Page 28 of Wolf Spell

A colossal dark shape twisted, blocking out the moonlight.

Our backs against a tree we strained to see it swooping low, it turned and plunged down.

Then suddenly ahead of us, the trees illuminated a brilliant scarlet, orange and yellow as a whip of flame shot downwards followed by screaming.

The pounding stopped.

Silence gripped the forest and in the distance the thumping of something large shook the ground.

I heard flapping which stirred on the breeze and roaring bellowed through us.

My body buzzed, thrumming with adrenaline, half excited, half in fear as I whispered frantically to Lycaon, “It must be Luke. Come on.”

Dodging in and out of the trees and staying low, we made our way back to the clearing.

Luke was still in dragon form. My tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth, dry from shock at actually coming face to face with this magnificent beast.

His massive reptilian head was poised, peeringdown at Hakon.

Trembling, I edged forward, my hands up to show I was unarmed and called gently.

“Luke, I’m Elsa. Austin’s friend. They’ve been drugged with darts. We managed to escape. If we put them on your back, can you get them to safety?”

The dragon tossed his huge head, his emerald scales catching the silver light as he veered towards me. I felt Lycaon’s hand on my back.

The dragon almost filled the clearing, his tail hammered on the ground sending shockwaves throughout the forest, his eyes gleaming like jewels. Then stretching his wings, a brilliant luminous splay of lights, indigo, scarlet, yellows engulfed him. We covered our eyes with our arms to shield us as the blinding lights engulfed the dragon.

Then, before us stood a man, lithe with a young but weathered face. Piercing illuminated jade eyes. Everything about him seemed to glow, as if the fire within him was flaming. He was lean, shorter than the werewolves. Raising his chin, he licked his small lips.

His voice was deeper than I expected but then he was a dragon shifter.

“Elsa. Where’s Austin?”

I came forward with Lycaon by my side. Lycaon stared wide eyed at Luke, who now noticed Lycaon and pinned him with a stare before opening his arms and throwing the alpha a hug.

Smiling, Luke’s hard features softened.

“How long has it been? I’m glad you’re here.”

Stepping back, Luke indicated to Hakon.

“You were unable to help? This is worrisome. They darted the mages, which was wise of them.”

As Lycaon opened his mouth to speak, Luke shook his head and began to chant.From his fingers fiery sigils danced in the air.

I watched as a glistening light sprung up around the clearing, as if the thinnest glass was being erected. It towered, going up and up until it peaked at the top closing in on itself.

Luke shook his hands.

“There. Apologies mate, I saw something shifting through the tree. Didn’t like the feeling. Now, Austin or Grace should have some jeans for me.” He half-laughed, half-grunted at Lycaon. “Going natural I see? No change there.” His brilliant eyes darted to me. “And you, Elsa, I’m guessing want a drop of my blood. What’s your plan?”

I took a breath, not realising that I’d been holding it. Luke bent down and scooped up the mage, carrying Austin whilst Lycaon carried Grace placing them beside Hakon.

I answered him.

“I made a potion and with the blood of the three of us added to it,I hope to expel the evil from this place, but more than that, to give Loren’s soul some peace.”

Luke eyed me then Lycaon. “A tall order.So the vengeful spirit of a witch? I’m not sure I understand how it became so powerful.” As he spoke he opened the rucksack next to Austin and pulled on some jeans that the mage had brought him.

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