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wrongness at first, some tremulous truth just beyond his grasp. The emotions bleeding through
the cracks in his psyche that had been created by his uncertainty did not help. It was not until the
land around them became more known to him, until Veska began to get flashes of memories, that
he could form a measure of sense within the maelstrom of confusion. In fits and starts, he was
recalling things he d seen as Daniel. Moments in time that he could not remember as Fae, in a
time when he d forgotten himself.
In those images, Leinad was fierce and terrifying. The chimera stood glorious in his
viciousness, and Veska desperately wanted to see that Leinad again. He wanted that focus upon
him once more. He wanted that dominance in his pet, not the broken countenance riddled with
flashes of defiance. He wanted.
Veska couldn t remember wanting in such a way before.
He liked it.
On the road again a short time later, they passed a sign welcoming them into a new state.
The familiarity of the landscape abruptly made sense to him. He knew where they were headed.
The cabin.
Daniel wished to return there, his Chimera explained wearily. There seems little cause
to avoid it now.
Why?
Leinad glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. With a Fae traveling beside me,
avoiding their notice is redundant at best.
You wish to feel closer to your Daniel . Veska didn t like the sharp pang he felt inside
at that thought. Jealousy of one s self was not a comfortable notion. Being jealous for the
affection of a human, even such a delicious little chimera, was even less so.
I lack another destination, Leinad defended.
Eventually, you will need to leave this world, as shall I.
The only evidence that Leinad had heard him was a slight jolt from the Jeep.
You cannot exist amongst these people any more. You have not the skills to hide your
gifts. Humans have never shown kindness to those different from themselves.
And where do you suggest I go? The Fae lands, where I would be a slave again?
Pet, Veska corrected. You would be a beloved pet.
I would rather my freedom.
How free will you be when the humans finally notice that you are not the same as they?
He couldn t understand the chimera s insistence on staying in a place he d be hunted rather than
a place where he would be celebrated. How free are you now, when you need to constantly
move, when you cannot fuel your car if you need to go into the station for fear of showing
yourself?
At least as free as I would be left to your graces. Only it will be my choice.
That is a thin cover for cowardice, Leinad. Choice is only as valuable as the choices
offered to you. Either way you are caged. A trickle of fear for the lovely creature traveled up his
spine. Why stay where you will be hurt as well?
The mirth his statement earned was not lovely at all. It was bitter and sarcastic, full of
angry pain. Do you have any idea what they did to me there? I m staying where I ll be hurt less!
I know the choices are terrible, but I m making the best one I am able to!
Veska couldn t believe that to be true. Even in the case that it was. I will be with you in
the Veil. I shall be your protection.
Leinad gave a harsh, barking laugh. The trill of an owl s cry echoed behind it. Yes,
because you did such a good job protecting my family.
A loud crack filled the air around them. His hand hurt. Veska couldn t understand why.
The Jeep spun. It swerved to a stop half on and half off of the road. Leinad fumbled the door
open and fell out onto the dirt. Veska stared at him, uncomprehending. Something wet was
soaking through his denims. He glanced down at his lap and stared at the blood as it dripped
from his closed fist. Why?
Leinad struggled to his knees and coughed. A thick red liquid seeped from his mouth,
from a torn lip.
Did I just do that?
The chimera wiped the wound with a dirty sleeve and glared up at him from the ground.
I was faithful, Veska whispered.
You weren t enough to keep them, just as I wasn t enough to keep Daniel.
I am Daniel! Veska roared and stepped out of the vehicle to face his accuser. Why can
you not understand that? I am Daniel Tessel. I rocked Lynn to sleep and carried her on my
shoulders. I helped Matthew with his homework. I learned to carve stones with Dominick. I
baked bread with Maggie. I am Daniel Tessel!
You re a monster, Leinad hissed.
Veska growled and raised his voice. And what does that make you, chimera? A saint?
You didn t protect them either!
The chimera wouldn t back down. He raised his voice louder and faced his accuser as an
equal. I wasn t there! I should have died with them and because of you I wasn t there!
Perhaps I am glad to have you alive! Veska screamed.
Leinad blinked owlishly and took a step back.
Veska s legs trembled, and he fell to his knees. His eyes were filling with wetness again.
He watched droplets fall to the dirt to mingle with the blood Leinad had spit there.
Cautious footsteps came closer, but Veska wouldn t raise his head. He didn t want to see
the large rip along the side of Leinad s mouth, or the bruise, perfectly shaped like his closed fist,
slowly turning from red to purple around it.
Daniel? the trilling voice asked hopefully, and it tore at something inside of him, nearly
a physical wound.
No, Leinad.
Dashed hope evident in his every move, the strong but lithe creature folded itself down to
sit beside him and leaned against the Jeep s tire wearily.
I am remembering you as well, Veska admitted quietly, if that is any consolation.
I was a baby, Leinad sounded so worn.
No, he corrected. After you came back, I remember you. I remember the first time I
saw you step from the trees. You terrified me. I had never even imagined a being so feral and
fierce. The hatred, you exuded it like a physical manifestation. I imagined it might touch me if
you came too close. You were magnificent, but then I couldn t see it. I was too afraid.
Leinad closed his eyes and smiled sadly. I was there to avenge myself, reclaim my
family, to torment my tormentor. Had I known you didn t remember who you were& I can t say
I would have done things differently. You are correct. I hated you.
But there was sensuality to you.
The smile grew a bit, but Leinad didn t open his eyes. I wanted you.
And now? Veska pressed, hopeful.
Leinad glanced over at him, tired eyes and bruised face. I don t know what I want.
It wasn t the answer he was looking for, but Veska would take it.
For now.
Chapter Seven
The closer they got to the cabin, the more human Veska appeared. Leinad kept glancing
at him out of the corner of his eyes, if only to assure himself that it wasn t Daniel seated next to
him. A few times, when a familiar song came on the radio and the Fae began to sing along, or
when the light hit him just right, and a familiar look stole over the Fae s controlled features,
Leinad would ask, Daniel? hoping that he would receive a well-loved smile and nod.
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