Denora
The shield shattered the moment the shadowy figures attacked us. Simon and I fell on the stony plates, some parts of it cracking.
I was tired of this. Tired of my powers failing, tired of running and hiding. Two scared people couldn't return to Esmien.
I have to be bold, fearless and brave. Was I scared? Absolutely ! But I would conceal it, I wouldn't let them see it— especially not the enemy.
Simon was trying his best to be strong, but he was scared. I could sense it. Aunt Ruth could either be dead or alive, the worst part was we didn't know which.
The creatures landed on the stone, their horses touching the paths we had just blocked with gravel.
Screeching noises filled the atmosphere, causing us to crouch down and cover our ears in pain.
One faced Simon, while the other faced me.
Now I understand. Their plan was to separate us, get us to fight on our own so we could easily get worn out.
As if planned, they launched dark balls of energy towards us.
Simon got up, creating the biggest shield he had ever made, glowing with paths of energy. I brought my rune stick out, drawing runes that gave me speed the moment I came in contact with them.
I launched the rune, activating the element of air and speed.
My legs moved swiftly, running out of the shield while the air repelled the dark balls of energy.
They hit the multicolored trees instead and two of them ignited in flames.
Poor trees.
I ran back into the shield before the rune effect wore off, waiting for the next attack.
"Denora.." Simon called me. I turned to him, waiting to hear him speak.
"It's now or never. We need to get out now!" Simon yelled, his hands were shaking from holding them high up and emitting such energy for the shield.
"You go first, head to the center, where the pool is, I'll meet you now." I replied, my eyes fixed on the creatures who were already moving closer to us, ready to strike with another move.
Simon didn't argue. He nodded and walked further on the stone, to where the pool of water was.
Rage was rising from within me. I am Denora Seigfren, werewolf princess.
Daughter of the Alpha King.
Protector of Esmien and heir to the royal throne.
I could do more.
I should do more.
I closed my eyes. Searching for my wolf.
Aeris.
I needed her, now more than ever.
"Please goddess. Help me. I need to return to my kingdom."
My eyes opened and I glanced at the moon, watching as the light glowed more than normal.
The reflection of the moon caused the pool of water to glow brightly, blue light shining from beneath, to the surface.
Simon's eyes widened, his hands falling as the shield seized.
The creatures got off the stone.
The blue light had burned the hooves of their horses.
They screamed in pain, eyes glaring at me as they both headed in my direction.
"Denora! Watch out!" Simon yelled, trying to create another shield, but it failed.
I lifted my hands, trusting my instincts.
I moved them in slow circles, till I saw light emerging from my hands. First a flicker, then a huge flare.
Finally, my powers were coming back.
I lunged my leg forward a bit, aiming my hands higher at the dark shadowy figures. I released the ball of light energy at them.
They screamed even more, moving back till they were caught in the fire burning the trees.
"Wow. Denora that's— you're amazing!"
Simon remarked, smiling a little from the victory. I smiled back as I rushed to him.
Both of us were standing in front of the glowing pool.
Then my eyesight became sharper. My mind grew heavy.
Racing with multiple thoughts at once.
Like I can feel and see everything.
Then a familiar voice follows.
"Now it's time for some action. Did you miss me?" The voice purred, same voice.
My voice.
Soft. Feminine, but has a deeper tone to it.
My wolf spirit, Aeris.
Now she wants to be useful. She appears when it's finally convenient for her.
"How dare you, Aeris! Where have you been?" I shot back upset, my hands physically trembling at her sudden appearance.
Simon stared at me, puzzled.
I was yelling.
Soon enough, he would understand.
"Waiting. I was no use to you in this world. But now we're going home." She admitted, using my eyes to observe our surroundings.
"No Aeris. We almost died. I tried to connect with you for years. I needed you."
"Relax princess. Remember I said you'll hear me when you need me the most. Repeat after me and let's bounce." She said, making me draw a rune over the pool.
The creatures were coming back already.
I parted my lips and the words flowed.
"As fire is to Ice, and water is to snow, I Denora, simply wish to go. Esmien is my home, light is my heart, love is my center, and the water is my path."
Instantly, the rune activated. Simon and I jumped into the glowing pool of water, just before the shadowy figures attacked us again.
The journey was swift. Smooth.
We emerged in the hibiscus garden in Belana, the thick grasses rising to envelope us like delicate treasure.
I looked down at my clothes. They had changed into the last thing I was wearing before I disappeared. A pink silky corset dress.
And my hair.
It was longer, purple. And glowing.
"Simon, are you okay?" I asked him as we helped each other get up.
He looked amazed, staring at everything all at once. He was still wearing his grey hoodie and sweat pants.
"Yes I am, where do we go next?" He looked up to the sky. It was dark. I had never seen such darkness in Esmien before.
But further down the garden, beyond the gates. Something was going on. The people of Belana were gathered together. I could hear music, dancing, singing.
And the sight of magic.
"Let's go there. You'll be shocked to find out." Aeris said, her voice overwhelming my mind again.
"Find out what? Talk." I dared her, already pissed at her mind games.
"Seeing is believing, Denora." She replied and went quiet again.
I grabbed Simon's hand as we walked further into the garden.
"This way, Simon." I spoke, sensing a familiar wave of energy.
It was very strong, persistent. Like he was beside me.
My sweetheart and mate.
Victor Calinte. He was nearby. I could almost picture him. Tall, broad-shouldered, carved from centuries of battle, he moved like a shadow wrapped in silk. Midnight hair swept back from a chiseled face, and those eyes, ocean blue, yet cold.
Somehow they always burned up when they landed on me. His fangs, sharp and unapologetic, flashed like danger. He smelled like forest rain, draped in enchanted armor and old magic.
Darker.
Dangerous.
Lord of Selvinor, vampire knight, and the only man who ever made me want to forget who I was. The only sin I wanted to commit twice. I remember what he told me, on the day I disappeared. We were supposed to meet under the Oak tree in Zen. I smiled at the thought, biting my lip in Nostalgia.
Simon and I stormed into the gathering.
My heart fluttered at the sight of him, then it sank.
My mate was standing on a marriage altar, beside a girl. She was beautiful, wearing a dress that had purple hibiscus flowers all over. My color.
The altar looked perfect. Air fairies, happy children, bridesmaids and groomsmen around the couple.
No. No. NO!
It can't be.
My Victor turned to kiss her. He seemed reluctant. Disconnected. Was he forced?
To be with a woman that wasn't me.
I felt rage. Anger. Surging from within me.
I couldn't explain it.
My powers.
They came alive. Causing my hair and body to glow, to rise.
He was kissing a strange woman
Not me. Not his mate.
My heart didn't break, it exploded. And my magic obeyed the ache.
"Denora, what's going on? Are you okay?"
Simon tried to grab me, but my energy repelled him and he fell to the floor.
I was levitating, and all I could see was him.
A tear rolled down my cheek.
"Victor!" I called his name. He turned, our eyes fixed on each other.
I couldn't contain it, my energy.
It exploded violently, surging through Belana, and into the whole of Esmien.
I fell to the grassy floor, my eyes closing.
Simon's voice echoed in the background, calling me, asking if I was okay.
My mate was given to another.
How could I be okay?