Page 100 of Simon

My mind knew to wander when my mate was sleeping or in a hazed state, because I would wander back into a world where there were more of my kind, but the longer I was there, the darker it became.

I sensed the heavy, worried looks on my parents’ faces as the memories wore on. The fauns migrated deeper into the forest instead of prancing and dancing within the meadows like they usually did.

My father appeared to be a leader of some kind, urging many to follow him into the thick forest.

Humans in the distance had gathered, pointing in our direction. What looked like curiosity to a child was actually ill intent. My mother scooped me up into her arms while my father herded the rest inside the forest. The humans ran toward us with torches while the herd took off into the forest. The forest shielded us, branches sealing/hiding the opening and hiding us within.

I clung to my mother and felt the fear inside me. My heart thundered, and my mother petted my back, whispering that everything would be alright. The fire from the torches dimmed within the forest. It held the humans back, but for how long?

My father's hand wrapped around my mother’s shoulder. He looked back into the darkness, and his warm breath seeped down into my hair. I heard him shout to the rest of the herd, bringing us into the small clearing in the forest.

There weren’t many of us, just a small herd, but when we gathered, there was a male with striking red hair that floated with the air, as if he was under the seas.

I clung to my mother, watching him. He wasn’t a human, that I knew. There was a striking power to him I couldn’t describe. I felt safe here, as did everyone else, but I couldn’t understand why.

There was a rustle in the woods to my left, and my mother held me tighter, though I squirmed. I wanted to be let down to see what it was. I was a curious kid, and sitting for too long was torturous.

“No,” I whispered to myself. This was wrong, so wrong.

I watched as my mother put me down, and I walked toward the bushes, then a hand clamped over my mouth.

Someone dragged me into the forest despite my bleating and crying. I could see my parents walking forward, not looking out for me. Tears pricked my tiny eyes as I watched them go toward the red-headed male.

They left me!

Even in this memory, I felt my body heave out a shaky breath. My mate, who was asleep in my arms, held me tighter, and I held onto her as tears leaked down my cheeks.

They were under a mesmerizing spell. They had to be because they didn’t look back. None of them did, and went into a light so bright it blinded me until they were gone. Something dragged me through the forest, away from the clearing.

I let out a whine and shook my head to clear away the memory. I didn’t want to look anymore, didn’t want to remember.

Lucy gasped, and her arms wrapped around me. Immediately, one of her hands went into my hair and stroked between my horns, just like I saw my mother do.

I grunted, trying to hold back the tears. A male should not be this weak in front of their mate. I was to be strong and fearless. I was to protect her and—

“Simon,” Lucy whispered and continued to pet my hair. “It’s okay, I’m right here.”

I bit the inside of my cheek and nuzzled into her neck. The mark on her shoulder was right there, a reminder that she was mine, that she would always be mine, and she would go nowhere else. We were together forever.

Were my parents together? Had they died?

What happened to them?

Lucy didn’t ask questions as she ran her fingers through my hair. My chest made a rumbling noise, and Lucy let out a hum-like laugh.

“You sound like an enormous cat. It’s like purring, but not quite right.”

I sniffed and kept my nose buried into her shoulder. I was on top of her, keeping my face away. I didn’t want her to see me distressed, but I knew she could feel me. I could feel her emotions as well. She was worried, but there was understandingmixed with her emotions. It was strange to feel what she felt. I couldn’t understand it.

“I know why you are upset, Simon.” She took her fingers and ran them along my scalp. “This whole time, I’ve been seeing what you see.”

I held onto her tighter, not willing to move. I was afraid but also curious as to how she knew.

“It’s like watching a movie reel. It’s strange. I see you as a little thing, a tiny little faun, and two very proud parents.”

I let out a huff into her hair, and my hands roamed up her naked back.

“They were so proud of you. Especially when they put that cute little flower crown on your head. It had those pretty thick branches on it. Your dad had one, too. Do you think your dad was the king of the fauns?”

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