Page 15 of Saving Dakota

“It’s the witch.” Master DuCane shouted, and the area was instantly mobilized somehow that fiend and gained entrance to the grounds and ultimately the Palace itself. It was unthinkable.

Terrance burst through the doors of Eric's room and saw the black witch standing over Dakota, who was desperately trying to shield Eric. Terrance had never known such terror and such rage.

"Stay back, or I'll kill them both." The witch yelled and snickered, believing he held the upper hand. Terrance feltMaster DuCane and Ira standing behind him, one to the left and the other to his right.

Fear of doing the wrong thing and losing his beloved held him frozen for a few seconds but then he felt the warm presence of his beloved. He and Dakota locked eyes and Dakota was telling him not to worry the witch would not win. Terrance wanted to believe but what stood before him reeked of power and destruction darkness and pain.

He took a step closer, as did those behind him. Master DuCane and Ira moved forward to the left and to the right, widening their circle. Terrance immediately offered himself up in exchange for the safety of Dakota and Eric, but the witch merely laughed.

“Everyone is so eager to die for one another this pain will be a glorious feast.” He lunged forward and the room exploded Terrance, and the Master rushed them, and Ira grabbed Eric from the bed and ran from the room. The moment the witch’s hand touched Dakota there was a flash of light that cut across the room. the white light burned the witch, and he recoiled falling backward into the Master’s merciless grip.

Terrance threw himself in front of Dakota, putting himself between him and the witch. But it was unnecessary because Master DuCane had him in a stranglehold and had run him through with his short sword. The blade was rammed through his back, and the tip burst from his chest.

He was held fast as the Master twisted the sword twice and then pulled it free and slit his throat, nearly removing his head from his body. Terrance held Dakota behind him to protect him from the witch and protect him from the grisly scene before him.

Master DuCane dipped two fingers in the witch’s blood and walked out of the room and towards Deputy Lawson who was holding Eric in his arms. Ira had passed him off to the deputy and returned to the fight. Terrance was unsure why Lawson was there, but he was holding onto Eric with a grip and stance that was more than just duty bound. He would have to look into that later.

Lawson stepped forward as Terrance took Dakota’s hand and they followed after Master DuCane. Neither was sure what was happening, but both thoroughly trusted the Master. “Bring him here.” He said and then Lawson moved to stand directly in front of the Master. Eric was still unconscious and lay almost lifeless in his arms. Everyone stood still and no one spoke.

Master DuCane took his two fingers and placed them against the middle of Eric’s forehead and drew the line of blood from that point down the length of his nose while repeating words that no one understood. Lawson cut a tense glance at the Master and then over at Dakota who was observing him with a shade of mild hostility. Terrance held Dakota’s hand firmly and pulled him close as they all waited.

The awakening happened suddenly, and Eric opened his eyes with a jerk and a loud curse. "Fuck!" He said and drew it out into at least five syllables. Lawson tightened his grip, holding Eric secure, and seemed unwilling to release him just yet. "Dakota!" He shouted. Dakota rushed up to him.

“What’s going on who are these people?” Eric looked up at Master DuCane and quickly dropped his gaze feeling the depth and power of that gaze. He then looked up at Lawson and smiled.

"They found you and brought you back from the nether world. They saved your life, Eric." Terrance noticed that Eric's eyes did not leave Lawson, who was still holding him.

“Thank you.” He said, and Lawson looking like someone had just given him the moon nodded and returned the smile.

EPILOGUE

Eric was taken away to be examined, and it was not surprising that Deputy Lawson carried him there and stayed with him. Master DuCane arranged for a purification of the medical unit and the disposal of the witch’s remains. A thorough investigation took place analyzing how the witch had gained entrance and was not discovered until he presented himself in the medical ward.

Whatever spell the witch had utilized would be discovered and countered. The idea that such a monster had gotten to the heart of the Coven left everyone on edge and a little angry. He was a formidable dark one, but when faced with the purity of Dakota's native mysticism and support, he was rendered powerless. Master DuCane set his experts on the task of discovering the source and potency of Dakota's abilities and those of his people. It was time the Coven got acquainted with the local tribe.

Dakota accepted the position offered to him of Detective Sergeant serving under Sheriff Kass Keller. He still held him membership and some responsibilities to his home up north, but he would be concentrating on building a relationship between the others and the Isabella Indian Reservation.

“Are you ready? The induction ritual is purely ceremonial, but it solidifies your place in the Coven and is a really nice party you're going to love it." Terrance was dressed in his best and Dakota made sure to try and mirror his style but kept his boots rather than trying to squeeze his feet into those dress shoes. He gave them a good shine so they should suffice.

“You look so handsome my love.” Dakota walked up and after a loving kiss ran his hands down Terrance’s arms to then take hold of both his hands.

"I don't look even half as handsome as you. You make my blood burn every time you look at me. Everything about you, from that gorgeous long hair to your luscious round ass, begs me to take you now right here and to hell with the ceremonies." Dakota laughed and pulled Terrence down for another intense and probing kiss.

“I love you, Dakota." Terrance declared in a breathless pant.

"I love you, Terrance, my gorgeous nightwalker."