Page 160 of Deadly Maiden

To the world, I roar in that muted whisper the truth of my metamorphosis before launching upward. My wings are at full stretch as I flap and turn, as I soar toward the freedom waiting above.

When I reach the Maw’s rim, the brisk night and that ethereal hook in my heart drag me to the west, muttering promises I cannot quite decipher in full.

Come. Come.

I need to discover the reason for my rebirth.

I suspect someone has summoned me.

The amount of etharum and the magikal ability required to extract me from the Maw would be colossal.

Therefore, the reasons for someone to do this must be compelling.

Compelling to them, anyway.

Me? I may swallow them whole if they irk me.

I am ever-so hungry.

Akila Larkspur

My final act echoes in my memory as I cast aside the lethargy and admire the Maw.

Have I triumphed?

I remember a battle, plunging my sword into the heart of the…of Him…a dragon.

Surely I killed him, for my aim was perfect. The steel was forged with hooks and cunning magik to destroy a dragon’s heart.

As the blade slid through the scaly hide and sank into his flesh, his blood gushed forth, flooding down my arm, filling my mouth. It mixed with my own blood and with the flames licking across me.

Carried by the wind, specks of blood, ashes, and embers floated by.

The blood boiled on my skin and my fingers turned black as they burn down to the bone.

For I bled from a claw wound and the dragon’s breath that…

That…

What happened?

I was ripped from breast to hip. Fire seared my eyeballs, blinded me, and dried my last tears. Bleeding out, I drew a final breath.

I killed and was simultaneously dealt an awful wound.

But now? I am naked and… I examine my body to find only a white scar winding across my front. I am healed?

I can breathe. My heart pumps adequately.

Yes. I am whole and healed.

I scan my surrounds and spot the distinctive shape of a black dragon rising against a darkening sky. His wings cup the wind then he disappears over the edge. A swarm of fireflies drifts toward me on the breeze, I bid them a welcome, and they dance for me.

Something whispers.

Come. Come.

I start to climb. This is going to take a while, like the entire bloody night. I am not amused, but I have no choice.

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