We step into the clearing, just the two of us, and the sounds of the forest fade into a tranquil silence. The land before us is alive, the grass swaying in a gentle breeze, and there, between the trees, I see them.
The pegasus.
Their majestic wings ripple with every movement, shimmering in the sunlight as liquid silver. Each one is more beautiful than the last, their coats gleaming like freshly fallen snow, their eyes full of wisdom.My mother’s voice pierces the silence, gentle yet unwavering.
“There’s a bond,” she begins, her words flowing, whisper of ancient trees. “A sacred connection between a valkyrie and her pegasus. The creature chooses its warrior, and once that bond is sealed, it endures for life. It will always find you, as long asyou remain within the same realm, and it will live as long as you do.”
I can’t stop my voice from rising in disbelief. “But, mother, that means… if we die, they die too?” The injustice of it slams into my small chest, my heart racing in a mixture of shock and sadness. My mother turns to me, her eyes filled with empathy. She tucks a copper curl behind my ear, then gently taps the tip of my nose.
“That’s the greatest duty of a warrior,” she says, her voice calm and steady. “Knowing that lives depend on you, always. Being a valkyrie is an honour, but with that honour comes a duty deeper than blood. It’s a burden you can never lay down.” Her gaze lifts then, looking out over the grass, where the pegasus stand tall, their wings spread wide as they drink in the sunlight.
“That’s why protecting the innocent is so important. We’re not just fighting for ourselves. We’re fighting for them, too, those who can’t defend themselves.” I stand there, the wind whispering through the tall grasses, and I feel the weight of her words settling deep. A responsibility that I didn’t quite understand. One that runs deeper than anything I’ve ever known.
I swallow hard, my voice quieter this time, but firmer. “I understand, mother. I want to protect those who need us. Just like you do.” She smiles at me, the sunlight blinding her features, but I know she’s proud.
My gazeslowly refocuses on the creature.
I whisper, “Hello, old friend.”
Skyfire spreads her wings wide, stretching them toward the horizon. Her gaze locks with mine, and in those eyes, I see wisdom that feels as ancient as the stars themselves. She lets out a soft whinny before lowering her head, inviting me to stroke her silky mane.
In that moment, I feel it. The confirmation, solidifying in my bones, my body finally recognizing who and what I truly am. It’s like coming home.
I am the daughter of a valkyrie.
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I laugh softly, the sensation of her gentle kisses on my palm overwhelming me. “I’m sorry I don’t have any snacks for you, but I’ll bring some next time,” I murmur. She responds with an approving neigh.
“Do you know how I can get back on my path?” I ask, a hint of desperation creeping into my voice. “We have a bond, right?” feeling a little crazy, talking to a pegasus.
Skyfire doesn’t answer with words, but in the way she moves. The quiet certainty in her steps tells me she understands, leading us out of the clearing, toward a hidden path. I blink in surprise as I hurry behind her, realizing this is the way back to the manor.
“Thank you,” I say softly, my heart swelling. “I’ll bring you apples tomorrow.” She nuzzles my hand, gently, then slips out through the canopy, vanishing into the forest. Knowing this isn’t the moment for an open reunion.
It’s not safe yet.
As I approachthe manor’s gate, a muffled beat of music drifts through the air, mingling with the rustling leaves. My eyes flickleft, to the lawn, where Kai, Wyll, and a stranger are each crouching over their bikes. This time, Kai’s shirt is off.
Damn, what a sight.
Wyll’s undeniably good-looking, but Kai…
He’s something else entirely. His body, a masterpiece, muscles carved with precision, every inch of his skin adorned with intricate tattoos that seem to tell their own stories. His chest and abs are bare, gleaming in the dying sunlight, and I can’t help but feel a flicker of heat crawl up my neck. My mouth goes dry.
Get it together, Avilyna. You’re pathetic right now.
I force my eyes to look away, my focus landing on the stranger beside them. This guy’s just as striking, though. His skin is deep and rich, gleaming like molten gold, his dark eyes full of an energy that radiates warmth. Seriously, what kind of place is this? Did everyone here drink from the fountain of Aphrodite or something?
Damn these Elgarian genes.
I glance down at myself, knowing damn well I probably stand out just as much with whatever genetic magic I’ve inherited. It’s like my every move is being watched. But then again, it could also be because I’m the outsider here, and it’s written clear as day on my forehead.
I spent all my life moving from city to city; the change, the feeling of not belonging, is the only constant I know. Shaking off the thought, I push forward and head straight for the new guy. I offer my hand, hoping my voice doesn’t betray the flurry of emotions I’m trying to hide.
“Hi, I’m Avilyna.” He looks up at me with a warm, easy smile, wiping his hand on a rag that’s hanging from his loose jeans. The grease stains on the cloth somehow make him look even more effortlessly attractive. He shakes my hand with a firm grip.
“Hi, I’m Caleb. Sorry, I wasn’t around to welcome you. I’ve been holed up in the lab.”
“Caleb’s an alchemist.” Wyll tosses casually, still elbow-deep in his bike.
