The Tiger Within Chapter 12

Keric chuckled at the little fox who had apparently decided not to struggle . There was no point in it even if he did . Ping looked away, pretending as if he wasn't currently being held in the air indecently by a wolf guard . The wolf smiled a lupine grin even in human form .

"Alright Keric, that's enough . You can let Ping in now . " called a voice from within the study beyond their backs . Keric nodded and settled his 4 legged friend back on the ground . Ping glared up at him for a second before turning human . His expression made it clear he had caught onto Keric's game .

His little pink eyes were accusatory and angry as if he had been sorely wronged by the ebony beauty before him . Keric chuckled at him and straightened his own tunic, the red fabric elegant against his chiseled tan skin . The fox glared, but his eyes traveled over Keric's long black hair, sensual teasing expression and kind eyes .
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"You… not worth it . " the fox said, tucking a shoulder leangth white strand behind his ear before turning to the doorway, a letter griped in his hand . He took half a step before there was a light jerk on his deep purplish almost black tunic . Shooting a searing glare and a slight snarl at Keric, only to find his tunic was being straightened, the tie at the back fixed . He suddenly felt a bit sheepish and coughed "thanks . "

Keric nodded, a slight shadow in his eyes as the pair walked into the study . The Temple of Shadows was overall a fairly bright themed place . Each room had color to pop against the dark stones and the study was no exception . Purples, blues and greens popped against dark warm greys and nearly black woods .

Behind a black wood desk, infront of the grand window into the valley of the Young Ones and beyond it the edge of the Forest of the Forgotten sat a man . His attention currently focused on the papers in front of him . A line of multi colored stones in his off hand twirling in the air about 4 inches off his palm . His gyrating fingers seeming to decide how the stones moved . His long shadowy hair being combed and woven by little Squirrel spirits who tended to cause mischief when they were left to their own devices .

"Cleo, Zak that's enough . You may leave . " he ordered and the two squirrels nodded, dashing down the chair and out the door as the man set his pen down, and looked up at the pair walking in . Long ago, his shadow eyes failed to affect his loyal servants . The dark orbs twisting in their sockets the only thing maring is extraordinary beauty . Like dark smooth gla.s.s marbles that could magnify the souls of all he set them on .

The hand settled the stones on the table and reached toward Ping . The man hurried forward and placed the purple envelope into his hand . A smile cracked the Master's smooth lips as he turned the cool paper over in his hand . The words written on the front gave him a smile .

"Is she well?" he asked looking at Ping who nodded instantly . Suddenly looking more like a dutiful soldier than Keric .

"Yes, Master . The Lady looks well in health and is growing to be a fine specimen . Any man would be proud to have her . " Ping replied, and then stopped . The look on his Master's face became a bit cold and he thought perhaps it's best to stop now .

Keric placed his palm to his forehead and ma.s.saged his temples . 'When would little Ping Learn to stop while he's ahead?' He wondered silently before glancing back at the Master .

"it seems she sent us a soul, shall we hear what she says?" he asked glancing at the pair who nodded . Both dutifully checked to make sure no one was outside the door or within the room .

"yes my Lord, as you wish . " Keric replied once he was sure their duty was done . The Master began by slipping his nail beneath the seal and slowly opening it .

A silvery grey mist poured from within the packet, swirling and dancing with the vibrancy of life . Slowly it formed in the air to become a woman's face, a soft smile on her lips pressed to the stone . Her Heart stone .

"Send him to where he belongs . " the message accompanied by a very flawed soul .