PROLOGUE

The sky was bright and clear; the air was crisp and fresh. It was officially spring and everyone in the village was taking advantage of the pleasant weather.

Theorn sat cross-legged on a rock, on the hill just behind the village. From here he had a fantastic view of the scene below, able to share the carefree spirit of the village while at the same time sparing the villagers from his bad singing. He did sing, though, alone on the hill, because he was happy. He was just coming of age and had already set his eyes on the one whom he would make his mate. He was carving a gift for her, a bracelet made of various kinds of animal teeth, which would rattle together, reminding her of him wherever she may go. He sang as he worked, a tune he made up all on his own, with the sweet girl's precious name on his lips: "...Hellowise..."

Theorn heard a small gasp from behind him and forgot his task, hoping against hope that Hellowise might be standing behind him. But it was not Hellowise; it was her sister, Maya.

"Ah! Good afternoon, pretty Maya!"

"Good afternoon, fair Theorn."

The boy turned back to his work. "What brings you to the hills today?"

"You," Maya answered flirtatiously, the low reply coming naturally, but hardly receiving the desired effect. Theorn simply continued working on the gift he was fashioning for Hellowise, humming to himself and nodding, obviously not listening to her. "I mean... I was picking berries!" she said loudly, shoving a basket in his face, offering a little of its pitiful content.

"No, thanks," Theorn muttered, a bit irritated that for a second time she had caused him to chip a tooth as he carved.

Maya bristled. "I hope you don't intend to give that to my sister."

"Why not?" Theorn asked with genuine concern, meeting her gaze at last.

"Because," Maya crooned, moving to sit closer and gently lifting a long fang to examine it, "these are my favorite." She eyed the piece appreciatively. "It's simple beautiful!"

Theorn looked pleased. "Do you really like it?" He gazed into her eyes. They were...unusually bright, alluring. He felt as though he were being drawn into them. "Well..." he said slowly, "I can make a bracelet for Hellowise some other time. I want you to have this one, Maya."

They stared at each other for a long time after he put the bracelet on her wrist, smiling but not speaking.

He never made one for Hellowise.