7 The Forest (2)

Roseanne’s heart is thumping loudly against her chest. Everywhere she looks, it is only pitch black darkness surrounding her. The starless sky above her is shrouding the earth like a dark blanket, inviting them into its midst. Long shadows loom over her as they walk deeper into the forest.

She shivers with cold. The Duke has put his coat around her but it is not enough to fight the coldness of the night. The Lycans around her are not affected by the mist but she is shivering. They have a natural affinity to the weather because their bodies keep them warm. For humans like her, the extreme cold is a curse.

A hand wrapped around her shoulders. Startled, she looks around to find herself being cocooned by the Duke.

“This will put you at ease,” he said to her but Roseanne is defensive. Even if the heat is comforting, she squirms under his touch and pulls away.

“I am fine,” she gritted. “I-ACHOO!”