“I have no duties to you, or anyone,” I scoff.
“Astryl, you have no idea what’s at stake,” he insists. “The Shadowlord will stop at nothing to destroy the magical realms.”
I take a step back, the heat from my fists cooling, replaced by a creeping coldness. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, and I don’t like where this is going. Look, I helped you out of a bind, that’s enough. Now I’m going back to my clan. Good luck with whatever you’re doing.”
I pivot on my heel, heading away from the battleground and the odd, golden-eyed fae who wants me to believe in his delusions.
“Wait, please,” he says, grabbing my arm. As his hand touches my skin I feel an electric shock that sends a jolt of pleasure through me. It’s an intoxicating sensation, sparking desire that shoots straight to my core.
I spin around, snatching my arm from his grasp, startled by the intensity of the sensation. “Get your hands off me.”
He meets my glare with a firm gaze of his own. “Astryl, listen to me. Now that you’ve been exposed, the Shadowlord will continue to hunt you, with the intention of using you. Your best chance is with us. Let me show you.”
“Show me what? That you’re batshit crazy? I’ve seen enough,” I hiss.
“Astryl, I can sense what you are. Please, I can help you.”
I throw my hands up in frustration. “Look, you don’t know anything about me.”
Thaldiran’s expression hardens, his golden eyes flashing with determination. “I know more than you think, Astryl,” he says, his voice low and urgent. “And if you won’t come willingly, then I have no choice.”
Before I can react, he lunges forward, his strong arms wrapping around me in a vice-like grip. Panic surges through me as I struggle against his hold, but his strength is overpowering. And with my injured wing, I can’t shift.
“Let me go!”
“I can’t do that,” he replies, his tone regretful but unwavering. “Not until I’ve shown you the truth.”
Desperation fuels my fight as I kick and claw, but his warriors descend on me, their hands grappling and restraining me. I twist and scream, my body contorting and shifting with my mounting panic.
“Stop, or I’ll be forced to tranquilize you,” Thaldiran warns.
“Like hell you will,” I hiss.
As Thaldiran’s grip tightens around me, a sudden flash of silver light streaks across the sky, catching everyone’s attention. It’s not a wraith; it’s something else entirely. In that moment of distraction, I seize my chance. I kick off the ground with all the strength I can muster, momentarily breaking free from Thaldiran’s hold. My heart pounds as I sprint through the dense forest, every muscle in my body screaming for me to go faster.
But my escape is short-lived. I hear the swift flutter of wings and the soft rustle of leaves as Thaldiran’s warriors give chase. My feet pound against the forest floor, my lungs gasping for air, but they’re gaining on me. Just when I think I can’t run any further, a sudden drop in the ground catches me off guard. I tumble down a steep embankment, crashing through underbrush and thorny vines. My body aches from the impact, but I force myself to my feet, determined to keep going.
That’s when I sense a sinister presence. A low growl echoes through the darkness, and a pair of glowing red eyes fixate on me from the shadows. A werewolf, its fur as dark as the night, emerges with fangs bared, hungry for prey. Panic grips me as I realize I’ve stumbled into the territory of a forest werewolf—a creature far more dangerous than the ones we just fought.
Just when I’m sure I’m about to die, a gentle warmth envelops me, a protective aura that shields me just as the wolf pounces. He bounces off the invisible barrier, his jaws snapping, claws raking harmlessly against the barrier. I fall back onto my assas I recoil out of instinct, looking around for the source of this incredible magic.
Suddenly, a soothing voice whispers in my mind, cutting through the chaos and fear. “Fear not, Astryl. The danger is gone.”
The words calm me and my breathing steadies. My racing heartbeat slows to a steady rhythm, and I feel the tension fade from my muscles. It’s the most peaceful feeling I’ve experienced in a long time.
“Who are you?” I whisper back, my voice trembling as I search the darkness for any sign of this mysterious presence.
“I am Krystal, your guardian angel,” the voice replies. “I’ve been with you since the beginning, guiding you, protecting you.”
“You’re just a figment of my imagination,” I reason.
“I’m not. But the time has come for me to reveal myself.”
I blink, my mouth hanging open in surprise. “Reveal yourself? I can’t handle much more of this.”
“You are special, Astryl. What Thaldiran says is true. I’ve been waiting a long time to share this with you. You’re half angel, and your abilities could be the key to stopping the Shadowlord and reclaiming the powers you were meant to inherit.”
“I don’t need any of this,” I insist, shaking my head. “I’m just a dragon shifter.”
