Page 25 of Wolfsbane

“Do you think it will work?” she asked softly, holding the glowing crystal in her hand.

“There is only one way to find out.”

Hesper inhaled, raising her hand as she aimed the crystal into the sky, the moonlight catching it as it glowed even brighter, slowly rising from her hand and lifting towards the heavens. The crystal burst into a million stars, scattering across the skies, purple magic raining down on all of Grisset as if it were a gentle snow.

“Dr. Altair?” Orion asked in awe.

“Your queen has ensured our people shall never suffer, never fail, and only thrive. She has made the ultimate sacrifice for Grisset.” I looked back at him, watching as the old man fumbled to our side, shadowed by Orion, and fell to his knees. “Queen Hesper, I am your humble servant.” Orion also kneeled, offering his protection and allegiance to Hesper.

As the lavender magic kissed our skin, its effect immediately took hold. My vision sharpened, my skin suddenly feeling no cold despite the freezing temperature of the night. I could feel anew strength building in my muscles. I looked down at Hesper, noticing she was being affected as well.

“How do you feel?” I asked.

She carefully dropped her legs, sliding from my arms and standing, showing no pain or weakness. Her hand touched her stomach, unphased as she glanced at me, beaming.

“I am perfect. The pain is gone, and I feel—” She inhaled, spinning, laughing as the magic continued to fall around us. “I feel stronger than ever!”

My hands snatched her body close, kissing her without thought or hesitation, my heart burning for her. Her arms wrapped around me, kissing me back as we stood there, a force the world had never seen. A force that should be feared.

“I love you, wolfsbane.”

“And I you, my king.”

NINETEEN

HESPER

My hands pulledthe straps on Morel’s armor, tightening them as he shoved his hands into a pair of leather gloves. He looked deadly and beautiful in his pitch black armor, his hair once again pulled high as a few loose strands hung in front of his face.

“Are you ready?” I asked. He smiled, pulling me close.

“With you by my side, I am perfect.”

We kissed for a moment, heavy knocking on our door interrupting the moment as Orion stepped into the room.

“Morel, Dr. Altair wishes to speak with you.” Morel nodded, kissing my forehead.

“Ride ahead with our army, Orion will shadow you, and as soon as I finish speaking with Dr. Altair, I shall join you.” My heart stung. I didn’t want to leave without him, but I knew time was working against us. Boletus and his army were spotted not far from the fields surrounding the kingdom late last night.

“Do not keep me waiting,” I warned.

“If I am late, you may punish me however you see fit.” Morel winked, leaving the room.

Orion approached my side,dressed in black armor, his horse snorting as he stopped. I was steadied my own horse, dressed the same, my hair braided back, my face smeared in black and white paint resembling a skull. Our army had been patiently waiting in the surrounding field, no sign of Boletus or his forces. Morel was also running late, nowhere to be seen. Something felt off. He should have arrived by now, riding steadily at my side, but he was not.

“Orion.” He trotted in front of me, bowing slightly. “Something is wrong.” My gut twisted and sank as I became uneasy and anxious. “Boletus should have arrived by now, and Morel is not here. No, something is off.” I scanned the horizon, searching for a sign of the opposing army. Nothing. “Boletus is not here. He must have changed his plans. Orion, we must return to Grisset!”

I kicked my horse as it rose and neighed, rushing past him to address the army.

“Your king needs you! Army of the night, follow me!” As I rode past, the soldiers shifted in unison, marching behind as we stormed back toward the castle.

The wind burned my face as I pushed my horse, forcing it to run as fast as possible, fear growing in my core as my breath fogged my face.Please be okay, Morel.I kicked the horse, groaning as I clenched my teeth. Fear and dread swallowed me whole as I spied the castle in the distance.

Do not leave me alone on this Earth, Morel!

“Morel!”I screamed, lunging from my horse as we reached the palace steps.

The kingdom seemed unharmed, with no sign of attack, but the doors of the castle were left open. An eerie feeling fell over me as I stepped inside, retrieving my sword. Orion was panting, running after me with his sword in hand. Our eyes met as we moved with stealth, communicating with our hands. We moved from the entryway, making our way through the castle, searching the rooms. The smell of blood stopped us as we approached the throne room.

---