She flinched, immediately submissive to him, and confusion briefly entered Nephilim’s expression before understanding dawned and quickly became heartbreak. It was in his eyes when she looked quickly at him then away, giving an awkward smile and clearly trying to push past the moment. Nephilim’s heart sank, but he played the act anyways, no matter how much he wanted her to tell him exactly who had done this to her and where they were. He wanted to leave her to the safety of the herd and go right back into the water, find the bastard and beat him until bones broke under his hooves.
Nephilim had never felt so murderous before. He was uncertain how comfortable he was with the feeling.
Vervain started up the beach, Velaris quickly behind her. Nephilim had no choice but to follow and used the motion and watching Vervain take in the Prairie again distract him from the rage he’d been feeling. “Mom?! Dad?!” She cried out and he followed her gaze over the wildflower dotted hills, further inland where familiar figures were standing.
The pale older stallion who Nephilim knew more familiarly as his uncle had turned first with his head high and ears pointed toward them. He called out and his whinny sounded almost as disbelievingly joyful as Vervain had. He reached to bump another figure, so similar to Vervain, and started forward at a trot to move in toward them. The white-rumped buckskin had turned when his father whinnied and, now that Zevulun was moving toward them, he picked up his black knees to turn himself about and strike off in his father’s wake.
“Vervain!” Zevulun cried out happily as he neared and might’ve said more, might’ve even moved a little faster so he could get to her and pull her up against his chest… but it was very clear that he was giving space for the first physical reunion to be with her mother, not with him. He could come after. Daire deserved to greet her daughter and it was all Zevulun had wanted to give to her ever since they lost the girl.
He hadn't even noticed the little filly yet, still so caught up in looking at their daughter home safe.
|