“Coldor talked with one of them today. He’s not been the same…Is what he said true? Are we killing this planet?”

- Translated from an ancient journal of Artemis

“Lycaros, to your left!” A feminine voice called out from behind me, and I rushed to the side to avoid another conjured platform. These foul creatures had started to arrive thanks to those puny immortals and their damned magicks that tainted our homeland like salt sewn into earth. I would deal with them once this latest horde of serpentine outsiders were dealt with. I slashed my claws forward, waves of green energy shredding through the violet barriers like they were taut leaves.

What’s going on? I thought suddenly, my brain screaming in pain and dysphoria as warring emotions and sensations clambered for my attention. I’m not a wolf! What in the seven hells is going on?!

“Lyca, behind you!” Another voice called out, this one smooth and kind. I opened space before me and the world slowed as the abyssal realm opened up to me. I sprinted through, my paws incapable of making a noise in the space between realities. I snarled in frustration, my growl low in my throat, as I noticed these interlopers moved freely in this space as well. The hue of their stolen energies made more sense, though.

These serpentine abominations were likely natives to this plane, and only slipped into mine thanks to the tinkering of those foul bipeds. Those humanoids that had just arrived on our planet weren’t like the strong tieflings or the gentle orcs Valor had appointed to assist in caretaking our home. These accursed newcomers were vicious and apathetic and cared nothing for balance or peace.

I shook my head and refocused my attention on the fight at hand.

Wait…Is this…Am I reliving that wolf’s memory? The thought sent a shiver of confusion and horror down my spine, but soon the vision consumed my thoughts as my senses became that of Lycaros once more.

Cervidor, the giant stag of white and gold, jumped over me right as I reemerged from the abyssal plane. My brother in spirit and flesh nodded once right before the tips of his antlers glowed and dozens of these invaders were reduced into scorched husks a moment later. I rushed in and slew the few he had missed.

Distracted by my mane again, brother?

The familiar voice of the wolf shook me to my core as I felt him speak through me. Or rather, I was speaking through him. It was all so confusing, but I was slowly gaining a theory of what was going on. That hardly mattered, though. I had no control over this vision, and yet I felt every facet of Lycaros’ experience as if it were happening to me.

“Only because you need it washed, whiskers,” the stag replied with a twinkle in his eyes. I shoved my shoulder playful into his side.

“Sisters and brothers,” the feminine voice I recognized from earlier spoke. Like before, her voice and presence exuded kindness. I swiveled, taking in the avian creature as her prismatic wings beat gently in the wind. She was an odd mix between the kaleidoscopic colors of the Glimmerwings and the legendary Griffins I had read about. In a word, she was captivating. More than that, her eyes bore no ill will or bloodlust. There was not a shred of violent intent in her body, even so close to the blood of her enemies. I felt Lycaros’ muscles relax at the sight of her.

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Seraphine, the wolf within me rumbled. What troubles you?

I tilted my head in concern. She hesitated, and my other siblings slowly arrived. In all, there were seven of us, each the Archon over an aspect of the world Valor had entrusted us to steward. I felt each of their presences and noticed that the large snake with gold and black scales felt familiar somehow, even beyond Lycaros’ familial bond to these entities. It almost felt like…

“My beloved family, the newcomers are on the move. Their leaders, who have called themselves the Crimson Generals, beseech us for a meeting. I—I don’t trust them, but I say that we hear them out. What say you, siblings?” Seraphine spoke in my mind. From the looks of the others, they also heard her inside their heads. The stag chuffed and beat his hooves against the bloodsoaked dirt beneath. I growled, low and hard, in the depths of my gut. Those generals were butchers. I had already witnessed the destruction their magic wrought on my lands and people. They cared nothing for the natural order. I would say as much.

“What is Valor’s verdict for these foreigners?” The serpent I knew to be called Nolla asked us. Her voice was surprisingly gentle, but that barely hid the cold pragmatism I felt pulse from her every breath.

“Probably wants us to pursue peace,” Cervidor replied bitterly. His territory was even worse off than mine. Still, I growled at his challenge.

We will not act against them without his blessing, brother. Valor has never led us astray. He will not do so now.

“There haven’t been such…clever…travelers before, either. You of all people should know that trust is not given. It is earned. These outworlders should know this, and yet they burn and pillage without fear of consequence. This cannot continue.” Cervidor did not back down as he spoke, but this was his way.

“I shall meet with them,” Seraphine chimed in, ending our battle of wills. “The one they call Coldor seems amiable enough.”

Careful, sister. Call on me should you have need for me.

She looked at me and smiled gently. With a single nod in my direction, she flew away. The others soon dispersed as well, leaving me alone with Nolla. I turned toward her, meeting her squinted gaze. She studied me intently, and after a long moment, I felt a pang of vulnerability sweep through my psyche. It was like my innermost being was laid bare for this being. She scowled—a truly strange yet undeniable expression on her serpentine face.

“Brother,” she hissed quietly. “Did you give your blood?” Her question alarmed and confused Lycaros, but all I could feel was a looming dread as she continued to stare at me.

Don’t be ridiculous. Why would you ask such a thing?

“Because I sense another in you. And she does not share our heart.” With these words, Nolla looked at me. I knew it like I knew how to breathe or the taste of my own name on my lips. This creature saw me. My vision blurred suddenly and it was like the very cosmos fell toward my consciousness. I tried to flee, but I was still stuck inside Lycaros’ form. Nolla lunged, a blur of speed and menace. Her giant maw lined with two razor fangs opened before me, ready to swallow me whole.

Right before she reached me, darkness blotted out everything around me. It consumed me. I couldn’t feel my own body, much less anything from that vision. I was alone, adrift in this void of time and senses. I cried out, but I couldn’t even hear my own voice. Then, a bright light blinked into existence before me. It was gold and green and filled with an unwavering will to live. It sent waves of relief through me as whatever form I currently took peered into that light.

A voice emanated from the darkness, or the light, I couldn’t tell. It was everywhere and nowhere.

Everything you know is a lie, daughter.