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chapter 4: a special visit.
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Indeed, Liana found most of the villagers to be somewhat nice and courteous towards her and Maru. Oftentimes, as she walked around the village, the smaller children would beg to see the babe she carried in her arms. Their bright brown eyes would dance in wonderment when they looked at Maru's features, especially his ears. One small girl even asked if she could touch them. Liana only smiled, knelt down, and let the girl's little fingers glide over the twitching fur. At that, the child giggled.
The village men built a small hut just for her and Maru close to Eyomi's home. Behind the hut, a small stream flowed nearby.
Winter set in a month later and Liana began her training with Eyomi. Throughout the winter, she learned of herbs and medicines. Her teacher mentioned that she had the potential of being a miko, but for now, she would only be taught the basics of healing.
Liana earned her place in the village by helping many of the older ones: cooking for them, cleaning out their huts, and washing their clothes in the stream.
Five months went by. Soon, Spring began warming the air, preparing them for Summer. When the soil became warm enough, Liana planted blossoming flowers around her new home.
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The scent of flowers sweetened the early summer air. It was late at night and Liana lay awake on her futon. Maru slept peacefully beside her. Tonight, as she did on many nights, she stared at the dying fire and set her hidden despair free, allowing it to fill her entire spirit. By doing this, Liana knew someday she would heal completely. Yet, when that day came, she would heal, yes, but never forget. She would never forget Maru's father, the only one who would always be in her heart.
A faint breeze brightened the dying embers. Liana sat up and looked at the hanging reed mat, which served as her door. It moved slightly with the gentle wind. Making sure Maru was well covered, Liana stood and walked toward the door. The second she reached out to the hanging mat, a familiar purr whispered her name.
Her heart thumped at the sound of the voice she knew so well. Warily watching the hanging reed mat, she backed up to the futon. When her heel touched the soft low mattress, she stopped. One clawed hand slipped in and pushed the mat aside.
Liana stood very still.
The dark figure gracefully stepped inside. Yellow eyes reflected the faint candlelight as they centered on her. A long black tail swished back and forth lazily.
Instinctively, Liana moved herself between Shi'an and her baby.
Amusement flickered in his rounded gaze. "My dear sweet Liana. It's been so long. Happy to see me?"
Liana tried to stay calm. "I did not think you would bother to visit me."
He slowly shook his head and let out a whispered chuckle. "My my, Liana. You certainly don't know me very well."
With easy feline grace, he sauntered closer until he was only a pace away. Those deep fathomless pools hardened into a glare as he reached out to her neck.
Liana flinched slightly but stood firm.
One clawed finger pulled her collar back, revealing the scar.
He growled low. "Does this tell you that I won't bother? This is my mark, bitch. I may not want to touch your tainted flesh, but that mark makes you mine."
Containing her fear, Liana nodded. "I am aware of this, Shi'an."
His hard glare lightened, his features forming slowly into a wicked grin as he brought his sharp claw to her face, gently grazing her cheek. For a moment, those black round pools lingered, his smile fading with a whisper. "You could have been mine, every part of you, all mine."
Sweat moistened the palms of her hands.
Dropping his clawed forefinger from her face, he smirked and backed up a pace. "Would you like to know how your lover dog is doing?"
At the very mention of him, she trembled slightly only giving a simple nod, not daring to answer with her voice.
Frowning, he turned, giving her his sleek profile. "She makes him scream every night as punishment for touching you. His blood coats the floor and dries there. He has come close to death many times."
Unable to stop the ache in her heart, Liana blinked at the stinging pain in her eyes, allowing the resulting tears to fall freely. It hurt to hear.
Shi'an casually eased to the wall, observing the hanging herbs while he continued. "He has lasted longer than the others. Which is surprising for her punishments are quite...severe. She makes the dog whimper and beg. He has even screamed your name once or twice."
He waved his clawed hand in the air with an offhanded gesture. "Of course, that was when she brought him to the brink of death...and the verge of madness."
His profile enhanced his rising wicked smile. "I watch sometimes. I watch as she nails his naked body to those trees. She plays with him until he bucks under her touch before making him bleat like a wounded puppy. It always amazes me how she can do that." He shrugged his shoulders. "Women."
Liana fell to her knees with a sob, clutching both hands over her heart.
Shi'an's dark form loomed above. "I will visit you at every season's change."
With that, he vanished silently into the night.
Liana, crying freely, crawled onto the futon and lay beside Maru and held him close. As quietly as she could, she cried, she cried for him...the only male that ever truly touched her. It hurt so much...so much...
She cried for her baby's father.
