Fangrein Excerpt p.? (Book 2)

She was so beautiful in the raw. Her long robe and scarfs kept her true spirit hidden.

I had never seen a female mortal disrobed before. I tried not to let her see that I was starring. And even though she didn't say anything, I think she knew I was awed by her well-proportioned figure, because she lapped water on her chest as if teasing me in the most innocent way.

"Haven't you seen a woman bare before?" she eventually asked me as she cleansed her hair in the creek water.

"Of course I have!"

I Lied.

"Aren't you going to bath with me?"

"I prefer to bath on my own. Not to mention, it's the middle of the night!" I sternly said. I didn't want her to know the truth, not yet anyway.

It was then my nose began to burn, and my eyes tear. That horrid smell that fell upon me, and stung my nostrils with the most intense agitation. I turned to look toward the village that was just over the hill, and what I saw frightened me. This was the first time in my life I had ever really known fear.

Black as night smoke billowed wildly from the village. I turned toward Lily who was stroking the water with her arms.

"What is wrong Shylo?" she asked innocently. She could tell by my expression something wasn't right.

I gave no regard to her question. I turned and ran toward town as fast as my legs could carry me. When I got to the top of the hill, I fell to my knees in disbelief of what I was starring at.

It was the Maunastrate.