Vaken wasn't a stupid boy. Love had made him blind to Circe, but not logic. He knew what she was implying. He had to admit, her words weren't anything he hadn't already considered. He was an ambitious boy, impulsive, reckless to an extent. He had thought about betraying his mentor- but it had never been worth it. He was learning a lot from him. Ruining that would have jeopardized his own education. Part of him (a part he refused to acknowledge) had built a bond with the man, a friendship- could he throw that away? "I have his trust."

His words were cold, void of emotion. He was stating a fact. "He believes in me," he added, lowering his face to the ground. He opened her clenched teeth to tear another small piece of flesh. He knew Garmir enough to know that the man was loyal to the Draw completely. There'd be no manipulating him, he would see right through it. Vaken had told his mentor enough about his aspirations, about wanting to become a leader. If he joined the Draw, it would only be a matter of time before he climbed the ranks. Would Garmir allow that to happen? There might not be an option. "He lives for his leader and that pack. It would destroy him if I betrayed his trust."

The boy didn't need more persuasion, to anything. She had won him over. She was good at that, getting inside his head and telling him exactly what he needed to hear. He followed after her like a child, starry eyed, a hunger building in him. She was right. All Vaken had to do was persuade Garmir, to prove his abilities. Then he could reign, take his rightful place at the top of the food chain. That's all he wanted.

He dashed after the silver woman with a subtle grin, prepared for the night. He was tired. He was thankful to have her beside him for warmth and company, someone to talk to while he drifted off to sleep. His dreams would comfort him, a world where he had all the power and the silver temptress by his side.

fade