Chapter Two (part 2)

Dymetri's voice was quieter when he spoke again. "Echo?" He was cautious, not wanting to make her more angry.

The tiger's face still was looking away from the elf and the horse, her gaze following the trail that King Zavior and his stalion made into the trees. She was still quivering with anger as she unwillingly changed back into human form.

When she had steadied herself on human feet, Echo finally looked at Dymetri, her eyes brimming over with tears. He watched as her eyes changed from the deep red to violet and then back to their baby blue. But the tears didn't let up. The girl tried to blink away the tears, but one escaped.

Dymetri might have never noticed the tear if he hadnt seen it sparkle in the sunlight as it slid down her flushed cheeks.

Echo lost herself in the wind. She sank onto her knees, staring at her shaking hands, trying to control her breathing. The wind blew her long black hair into her face, hiding her features from Dymetri. Also hiding him from her.

She jumped slightly as she felt the elvin Prince's strong, warm arms slide around her waist. She turned in his grasp, pressing her tear stained face against his silk shirt.

"Well, since you're already crying, will you please explain everything. I'm lost and I want to help." He said, his voice almost a whisper. She pulled back to glare at him, but the tears got in the way.

"I dont want help." She choked out. "No one can help. Im just a loner that cant go anywhere or do anything in life because of what I am." She gestured at herself.

"You do need help. There are hunters who would kill everything in their path to have you as a prize. Demons look for people like you. You need to be somewhere safe. Atleast come back home with me. I swear I wont ask again about your past. You can tell me when your ready." Echo looked down.

Dymetri sighed as he lifted her chin up with his index finger, forcing her gently to look at him. "Just come home with me. That's all I ask." His breath was sweet as she breathed in.

Echo let one more tear roll off of her eye as she nodded.

"Okay we'll go now. My mother will be wanting me back. It's been a week. And she'll be happy to see you again. You scared her to death when you left." He smiled lightly, a crooked grin.

Echo just nodded. She felt numb. Every emotion was gone. Her body limp. She couldnt move.

Dymetri understood and gave her one last quick hug before picking her up bridal style and carrying her to Atnela where she stood quietly, waiting. He swung up swiftly with the girl still in his arms.

When his feet were steady in the sturrups he situated Echo so she didnt fall as they rode through the forest. She sat in front of him, facing him, legs wrapped around his waist. Her arms were around his middle, her head resting on his shoulder. She wasnt crying anymore, not since he held her.

"Just take it easy Atnela." He said quietly, wrapping one strong arm around Echo as Atnela snorted and started off at a walk. They werent in a rush. And taking it slow would give Echo a chance to get feeling back in her before she was smothered with hugs and kisses from his mother at the castle steps.

Slow was just fine.