' hand and bolted down the hallway. It did not matter what set the alarm off, all that mattered is that they get out. Tess' breathing became shallow as the made their ways through the twisting hallways, her pregnancy making it difficult to keep up with the her mate. Eric paused looking behind her as the sound of armored feet echoed in the hallway. Quickly he lifted his mate off her feet holding her in his arms, and continued down the hall. "Left of painting third stone down." Eric thought over and over again as he stopped in front of a painting of The third King. Quickly Eric slammed on the third stone to the left of the painting. There was a loud groan as part of the wall shifted back and then to the side revealing a hall way. Gently he placed Tess down. "The passage is to small for me to carry you." He took her hand in his as he grabbed a torch from the wall and made his way into the dark tunnel.

"Where will this tunnel take us?" Tess said squinting her eyes, the torch light barely penetrating the darkness.

"Outside the castle walls on the south side, right before the wolfen forest. From there we head east to the kingdom of Sertiya."

"Why Sertiya?"

Eric paused as the tunnel came to a fork, he moved the torch down each watching for the flames flicker. As the torch was thrust into the right tunnel the flame danced wildly. Eric smiled a bit and started to head down the passage mking sure Tess was right behind. "Sertiya and Creus have joined forces and are in the process of pushing Meria and he army back."

Tess's eyes widened a bit a smile growing across her face. "Does that mean?"

Eric nodded. "Possibly but nothing is written in stone, still Sertiya is our bet." Eric said stopping in front of a mass of twisted roots and stone. He lifted the torch a bit letting the flames light wash over the gnarled and twisted wall before he turned to his mate handing her the torch. "Here, hold onto this for a second."

Tess nodded taking the torch into her hands as she watched Eric. Eric sighed heavily and shook his arms out before placing his palms on the wall lowering his head a bit whispering some ancient language. As Eric fell silent the wall creaked and groaned, the twisted vines and gnarled wood sliding from the stone. With a final phrase Eric let his hands drop from the wall as the stones began to shake. Slowly Eric and Tess back up as the stones rearranged them selves, some falling to the side and others to the ground. With a final loud thud the stones were set in place revealing an ornate door with lettering etched into its wood. Eric turned back to Tess taking the torch from her. "Its time to go." Eric said with a smile as he took her hand in his once more and walked to the door pressing it open.

All was quite in the forest clearing, the sun's light filtered through the trees as birds sang, it was a perfect painting of tranquility. The birds suddenly fell silent some fleeing from the trees branches as the trunk of an old oak tree swung open like a door, two deer stepped into the forest clearing dazed from the sun's light. The door closed behind them making them both jump a bit, the sound of rock, root, and vine returning to its place could be heard through the wood. Both sighed a bit allowing themselves a loving embrace and smile as the feeling of freedom filled their souls. Eric smiled looking down at his mate about to speak when he was cut off.

"That was not a smart thing to do Eric."

Eric turned around drawing his blade, as Meria walked into the clearing. Her sudden appearance making their hearts race.

"Just surrender Eric, I really don't want to have to hurt you."

Eric raised his blade in response. "How?"

Meria rolled her eyes and sighed. "The necklace your wearing also serves as a beacon for me, the minute you left your room I was aware of what you were up to."

Eric positioned himself between Meria and his mate. "Tess head into the forest head East."

"Eric..." Tess started to speak but was cut off as Eric yelled. "NOW!" Tess nodded and jumped into the forest disappearing into the brush.

Meria sighed rubbing her temples "Great now your going to make me look for her as well." Her eyes narrowed to a glare.

Both stood in the clearing looking into each others eyes, each waiting for the other to begin. "You leave me no choice then." She spoke raising her hand. Eric jumped Meria's spell barely missing him. Eric landed on the ground inches away from where the spell hit only to have to immediately dodge another. Eric grunted as he dodged another blast. Unknown to him that Tess was hiding in the brush watching. Meria smiled "You know when I find her I'm going to kill her."

Eric's mind exploded into rage as he charged Meria screaming "You will not touch her." It was a dumb move and Eric knew it, she had intentionally taunted him, and he fell for it dropping his guard. The air was pushed out of his lungs as Meria's blast hit him in the chest throwing him into a tree, the blade flying out of his hand. Eric gasped as pain shot through him. Wheezing he grabbed his chest, his vision blurring. He leaned back against the tree looking up to see Meria approach him.

"O sorry lover boy, looks like I over did it a bit." Meria said, standing above Eric. Eric's only response was a cough followed by an inaudible mumble. Meria smiled stepping back she holding her hand out. Eric coughed as a pressure formed around his neck. Eric's eyes opened wide as Meria raised her hand, pulling Eric off the ground. Meria stepped in as Eric's hands pulled at the force around his neck.

"A deal is a deal Eric, and your mate will pay the price." Meria said her eyes filling with unimaginable rage. Eric gasped for breath his mind and vision failing. As the world sank into darkness he heard a familiar voice scream his name. Eric lifted his head trying to see make out who called him. Eric squinted trying to make out the screaming figure, his eyes widened when he realized it could only be Tess. He tried calling out to her, tears flowing from his eyes, but could only gasp. He raised his arm trying to reach for her, as Meria turned and raised hers, keeping Eric in the air. He watched in horror as Meria's spell shattered the tree that Tess was standing behind throwing her violently to the ground. Eric tried to scream as he thrashed about madly, trying to escape. Meria turned back to Eric only to be caught off guard, as Eric's knee connected to her lower jaw. Sending her crashing to the ground. Eric gasped as Meria's spell broke, his body falling to the ground. Eric gasped and wheezed wasting no time as he ran to his fallen mate. He tried to call out her name as he knelt down to her, but could not. Taking her into his arms tears began to fall from his eyes as he shook her, calling her name between gasps over and over again. He squeezed her tightly against his chest rocking her back and forth, ever hopeful that he would look down into her open blue eyes. He whispered to her and begged her to open her eyes, but she remained still. "Please Tess..." Eric pleaded his tears falling onto his love. He nuzzled her cheek whispering his love into her ear as his body shook in grief. He held tightly looking through tear stained eyes at, her face expressionless, her body motionless. Eric shook his head "No no no no no no no." He whispered squeezing her tighter as he raised his head, screaming. Something erupting, breaking deep inside of his soul.

Meria shook her head, wiping a little blood from her muzzle. She spit, before rising to her feet, her mind completely lost to rage, as she turned to see Eric, cradling his mate. She smiled a bit at the scene. "Loose something precious Eric?"

Eric's mind exploded, never before had he felt such anger. Eric clenched his jaw, as his mind was lost to anger. The feeling building within him till he thought was going to explode.

"In all my years..." Meria paused as she felt something hard in her muzzle. She turned her head a spit a piece of one of her fangs landing on the ground. "I'M GOING TO CUT OFF YOUR ARMS AND LEGS AND MOUNT YOU TO MY WALL." Meria screamed wiping away a small trail of blood.

Eric looked back at Meria carefully laying tess on the warm forest grass. He stood looking one last time at his mate before turning his attention to Meria. Meria smiled as she watched Eric stand, panting heavily. "Your..." Meria was cut off as she was thrown onto her back, by some unknown force. She scrambled to her feet as she looked into Eric's eyes. They were filled with rage, and something else... Meria paused slightly as she felt something she had not felt in a long time stir with in her. "Is this fear?"Meria thought as Eric began to walk towards her. She pushed the thought from her head, but the feeling lingered. Something was not right. Meria raised her hand to cast a spell, but found her self being pushed roughly to the ground once more. "This is not possible the neckla..."

"YOU MEAN THIS NECKLACE?" Eric screamed, his anger erupting in an explosion of power, shattering the necklace.

Meria shielded her face, as bits of the necklace were sent flying. As she lowered her arm her body flew back. Meria cried out in pain as her body collided with a tree. Before she could recover her body went rigid, an immense pressure pining her to the tree. Meria gasped trying to break free, but the power was too much. Meria stared at Eric, the fear in her stomach growing as he began to approach her. The pressure increasing, with every step Eric took. Eric stopped a few feet in front of Meria, his mind consumed by anger. He raised his hand looking into Meria's eyes.

"Not possible." Meria gasped sweat falling down her face.

"Good bye Meria". Eric said coldly. Meria attempted to scream as the pressure grew till she thought she was going to be crushed.

"E..ric?"

Eric's eyes widened his heart skipping a beat as the familiar voice reached his ears, the hate and anger dissolving instantly. Eric turned, his spell vanishing sending Meria crashing to the ground, her body wracked in pain. Lifting her head she looked at Eric, her vision blurred by pain as she tried to recover.

"Tess.." Eric spoke tears falling from his eye, as he ran to her. Falling to his knees he picked her up, cradling her against his chest.

"Eric..I must have fainted." Tess said looking up at Eric smiling weakly.

"It's ok Tess." Eric managed to smile weakly back, wiping tears of joy from his face.

"As if I would let my prize go."

Eric turned his head looking behind him to see Meria staggering towards them, her hands glowing.

Eric turned his attention back to Tess, stroking her cheek gently. "Rest now my love soon we will be free..." Tess nodded closing her eyes drifting back off to sleep.

"When you wake up I'll make you pay for what you've done." She growled.

"They only one who will pay is you Meria, only death will not be your answer." Eric said picking Tess up.

Meria growled, raising her hands "Have you forgotten Eric I'm immortal."

"No Meria nothing lasts forever..." Suddenly her head snapped back and her body went rigid, unimaginable pain shooting through her entire body. Meria gasped as she fell to the ground, feeling as though something had been ripped from her. She breathed heavily, her body wracked in pain, tears falling from her eyes.

"What did you do Eric?" Meria spoke between gasps. "It felt like something was ripped out of me, WHAT DID YOU DO?" she screamed.

"...I set the souls that you devoured free." Eric spoke smiling down at his sleeping mate.

Meria growled looking up at Eric. She raised her hand and tried to cast a spell, but to her surprise, nothing happened. Her eyes widened in shock as she tried over and over again to cast the spell. "Wha...what have you done to me?" She said looking at her hands.

Eric stared down at her for a second before turning. She watched as he walked to the splintered tree at the edge of the clearing. "What do you plan to do?" Meria spoke her voice shaky. Eric looked back.

"Eric..." Meria said her voice increasingly urgent. "ERIC." Meria screamed. "What have you done to me?"

He turned looking at her, "I took your powers from you, you are now nothing more then a mortal being."

As Eric's words sank into her mind she became frantic. "That's not possible...but without my powers they'll turn on me...They will kill me."

Eric smiled his eyes glaring at Meria. "Then run Meria, live your life cold and alone, fearing those that feared you." Eric said his voice almost sadistic. Meria watched as he turned and disappeared into the forest. She laid there for a second, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't return to the castle, her only option was...Meria rose to her feet, she looked around nervously before disappearing into the forest...

With Meria the army fell into disarray. Rumors filled the ranks of Meria's death causing dissension between the ranks. Civil war was the result, weakening their forced further, making it easy for the two kingdoms to push the invading forces out and eventually crush them. Eric smiled slightly, as he watched the final enemy camp burn to the ground. He sighed closing his eyes, with the enemy crushed there was only one thing left to do. He took his leave from the burning camp saying his farewells to the allied generals. The book had to be destroyed, the counsel of Mages would see to it. He paused slightly looking up into the moonlight sky smiling at the moon. "Have you died yet Meria?" He said with a chuckle before continuing his journey. It will take 4 days and 3 nights to reach the Mage Counsel, and then it would be time to rebuild.

7 Months Later

Eric grunted as the hoe hit the dirt. He paused taking time to wipe the sweat from his forehead looking back at the field his heart sinking as he realized he still had a lot of work to do. With a sigh he raised the hoe again continuing his chore as the sun slowly rose to the center of the sky.

Life was almost back to normal, most of the town had been rebuilt, and a memorial tablet placed in the center of town. There will still be ghosts for years to come, but for now it was enough. Eric's thoughts were interrupted as he heard his mate call his name.

"Eric." Eric turned smiling as she approached holding a small bundle, his daughter. He smiled warmly as he met Tess at the edge of the field smiling down at his daughter who smiled back at him her eyes a brilliant emerald green.

"I'm just about to put her to bed for her nap" Tess said rocking her child gently.

"That will be fine." Eric said kissing Tess' cheek

"Well I was also thinking if you finished your chore, I could put the child to bed and we could...." she trailed off leaning in giving his neck a gentle nip as she inhaled his scent. Eric groaned a bit his loin clothe starting to tent a bit at the thought. Tess giggled a bit turning as she walked away swaying her hips. She smiled back at him raising her tail to show her love that she was not wearing anything underneath. Eric shivered a bit looking back at the field. "Well just this once." He said waving his hand, the field shaking a bit as the earth tilled itself. He grinned a bit grabbing the hoe as he made his way back to his home, where his mate was no doubt waiting.

The End.