“Salasil!”
Chains rush towards the werewolf, wrapping around the hulking form. Jackson figures binding the beast would be pointless, he just needs to buy Hakeem time.
Hakeem is now behind the wolf, wand aglow with mana, pointed to a tree. His eyes burn with silver flames, ancient words laced with power and command.
“Gaia hear my summons. Awaken your noble guardian by my will. Dance, Unbound by Strings! Tahrik!”
The tree radiates an amber shine as a spell circle etches into the bark. Branches burst to life, roots emerge from the soil to move freely. Thegolem of wood releases a cry as it moves by Hakeem’s command.
The tree golem rushes the bound beast, tackling its muscled form with mighty bark and it drags them both deeper into the surrounding forest, away from the manor.
Hakeem drops to his knees, his hands bracing him up. He fights to catch his breath as the mana leaves his body, powerful magic taking its toll. Jackson rushes over to his side, helping him up carefully. “Hakeem, hunny, I got you. I can take it from here, maybe you should head back to the manor.”
Hakeem shakes his head, sweat gleaming on his skin under the moonlight, face flushed. “No,” his voice breaks from the exhaustion threatening to settle into his bones, “I won’t leave you. If something happens to you neither myself or Eddie would be able to live with it.”
Jackson cups Hakeem’s cheek in his hand, the man leans into the touch. “What did I do to deserve you?” He kisses Hakeem, slow and gentle, letting more mana be transferred to the mage by the action, revitalizing him. “I love you, Hakeem.”
Hakeem smiles his wide cheek filling smile as he puts their foreheads together. “I love you too, Jackson.”
They race through the woods towards the sounds of Eddie’s werewolf fighting Hakeem’s tree golem.
On a clearing at the edge of the woods, the sky comes into full view as the tree line comes to Jackson and Hakeem’s back. They arrive just as the wolf’s fangs rip into the golem’s bark, tearing the trunk apart with teeth and claws. “If he wasn’t on a rampage that would be really impressive,” says Hakeem as he raises his wand towards the beast.
“Agreed. We’ll shower our Eddie with praise when he comes back to us,” replies Jackson as he calls on his shadows.
The wolf’s back is to a cliff overlooking a steep drop.
The beast breathes heavily, the aura of power surrounding him growing dim. His wild eyes focus on the boys, his claws digging into the soil below as he locks their gaze with his.
Hakeem leans into Jackson, voice a whisper, “When he charges next,close your eyes on my mark. He looks weakened enough that bindings should work.”
Jackson nods, his shadows circling them, “I trust you.”
The beast charges as expected, heading straight towards them, a guttural growl escaping his maw. Hakeem raises his wand towards the charging werewolf.
“Phoenix, let your flames pierce the dark and break the dawn! Noor!”
A garnet spell circle erupts into blinding white flames from the tip of the wand of twisted cedar and quartz, engulfing the clearing in a furious light. Jackson covers his eyes, his shadows quivering in anticipation for the light to subside so they could wrap around the wolf.
Hakeem’s spell lasts for a moment, as a howl pierces through the magic and blue lighting shoots through the light. “Hakeem!” Jackson notices too late as the werewolf cuts through light, knocking Hakeem back into a tree with a swing of its powerful arm, knocking the air from his lungs, the wand from his grip and glasses from his face. The beast’s eyes remain unharmed by the spell as he charges towards the mage. Jackson’s shadows rush out towards the charging figure in an attempt to intercept.
The shadows wrap around the beast’s arm, drawing his attention. The beast’s head snaps towards Jackson, his blood freezing at the rage in the soulless blue eyes that should belong to their Eddie. The beast closes the distance in an instant, as though exhaustion only fueled his strength. He wraps a monstrous claw around Jackson’s neck, lifting the elf from the ground.
Jackson struggles to regain his focus, muscles aching from a drawn out battle. He scratches at the grip around his neck, willing his shadows to pull the beast back.
It hurts.
Jackson’s eyes snap to the beast’s, he swears they look as though they are laced with tears. His thoughts are lost as the wolf slams him repeatedly into the ground, knocking the air out of him, leaving Jackson in a crater caused by his body.
“Ow,” croaks Jackson. “That…
was…rude.”
The werewolf sways as he stalks towards Hakeem, who searches for his dropped wand and glasses. The beast slams a claw into the tree at Hakeem’s back, the wood splintering under the force. Hakeem yelps and looks up towards the hulking figure, his vision slightly blurred. He’s breathing heavily as the beast glares down at him. “Eddie,” Hakeem’s voice breaks as tears begin to form, “I know you’re in there. Please come back to us,” he begs.
For a moment, Hakeem senses hesitation from the towering wolf. The beast snarls as he leans closer, hot breath brushing against Hakeem’s cheek. Hakeem hardens his gaze, calling upon his magic. He clutches the golden chain around his neck as he heightens his focus.
Please. Stop. Me.
