Cerva didn’t – doesn’t – know Zoryn or how closely he has found himself in Dovev’s life. As far as she knows, she is his only. They have been inseparable since he was a child; wherever she went, he shadowed her. Having his constant company quickly became a comfort, a blanket to soothe her inner fears. Despite knowing – thinking – he wouldn’t abandon her Cerva couldn’t help but to fear that it would one day happen. Everyone abandons her. There is no purpose for her, no true happiness that can be found. Her parents didn’t care, not really, and perhaps that is the reason she so quickly would latch onto others. There had been Magnus once before, but she has long since forgotten his scent or the dark concern in his eyes for her. Then Dovev arrived and she sank her claws into him in fear of losing him just as she had lost any family and friends.
After spending years together, it seemed almost secure and certain that they would never leave each other, but she lied to herself. It simply isn’t meant to be.
Cerva is not meant to be loved. She will never know true, lasting happiness.
The child squirms uncomfortably, but Cerva can only bring herself to demoralizingly sigh. What had been an excited gleam in her nutmeg eyes has since dimmed. The light in her pretty face is diminishing. When she regards this strange stallion, it’s with a disheartening glance. She cannot hide her emotions well; the hurt wracking her heart has been consuming her for the last couple of months. ”Regrets?” She repeats curiously though she shouldn’t be surprised by the way her heart is on her sleeve. ”No, certainly not.” In contrast to her disillusioned eyes, Cerva is far from regretting her decision. What relationship she had built with Dovev was far greater than anything she has before experienced. She treasures the memories and reflects fondly on the ways he caressed her and melted into her each day. Even with the sting of solitude Cerva still loves her precious Dovev, still misses him, and still inwardly hopes for his return. She cannot so easily let him slip through her fingers.
His memory is still so powerful and so moving when she blinks against the frigid breeze. When she draws in a breath it’s as though he is here and that it’s actually him on the other side of this tree. A fleeting smile breaks the solemnity of her face. It holds steadily for a heartbeat until she inhales again and still smells him. The scent mingles with that of the stranger, clawing her nostrils and sending fireworks to her mind.
Why does he smell like Dovev when she, who once spent every waking moment with him, no longer even carries his scent?
The thought shatters her into a million pieces.
Swallowing past the lump in her throat, Cerva guides her eyes away from the male and looks ahead toward the tall grass. ”Who are you?”
Cerva