Chapter Three
Cold Resolve
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I wasn’t sure if he could keep up with Astra and me. Being a solid griffin like her, her wing strength is incredible. She was built for muscle and speed - trained for stealth and protection. She was a fantastic creature, and having her by my side was the best thing a huntress could ask for. But perhaps the kirin could keep up. I’m not sure what Cythil’s plan was - honestly, he was all over the place with his explanation. The Vreselari knew something he wasn’t sharing with me, but perhaps it was for a good cause. The Vreselari have already gone to my father - and now a scout for me?
Hell, I didn’t even know if this man was a scout for Vreselon. He seemed… Aloof is the nicest way to put it. I could quickly tell he had heart, but his attitude was iffy. Cythil, a rogue from Vreselon. Hrmph. I glanced over my shoulder to see they had flown to the sky. His knowing where I was and how to get my attention baffled me. What could he possibly have on me? What could any of them have on me?
The wind whistled past my ears as Astra’s mighty wings cut through the cold air. The landscape below blurred into a patchwork of white and gray, the frozen terrain dotted with skeletal trees. The urgency of our flight mirrored the urgency in my heart. Every second counted if we were to uncover the mysteries and potential dangers ahead.
Cythil’s Dark Kirin, Nocturne, kept pace effortlessly. His dark purple form, almost black in the dim light, moved with a grace that belied his size. The nearly feathery tail trailed behind like a banner, and the white underbelly glowed faintly against the snowy backdrop.
I stole another glance back at Cythil. Despite the cold wind tugging at his hair and clothes, his expression remained confident and determined. He shouted something, but the wind snatched his words away before they could reach me. Still, the intensity in his eyes told me enough—he was driven by a purpose as strong as mine.
We dove lower, skimming the treetops. Astra’s wings brushed the branches, sending a frost shower into the air. I adjusted my grip, leaning closer to her neck to minimize resistance. The ground rushed up to meet us, and with a final powerful beat of her wings, Astra pulled out of the dive, leveling off just above the snow-covered ground. I guided her through the narrow gaps between the trees, trusting her instincts to keep us on course.
Nocturne followed closely, his movements fluid and almost effortless. Cythil and his mount's bond was clear; they moved as one, anticipating each other’s actions with practiced ease. For a moment, the world shrank to the sound of Astra’s wings, her breathing rhythm, and my heart's steady beat. The frozen wasteland spread around us, and a stark and unforgiving landscape mirrored our challenges.
I decided to test Cythil’s resolve and skill further. I veered Astra sharply to the left, threading through a narrow passage between two steep cliffs. The jagged rocks loomed ominously, their edges sharp and unyielding. Astra navigated the tight space with practiced ease, her wings folding slightly to avoid the outcroppings.
Nocturne followed suit, matching our every move. I glanced back to see Cythil’s focused expression, his silver eyes never leaving me. He wasn’t just keeping up—anticipating my moves, proving his worth in real-time.
“Is this the best you’ve got?” he called out, a playful challenge in his voice.
I smirked, deciding to push the pace further. “Let’s see how you handle this!” I shouted back, urging Astra to dive lower, skimming just above the frozen river that wound through the valley. I didn’t get the opportunity to ‘race’ others - as only a few of the warriors in our camp had a flying mount, such as a griffin. I think maybe two others? Griffins are rare in our area - and they have to be willing to join us. We’d never force a creature to join our side. We are the elves of the Wastelands - we want everything to be smooth for us. But Astra was a particular case. She was injured as a cub when I was younger, and my mother gave her to me as a challenge to test my resolve for nature and its creatures. But that’s another story for another day.
I needed to focus on the now, on Cythil and Vreselon.
The moon's pale light reflected on the icy surface, creating a dazzling display of glinting shards. Astra’s wingtips brushed the surface, sending ripples through the frost. I could feel her muscles coiling, ready to respond to any obstacle.
Nocturne remained close, his movements mirroring Astra’s. Despite the treacherous terrain, Cythil showed no signs of hesitation. His confidence was unwavering, and I found myself grudgingly impressed. As we soared over the river, I noticed ice pillars rising from the surface, creating a natural obstacle course. Without slowing, I guided Astra through the pillars, weaving between them with agility and precision.
As I thought I had the upper hand, Cythil, and Nocturne suddenly surged forward. In an unexpected burst of speed, Nocturne's dark form became a blur, darting ahead Astra with impressive agility. Cythil’s silver eyes flashed with determination as he maneuvered Nocturne through the ice pillars with effortless precision.
Astra and I pushed harder to keep up, but Nocturne’s lead widened with each passing second. The moonlight cast a silvery glow on the frosty landscape, illuminating their path as they weaved through the obstacles gracefully and quickly.
As we soared higher, the biting cold of the wind whipped against my face, but I couldn't afford to lose focus. Astra’s wings beat powerfully, but it was clear we were no match for Nocturne's swiftness. Cythil's Dark Kirin almost danced on the air currents, effortlessly gliding and twisting through the night sky.
With a final burst of speed, Nocturne shot forward, leaving us even further behind. I could see them descending towards a small, frozen terrain area with a glistening pond at its center, surrounded by jagged ice formations. Cythil and Nocturne landed gracefully beside the frozen pond, their victory undeniable. Breathing heavily, I guided Astra to land beside them. The icy ground crunched beneath Astra’s claws as we touched down, the cold seeping through my boots.
“Ah, there you are! I was starting to think you’d gotten lost!” Cynthia greeted us as he leaned against the tree, his legs just barely crossed, as were his arms. He was spinning one of his daggers with his finger and giving me a big grin.
I dismissed Astra, “Wonderful flying, my friend. We’ll get them next time.” Patting her head, I motioned to her to crunch the ice and grab a drink of water, earning a rest. I watched as Nocturne came up beside her, and they bowed their heads to one another in a gesture of respect. A smile formed on my face, seeing that she was getting along with the kirin.
“Pretty impressive flying,” I commented to Cythil, returning my attention to the silver-eyed rogue.
His eyes gleamed with determination as he brushed his hair out of his gaze and replied, “Speed and agility—not always about strength,” he commented.
“A sleek flying creature like him should have plenty of it,” I said softly.
“You’ve got to learn the land,” he replied, stepping away from the tree and walking in a seemingly random direction. “For example, I see that this area is trendy… for, perhaps, frost wolves.”
I watched as he knelt down and examined faint tracks in the snow, his eyes scanning the terrain with practiced ease. His ability to read the land and identify the signs of various creatures was impressive. “Frost wolves, but what else?” I asked, curiosity piqued.
He stood up, his gaze shifting to a slight indentation in nearby trees. “Very rarely… snow basilisks,” he said, his voice dropping to a more serious tone.
I followed his line of sight and noticed the subtle marks on the tree bark and the ground. “Snow basilisks? And what exactly do you know about them? You may know how to spot certain creatures, but you must also know what they can do.”
“Freeze you solid - practically - if you’re not careful. They’re serpentine creatures,” He replied.
“Impressive. So you learned all this within a day?” I asked.
“Well, no. I’m not stupid,” He commented.
“Never said you were,” I replied.
He shrugged, gazing over his shoulder at me and then at the two creatures lying beside the lake. “The renowned respect the two have for one another is incredible,” he pointed out.
“Astra respects all - whether her species or not. She’s honestly feeling a bit defeated in the competition,” I replied as I approached her and sat beside her in the snow beside the frozen lake. My gaze trailed from the reflection of the frozen water to the floating isles that I could barely make out in. With that, my brain became foggy again.
It was just about moon-high. My gaze trailed back to the floating islands, now covered with clouds, letting me know it would snow soon. A sigh escaped me. “Do you really think I can help?” I asked Cythil.
The elf’s gaze was fixated ahead of me, and a look of sorrow flashed across his face for a fleeting moment. “If you’re confident, sure. The Vreselari are looking for help—whatever it is. They went to you, did they not? Well, maybe not you specifically, but your father.”
“True, but they also didn’t explain to anyone what they were there for,” I pointed out once more.
“Maybe you’ll find out soon,” Cythil replied, a mischievous sparkle returning to his eyes as he took a seat a few inches away from me. “Besides, how could a huntress pass up an adventure?” He chuckled, his laughter light and infectious.
“It’s strange how positive you are about this,” I grumbled. “Especially with a stranger.”
Cythil leaned back, propping himself up on his elbows with effortless grace. “Life’s too short to dwell on the unknown. Every stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet, and every journey is a tale waiting to be told.” His voice was warm and inviting, starkly contrasting the icy landscape.
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at his carefree attitude, though a small part of me was drawn to his unyielding optimism. “You make it sound so simple.”
He flashed me a charming grin. “That’s because it is, my friend. The thrill of the unknown, the promise of new experiences—that’s what keeps us alive, isn’t it?”
I sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and amusement. “I take you’re always this positive?”
Cythil’s grin widened, “Perhaps. But you can’t deny that life is more exciting with a bit of risk. And who knows what you’ll find or learn on this adventure?”
“It’s not just an adventure, though,” I replied, my gaze dropping back to the reflection of the isles. “It’s more—whatever is stirring that Vreselon was so desperate to come to us, I don’t even know what it is!”
Cythil's expression softened slightly as he leaned closer. “That’s the beauty of it, isn’t it? The unknown is what makes it all the more thrilling. Whatever it is, we’ll face it together. And think of the stories we’ll have to tell when it’s all over.”
“I’ll think about it,” I replied to him. “Though, it’s tough to leave home.” I paused as I thought about it. I could feel the tips of my ears getting colder, meaning I should probably be going soon. So I looked at Astra, who was pawing at a fish in the frozen water.
“I still don’t trust you,” I murmured, my eyes narrowing slightly, “but perhaps you could be useful in Vreselon if I decide to cross it one day. If my father doesn’t respond, do you think the Vreselari will return to our lands?”
“Probably—but they may just see you as an enemy at that point,” he replied, his voice tinged with concern.
I nodded, letting his words sink in. The thought of the Vreselari seeing us as enemies was unsettling. Perhaps I could help them discover what it was that threatened their lands. But what would be in it for our people? Besides earning a favor.
Cythil seemed to sense my hesitation and added, “Helping them could forge a strong alliance. Imagine what we could accomplish together—new trade routes, shared knowledge, mutual protection. It’s not just about favors; it’s about building something greater.”
“Perhaps,” I replied, leaning forward over the lake. “But perhaps it would also shut down opportunities once they learn more about us. They already don’t wish to help us with anything.”
“I think you’re wrong there, Huntress,” Cythil replied, almost as if he were hurt. “I’m sure they protect these lands somehow, right?”
I laughed and glanced at him, “Maybe you don’t know anything about the Wastelands.”
“What do you mean?” he asked, curiosity evident.
“We haven’t seen a Vreselari down here in Moons. You’re the first one I’ve seen in… Elarae knows how long!” I exclaimed, standing up and brushing the snow off my legs. “It’s interesting. Do you think they’re at all helpful?” I scoffed.
The elf frowned, his gaze locking downwards now and avoiding mine. “You’re not the only Tribe out here, Zarola. They’re doing what they can.”
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I grunted, feeling a surge of anger. “Watching us freeze and be scarce with food,” I snapped, my voice becoming sharper. “The Vreselari have done nothing but turn a blind eye to our suffering. They sit in their warm homes while we struggle to survive in the cold.”
Cythil winced at my words, but I didn’t care. My hatred for the Vreselari was rooted in years of hardship and neglect. “Whatever, it doesn’t matter. I wouldn’t be doing this for them. I’d be doing it to help my own people.”
Grumpy now, I mounted Astra and got her ready to fly. The cold wind bit at my face, but it was nothing compared to the bitterness I felt toward the Vreselari. “I won’t forget what they’ve done,” I muttered. “Or rather, what they haven’t done.”
Cythil looked up, a hint of sadness in his eyes. “Zarola, I understand your anger. But sometimes, we must let go of the past to change the future. Think about what we could achieve together.”
I shook my head, my resolve firm. “I’ll think about it, but don’t expect me to trust so easily. If I go to Vreselon, it will be for my people, not for any misplaced hope in the Vreselari.”
“Well, at least take this before you leave,” He said, passing something out to me from his bag. “It’s ethereal magic—a communication device. You’ll need one if you go to Vreselon.” With a quick toss, he threw a small silver orb in my direction. I fumbled to catch it, trying to stay balanced on Astra's back. The orb felt cool and smooth in my hand, almost humming with energy.
“Uh, yeah. Sure,” I murmured, putting the orb away. “Nice to meet you, Cythil.”
With that, I urged Astra into the sky, leaving Cythil behind. As we soared above the frozen landscape, my thoughts were a whirlwind of anger and determination. The Vreselari might have ignored us for years, but I will never forget. And if I did decide to embark on this journey, it would be on my terms for the sake of my Tribe.
Inside my flet, I took a moment to gaze around, ensuring no surprise visitors were lurking in the shadows. Thankfully, it was just Astra and me, surrounded by the peaceful stillness of our elevated sanctuary.
The warmth inside was a pleasant surprise, a testament to the careful craftsmanship of the elves who had built these dwellings to withstand the chill of winter. The walls, woven from sturdy branches and insulated with layers of enchanted moss, trapped the warmth from the small hearth in the corner, casting a gentle glow across the space.
Our flat was cozy yet spacious enough to comfortably accommodate Astra and me. The floor was covered with plush, woven rugs that added an extra layer of warmth and comfort. In one corner, a low table held a collection of carved wooden trinkets and a few well-read scrolls, remnants of evenings spent studying or crafting by the fire.
Though typically simple, each felt reflected its occupant. Mine was adorned with delicate tapestries depicting scenes from the forest, their vibrant colors softened by the flickering firelight. A few potted plants hung from the rafters, their leafy tendrils reaching down and adding a touch of life and greenery to the space.
As Astra settled down on the rug, her eyes fluttering closed in contentment, I took a deep breath, savoring the familiar scents of home—pine, earth, and the faint hint of the herbal incense I often burned to relax.
Perched high above the ground, wrapped in warmth and tranquility, I felt a deep sense of belonging. This solitary flet, nestled amidst the trees, was more than just a home; it was a sanctuary where the outside world seemed distant and the day's troubles melted away.
As I settled into my seat, memories of the night's events flooded. Strangely enough, I had encountered a mysterious rogue who knew my name. Even more surprising was how he seemed to know exactly how to capture my interest—with his Dark Kirin. Witnessing such a magnificent creature up close was truly awe-inspiring.
As a hunter, I take pride in understanding the creatures around me, whether rare, standard, or mythical. Knowing the land and its inhabitants is crucial for ensuring my safety, the safety of the Tribe, and, most importantly, Astra's safety.
Safety. The word lingered in my mind as I gazed out the small window overlooking the camp below. The night was quiet, with only a few figures moving about—mainly night patrols and warriors, but a few others. My attention shifted from the window to the pack resting in my lap. I opened it and retrieved the silver orb that Cythil had given me.
I turned the orb over in my hands, its surface smooth and cool. It symbolized a journey I was reluctant yet felt compelled to undertake. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on my shoulders, but I knew I couldn't ignore it. My Tribe depended on me, and I would do whatever it took to ensure their safety.
"I don’t really want to go, Astra," I murmured a few feet away. "I’d rather just stay here and continue doing what I need to and keep an eye on Father."
Astra lifted her head as I spoke and rested it in my lap. Her gaze flickered from the orb to me. I gently patted her head, feeling the anxiety begin to fade away.
"I don’t even know how to get there! Do we just… fly?" I questioned her, staring at the silver orb. "He was holding this earlier. Maybe there's some kind of transcript or message or something..." I murmured, beginning to tinker with it.
As I fiddled with the orb, I noticed faint engravings along its surface. My fingers traced the delicate patterns, searching for a clue or a hidden mechanism. The orb seemed to hum softly in response to my touch, almost as if it were alive.
"Astra, do you think there's a way to save The Wastelands if we go?" I mused aloud. Her eyes remained fixed on the orb, her expression calm yet attentive.
I pressed gently on one of the engravings, and to my surprise, the orb began to glow. The intricate patterns illuminated, revealing a complex network of lines and symbols. Suddenly, a beam of light shot out from the orb, projecting a holographic map of the skies onto the wall. It was a map leading to Vreselon.
"This must be it," I whispered, awe-struck. "This is how we find Vreselon."
Astra let out a soft trill as if encouraging me. The path was now clear, but uncertainty still gnawed at me. The Vreselari had never asked for help before, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was at stake. “Is this the kind of magic they possess?”
"I guess we have no choice but to follow this," I said, steeling myself for the journey ahead. "For the tribe and for Father."
I secured the orb in my pack and stood up, determination replacing my earlier apprehension. Astra rose as well, her majestic wings stretching in readiness.
“Do you think you can take us into flight before the rest of the Tribe wakes up? I know you’re tired, but we must leave before everyone asks questions. Let me see…” I looked around the flet for a piece of paper and a pen. When I found one, I began to write a note to my Father.
“I hope this note finds you well. When you read this, Astra and I will already go to Vreselon. The Vreselari have asked for our help, and I have chosen to answer their call. I know this is sudden, but I had to act quickly.
Please don't worry about me. I will write back and keep you updated as often as I can. I promise to stay safe and return as soon as possible.
Mom would have wanted me to do this. She always believed in helping those in need, and I want to honor her memory by doing the same.
With love,
Zarola♥”
Gathering some supplies, I tuck away what I could take. The only things I really needed were Aurums and arrows. The Aurums would be essential for trading and securing any resources we might need on our journey. I took several Gold Aurums for more considerable expenses, Silver Aurums for moderate transactions, and Bronze Aurums for smaller necessities. (Aurums is a term for gold in our Tribe.)
The arrows, however, were indispensable for protection and hunting. I carefully counted and packed them into my quiver, ensuring enough to last until we reached Vreselon.
As I prepared, Astra, my loyal companion, watched intently. Her keen eyes seemed to understand the gravity of our mission. I gently stroked her feathers, reassuring her that we would face whatever lay ahead.
With everything ready, I took a deep breath and stepped outside like I had snuck in. The night was almost over, and I rushed Astra out. I climbed up on Astra, and she spread her wings, ready to take flight.
Though, as soon as I did, I heard a voice.
“Zarola?!”
Shit.
It was Ruvyn. I forgot he was one of the few warriors volunteering for night watches. I nervously grabbed my braided white-blond hair and awkwardly played with it as he waved goodbye to the others and approached me.
“Are you leaving already? I could’ve sworn you just got back!” he said, greeting Astra and giving her a treat. “I knew you’d like it,” he chuckled as he tossed her a bone.
“Ruvyn, I... I have to go,” I replied, trying to avoid his probing eyes.
“Go where?” he asked, his curiosity piqued. “You just returned, Zarola. What’s so urgent that you need to leave again?”
I frowned, climbing down off of Astra again, and approached him. I let out a gentle sigh as I clasped my hands together. “Well, Father said the Vreselon needed our help, right?” I asked.
He pulled his winter coat tighter around him, his blue eyes connecting with mine sadly. “You’re going to help them, aren’t you?” the elf questioned me.
I nodded slowly, “I have to; it’s my responsibility!” I said quickly, feeling somewhat embarrassed.
“You don’t have to do it alone,” Ruvyn replied, his voice dropping. “Why don’t you talk to your Father first? Maybe get some more information about this ‘dangerous threat’ they claim. Do we even know if your father spoke to them?”
Glancing at him, it almost sounded like he accused my father of lying—which he would never do. I shook my head slightly, trying to dispel the unsettling notion. “Ruvyn, I trust my father. He wouldn’t send me out there without a good reason.”
“He isn’t sending you anywhere,” Ruvyn argued with me, his voice slightly shaking. He sighed, running a hand through his thick brown hair. “I’m just saying, maybe there’s more to this than we know. You don’t have to rush into danger without understanding what’s at stake.”
“I know,” I replied softly, feeling the weight of his concern. “But I believe in what my father told me. And I’m sure he has his reasons for not revealing everything. Maybe it’s to protect us.”
“Or maybe,” Ruvyn’s voice sounded almost enraged. “They Vrselari just want to lure us into a trap.”
I put my hand on his shoulder, trying to calm him. “Ruvyn,” I stated firmly as I locked gazes with him. We’ve been friends since we were little, almost 100-some-odd years ago.” A small smile formed as I gained the confidence that I needed. “I can handle this.”
Ruvyn has been by my side since we were kids. He and I are about the same age, nearly 125 years old—equivalent to roughly 25 in human years. From the moment we could walk, we were inseparable, exploring the forests and learning the ways of our people together.
We trained under the same mentors, sharpening our skills in tandem as we spared and honed our abilities. Our bond, forged through shared victories and lessons learned, grew stronger each year.
I still remember our first hunt together. We were around 50, still young and eager to prove ourselves. The memory of that day is vivid: the thrill of the chase, the adrenaline coursing through our veins, and the triumphant moment when we finally brought down our quarry. It was a rite of passage, a significant milestone in our journey to becoming skilled hunters of the Wastelands.
Ruvyn had always been my confidant and rock, his unwavering support a constant source of strength. As I prepared to embark on this dangerous mission, I could see the worry etched on his face. He was more than a friend; he was family, and I understood his concerns deeply.
Defeated, he nodded with a frown still lingering. “I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“I am the Wasteland's Best Hunter,” I said with a chuckle. “I’ll be fine!”
Ruvyn sighed, his shoulders relaxing a bit. “I know you’re capable, Zarola. But promise me you’ll take every precaution. Vreselon is unpredictable, and I don’t want to lose my closest friend.” He put one hand over my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“I promise, Ruvyn,” I replied, my voice gentle but resolute. “I’ll be careful and come back in one piece.”
Ruvyn nodded, running a hand through his hair. “Just promise me you’ll be careful. And if things get out of hand, don’t hesitate to return.”
“I promise,” I said with a small smile. “I’ll be careful. And I’ll come back in one piece.”
He nodded, though the worry in his eyes remained. “Alright. Just remember, you’re not alone. We’re all here for you, no matter what. Astra,” He said as he turned to the large Griffin. “Take care of Zarola. She’s a bit of a troublemaker.” Ruvyn chuckled, his gaze rather heartbroken.
With those words, I felt a renewed sense of determination. I mounted Astra once more, ready to embark on the journey ahead. As she took flight, I glanced back at Ruvyn, who watched us with hope and concern.
The sky stretched beyond us, vast and open, as we soared toward the unknown. The wind rushed past, carrying the promise of adventure and the weight of responsibility. I pulled out the silver orb that Cythil had given me and watched its projection of a map populate before my eyes.
I studied the projected map carefully, hoping for a straightforward route to Vreselon, but it revealed something unexpected. Instead of a direct path, the map highlighted a unique, invisible portal that could transport us to the floating islands. The portal was the only way to access the islands safely, as the enchantments surrounding them prevented any other means of entry.
In the sky, I came to a stop. The ground from here looked so far away, and the air was thinner at this altitude. I didn’t think we could make it this high, but the incredible view was. The Frozen Wastelands stretched for miles beyond miles, a vast, icy expanse. You couldn’t make out the villages very well. Still, I could see the sun beginning to rise again, casting a golden glow over the horizon.
“Astra,” I murmured as I hesitated not too far away from the shimmering portal. A strange presence was nearby, and the orb began to shimmer even brighter in response. “What is this? Some… magical force field? Why would these lands need a force… shield thing?” I questioned softly, more to myself than to Astra.
The orb responded to my curiosity, its light pulsating rhythmically. This force field was clearly part of the enchantment protecting the floating islands. Still, the reason behind it remained a mystery. Perhaps it was to guard against intruders or preserve the islands' sanctity.
With a deep breath, I urged Astra to move closer to the shimmering spot in the air. The presence grew stronger, a palpable sense of magic enveloping us. As we approached, the air around the portal seemed to ripple, revealing its hidden nature.
“This must be it,” I whispered, excited and apprehensive. “The gateway to Vreselon.”
Astra, sensing my determination, flapped her wings with renewed vigor. Together, we crossed the threshold of the invisible portal, and a surge of energy washed over us. The world around us blurred and twisted as if we were transported through a tunnel of light and magic.
Moments later, the sensation subsided, and we emerged into a new and wondrous realm. The three floating islands lay before us, suspended in the sky with an otherworldly grace. The central island, Vreselon, was a sight to behold, its lush landscapes and towering structures radiating an aura of ancient power.
Flanking Vreselon were the two smaller islands, each with unique terrain. One was covered in dense forests, its village nestled within the trees, while the other was a rocky expanse with a town carved into the cliffs. These islands were home to the descendants of Vreselon, each with their own distinct culture and way of life.
As we soared closer to Vreselon, a sudden chill ran down my spine. The air around us darkened, and an ominous shadow loomed over the horizon. I felt a surge of dread, a palpable sense of danger. Before I could react, a dark, swirling force appeared, crackling with malevolent energy.
“Astra, look out!” I shouted, but it was too late.
The dark force struck us with a violent impact, sending us spiraling out of control. Astra let out a pained cry as her wings faltered, and we began to plummet toward the dense forest below. The world around us became a blur of green and brown as we tumbled through the air, branches, and leaves whipping past us.
We crashed through the canopy of trees, branches snapping and leaves scattering in our wake. The impact was jarring, and I was thrown from Astra’s back, landing hard on the forest floor. I heard a snap as I landed, and the pain that shot through me was sharp and immediate. I bit my tongue to avoid letting out a screech. I lay there, dazed and against the base of a tree, trying to catch my breath.
As I struggled to focus, I noticed something else falling out of the sky. “Astra,” I murmured, my hand reaching out to her. She was crying in pain; I could feel it; I could hear her. The sound of her distress tore at my heart.
I forced myself to sit up, and my body winced in pain. My ankle throbbed, which made me suspect something was going to be twisted or worse. Ignoring my own discomfort, I crawled toward the Griffin. She lay a few meters away, her wings splayed awkwardly on the forest floor.
“Astra?” I quietly whispered, my hand reaching out to touch her feathers. She was still warm, and her body raised up and down. Our eyes met, and hers were filled with pain and confusion. One of her wings was clearly injured, twisted at an unnatural angle. I could see the dark force’s residue lingering over her body like a faint shadow. I gazed around the forest; now that the sun was finally rising, I could barely see through the thicket. “Hello? Is anyone there?” I called out.
My instincts told me to never give myself away from any possible threat, but maybe something there could help Astra. I didn’t give a shit about my ankle; I’d chop it off if it meant making sure Astra was ok. I couldn’t help but gently rest my bruised body next to Astra, my head resting on her shoulders. “We’ll be ok, I promise,” I whispered to the silvery-blue Griffin. “I’ll make sure your wing is healed. I just need to get up,” I muttered. The pain in my ankle was intense, but I knew I needed to get up.
“Great Elarae, what do I do?”