by R. G. Porter
"We are one.” The moment the words left his lips, Gabriel felt the pain of the conversion leave to be replaced by a surge of power unlike anything he'd felt before. Mist drew up from the ground to envelop his body as the transformation finished, his conscious mind merged with the dragon. Both knew the risks that awaited them, but now that they held a single thought it didn't matter. They were finally one being and would work to free Alayia and Talon. Elroy would pay dearly was all that he would think about. The rest would be sorted out later.
His head turned up toward the sky. Gabriel took to flight; the feel of the air beneath his wings a wondrous high. He moved higher to the canopy of trees, the protection they afforded him an asset till he was ready to confront Elroy.
She'd seen him, Alayia knew it. There had been a draw to the east, a feeling of understanding as she gazed out into the dense forest. Sure she hadn't actually ‘seen’ Gabriel but his presence was strong. The knowledge that he had made it gave her a renewed sense of strength that she'd needed. Her face still stung from where Elroy had hit her. If she'd been brave enough she would have returned the favor. Still, he would be in for a huge surprise. From everything she'd seen Alayia was sure they were in the right place. The circle of stones around the large slab could only be where the flame would begin. She just needed to wait a few minutes longer.
"You've gotten quiet. Good to know that you can be put in your place.” Elroy's words bit. The man didn't deserve a response but she didn't want him to think he'd won.
"I hate to break it to you but you will never be able to put me in my place. I despise everything about you.” His face never changed.
"Oh I believe that will change very soon.” His face went from no emotion to one Alayia didn't want to know. She'd already seen the sick things he would do without a thought to others; she couldn't even imagine what he had planned for her. A groan from the side caught her attention. Talon. He'd suffered so much and still they hurt him. In the time they'd traveled she'd watched as the men kicked and prodded his body. They'd thought of it as a game, she knew better.
Her head tilted to find the newly risen sun. Gabriel had turned back into the dragon, she was sure of it. Even though she knew it had to happen this way, he was probably wondering why he'd not stayed human to break the curse. God how she wished she could talk to him, to let him know what had to happen. Still, the forest held a fog across her mind, not allowing her to merge her mind with his. It was a connection she missed. Soon everything would end... one way or another.
"Alayia..."Talon's voice startled her from her thoughts.
"I'm here Talon. Just be still and rest.” She didn't want the men to have any more reason to torture his poor body. Somehow she had to find a way to get him away.
"You shouldn't worry about him.” Alayia watched as one of the men that was near her laughed as he threw his half eaten apple at Talon's slumped form. “He won't leave this forest.” They planned to kill Talon. Of course. Why would she expect anything less from Elroy or his men?
"You've picked bad company to hook yourself up with. You will die just as he will.” The moment the words left her lips, a crack roared from the stone slab. Her head turned in time to catch a small crack open on the stone table. Smoke and steam began to surface through the crevice, a hiss filling the air. Gasps escaped the lips of Elroy's men, the sudden appearance of the fisher not something they were prepared for. “I warned you.” Alayia felt calm move across her body as her gaze watched flickers of light develop within the smoke. Bright blue and crimson colors emerged from the steam, a large flame emerging from within. She'd been right to come here; this was the place the legends spoke of.
"What... what is that?” The man who'd just acted high and mighty cowered away toward the tree line. Fear had replaced his arrogance at the sight of the flame. Alayia almost felt sorry for him.
"That? Well to me it looks like a blue flame.” Alayia couldn't help but edge the man on. He needed to feel fear, to know what it's like to be unsure of what might happen.
"What is this trickery? You led me here, why?” She tried to speak but Elroy's fingers wrapped around her wrist, biting deep into her flesh. “What do you think you will do with that flame?” He'd been taken off guard by the magick. Good.
"It's not what I plan to do with it. It's what..."A loud roar from above silenced the rest of her words, her head tilted to find Gabriel's shadow as it descended to the ground below. She returned her gaze back to Elroy, her need to show him the contempt that ran through her for him. “Now you are in trouble."
"You stupid wench.” Elroy pushed her to the ground, the hard rocky surface knocking the wind from her lungs. “I told you he can't kill me."
"Are you sure about that? How do you really know?” Alayia continued to watch as Gabriel landed, his eyes searched her out then moved back to Elroy and the flickering blue flame. Another crack of thunder roared through the forest as a shadow descended across the sky. Alayia tilted her head in time to find the moon as it moved across the sun, blocking out the rays just as the old woman had fore-told. Now was the time.
"What is this magick?” Elroy moved back to the edge of the clearing, his hand gripped tightly to his sword.
Alayia returned her gaze back to Gabriel. “Now Gabriel, you must enter the flame as the dragon!” Seconds ticked by like hours and she worried he didn't understand. Just as Alayia was about to move toward Gabriel he shook his head and flapped his wings to become airborne once more. “Hurry up Gabriel, there is no time to waste.” She prayed with every ounce of her being that the legends had been right.
Gabriel floated on the air for a few more minutes as he made his way to the flames. Alayia knew the fear he would be feeling but his trust in her was more. Gabriel descended into the heart of the fire, his body engulfed entirely.
"Stop him.” Elroy's voice barely registered. There was fear in his voice.
"Gabriel, you are one with the dragon. You've embraced all that you are and become one soul, just as the sun and moon have merged.” Alayia stood and turned toward the flame, the heat barely registering. “Innok, you've placed the requirements of the curse as well as how to release them. We've now fulfilled all that has been documented in the legends. Release all that are bound to the curse and never step foot on our world again.” Her voice held more power than she'd ever imagined. She could feel the old woman merge her spirit with her own, combining the effects of her plea.
The ground around the circle of stones began to tremble as another crevice opened up. A billow of smoke leaked out shifting into the form of a half-man with soulless eyes.
"Mortal. I see you've found the reversal spell. I commend you on trekking this far into the forbidden forest.” His voice echoed through her mind as more than one sound, piercing into her skull. Still, she refused to back down and continued to face him.
"Allow Gabriel the ability to change when he deems necessary. He's accepted the dragon and merged his soul with it. He's entered the blue flame on the day when the moon and sun have become one. You cannot refuse our request.” Alayia's eyes moved over to Gabriel, his body still immersed in the flame.
"Fine mortal, consider the curse removed.” His words barely registered as she watched Gabriel's body begin to shift back into his human form. It was a sight she would never forget. The fire danced around his body as the mist swirled to embrace him. His arms, hands and legs reshaped into his human form. She prayed it was not a painful process for him.
"Innok, I beseech you. Let me have the woman as I've asked for.” Elroy's voice penetrated her thoughts. “The curse is broke so I can now live the remainder of my life with at least the one thing that I've sought.” Alayia couldn't believe what she was hearing. Could he be so demented to think he would have her?
"Servant, you've done nothing but whine for more years than I can count. You took the easy way to get the things you've wanted and in doing so done more harm than I could have ever imagined.” His laughter filled the area, the sound sending her stomach into
convulsions.
"So, you will give her to me?” There was hope in Elroy's voice that she couldn't miss. She would die first.
"Not so fast servant. How often since the curse did you every pay homage to me?” There was a challenge in Innok's voice.
"Well..."Elroy's face drained of all color as he realized that he couldn't answer the demon.
"Exactly. You don't deserve anything.” The moment the words registered with Elroy the demon disappeared back into the underworld, the crevice that had freed him closed tightly. Innok had freed them from the curse of immortality but Elroy had been forsaken by the very demon he'd conjured so long ago. Alayia couldn't help but appreciate the irony of his position.
"No, come back!” Alayia wanted to laugh but her gaze had drifted back to the blue flame to find Gabriel emerge from within as a man. Her heart lifted at the sight of him whole and complete.
"Gabriel!” She ran to his open arms, her heart beating wildly. “It worked. It really worked!” Alayia wanted nothing more than to take Gabriel and Talon home and be done with the past. The moment his arms wrapped around her she felt his warmth and love seep into her soul.
"I can't believe it's over.” Gabriel's fingers cupped her chin and raised her gaze to his. In that moment she knew she would do it all over again to be in his arms. “We are finally going to be together.” Could it be true? She found it a hazy dream she was still in. So immersed in her thoughts, neither caught sight of the anger that crossed Elroy's face at what he'd lost or the position he now found himself in. Alayia barely caught his glare aimed at them his eyes full of contempt and loathing. She didn't care. Returning her gaze back to Gabriel she was content in the knowledge that they were finally going to be able to be together after so long.
"If I can't have her no one shall!” A rustle from behind was all she heard as Elroy rushed toward them, his sword ready to slash them both to bits.
Everything in that moment moved in slow motion. Elroy's sword raised high towards the sky, the look of insanity frozen across his face.
"No! You can't hurt them any longer.” Talon's voice broke through. Alayia watched in horror as he moved in front of them, taking the full blow of the sword. Her world spun in chaos as Talon's body slumped back to the ground, his heart beat stutter against the flow of blood out of his body.
"Talon, no!” Her voice felt hoarse against her throat. Rushing to Talon she dropped to her knees and pulled his limp body into her lap, her hand going over the wound to stop the flow of blood.
"Now you will die!"
"Gabriel!” She barely caught Gabriel's movement out of the corner of her eye, his actions fluid and sure. The second she'd cried he'd raced to his sword, his aim deadly accurate as he threw his blade toward Elroy. A muffled groan was all that escaped Elroy's lips as his body was hurtled back with the force of the thrust. Barely able to watch, Alayia's mind burned with the vision of Elroy's body as it was impaled into the trunk of tree.
Her mind turned back to Talon, his body growing cold under her touch. “No, don't you dare leave us.” She willed him to live. He'd done so much she couldn't let him die.
"He will live.” Elza's voice whispered drawing the chaos of the forest to silence. “Here, let me help.” Alayia watched as the old woman's hand touched the wound on Talon's chest. Before her eyes she watched as the wound sealed up as if never created, the blood gone from the ground and her hands.
"How can this be?” She couldn't find the words to ask all that was going through her mind.
"I've waited a long time for this to end my child. Now that justice has finally prevailed on Elroy I can move on for now. Talon, there is more for you to do. There is a way to end your darkness but it won't be simple. It is a journey you must take and one that will not be easy."
"How can this be done?” Talon's voice sounded haggard from the pain.
"Heal first. When you are ready we will talk again. You know where to find me.” Her head turned back towards Alayia, her eyes full of knowledge. “There is much in the past that still waits to be found. For now enjoy your peace for a time is coming when the past will be fully revealed.” Alayia couldn't believe what she was seeing. Elza's body shimmered twice before vanishing into the mist that had surrounded her, her laughter echoing on the wind.
Talon stirred in her arms, his eyelids fluttering open and closed.
"Talon, are you ok?"
"Why Alayia, I didn't realize you had such pretty green eyes.” It took a moment for his words to register. He'd known the color of her eyes! How? Inside her mind she could feel the brush of the old woman's smile.
"I don't understand. How can you see?"
"I can't see, at least not as you may think. It was through the love of Gabriel I could see you with his eyes, if but for only a moment.” Her head turned to Gabriel, his smile all encompassing. Talon sat up and moved to the tree, his hand reaching automatically for his staff. “Thank you for that small gift."
Her heart ached for this man. “It's not fair you still cannot see. There must be a way."
"There is nothing that I know of, but from the sounds of it I will be meeting up with Elza once more. There may be a way to reverse what was done to me. I guess I will find out. Though I must say it was nice to be able to finally know what you two look like. If I'd known Alayia was that pretty I might have placed a kiss on her myself.” His smile and laughter warmed her heart. He'd suffered so much on their behalf that she couldn't think of a better person to have as a friend.
"Well she's mine. We can find you someone later.” Alayia felt Gabriel's arms wrap around her, pulling her body into his embrace. Everything around her began to spin as her mind strove to catch up. Elroy was gone, never able to harm another person. Gabriel was released to change only when he felt the dragon needed to be let loose and Elza's hint that Talon's sight could be restored a gift they couldn't let go of. An easing calm wove around her soul, the knowledge that finally the future was finally theirs. Her head tipped back to look at Gabriel, his eyes full of the love that they shared.
"We've done it, haven't we?"
"Have we?"
"Don't be so frustrating already. I feel so light headed"
"Well just relax into my arms and think of nothing more."
"The future is ours now isn't it? We've defeated Elroy once and for all, haven't we?” Part of her worried he would come back from the dead to haunt her once more.
"That we have my love. No longer can he ruin the lives of those around him. His evil is gone.” There was a hesitation to his words she couldn't miss.
"What are you thinking Gabriel?"
His arms tightened around her. “Elroy may be gone but Innok is still around. I have a feeling his evil is much more ingrained in this world than we know. There is more that may need to be done but for now it can wait.” His head dipped toward hers, his lips full of the hunger they both shared. Her heart felt like it could burst at the emotions that were overflowing inside. How she wished Robert could be here to see the path her life had taken. Somehow, deep inside, she had a feeling he knew. She could feel his presence even now. The wealth of feelings that rocked through her body at the single touch of his lips still amazed her. She knew they would never be apart, and to her she couldn't have wished for anything more. She was finally home.
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Look for these titles:
Shadow of the Wolf
Drawn by honor she discovers more than she bargained for....
A woman of nature, Saleene has answered only to herself. Born with the gift of magick, she is appointed by the council to seek out the source of the evil that has spread across the lands. What she didn't expect was the help of a man who set her soul on fire.
Dartian is a warrior without equal, his sword and his strength of will legendary throughout the lands. He is asked to lead a group of men on a quest to rid the world of the darkness that is spreading through their world, a task he takes on no questions asked. Full of strength, he hides within a s
ecret that only a few outside of his clan know of, the ability to change into the great wolf. Never in his life has he been questioned as he leads, always followed by those in his charge, that is, till he meets Saleene and her eyes speak defiance.
Together they find themselves immersed in a battle to save the world...
Kiss of the Wolf
A promise made is more than he'd bargained for...
Fiery and strong, Kara had always walked alone. Gifted with magick, she was a born healer, sent out by her people as her older sister had been to check on the village across the Baylo Sea, a burden she gladly accepted. Had she known the danger that followed her or the man who'd save her would she have gone?
Sent to find Saleene's sister, Zachius is plagued with the vision of the woman who haunts his dreams. A warrior and loner, he never imagined the woman he swore to save would indeed be the one from his dreams. His soul torn by his duty to protect Kara and the need to be near her clashing in his heart, he's unsure which will win.
Can he save her from the evil before it's too late....
Or will he be the one needing to be saved...
* * * *
Raven's Cry: Darkness Unleashed Book 3
His desire for revenge would lead him to a truth he isn't prepared for...
His brother dead, Galen now hunts for the beast who murdered Julian. Determined to follow his path of revenge he never expects to find a band of warriors under attack by the darkness nor the leader that hides behind their swords.
Her past unknown Kaylena had been raised by a family not her own. The visions that continue to plague her dreams she ventures out with a group of warriors in search of the truth of her past. Surrounded by the minions of the darkness she finds help in the one man she fears more... the man from her dreams.
To unlock her past they must fight the one beast responsible for it...
But first they have to accept the past to fight for the future.
* * * *