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THE LAST WILLOW
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
SHE•SHIFTER GRADUATION
“OOF!” Will groans loudly. The thud sound of Will’s large, yet fragile body hitting the wall echoes through the empty space of the room. I stare at him, waiting for him to admit defeat. He was soaked in his own blood. His body was covered in deep scratches, holes were leaking a thick red fluid from where my claws dug in. I knew for a fact that I had blown his kneecap, broken a wrist, maybe even fractured a few ribs, yet he didn’t admit to his loss. Yesterday was such a shit show for me, that I had some negative energy that I needed my body to get rid of. This was the perfect way. He wanted me to be a fighter, wanted me to not show any concern for his well being… I was doing exactly that. He was not going to win. Not today. “Just give up Will,” I said. Normally I’d be the one broken. This morning, he barely got a chance to touch me. I was feeling empowered and pissed. A very dangerous, and unpredictable combination. I saunter over to him, grabbing ahold of him by the back of his ne
SHE•SHIFTER LUNCH
The Willow Tree. This was the second time I met Teyana there, at least this time it was planned. Instead of having a meal with those I wasn’t sure I could trust, Lana exclusively, I had a meal with Teyana.She provided sandwiches and fruit from the cafeteria. I provided a bedsheet and soda. We met underneath the dead branches, sitting across from each other, embracing the sense of normalcy. It was nice to be surrounded by nature, with the smell of moss and raine. The sun peeks through the old and new limbs of trees. There is serenity.“I hope you like strawberries and bananas. Those were the only choices they had today,” she said, setting everything out. I smiled. “There was a time that I didn’t have anything to eat, so I will never be picky.” “They limit our food servings in the cafeteria, so I got as much as I could.” She brought a piece of fruit to her lips. She seemed to shy away as if embarrassed about the amount she presented to me. I was still in shock with the fact that th
SHE•SHIFTER BEYOND THE BARRIER
“I can take a look around and see what fabrics I have left over, but it’s pretty slim pickings,” Teyana said to me when she came into the dressing room. “Everything is ordered and supplied by Lana’s tastes.” It figures. Lana seemed to run a pretty right ship around here. She liked being in control. “What are your favorite colors?” “I like… Red,” I answered. “Red, really?” Her eyes glanced over my body, and I could see her picturing the color upon my dark complexion. “Like a Ruby Red. I think that would be awesome, but I don’t have that color.” I sighed. Just as the air escaped my lips, a thought that would definitely get me in some trouble appeared in my head. Should I say it out loud? “I have an idea…” She blinks. The rustle of the leaves beneath our feet is the only sound that I could hear in the woods. Teyana and I walked side by side, coming up with the genius plan to try and make it through the barriers. “What are we even looking for?” I asked her. She stared ahead. “When L
SHE•SHIFTER MA'ZHEE
I kept the thought to myself, being sure to walk a little faster and keep the conversation to a minimum. I wanted to be sure that my instincts weren’t leading me astray. We took side streets that we hadn't taken before, crossed busy streets at the blink of an eye, and took a sharp turn every couple of blocks. Street signs were telling us that we were nearing the highway. That’s the way that we needed to go, however, the feeling that I had in the pit of my stomach never went away. The last thing I wanted to do was bring trouble back to the compound. Teyana did well to keep up, making me believe she had the same gut feeling. “We are being followed, aren’t we?” She asked. I stared straight ahead. The fact that she didn’t ask questions about my increase in speed, or changing up the direction, I knew she was following me mentally. “I’m not sure,” I answered honestly. I tried to look back over my shoulder nonchalantly, but I didn’t see anyone that would be deemed out of ordinary, or loo
SHE•SHIFTER HEAL
“WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED OUT THERE?!” Will yelled as we burst through the double doors of the main hall. He stood at the top of the staircase, getting word from the guards that Teyana and I had arrived. My right arm hung over the back of Teyana’s neck, my left hand being held against the hole in my stomach. Teyana struggled to get us back to the compound, having to hide my wounds by wrapping the red fabric around me. Getting into a cab and having them drop us off at the side of a busy highway was also a handful, not to mention making our way through the woods with me fighting to stay awake. All in all, she made a good crutch, and returned us to the safety of the compound. Will came stomping down the stairs, taking me off Teyana’s hand, and lifting me without a problem. “Let’s take her to a doctor,” Teyana says. “No!” He answers back, “that’s not what she needs! Just get a pail of warm water, a wash cloth, and tea.” “Tea?” She shouts after him, as he runs up the steps. He tosses me
SHE•SHIFTER HEAT
SINCERE’S POV Will kept his word. I was fully healed, and Teyana didn’t accrue any injuries in our mishap outside of the barrier. He allowed me a few days of rest, and all my attention was given to Lana as we prepared for the Welcoming Ceremony. I was being prepped, like a gift to the Zytes. Today I received quite a painful body scrub and scorching shower, in which I wasn’t allowed to clean myself. Lana acted as if I was covered in trash and filth, and that this was the only way I’d truly be clean. I met with a hairdresser who was just as bubbly as she was, just in male form. At least he cared about my opinion. He seemed fascinated by my kinky dark curls, and went on this rambling rant of all the hairstyle options he has. Great, I was now a doll to someone else. Every day, something new was done to be me all in the name of appearing put together and getting the right attention. From the whitening of my teeth, to the painted details of my nails. Out of everything, the only thing
SHE•SHIFTER BLOOD OF THE ENEMY
How many deep breaths does it take to calm the racing in my heart? Lana waited at the end of the staircase. Her eyes widened in disbelief when she saw me, and it was not in a good way. Will followed behind me. “Where did this come from?” She asked, eyeing the dress. “Teyana made it for me,” I answered. She continues staring at the dress, either looking for a compliment or an insult. “I don’t know if this is appropriate…” I stared back at her. “I am wearing the blood of the enemy,” I said. Her eyes bug out. “I’d say this is appropriate.” “We can talk about this later,” Will steps up, wanting to end any further investigation into my gown.“You’re right. It’s too late to ask you back up to change.” She looked behind her, towards the sound of soft piano music. The music itself seemed to travel. I was told that the ceremony would be held in the center garden. That was in a whole separate wing. “Are you ready?” I gave a nod, feeling nauseous. “You’ll be fine, just remember everything
SHE•SHIFTER A DISGRACE
I have never had to fight a magic being. I knew it would eventually come up, but this was not something I had been trained on!Back down I go, practically free falling to the hard ground. Another round of this, and I’d need to be shifting. Before he had a chance to do it again, I somehow jumped over to him, grabbing him by his tiny ankle. “If I go up, you go up with me kid,” I promise. He blinks slowly and realizes that it was something that he himself could not survive. I am sure to not let go of him as I work my way back onto my feet. “You got some power in you, don’t you?” He furrows his brows and remains tightlipped. “Listen kid, I don’t want to hurt you.” His blue eyes find the bodies around us. “I didn’t want to hurt any of you. But I had to protect myself.” He stares at me yet again. To think that they expected me to kill a child. A child’s mind can be influenced. They can grow to develop their own thoughts and feelings. They can eventually choose the side that they want to
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SHE•SHIFTER SHE SHIFTER
The bullets fly through me. So many at once. At first, they weren’t noticeable. I feel myself falling backwards, arms flailing helplessly. I had planned to catch myself, but the blasts of their weapons were unexpected, and hit me harder than anticipated. Lying on my back, I watch as Athena stays law, trying to crawl her way over to Elias. I feel the warming of my skin and I know immediately the bullets are laced with Inferno. Don’t think about the pain. Get up! I grunt and moan as I find my way back on to my feet. The Zyte soldiers have made their way out onto the lawn, picking and choosing their targets. I keep my eyes on Athena, trying not to lose her and dodge the flying lead as well. Just as I am about to reach down and grab her, I’m thrusted backwards. I land on my feet, catching myself. My eyes lock with Elias. He breathes, heavy, his shoulders and chest rising and falling together. The glowering in his eyes tells me I may be in for trouble. “I got a bone to pick with you,” h
SHE•SHIFTER OPPOSITE SIDES
I ran up the stairs, heart thumping out of control and my mind flooded with negative thoughts and what ifs. Will and Teyana are behind me, and I can make out their panicked breaths as well. The commotion we heard before had quieted down. I pushed myself out of the secret door, into the kitchen. I see people still in their pajamas crowded in the foyer, worried expressions showing on all of their faces. I find the guard in charge of this particular side of the house. Sam. He stands at the door of the main entrance, eyes fixated on movement happening at the gate. I push my way through the crowd, wanting to get a good look myself.“What’s going on?” I asked, at the same time seeing a row of armed men, standing tall and waiting for a command. “The Ma’zhee?” Sam nods their head. I assess the situation. “They blew the gates, there is nothing stopping them from entering.” I can see small grass fires and the iron gate broken over. “What are they doing?” “If I had to guess,” Sam’s voice is lo
SHE•SHIFTER THE FINAL PIECE
I stand directly beneath the shower head, the pitter patter of the water silencing the world. The colder temperature cools me down quickly. My eyes are closed, my head filled with images of Will and I being lost in our kiss, in our feelings. I part my lips to catch my breath, knowing I could live off this memory for a while.Was our relationship always leading up to this? My memories took me for a spin. I remembered when I couldn't trust him, and when he turned into my only friend. I remember when I thought I could hate him, but realized I could love him. I wondered if my feelings were being driven by this supposed heat that Teyana mentioned. Should I bring that up to him, or would that hurt his feelings? "I like to look at you too. You're beautiful." His compliment is searing itself into my brain. Wait, does this mean he likes me? Are we together now? I bring a finger to my lips, touching them as softly as he kissed them. It was such a rush.The memory suddenly begins to alter. A
SHE•SHIFTER DESTRESS
So, this is where the cafeteria is. I stood outside its doors, staring in through the glass trying to get a sense of the people. Everyone seemed very comfortable with each other; talking, laughing and having a good time. The large room was full of the young and old, everyone so lively. This seemed to be more my speed. In our dining room it was always just me, Lana and Will. Most of the time we didn’t engage in conversation; just eating quietly, sitting properly. I have been here for more than two months, and this is the only time I’ve come to the common area. With all the commotion last night, I thought it would be a good time to show my face. Will explained that this part of the compound was for the people. It was like segregating the rich from the poor. I've never been considered a rich person, so this whole thing was odd to me. Here, everyone ate together, lived together… did everything together. It was its own community. When I walked in, everyone went quiet, staring me dow
SHE•SHIFTER A DEAL WITH THE DEAD
SIR HENRYS POV My father found her, floating in the creek where our favorite spot used to be. I wondered how long she’d been there. I wondered if she was waiting for me. I tried to romanticize it in my head, as if that would make it better. I had to come to terms that my precious Clara was gone. Maybe that was why my health took a turn. I felt her leave me in the world alone, and my soul wanted to follow her. Without her, what was my reason for existence? Athena and I are already married. A child, my child, will be born into this world. Would it be enough? ATHENA’S POV He barely said anything these days. Ever since they confirmed the death of Clara it was like he had given up. He wanted to succumb to his mysterious illness. Well, I wouldn’t have it. Clara had him in life, she would not have him in death. I must call upon the dead. I must call upon the Gods. "Invoco eos, qui ante me vixerunt, obscuri vigore pleni! Coniuro missas et misters ter ter. Da mihi
SHE•SHIFTER LOST BLOODLINE
SINCERES POV I felt a sharp pain penetrating the skin of my chest, digging in between the bones of my ribcage. It slides through to my heart, and my eyes open in fury and torment.How do I go from sleeping so soundly, to experiencing a pain like death. A deep throated growl is emitted from my voice box, coming out loud enough to wake the house. I swing my arm against the traitor who snuck into my room in the middle of the night. They fly in the air, through the paper like wall, landing in the hard tub.Light spills into the room, just as I reach out and grab the handle of the sword used against me. “Oh my god!” Teyana yells, ready to fall apart. “That does not look good.” My mind goes blank, and I can feel me slipping away. That dark side of me is coming, and it is enraged. WILLS POVA roar seemingly coming from a beast wakes me from a deep sleep. I heard the panic sounds of the others in the main hall, just as concerned and confused as was. “WILL!” I recognize Teyana’s voice in a
SHE•SHIFTER HIDDEN CHILD
ATHENA’S POV I shared a peck of a kiss with Sir Henry at his bedside. Our fathers clap and our mothers are in awe as we are officially man and wife. Henry’s body appears to be giving up on him yet again, and our fathers refused to call off the wedding. It didn’t matter to me where or how we got married, just as long as we did. At the beginning I was against this, but somehow in the mess of things, I fell for Henry. The child also helped push things in my favor. I looked down at my husband, feeling my cheeks blush. He stares back up at me, and though weak, I can tell he wants to speak. I lean in to him, letting him have my ear. “I love you Clara,” he whispers. My smile is gone. I keep my anger hidden. I step away from him, looking over at our parents. “He asks for his rest,” I lie. They nodded in agreement. “It has been a pretty big day,” his father is overly cheerful for someone who has a dying son. I follow them out of Henry’s chamber, requesting to speak alone with my f
SHE•SHIFTER CONTAIN
I was too late. That was a hard thing to acknowledge. Though I came back as soon as I could, ready to fight everyone for Elias, he was not there. I left the others in Teyana’s hands, wanting her to provide them with showers, clothes, and food. I had plenty of questions for them, but they would have to be asked in the morning. Tonight, I was done.I wanted to be alone and work out the emotions I have. From anger, to sadness, to guilt. I held up in the boxing room, but instead of hitting a punching bag like a normal person would, I released everything into the walls. It did hurt, but I think that was exactly what I wanted to feel. My knuckles cracked, my fingers popped, and I yelled out my pain. “AAAAAAAHHHHH!” I roared. I continued until my hands were bloody, and then I fell down to my knees, letting my tears stream down my face. I feel arms wrap around my upper body, squeezing me. I recognized the scent immediately. I feel his lips at the nape of neck, and he whispers my name. “S
SHE•SHIFTER THE MISSION
I stormed the house. Walking as fast as I could to find Will. Teyana was right behind me. She was not on a warpath like I was, but I felt she was more concerned for Will’s safety. The guard outside the compound said that Will was having tea in his favorite room. Sure enough, there he was, sipping from his mug without a care in the world. He looked up at me when he heard the doors open.“Where have you been?” he asked. Oh no, he was not going to question me. I smacked the ceramic glass out of his hand, letting the hot liquid drop over him. “What the hell?”“Did you know that The Grove had Elias?” His face drains of any color he has and I can see his panic. “God damn it Will!” I want to strangle his neck. I want to physically hurt him! I want to cry. “I didn’t know how to tell you,” he stood up quickly, ready to beg for my forgiveness and explain his decision to keep me in the dark. “I know you’d want to rush in and save him, but we couldn’t do all of that. He’s one person!” “He i
