I breathlessly climbed onto the riverbank, shivering from the frigid water which I'd only barely escaped with my life. I stared up at the darkening sky, wondering where the day had gone. I had set out early to avoid this. Being in those woods wasn’t safe, especially at night. All manner of Monster dwelled in the shadows.
I pushed myself up trying to ignore how sore my muscles were from fighting the current. I studied the opposite bank with a deep frown. I'd been trying to cross for hours. Normally I would have taken the wooden bridge, but the recent storms had made it too dangerous to traverse.
Read MoreI woke to the smell of food, my belly grumbling to remind me the stew last night had been the only food I’d had for a day or so. I sat up and rubbed my eyes sleepily. The cabin didn’t appear any more impressive with the morning light streaming in through the windows than it had in the dark. Still a cluttered and musty wreck. Why anyone would live here was beyond me.
Read More“Are you awake, Child?”
I blinked to clear my vision and held my neck with one hand. It felt as though someone had driven a spike into the base of my skull.
Oddly warm hands assisted me into a sitting position. “Do not worry. The pain will stop soon. Do not push yourself too much. You had quite the fall.”
Read More“Are you sure you know where you're going?”
I glared over my shoulder at Samriel. “No, I've told you that. I have no idea where I'm going. I'm just...going South.”
“Okay, but why?”
“Why what?”
“Why are we going South?”
“I am going South because the Wise Woman told me I would find my answers in the mountains to the South. You are going South to drive me insane. I'm sure of it.”
“This trip wouldn't be nearly as interesting without me.”
I rolled my eyes. “Interesting is one way to put it.”
Read MoreWhen I woke, my head pounded in rhythm with my heart. The world was a blur of color when I tried to open my eyes and I winced away from its brightness.
“Wh-what happened?”
“You lost your temper.”
I turned my head toward Samriel's voice. He sounded strangely tired and there was more growl than before.
“You've got quite a Spark in there, Kindred. I'm lucky you aren't trained in how to properly use it.” He let out a single gruff laugh.
Read More“Are you sure you’re going to be okay?”
He raised his shoulder slightly and attempted to keep his wince of pain hidden from me. “For the last time, I’ll be fine. I just have to let it heal on its own.”
I glanced at the membrane of his wings which I had injured in our fight several days ago. “Okay, but I think it might have torn even more. Should we find a Healer or-”
“I said I’m fine!” The growl in his voice sent shivers through me.
We walked in silence down the gravel path that lead out of the forest. It was surprisingly quiet out in the open field, the only sound our six feet on the gravel road we were following.
Wait, six?
Read MoreThe cicada scream grew closer by the second, the sound of an uncountable number of wings cutting through the air. Despite the pain, the sound caused and Samriel's directions, I found myself drawn to look behind us. I immediately regretted my decision.
Read MoreI struggled to push myself up, coughing as air refused to fill my lungs. The settling dust burned my eyes and made breathing laborious.
"Samriel?" My voice was choked and far away past the ringing in my ears.
"K-kin…"
I moved toward his weak voice, crawling a short distance through rubble and blood. After a few blind swipes, I smacked Samriel in the head.
Read More
