A/N: First of all, I want to apologize for the long delay. I went on a service trip and I didn't get back until a few days ago. Second of all, I want to apologize for the shortness of this chapter. This is the third to last chapter, because I am losing my touch for this story and I want to move on. I've decided to write two more chapters after this to wrap up the story, and then move on. I promise you (hopefully) that the next story I write will be better.
Disclaimer: The world is Tamora's.
Flickering Flames: Chapter 6
The first thing Rhia noticed when she opened her eyes was that she was warm, much warmer than she should be if she had been sleeping on hay all night. The second thing she noticed is that the light was much too bright for a horse's stall. The third thing that jolted her awake was the muscular arm slung around her waist.
Rhia froze, then relaxed as she realized that she fully clothed, minus her boots and belt. She turned over slowly, to find out who her bedmate was. She turned over to find Shyam of Wolf's Peak sleeping next her, his dark chestnut hair falling in his face.
This is a dream, she thought sleepily, because there is no other reason Shyam would be in my bed. This decided, she snuggled into his chest, wanting the dream to go on forever. Shyam slowly opened his eyes and smiled at her.
"Morning," he murmured, and at this distance, Rhia noticed there was more brown than green in his hazel eyes.
"Morning," Rhia returned, suddenly breathless. She brushed his hair out of his face, relishing in the touch. For a dream, it seemed real. She traced her hand down his face tentatively, but he leaned into her touch. He leaned towards her, and her eyes fluttered closed in an anticipation. Could this dream get any better…?
Her dream, however, was rapidly becoming a nightmare as a familiar voice hissed, "What are you doing?" Rhia rolled over to find Dani standing over her, her eyes almost blue-black with rage. Rhia gulped. She only seen Dani mad like this once before, and she had vowed never to make Dani that mad at her.
"Dani, this isn't what it looks like!" She protested, but her friend would have none of it.
"Oh, so my best friend and brother in bed together is nothing?" She hissed, eyes flashing. Shyam pulled himself out of bed at this, looking angrier than Rhia had ever seen him. Forcefully, he towed Dani out in the hall, but Rhia could hear their conversation from where she sat in shock.
"Dani, nothing happened." He said urgently, trying to make her believe him. "If anyone's to blame, it would be me."
"You?" Dani's voice was sharp and high. "What did you do?" Shyam voice lowered to a deep rumble, and Rhia strained to make out the words.
"You didn't do anything?" Dani's voice sounded again, but she seemed subdued.
"I swear by Mithros," Shyam said, "nothing happened." There was a pause, and then he asked slyly, "Where were you?"
"What do you mean?" Dani asked defensively.
"I noticed you weren't in your bed last night," Shyam challenged. "Where were you?"
Dani answer was a mumble this time, but Shyam response was clear. "You want to stay here? Dani, are you crazy?"
"No, Shyam!" Dani snapped back, sounding like she was going to cry. Rhia stumbled out of bed, eyes wide, green eyes panicked. "I've found love, and I want to stay!"
Shyam cursed, and Dani's quiet sobs could be heard. "I never wanted to leave you or Rhia," she whispered, her voice breaking. "But I love him, Shyam."
"I know," Shyam murmured, sounding defeated. "I know." Rhia peered out the door, and seeing the twins wrapped up in a hug, she retreated into her room and changed into clean clothes.
"What did Aly have to tell you?" Dani asked a moment, and Rhia froze, listening hard.
Shyam sighed. "She told me that her mages can feel a threat bearing down on the palace, but they don't what it is, where it's coming or when it will come."
"Then we need to be ready," Dani said, sounding like her usual brisk self. "I'm going to check on the horses in case we need them for this battle."
Footsteps retreated; Shyam sighed and slipped into the room. Rhia stared at him, green eyes wide. By the look on her face, Shyam knew she had heard every word. Wordlessly, he pulled into a hug, taking comfort in her solid weight in his arms and her scent. Rhia hugged him back, burying her head in his shoulder.
Dani poked her head in, grinning at the sight that greeted her. "If you two lovers are done, Rhia and I have work to do." Breaking away, Rhia and Shyam pulled apart, and Shyam brushed a kiss against Rhia's cheek before guiding her to the door and setting off for his own room.
Mingan met him outside the stables, whining. Where were you, pack-brother? He asked. I was worried, and you didn't appear. Were you with your mate?
"Yes," Shyam answered aloud, patting Storm and grabbing a comb before letting himself into the stall. "I was with Rhia."
Mingan watched him, tail wagging, and then trotted off, taking his usual patrol around the barn. Shyam was caught up in his memories and thought that he didn't notice Dani running down the aisle until she had passed him.
He stuck his head out of the stall after her. "Dani, what's wrong?" Her black hair was in disarray, and she carried two unsheathed daggers that glittered in the sunlight.
"Mages with hurroks and soldiers!" She gasped. "They're approaching the palace!" Shyam remembered the Trickster's words with a jolt…The Crows' final battle…
A screech rent the air, and Mingan came running up, fur bristling. Intruders! His mind-voice roared, and he snarled. Shyam leapt over the stall door, pulling a short sword out of its hiding place next to the stall.
He smiled grimly at Dani, then walked forward. "Let's go show these invaders what they're messing with."
A/N: Like I said, a short chapter, and I apologize. Please tell me what you think by reviewing!