Dragoncrest Cliffs dead men tell no tales

It wouldn't be one of the men that came for her, but the wailing woman who had attracted their attention in the first place. A lanky, wide-eyed creature who had elicited sympathy from them struck for Chacal from an angle that she had not been expecting. She had only a moment to turn her head and catch a glimpse of the raven-furred wraith and pain came simultaneously with an overwhelming feeling of betrayal.

Two canines pierce into the fur and sinew of her shoulder, causing the muscle to jump and seize; Chacal threw her head back in a cry of agony as the woman's lower canines found a mark two inches lower, piercing into the flesh and and toward the pulsing vein like the fangs of a snake. When she released, blood sprang forth in a thin stream that sprayed with each beat of her heart. Chacal snapped her jaws together, hacking out a growl to defend her wounded neck and bully the woman away from herself for even a moment.

She tucked her chin to her shoulder and stumbled toward her sister in an attempt to slow the flow of blood. If she moved even an inch, she would bleed out. Even if she wanted to, she could do nothing to save Chani or Lafayette; and when surrender was offered by her sister, Chacal sank to the ground, ears flattened and tail tucked.

She felt ashamed, to relinquish Sapphique to merciless captors, who had taken advantage of their kindness. Her heart soared to hear Chani's spirit, only to be broken into pieces at the sound of Lafayette's fearful voice.

The man issued an order. Chacal's lips twitched in contempt, but the darkening of her vision held her at bay. She uttered a soft growl, a high note she hoped that Pepper might hear, and take the cue to give in.