Kiss of the Night I

"Then, yes, I'm simply starving. Will you let me go, now?"
He laughed, and, surprisingly, let her go. She stepped away and turned quickly to face him. He laughed again.
Now that she could see him, she saw that he was indeed shirtless, and that he had a low ponytail of shining brunette hair. He wore dark jeans like the others, and around his neck, again, was a silver necklace. The charm was one of the traditional theatre masks - the sad one.
She moved toward the door, saying, "Thank you for your help escaping Leader, was it? I'll just be on my way, then..."
He watched her for a moment in silence, then disappeared, suddenly. She felt a sudden pressure around her wrist, and looked down to se his hand encircling it. He was walking beside her, half-dragging her to the door.
"You really don't trust me, do you?" She jerked her arm, but couldn't get free. Not that she really expected to. He tightened his grip and she inhaled sharply. "Ow, ow, pressure point, ow, ow, let go! Ow, ow, ow..."
He laughed. "Haven't you learned, yet, not to resist me? It's a lot less painful..." He loosened again, though, and she quieted. "I'm Tynan, though, of the - "
"Nosferatu. I recognize your necklace."
"Hmmm...you really are as dangerous to us as the rumors say. Didn't think that was possible..."
"Good. Remember that." He laughed once at her, then they both were silent. They made their way back to the kitched, and when they entered, everyone broke off in mid-conversation and looked at them.
Ren recognized Dracen, Thorne, Menefer, Seath, Nayan, Nibal, Michelangelo, Zevi, Keeran, and Alvar within the room. Dracen, Thorne, and Menefer were leaning against the counter to her left. Seath, Nayan, Nibal, Michelangelo, and Alvar were sitting at the table in front of her. Keeran and Zevi were leaning against the wall to her right. She was vaguely uncomfortable with everyone looking at them, but Tynan was unfazed.
He turned to her as the let go of her wrist. "By the way, don't deny Leader anything he wants. You'll live longer." With that, he turned away and walked to the group at the table. A spell seemed to be broken, and conversations resumed.
"Ren," a soft voice called.
She glanced at the two by the wall, and they were watching her, but they didn't say her name. She looked at the six at the table, but they were all ignoring her entirely. Her gaze flickered to the three by the counter, and saw that they were all silent and watching her. Dracen jerked his head backward silghtly, and she went over to them.
When she got near them, Dracen said softly, "Shadow was just in here looking for you. No one blames you for what you did, but he's pissed. We were just debating whether it would be safer for you to see him soon, or if you should give him time to calm down first."
She nodded, but said, "Do I have to see him at all? He'll end up killing me."
Menefer said, "Once again, aren't you suicidal, anyway?"
She glared at him. "Bite me. It's the whole principal of the idea. We've gone through this be - "
But then the door burst open, and Uttara was staning in the doorway, looking horrified. Everyone fell silent as all eyes turned to her. Her breathing was fast and shallow, and her voce shook when she spoke.
"Th-the lycans," she said weakly. "Lycans...everywhere..." But then she couldn't tell them any more, for she crumpled tothe floor where she stood, and though her face was hidden, her sobs weren't attempted to be muffled. She held her arms across her chest and her knees were drawn up, as well. She began to rock back and forth. Zevi went to her, though.
"Uttara," he said, grabbing her arms. "Uttara." She didn't respond. "Uttara, listen to me. What did you mean? Lycans? Tell me, damn it!" He shook her, but then Nibal was beside him.
"Take it easy, Zevi. She's upset. That'll just make it worse." He knelt beside her and put a gentle hand on her back. "Uttara? Sweetie, we need you to tell us what you meant." He still got no response. "Thorne," he said, turning to Ren's group. "Thorne, come here. If she's going to talk to anyone, it'll be you."
He sighed, but walked to them willingly enough, and kneeled on her other side.
"Uttara," he said in the unexpected and quiet voice of his. Finally, she looked up, and she had eyes only for him. He looked up at Nibal with eyes that said 'Do I really have to do this?' But Nibal only gave him a face that left no questions. Thorne sighed again and spoke even more gently.
"Uttara...what's going on?"
She looked at him blankly for a moment with red-rimmed eyes, but then she spoke.
"Out-outside," she stammered. "So...so many lycans..."
"What are you talking about? Lycans outside? How many? What do they want?" His voice was gentle, urgent, and somehow still indifferent, all simultaneously.
"Hundreds...Hundreds...Army..." Her head fell back down, and they heard the occasional quiet sob, but that was all.
The others in the room looked between the four with confusion, worry, and fear varying from face to face.
"I can't see or hear anything," MIchelangelo murmered. "Her thoughts are utter chaos."
Nibal stood. "Michelangelo. Zevi." His voice was that of a general."Go outside. Learn their purpose. If it is their army, find out why they have come, and waht we can do to stop a battle. It there is no way to stop it, find Aldan. Tell him what's going on. He'll get weapons to those who need them."
Zevi stood and Michelangelo walked to the door. They left together, quickly moving toward the door outside.
Nibal turned to Thorne as he stood. "Take her to your room, just in case. Don't come out until someone comes to get you. Dracen, you go with them."
Both men nodded. "Come on," Dracen said quietly. Ren followed him to the door, and Thorne led the way out. Soon after they left, Dracen fell back behind Ren. It was subtle, but she was getting a little worried. They walked in silence, but the atmosphere was tense.
They got to Thorne's room, and he held the door open for the other two. They entered and he followed. The door closed quietly. Thorne walked by Ren toward the couch, nudging her to follow as he went. He sat on one side, and she sat on the middle cushion beside him. He was slumped down in the corner created by the arm and back of the couch. She leaned forward with her elbows resting on her knees and her fingers entwined. Her hair fell like a curtain around her face and her eyes were closed. Dracen stayed in the middle of the room and soon began pacing.