"Let's rest here," Jasper says, slowing his horse near a group of dead trees.Eliana sighs with relief as he slides down from their steed, her heart beginning to finally calm down.He turns around reaching up to help her descend. "I am able to get down on my own," she murmurs, swinging her leg over the side.Jasper is right behind her, though, his hands finding her sides to ease her movement.Eliana gasps, a fire exploding in the pit of her stomach, taking over her entire body. His hand causes her shirt to bunch up, the breeze brushing against her bare skin."Are you alright," Jasper questions close to her ear once she is standing on the ground."Uh, I'm fine," she forces out harshly.Refusing to even look at him, she moves away, her chest tight. She gulps, moving to Alma in order to begin unpacking some of the food."I will go hunt for some meat. I saw some deer running around about a mile to the north," Evyn states sliding down form his horse. "It will be easier to hunt wit
As the women exit the trees, Eliana's gaze immediately searches out Jasper. Her heart begins to flutter when she eventually does see him, but it is short lived. He is standing near Alma, laughing. He moves his hands around, explaining something to her.The werebird nods, closing her eyes.Eliana only stands there, watching, with Olisnia by her side.Alma's brow furrows, her shoulders tensing up, but almost immediately, feathers begin to form on her arms, her hands welding together. Her legs shrink but only slightly. Her face protrudes out into a large beak. Jasper folds his arms, cocking his head to the side as he watches. After a minute nothing else happens. Alma flaps her wings around angrily, her beak clacking together, before she squawks and her human form is returned to her."Come, let us get closer," Olisnia says walking forward."Wait," Eliana squeaks trying to reach for the Drulian. As her heart is ripped from her chest, she eyes Jasper. She cannot help but realize that th
Eliana turns away from Jasper, forcing all thoughts of him from her mind. Her body moves on its own, sending her up behind one of the bears. She reaches out and slashes her claws across the creature's leg. It roars out and Olisnia wraps her whip around its neck pulling him to the ground.Jasper, back to his senses, is now on top of the Xefol, ripping into its throat. Eliana latches onto the bear's back, tearing him into shreds. The metallic taste of his blood coats her mouth and she cringes at the after taste.The second assassin lunges at Alma who is still atop her steed. She squeaks, trying to move, but her horse that is petrified, bucks the werebird off, sending her tumbling to the ground. She groans with the pain, her arm beginning to bleed. She looks up at the exact moment as the werebear approaches, standing above her and leaning back on his hind legs."Alma," Evyn shrieks, his body growing into that of his bear form. With his newly shifted muzzle, he digs into their enemy's t
The night breeze blows through the camp, sending a chill through the Climont soldiers. Many huddle together, surrounding small fires for warmth.Drake resides in his quarters, sitting at his table. He is hunched over, grabbing onto his hair as stress rolls through him."Milord," Junet bows as she enters."What is it?" His expression is pale, exhaustion lining around his eyes."We have received word from the Vojik of the south. They will send a pack of wolves immediately."Relief washes over the Prince, "Thank the spirits. We'll have enough men to take down the rebels, especially if they are already in Zaline."An image of Eliana appears in his mind. Concern tenses his muscles at the thought of her entering that ambush."When will the werewolves arrive?""They will be here in two day's time," Junet explains softly, remaining close to the exit."That is still far away. We must be ready for when they arrive."The maid shuffles uncomfortably, "Prince, are you sure your plan will
"Jasper, are you sure it was such a good idea to leave her," Evyn grumbles for the hundredth time. As they trudge across Drein, he glances back every so often.Jasper tries not to roll his eyes, "If you're so worried about your mate, then you should have stayed with them.""T-that's not why," he blunders through his words, a blush skyrocketing through his features."You have been wanting to leave them for a while now, but all of a sudden, now you care? Stick to one reaction and one decision. Stop going back and forth.""It's just that we left them completely alone. I said that we should leave them when Eliana, the Princess, was with the Climont soldiers. She was safe with them." Evyn is trying to explain as he matches Jasper's pace.Jasper shrugs, "She has the Drulian. She is safe."His friend sighs, "I am not so sure just one Drulian will be strong enough against several Xefol if they are attacked again.""Eliana has her powers now. She can at least partially shift. Alma is clo
Drake struggles against the hold of the stranger. He tries to slip his head through the man's arm, but the grip is only tightened, choking him further. He reaches to his left side to grab his dagger, but he is yanked back, his arm flailing."I told you," the shadow seethes, "Not to even try.""Unhand me," Drake commands, annoyance bursting in his chest. Who does this man believe he is?"You're used to giving orders, aren't you, Prince Drake." The stranger's breath is hot against Drake's ear causing a shiver to shoot down into his stomach. He grimaces at the stirring in his chest as his name is spoken."Milord," Junet gasps as she enters the tent. She opens her mouth once more, to scream, but another figure appears behind her, a long black robe enshrouding his features."Rowan, that is enough. I believe you have made your point," the new stranger growls out. His teeth glint in the fire light, his eyes flashing yellow."Are we really going to be working for such a weakling," the ma
Eliana sighs with relief, tears welling up. "I thought you were dead.""No," the elderly woman bites out moving forward, "Hardly."The Princess takes a step forward, but an oddity in the way Selma is watching her, causes Eliana to pause.Alma continues to stare at the room, her eyes wide as she peers upon the golden throne. She blinks repeatedly before turning her attention onto the maid."Where is everyone?"Selma's gaze slowly shifts to the werebird, "Excuse me?""The citizens, soldiers. Where is everyone in Zaline," Alma elaborates. Her brow shifts up in inquiry."They have all either fled or have been captured," she states simply, her shoulders slightly lifting in a shrug."Selma," Eliana forces out her words, an unease building in her stomach. "Where is my father?"The woman's body shifts back to face her, a cruel curl twisting her lips, "Why did you have to survive? Why did you return?"Trying to organize her thoughts, Eliana frowns, "What do you mean?""You were not m
Eliana's entire body shuts down, her heart bleeding from the betrayal. There is a hole in her chest, nausea building up into her throat."Selma," her voice cracks, dry tears lighting her eyes on fire.The maid snorts harshly, almost rolling her eyes. She takes a step closer to the two women."We must go," Alma hisses to Eliana, grabbing her arm and pulling. "We need to get out of here."The Princess refuses to budge though, her wide gaze still on Selma."Did you really hate us that much?" She swallows a second wave of tears.Curling her lips, the handmaid softly shrugs, "You should not even be alive. Humans and Pivurlions should never be together.""Princess," Alma urges as she notices movement behind the throne, "Let's go."Eliana holds herself together, but only barely. The woman before her, who has raised her from infancy, has never truly loved her. "Why. . ." she clears her throat, "Why pretend?"Selma huffs, "Like I said before, I had very limited resources to accomplish