54 100 Souls Part 1

The Realm of Shadows

Not a sound could be heard the the Temple as a dark cloud began to form over the building. Every resident could feel the dark energy and anger pulsing in the very fabric of their realm. No one knew what was happening within the tower room, but they knew it wasn't a good thing.

Ping the fox and Keric the wolf growled and snarled, being held aloft by two strands silver light. Their bodies twisting and contorting to attack the bonds that held them there. Even as they bit one strand lose another formed.

The master stood angrily pacing beside his desk. He could feel her pain and hear the breaking of her heart from the Shadow Realm. Her desperate cries for help echoing in the walls of his study. But every time he tried to send aid… it was blocked.

He had an idea of who was stopping him and it was within that old witch's rights but that only made him angrier. His power needed to grow… so he could challenge her and protect his own. A slave to her will… death should have no mistress.

"Aren't we tense?" a jovial female voice asked in a teasing manner, closer to a evil taunt. The Master stopped and turned to face her. Anger in his eyes, but a unsettling smile parted his face.

"Take your hands off my servants." he demanded motioning to the white light. Every word was sharp and filled with oppression. She was slightly taken aback to feel his power had grown again.A smile formed on her lips, it wouldn't matter. Let him enjoy the little taste of power. Now that the girl was no longer a threat.

"Oh, of course." she giggled and waved a petite ivory hand and the two lupine shadows began to fall. Keric swept to the side, catching the weakened Ping in his jaws before landing lightly on the ground. He shot a glare at the Fair Beauty who had entered and carried Ping to their Master's side.

Unlike normally when Ping would struggle, he just waited to be put down. He refused to show any sort of discontentment in the ranks around this woman. The Master frowned and reached down petting both of them.

"Thanks should be in order…" he began but didn't finish the sentence. He let the words hang in the air as if it was enough. Neither of his companions would have been in such a state if she had come to his Temple the proper way. There would have been no reason to attack.

"Then I will expect a thank you in the future. For now, we should talk." the Goddess replied her red lips tilting into a smile. If it wouldn't insult Ping so much, she would be considered a Vixen.

"Yes. I think we should. What business do you have cageing my people?" he replied, tossing himself back in the chair. The anger in his voice was more like cold steel than fire. She tilted her head, her eyes looking at him with interest. One slender finger raising to caress her bottom lip.

"Well isn't someone testy? It was only for a measly half hour…" she purred with a innocent smile. It burned him to see her seeming so smug.

The timing was too perfect.

"A hour in our business is 100 souls lost in the forest believing they are abandoned." He replied standing again as Ping and Keric laid down side by side at his feet. The two lupines were watching their guest like a viper in their den.