Page 44 of Light and Shadow
“Then how did she get her wolves and shadow demons through?” Even knowing I have to fight this battle in this world, my heart wants to keep my mother and my friends safe.
Venora has already proven she can break through the barrier. It’s only a matter of time before she wages her evil war on Earth.
Aaran says, “She’s learning new things. The elf who helps her is crafty. He knows old elven and reads the sacred scrolls. Eventually, she will break through all barriers.”
“Is that how she came to get me on the western continent?”
Nainsi grunts. “She shouldn’t have been able to. The oracle protects the west. The trees didn’t know her magic wouldn’t kill you. They sacrificed themselves to keep you safe.”
“The trees?” What in the hell is she talking about? I close my eyes and see that old gnarled tree swaying in the breeze. The black lightning heading for me, but then the tree exploded.
“That wood is ancient, as are many. The trees have a life to them. They must have sensed her evil and protected you.” Nainsi’s eyes darken. “The price was that Venora destroyed another of their kind.”
“That’s terrible.” I want to know more about the trees, but my skin tingles, and my arms glow in myriad colors. “Aaran, it’s happening again, only there’s no mirror.”
Everyone gasps.
What happened in the hotel when I glowed? This must mean something. “The wolves. They came at night. Aaran told me about elves being turned into shadow demons. In the morning, I prayed that I wouldn’t be turned into a shadow, and I started to glow.”
Before we can discuss my theory, the wolves’ low growl rises above our footsteps. Six of them stalk toward us from the northwest. Larger than normal wolves, they are as beautiful as they are terrifying. Saliva drips from their bared teeth.
I get down from Aaran’s back.
After drawing his knife from his boot, he hands it to me. “Don’t get killed.” He slips his sword from its sheath and runs toward the wolves.
All the elven warriors and Fancor rush after Aaran. Nainsi and Bert stay with me to protect the weak.
I suppose I should include myself in that group, but I grip my knife and bend my knees. I’m ready to defend myself and these elves who were so kind to me while I was in pieces.
From the back of the group, a dozen elves brandishing sticks and cookware run to help.
Nainsi says, “You’re glowing like a beacon, Harper. Can you stop it?”
I wish the glow would go away to keep us safe.As I keep that thought in my head, my arms fade to a normal color. It’s a warning. I tuck that knowledge away to talk to Aaran about when we’re all safe.
“That’s better.” Nainsi raises her sword and stands with her legs spread.
I take up a similar stance with the knife.
Bert doesn’t lift his knives. He holds one in each hand and keeps them by his side. “Harper, keep out of harm’s way. You’re not strong enough to fight yet.”
He’s right, but I stand my ground.
Ahead, a wolf charges at Aaran and leaps, its long canines gleaming in the sunshine.
Aaran continues forward at a run, slides as if he’s stealing a base, and slices the underbelly of the beast.
The wolf’s eyes dim, and it falls in a heap to the ground.
Two of the warrior elves shoot arrows, killing another wolf.
Jax slices the air while a wolf dodges his strikes. Taking a step back, Jax pulls a small blade from his thigh sheath and throws, hitting the wolf in the eye.
It collapses.
A wolf has one of the elves in its mouth, shaking him like a toy.
“No!” I can’t stop the scream from getting out.
