Page 36 of Wings of The Wraith
There, I knew what to expect.
Aestas on the other hand was unpredictable. Completely unpredictable.
Unpredictable was not good.
“Now Dante. If these creatures get to you there will be no hope for anyone.” Neo snapped.
I looked from him to Zeek.
These men were like family to me.
Zeek and Neo. I’d known them forever.
I put my arms around Alyssa to stop her from shaking. Her face was buried against my chest and her fear was paralyzing.
I couldn’t even spare the time to be annoyed our kiss had been interrupted, or annoyed at myself for the lame answer I gave her about why I was helping.
Yes I had an interest in saving her, but there was something more. The fact that she was my soul mate had worked its way into my mind.
How could I not be curious to see what being with her would be like?
When the ship shook violently, and the wraiths released their screech again, she screamed.
“I will see you soon, brother.” I told my friend.
“Go.” Neo nodded.
I unleashed my wings and circled Alyssa within the protection of them. I held her close, closed my eyes and faded with her out of existence. I shifted off the ship, and straight into the astral plane with its many doorways to reality and then we were on land.
On Aestas, the Shifting World, part of the Fire Realm.
On the ship it looked like night, but it was bright daylight here.
An explosion shook me. My gaze snapped to the sky where I saw a massive burst of fire.
The ship.
The ship with my friends.
My heart broke in several pieces, but I willed myself to think they’d gotten out somehow.
Zeek could shift into anything and Neo was near immortal.
The sky cleared and then it was as if nothing happened. Nothing at all.
Delicate hands reached up and touched my face.
Alyssa.
I looked back to her and stared deep into her beautiful eyes. I knew she could feel my pain.
“They were strong. There’s a chance they’ll be...okay.” She wiped tears from her face and nodded.
I nodded too. It was the first in a long time I’d had to hope for anything. But here I was hoping.
I was about to retract my wings, but she caught the ends, and ran her fingers over the feathers where they were dark.
“Hey, you can explore me all you want later.” I smiled a smile I didn’t feel, but it seemed to cheer her up.
