The X Factor
Xavian Patronus
Bristlebane

Story by
Niteskie

hite hair fell around sharply pointed ears, flowing forward to shroud his face as he halted, kneeling. He put his hand to the moist ground, caressing the mossy indentation.

“Fresh.” The word escaped his lips in a hushed whisper. He shot to his feet, moving forward faster than the eye could follow. The forest about him seemed dead. Twisted, dark trees reached their misshapen branches to the sky, pleading for life. He listened, intent on his surroundings.

Silent.

“There.” Xavian moved behind one of the monster trees. He knelt, careful not to brush the bark and make a sound. The crunch of bones set his nerves on edge. He peered slowly around the tree. The beast was hunched over a shredded carcass. Its razor teeth tore another large chunk of flesh from the ravaged corpse. The raptor tilted its head back, allowing the bleeding meat to slither down its throat with a sickly slurp.

Xavian admired the scaly hide of the beast. His eyes wandered over the corded muscles, seen swelling beneath the thick skin. The powerful hind legs ended in taloned feet that scratched the earth as the beast ate. The underdeveloped upper arms pawed feebly at the air.

Its nostrils flared. Yellow eyes moved sporadically in its skull.

He’s searching for me. The thought cascaded through Xavian’s mind like an adrenaline waterfall. He felt his muscles shudder with excitement, driven by the thrill of danger.

The raptor’s bloody mouth fell, ripping more meat away. Such deadly beauty.

Its head shot up. Xavian froze. The raptors eyes locked on him. Mucus blew from its flared nostrils.

With an ear-piercing shriek the beast charged.

Xavian stood, his cover broken. He looked quickly around while drawing his weapons. No one, he was alone.

“Just as I like it.” His face split in a deadly grin as he swung at his prey.

Xavian Patronus commands the heavens and the earth on the Bristlebane Server.