Chapter 117: Shifter in the Shadows
The last light within Raina's bedchamber disappeared as the door to the hallway was closed behind Clovis. Time passed with the only motion in the room being Raina's tiny from getting comfortable in her bed. Her breathing slowly soothed and deepened as she was stolen away to sleep.
The room then became host to a pair of golden eyes that slowly opened to gaze into the now shadow drenched room from the corner, behind a chest where he had taken refuge when the Fourth Prince had come in. Slowly, he walked from the corner to a space beside the bed. He sniffed the air, moving toward the child, eyes narrowed. Hair in her face, a clawed hand flicked the hair back, onto the pillow.
The sent wafting up to him was the child's cool water and spice mixed with woodsy and fierce aromatic notes that puzzled him. However, the moment he saw the earpiece that she had yet to remove recognition flashed in his eyes, chased away quickly by surprise.
"Curious, Little One. Your salvation decided by the one I owe the most." His voice was soft and deep as he spoke to the sleeping child. He turned walking to the window sill, he leaned out it and ran his hand over the edges before walking back toward the door.
He walked out and followed the shadows until he was out into the night air. Looking back at the Palace of the Dancing Winds, a small cockeyed smile curved hislips. That poor child, completely unaware of the aim on her life. There was only one thing left to do, report she still breathed and warn them.
After a short distance run, he walked into the small hut within the forest where they had arranged to meet. The woman sitting behind the desk had her face and body covered in a rather thick rap, drenched in rose water to disguise her sent. He sneezed as he entered the room, the smell so strong that he almost felt nauseated. 'Humans have no idea how scent works.' The amount of rose alone would cause issues for her future.
"Is it done?" She asked from her place behind the desk, her lips the only thing peeking out of the full face mask she was wearing. He shook his head slowly.
"No, I'm afraid you will have to find someone else to do your dirty work. That Princess will be untouchable to any of my kind." He replied shaking his head slowly, and leaning against the door frame. Several moments seemed to pass without a reaction from her. Yet again he cursed the Rose Oil because he couldn't smell her reactions either. The odors of anger and annoyance were hidden by the floral assault on his senses. There for the vase shattering against the wall near him caught him off guard, forcing a loud growl of anger.
"What makes you think you can make that choice?" She demanded her dark eyes meeting his. His snarling face took on a very feline appearance. Black fur appearing on his nose and traveling up his face to his hairline. After several deep breaths those hairs disappeared again and his human face showed once more. He laughed at her reply.
"Woman I do not know who you are, nor do I care. You could be the Empress herself or the wife of the Shadow King, it would make no difference. That child wears the crest of the Shadow King's Daughter, and she smells of her too. None of my Kindred will even try to touch her." He sneered at her, his eyes narrowing at this woman. 'What did she think she was doing? Did she think she could play him?'
"Oh, and would you still feel that way if you were informed that if you didn't do as I ask, I will reveal what you are to the Palace Guard. What do you think the Emperor will do to you?" She replied, the threat clear in her voice. A growl ripped from his throat as he squared off to attack her. It took everything he had not to.
"Even if he kills me, if I don't touch her my soul has a chance. You however, there is no way to save." He replies as she pulled a crossbow out of her desk. Before he had a chance to dash out, a arrow buried deep in his chest. He shape shifted and ran, blood leaving a trail behind him.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Valinteena
Valinteena Hello Everyone,
So here is tonight's first chapter. I hope it isn't too much of a surprise.
Thank you for reading, We have reached 105K views. I am going to do a mass release hopefully next weekend to celebrate. I am really glad that people are enjoying this book.
Thanks
Vali
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