CHAPTER ONE

  TWISTED FATE

  Atop a craggy precipice, I looked out over an eerily tranquil pine forest. Vast, cotton-like clouds sprawled across the vibrant, azure sky, a stark contrast to the rugged, precipitous mountainside behind me. The sleek, even slabs of rock formed a natural staircase down the treacherous slope, which I had ascended with labored breath and aching legs.

  A disturbing stillness cloaked the atmosphere, prompting me to narrow my eyes and strain my ears. The air felt unsettling, permeated by the pungent scent of decay emanating from marshes, stagnant pools of water, and the earthy odor of decomposing leaves. Now that the relentless, torrential rain had subsided, I found myself compelled to determine my location. I had reluctantly sought refuge behind this mountainside, nestled within a secluded bear’s den until the bitter icy rain had finally abated.

  Tired with farther to go, I couldn't catch a break.

  Flicking my ear caused an involuntary whimper to escape my throat. Reluctantly, I stamped a paw and hesitantly retreated, feeling my claws scrape against the chilly stone.

  The presence of lurking monsters below sent a shiver down my spine. Memories of gigantic snakes with tree-sized fangs and flesh-eating horses overwhelmed me. The mere thought of a previous encounter with not one but three of those equine abominations made me shudder. Apparently, they roamed in herds, like actual horses. Bastards. Every nerve screamed at me to run, to escape before those creatures emerged. But my paws felt rooted in place, paralyzed by the fear pounding through my veins. All I could do was stare into the abyss and pray the nightmares stayed buried in the dark depths.

  After a brief pause to assess the dark forest below, I turned and started descending the mountain, determined to remain inconspicuous.

  Please, no more nightmarish creatures…

  Small pebbles skittered beneath my paws as they glided over the terrain while a gentle breeze tousled my thick, snow-white fur. Approaching the bottom, I leaped off, and my paws hit the ground, propelling me into a swift run.

  The wind pelted my face as the trees whipped by in a seamless blur. My muscles ached, and weariness clung to me, a constant companion from being on the run. The few nights spent in the den had done little to alleviate the soreness; if anything, they exacerbated it. With each bend in the trail, time seemed to stop, and all I could hear was the thudding of my heartbeat. There was no predicting what was beyond.

  This was the sole route through the quagmire of the forest, choked with mud, dead leaves, and clusters of moss entangled with frayed bark and bulbous tree growths. My instincts assured me it was still safer than attempting to traverse the mud, where lurking dangers awaited behind the veil of trees. Giant spiders and hellhounds waited within the shadows, causing my stomach to churn with hollow unease.

  I yearned for the comforting scent of a sizzling steak and the embrace of a cozy, warm cotton cloud wrapped around me, the tranquil bliss before sleep gently claimed me. The guardians of creatures that roamed beyond the window, where I never had to cast a wary glance over my shoulder. It all seemed so distant now.

  Betrayed. Banished. Outcast. Such was the fate bestowed upon me. Helpless. Irredeemable.

  Abruptly, as I pushed through the tangled shrubbery, my heart pounding with the exertion of my flight, I found myself face-to-face with two formidable black wolves. Their sudden appearance brought me skidding to a halt, my muscles tensing as I took in their lithe, powerful bodies moving with a casual grace that belied their deadly purpose. One of them loomed larger than the other, a towering beast whose very presence seemed to fill the clearing with a sense of menace.

  But these were no ordinary wolves. An aura of malevolence clung to them like a dark shroud, a palpable sense of evil that made the air around them feel heavy and oppressive. Their eyes glowed with an unnatural, blood-red light, a stark reminder of the tainted power that flowed through their veins.

  TaintedBloods. The word echoed in my mind like a curse, a reminder of the evil that had plagued our kind for generations. My eyes narrowed, and my lip curled in disgust as I took in their sleek, black fur and gleaming eyes. My brother's warning echoed in my mind, a reminder of the peril I faced.

  "You mustn't forget that they are dangerous and unpredictable," he had said from bitter experience.

  Fear cascaded over me like a cold wave, urging me to prepare for flight, to put as much distance between myself and these terrifying creatures as possible. Every fiber of my being itched with the primal urge to run, to flee from the danger that stood before me.

  As if sensing my presence, the TaintedBlood wolves' ears perked up, and their heads turned toward me, their movements casual and unhurried as they halted their advance. They seemed to regard me with a kind of amused curiosity, as if I were nothing more than a plaything to be toyed with before being discarded.

  “Let's make a run for it!” Willow's urgent voice echoed in my mind, her tone laced with a desperate, clawing fear that I knew all too well, a fear that threatened to paralyze me where I stood. She wasted no time considering our options, her instincts screaming at us to flee, to put as much distance between ourselves and these monsters as possible, to run until our lungs burned and our legs gave out beneath us.

  But even as I heard her, a focused calm suddenly enveloped me, a sense of resolve that I had never known before, a clarity of purpose that cut through the fog of terror like a blade. My emerald eyes narrowed, and I felt a surge of energy coursing through my muscles, priming me to stand my ground. My hackles bristled, and I felt a growl building in my throat, a primal warning to the predators that stood before me, a declaration of defiance in the face of certain death.

  "Get out of my way," I demanded, my voice a fierce snarl that reverberated with pure intensity. I knew that I could not back down, that I had to face the danger head-on.

  The TaintedBlood wolves remained motionless, their eyes fixed on me with a kind of predatory intensity that made my skin crawl. A chilling, deep chuckle escaped from the throat of the larger black wolf.

  "What do we have here? Seems like we've got ourselves a runner," the other imposing wolf replied, amused. His piercing gaze sent a shiver down my spine, a reminder of the dark power that these creatures wielded, a power that could snuff out my life in an instant.

  “Don't be foolish. It's two against one. Don't fight them, Kurda!” Willow pleaded. I could feel her fear, her desperation to escape the danger that loomed before us.

  But I stood my ground, refusing to let the malevolent aura that surrounded the TaintedBlood wolves, a darkness that seemed to suck the very light from the air around them, cower me.

  Eight years earlier…

  Leaves crunched underfoot as I treaded along a narrow trail meandering through the forest. Above, branches swayed gently, rustling the leaves in various shades of yellow, orange, and red. The sky wore a somber cloak, promising the imminent arrival of rain.

  A soft breeze caressed my skin, a gentle reminder of the cool autumn day. It was another ordinary day, and I was gathering fruit and herbs before the grip of winter tightened its hold on the land.

  Yet an inexplicable unease settled within me. I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched, as if unseen eyes were tracking my every move. Without thinking, I quickened my pace and anxiously looked around for any signs of danger. My heart sped up, pounding in my chest, and a tightness gripped my lungs, making it difficult to catch my breath. A wave of nausea churned in my stomach, threatening to overwhelm me.

  All of a sudden, I stopped and wondered if it was my imagination. My gaze darted around anxiously, searching for any sign of presence, any indication that I wasn’t alone in the vast expanse of the forest. But nothing was there. The trees stood silent, their branches swaying gently in the breeze, and the only sound was the rustling of leaves beneath my feet. Relieved, I convinced myself it must be a trick of the mind brought on by the eerie stillness of the forest. I pressed on the trail, determined to push forward and complete my task.

  But despite my best efforts to reassure myself, my heart kept thumping, reminding me of the unease that had gripped me. The hairs on the back of my neck and arms stood on end, an instinctual response to an unseen threat. It wasn’t like the times when I could catch my brother trying to sneak up on me playfully. Somehow, I always sensed him before he could come too close, a sixth sense that had never failed me.

  Like now. I froze, every muscle in my body tense as a realization dawned upon me. This feeling, this overwhelming sense of being watched, was not the result of my brother’s mischievous antics. No, this was something far more sinister, a presence that lurked behind the veil of the forest, waiting to strike.

  From behind a gnarled tree trunk emerged a tall, pale figure, his presence sending a chill down my spine. Clad in a tattered black cloak, its hem riddled with holes, he exuded an aura of menace. His black hair cascaded loosely to his jawline, framing a pale face with blood-red eyes that locked onto mine with a malevolent intensity. A wicked smile curved his lips, revealing sharp fangs that glinted in the dappled sunlight. Trembling, my legs grew weak. Without a doubt, he belonged to the TaintedBloods, completely different from PureBloods like me who preferred earth-toned clothing to blend in and avoid encounters like this one.

  Gripped by fear, I surveyed him with wide eyes, struggling to accept the reality in front of me. Despite never seeing one before, his appearance was exactly as my brother had described. He had warned me of their formidable danger, urging me to flee at all costs should our paths ever cross.

  As he moved closer, I took a small step back. Helplessness overwhelmed my mind, paralyzing me with fear. I was alone, miles away from home, deep in the heart of the forest. No one would hear my cries for help.

  But a glimmer of hope ignited within me as I recalled my dagger. Without breaking eye contact, I reached for it, only to grasp at empty air. I panicked, and the realization dawned on me that I had carelessly left it nestled within my satchel on my bed.

  Oh, come on! I lamented, releasing an exasperated groan and rolling my eyes in frustration. Of all times!

  Narrowing my eyes, I desperately tried to focus, seeking a way out of this dire predicament. I’m skilled at reading expressions, I reminded myself, but how does that help me now?

  Suddenly, a soft breeze caressed my face, gently ruffling my hair. I gasped as he moved behind me with astonishing speed, as silent and swift as a shadow.

  Before I could react, he was upon me, and his grip on my neck tightened, rendering my attempts to break free utterly futile. I felt a surge of panic as I realized I was about to become his next meal, powerless to stop him. He bit into my neck, causing a sharp sting that left me wincing in pain. I tried desperately to sink my claws into his arms, but I couldn’t unsheathe them. I felt consumed by the bitter frustration of being an easy target as my veins burned with raging heat. The world around me blurred and spun, the ground and trees merging into a disorienting dance.

  "Sleep, little one," the TaintedBlood whispered, his voice strangely hypnotic.

  With his grip relaxing, my head lolled back against his chest. I couldn’t even muster a sliver of hope to fight back, realizing I was no match for this TaintedBlood. In comparison to his imposing stature, I felt tiny and weak, my strength overshadowed by his unimaginable power. The BlackBird blessings were a special technique that could help me, but I was a late bloomer who might never bloom at all.

  Goodbye... I thought as everything dissolved into a blur, and darkness engulfed me.

  When I regained consciousness, I realized I was completely immersed in darkness. The damp and cold stone pressed against my body, and the sound of water dripping echoed in the distance. Disoriented, I mustered the strength to prop myself up on my hands, rubbing my eyes and surveying my surroundings. A parched sensation gripped my throat, and I longed for a drink of water. As my vision adjusted to the dimness, I became aware of a door with iron bars that was not too distant from me. A short chain bound my left ankle to the wall, its movement hindered by the weight of the cold metal shackle.

  Not that I had the strength to move. I groaned and lowered myself back down, resting my head against my arm. A pounding ache throbbed in my skull, more bothersome than painful. My legs felt feeble, like jelly.

  Must be the venom…

  I decided to remain where I was, my gaze fixed blankly on the cell door.

  Where am I?

  As time trickled by, the intensity of the headache waned, allowing me to gather my thoughts.

  I'm alive! The realization jolted me upright, but the gravity of the situation quickly weighed me down once more. I moaned, rolled my eyes, and returned to my prone position, my back to the cell door.

  How long have I been unconscious?

  A metal door squealed open then shut, shattered the silence. Footsteps approached, their echoes resonating through the air. I couldn’t conceal the fear that flickered in my eyes. Torchlight illuminated the area, causing shadows to flicker, sparked by a flame. Behind the cell door stood the TaintedBloods. The dim light danced across their features, revealing a notably older TaintedBlood and a younger one a few years older than myself. Both wore long, black cloaks over refined black attire.

  Their appearance stood in stark contrast to the tattered garments worn by the previous TaintedBlood, suggesting a higher status.

  The elder figure towered over the younger one, possessing jet-black hair, alabaster skin, and blood-red eyes that exuded cruelty yet also glimmered with a twisted sense of amusement. He stood with an air of relaxation, hands casually folded behind his back, his gaze conveying an unsettling disregard for the value of my life. The younger TaintedBlood sported longer black hair nearly to the shoulder, pale skin, and blazing dark-red eyes.

  Though his facial structure resembled that of the elder, his features possessed a softer quality, making him appear much younger, almost like a teenager. With barely noticeable high cheekbones and straight, pale-pink lips, he wore an expressionless face, his eyes betraying a hint of sorrow. Despite this, an equal measure of menace emanated from him, akin to the other TaintedBlood.

  “Khali beat her. Break her spirit. Should she survive the week, then I shall issue further orders,” the elder one instructed with an air of disinterest, his voice nonchalant.

  Fear gripped me, and he smirked in response. I returned his glare, seething with a burning desire to end his life. Amusement glinted in his mocking expression.

  I couldn’t comprehend it. How could someone derive pleasure from inflicting pain on another? Was he a monster? No, he was pure evil.

  My gaze shifted to the younger TaintedBlood. “She appears too young. Are you certain this is an appropriate punishment?” Khali asked with unexpected concern. To my surprise, a tinge of guilt laced his intriguingly deep and smooth voice.

  “You’re too soft,” the elder one growled suddenly, casting a disdainful glance at Khali, his eyes cold and sharp as ice. A shiver ran down my spine. I caught a faint flicker of a flinch from Khali. The elder TaintedBlood’s narrowed eyes seemed to have detected the flinch as well. For a moment, I thought he would harm Khali, as his intense gaze promised pain, yet nothing ensued. This TaintedBlood was undeniably menacing, and provoking his wrath would be a grave mistake. Appearing satisfied with Khali, he redirected his cold, blood-red eyes back to me, and I froze under his gaze.

  “We shall see.” He smirked, a smug expression on his face, before he effortlessly and swiftly turned, walking away. A sudden rush of relief washed over me as if I had momentarily forgotten how to breathe while he had held me in his gaze. I found myself grateful for his departure, but Khali remained, observing his comrade’s exit from outside my prison cell.

  While the footsteps faded into silence and the metal door closed, his unwavering gaze kept me frozen in fear, my eyes widening. Surprisingly, he effortlessly slid open the cell door as if it had never been locked. Glancing at my chain, I wondered if it was unlocked as well, but much to my disappointment, it wasn’t. It made sense—the chain was too short, rendering the cell door out of reach. The door screeched as it opened, and my heart began to race. Against the wall, I pulled my legs closer to my chest, my eyes widening further in terror. He closed the cell door behind him, his unwavering, cool gaze fixed upon me all the while.

  As he started approaching, I hugged myself tighter, desperately hoping he wouldn’t draw any closer. I couldn’t discern his expression or his intentions, which only deepened my horror. I sensed that I was meant to be his prey. He was none other than a BoneBird, evoking the same primal fear as the other TaintedBlood who had attacked me in the forest. It was a bloodlust, but oddly faint, almost nonexistent.

  For a moment, my fear momentarily subsided, replaced by curiosity, though it was fleeting. He didn't possess the eyes of a bloodthirsty monster, which bewildered me. He was a TaintedBlood, my sworn enemy, and a BoneBird at that—the most feared enemy of my kind, one I could never trust. His kind feasted on mine, making him deserving of immediate death. Yet, why didn't he resemble the others? He didn't exude danger or intimidation up close. Then it dawned on me—I wasn't seeing bloodlust in his eyes; instead, I detected concern.

  Was I truly perceiving concern in the eyes of a monstrous, blood-sucking BoneBird? It felt surreal. TaintedBloods were untrustworthy, let alone BoneBirds. According to the stories passed down, they were incapable of such emotions.

  He came to a halt before me, leaving a few feet of space between us. Nonetheless, I remained afraid, my fear undoubtedly betraying me. My heart must be pounding audibly outside my chest by now. Uncertainty filled my gaze as I met his eyes.

  What is he going to do? Is he going to kill me?

  "What is your name?" he demanded, his voice cold yet resolute.

  I hesitated, unsure whether to respond.

  "Silvia…" I croaked, but my voice barely escaped my throat. The venom was undoubtedly to blame.

  "How old are you?" he inquired calmly.

  "I'm eight," I awkwardly squeaked.

  I flinched when he crouched down, resting his elbows on his knees.

  "Don't worry. The venom will wear off eventually," he assured me with a smile, revealing sharp, gleaming white fangs.

  I wasn't sure how to react. Something about him was undeniably different.

  He suddenly averted his gaze as if he had caught the sound of approaching footsteps. Standing upright, his hands clenched at his sides, suspicion etched across his face. At first, I stared blankly as he listened intently, his eyes likely fixed on the metal door that had caught his attention. However, when I heard nothing, I shifted my gaze away. Satisfied that no imminent threat existed, he returned his attention to me, causing me to startle. His dark, fiery-red eyes narrowed.

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  Well, this is the end for me, I thought, shifting uncomfortably. How foolish of me to think that he would be any different from the TaintedBlood who had attacked me in the forest, the others, or the ones in the tales I’d heard. I was prepared to accept my fate and surrender. I was helpless, unaware of my blessings, utterly useless. At least my brother wouldn't have to witness my demise… I wondered if he even knew I was gone.

  As dread coursed through my body once again, Khali unexpectedly launched his leg toward me, aiming for my gut. In an instant, I curled into a protective ball, squeezing my eyes shut, bracing for the imminent pain. It occurred to me that this feeling I experienced moments before disaster struck was rather handy. I wondered if it was the source of my ability to sense intent and read expressions so keenly.

  Holding my breath, I braced myself, but to my surprise, nothing happened. Curiosity piqued, I cautiously opened one eye. Khali was simply standing there as if he had been waiting for my reaction. My gaze moved up to his face, and much to my astonishment, he was grinning.

  "I'm only joking," he teased.

  Was he toying with me? Was this some sick game? My eyes dropped. Perhaps I was already dead. This couldn't be happening. Maybe I was trapped in an incredibly vivid dream… No, it couldn't be a dream. This felt too real, but I couldn't believe it. I looked back up at him, only to find his smile had vanished, his eyes narrowing.

  "But this can't be… The stories… You're a parasite, right? You kill my kind without mercy and consume our hearts…" I stammered, desperately searching his eyes for any sign, any explanation. His gaze softened, and once again, there it was—sympathy.

  "The stories are true. We consume your kind without hesitation, without mercy…" He paused, his eyes narrowing further. "Make no mistake, I am your enemy. BoneBirds are dangerous, and we will hunt you down. You are prey to us, nothing more, nothing less…" He averted his gaze momentarily, a fleeting flash of guilt crossing his features. "We require your blood to survive, but understand this today: I am not your enemy. You don't deserve this. If you value your life, you will listen and do exactly as I say, and you might have a chance to escape this alive.”

  I stared at him in disbelief. It was unfathomable.

  The TaintedBlood standing before me defied everything I believed about them—evil, merciless, bloodthirsty monsters whose sole purpose was to track us down and drain us of every last drop of blood. So why wasn't he like that? Why did he defy those expectations? Were the stories true? They consumed my parents.

  "Now listen carefully. You're going to pretend that I'm beating you," he stated.

  A surge of newfound hope rushed through me, but it dissipated almost instantly. Did I hear him correctly? He seemed serious, but I stared at him blankly, my mouth agape, trying to make sense of his words.

  "Huh?" I asked, squinting in confusion.

  Is this a dream?

  "I'm not actually going to harm you.” He grinned, his demeanor now changed. It was as if a different TaintedBlood had emerged, revealing his true character now that the more intimidating TaintedBlood was gone.

  I returned his teasing grin with a suspicious glare, my mouth still slightly agape in disbelief.

  I must be dreaming. It feels so vivid…

  "This is a really strange dream, and I'll wake up soon," I replied, shifting uncomfortably. I continued to regard him with suspicion.

  A sudden surge of dread overwhelmed me, his eyes darkening with intensity.

  "No, unfortunately, this is real, and you are truly in danger," he said, serious once again, his demeanor becoming intimidating. His eyes promised malice.

  But then he smiled.

  I was stupefied.

  "I'm joking," he teased. "And if you value your life, you'll play along."

  This time, I had a sense that he truly meant it.

  Swiftly, I nodded in agreement. I immediately complied, beginning to feign the appearance of being struck.

  I guess I have no choice. I have to listen to him. My life might be at stake if I don’t. I wonder if he'll keep his word… He started to smile as if finding it amusing, but all I felt was relief that he wasn't truly causing me harm.

  A week passed, and not once did Khali lay a finger on me. He had managed to sneak me some decent food and water, and it seemed that I was the only prisoner in this place, with Khali being the sole TaintedBlood to visit me. This was likely the reason he could get away with his actions.

  I had so many questions swirling in my mind, yearning to be asked. Where was I? How long had I been unconscious? How old was Khali? Who was he? And who was that other TaintedBlood? But whenever he came, he rushed to bring me sustenance, remaining silent throughout, with an expression that didn't exactly encourage conversation. It was as if his mind was never fully present in the cell, always lost in contemplation. I could only sigh when he eventually left.

  The nights were restless, plagued by unsettling nightmares. Strange, volatile dreams featured surroundings that were twisted and warped, the air heavy with malevolence. That was all I could recall upon waking. Sleep eluded me, and I would toss and turn tirelessly, unable to find a comfortable position on the unforgiving stone beneath me. The nightmares, when they did come, terrified me. I couldn't grow accustomed to sleeping on the cold, hard ground. I often found myself dozing intermittently throughout the night, accepting the weariness I carried throughout the day. It was manageable, considering I couldn't move around anyway.

  Khali entered one day with an unusual smirk on his face. This change of expression kindled my hopes.

  "Your week of torment is over," Khali chuckled. "Today, we're going to do something different." He paused, looking me over. "I have been ordered to take you into the forest and kill you."

  My heart shuddered, and he reassured me with a hint of humor, "But I'm not actually going to kill you. Follow my instructions."

  I returned his jest with an unamused glare. He certainly enjoys teasing me, I thought with a tinge of irritation, as he could easily send my heart racing.

  Nevertheless, I listened attentively. Khali approached and crouched before me, retrieving a vial filled with a dark liquid from a secret pocket on the inside of his cloak near his chest.

  "What's that?" I asked curiously, my eyes fixed on the mysterious substance.

  "You can't go out of the cell looking like this, or he'll kill us both," he explained, his chuckle betraying a touch of nervousness. "I need to apply this to you. It will create realistic bruises." He answered simply. "May I?"

  I nodded, my thoughts drifting to the intimidating TaintedBlood who had been with Khali on the first day. If he found out that Khali had blatantly disregarded his orders…

  Khali proceeded to rub the special ointment onto my arms and legs, using a black handkerchief he had retrieved from a different pocket. He applied it firmly, dabbing it on different sections, especially the more sensitive areas that were prone to bruising. The liquid felt oddly warm against my skin, and to my amazement, it absorbed easily, instantly discoloring and drying. The bruises appeared so realistic—vivid shades of red, blue, and purple. Finally, he gently smeared some on my face and cheeks, his gaze steady as he worked around my eye with the handkerchief.

  "It will wash off," he informed me, his eyes briefly meeting mine. With that, he unshackled me and bound my wrists and ankles with rope, ensuring it wasn't too tight.

  "Why are you taking such risks when getting caught could mean death?" I couldn't help but voice my curiosity. Khali paused momentarily, seeming caught off guard by my question, but he quickly composed himself and resumed binding my ankles.

  "Act half dead," he grunted, lifting me over his shoulder and carrying me out of the cell. I complied, allowing my body to go limp as I closed my eyes. It seemed he had no intention of answering my question.

  When the sensation of fresh air touched my senses, and the sounds of birdsong reached my ears, I cautiously opened my eyes. Breathing in the fresh air was a relief. However, the sudden change in perspective made my head spin. I observed the leaf-strewn ground moving beneath me, with Khali's cloak almost brushing against it.

  "Silvia, you're doing great.” Khali's voice broke the silence as if sensing that I had opened my eyes. "But don't move. He'll be watching until we're out of sight."

  Once again, I closed my eyes, obediently following his instructions. I had come this far, putting my trust in him, and thus far, things had turned out okay.

  A wave of nausea washed over me when Khali gently lowered me to the ground, prompting me to open my eyes once more. I silently thanked the heavens for the solid ground beneath my feet, though I had to lean against Khali's chest briefly to steady myself as the blood rushed back to my head.

  He drew out a dagger, causing me to flinch instinctively, but swiftly cut my wrists free. I sighed with relief, sat on the ground, and untied the rope around my ankles, regaining my freedom of movement. Standing back up, I took a deep breath of the crisp air and couldn't help but smile. It felt exhilarating to be free again, to feel the gentle caress of fresh air on my skin, a stark contrast to the dank and damp atmosphere of the cell I had been confined in.

  Surrounded by autumn trees in a small clearing, the ground resembled a fiery lake, and scarlet leaves danced in the breeze, I took in the scene before me. The gray sky stretched overhead, casting a subdued atmosphere.

  Turning my gaze back to Khali, I noticed he was looking at me with an unreadable expression. His demeanor reminded me of my brother, as if he was trying to hide his emotions, perhaps thinking I couldn’t handle them.

  "Thank you for being so kind to me," I said, breaking the silence.

  I never thought I would utter those words to a TaintedBlood, let alone a BoneBird. But for some reason, the stories no longer applied to him. They had become nothing more than whispers carried away by the wind.

  His eyes narrowed, and I swallowed nervously, his look making me slightly uneasy.

  "You have to leave now," his voice was cold, but then it softened. "Fly back to Avyra and follow the west star. It will be a journey of about a week for you, perhaps two weeks. If you value your life, stay above the clouds and don't stop for anything." He paused for a moment, seemingly contemplating something. "You might need this."

  A sliver of sunlight pierced through the gray clouds, causing the silver blade he revealed from a hidden pocket in his cloak to glint. It immediately captivated me. The pointed blade bore intricate designs of silver vines wrapped around its cross-shaped handle, with a thicker vine forming a rounded pommel. I had never seen anything like it. It must have been a TaintedBlood blade, and judging by how casually he handed it to me, despite its high quality, it seemed to be a common possession for him. Surprisingly, it felt light in my hand.

  "You might need this," he added. He then retrieved a large bundle wrapped in dark cloth from another pocket and handed it to me. "Deer jerky and berries."

  My mouth watered at the mention of berries. "Thank you," I replied, letting my arm fall to my side, loosely holding the blade as I glanced at the bundle.

  “You're welcome. Now go," he commanded firmly.

  With that, I turned around, my heart filled with a mixture of gratitude and trepidation, and began my journey.

  Releasing my wings, I spread them wide, marveling as they unfurled. Their gleaming white expanse caught the dim light that filtered through the foreboding forest. Each appendage emerged from a discreet crevice nestled between my shoulder blades, a common trait amongst us PureBloods. Each was an extension of my being, attached to a hidden joint along my spine. Every pair was distinctive, reflecting the individuality of our lineage. Their uniqueness was a testament to the diversity of our heritage, my own with six splendid tiers of glossy feathers, each row graduating from the shortest to the longest, culminating in an impressive fan of sleek plumage.

  An invigorating sense of freedom swept through me as they unfolded in tandem, breaking the norm of their usually awkward, individual emergence. The familiar lightness and freedom set my heart aflutter. They felt unusually unburdened, perhaps echoing my eagerness for the impending journey and the release of pent-up energy from the confines of its dormancy.

  Finally, they're cooperating.

  A gentle breeze stirred the downy fluff of my feathers. My wings quivered. Casting a glance toward Khali, I noticed his countenance return a wave of irritation. I shrugged it off.

  "Will we ever meet again?" I inquired, a hint of hope reverberating in my tone.

  His crimson eyes, ablaze with an ominous fire, narrowed. "You'd better hope not. I may not be the TaintedBlood you remember when that day comes," he retorted, his voice edged with an unsettling patience.

  His gaze alone seemed like a foreboding omen. A wave of disappointment swept over me as I turned away. A brief sprint and the power of my wings hoisted me airborne, ascending rapidly toward the clouds. I was still mastering the art of flight; my wide turns and soaring climbs were evidence of my novice status.

  My fledgling wings were yet to realize their full potential. The swift, effortless launch of a mature PureBlood was still a goal to be attained. As I navigated the expansive sky, I reflected on the challenge of taming my wings. Getting them to beat harmoniously, finding the strength for liftoff, locating the elusive muscle to retract them—it had been an exhilarating journey of growth and discovery.

  At five, the typical age, I had finally managed to retract my wings. I eagerly looked forward to my teenage years, which were another five years away. Despite my tender age of eight, I already resembled a fledgling on the cusp of adolescence. In human terms, I was akin to a ninety-six-year-old.

  Stealing a final glance at Khali, I glimpsed a fleeting view of his retreating form as he vanished into the dark forest. He remained an enigma, a mysterious figure etched into my memories.

  As if it materialized out of nowhere, a dense fog had blanketed the landscape, obscuring the view of the castle we had departed. Rising above the clouds, I discerned an intimidating silhouette resembling a gigantic dark spear. Its grim, sinister presence made me shudder. The damp embrace of the fog and clouds had soaked me thoroughly, burdening my wings with their weight.

  Above the thick cover, a new world awaited. The sun was starting its ascent, its golden rays caressing my skin, soothing away the chill of the clouds. The warmth, coupled with the bracing wind, soon dried my sodden wings. I breathed a sigh of relief. Thanks to my brother's teachings, I didn't require the guidance of the Western Star to find my way. The sheer joy of flight coursed through my veins. It had been ages since I had flown this high.

  Let's see what speed we can muster, I thought. I beat my wings with renewed vigor, bracing against the stinging winds that buffeted my face. I couldn't help but let out a triumphant whoop, laughter echoing in the crisp morning air. The exhilaration was intoxicating, and I reveled in the power of flight.

  By nightfall, exhaustion gnawed at my muscles. My wings were aching, nearly paralyzed with fatigue. The wind became my lifeline, carrying me forward while my stomach snarled in protest. In that moment of weakness, I contemplated the grueling weeks ahead. But my brother's words echoed in my mind, driving away the despair. I wouldn't surrender, wouldn't let weakness overcome me. I pushed away the specter of defeat, refusing to be perceived as anything but strong.

  Over the coming days, I journeyed above a sea of clouds as vast and white as an untouched snowfield. My wings screamed in protest, the pain testing my resolve. I clung to Khali's warnings, making sure to stay above the cloud cover and not to halt my journey for anything, even sleep. I survived on deer jerky and berries, quenching my thirst with moisture from the clouds. Despite my fatigue threatening to pull me under, I persisted. I forged ahead, skimming the sky, riding the drafts in my favor, and barely stopping.

  Sleep became a precious commodity I couldn't afford. I narrowly evaded the clutches of slumber more than once, my exhaustion an insidious enemy. I continued my journey, finishing my modest provisions, and yearned for a warm bed and my brother's face. I imagined his disbelief when he heard my tale and his relief when he realized that not all TaintedBloods were monsters.

  As I neared my village, a wave of adrenaline surged within me, pushing me further. A giddy anticipation bubbled inside, and with each beat of my wings, I was one step closer to home.

  I navigated with the knowledge ingrained in me during childhood, a skill my brother had painstakingly taught. The guiding light of the Western Star was unnecessary; I knew my path. Flying had become a forgotten joy, and my heart leaped at the chance to soar so high once again.

  With a spark of determination kindled within, I urged my wings into a swift beat, picking up speed. The wind whipped against my face, a biting reminder of my velocity.

  "Woo hoo!" My joyous laughter echoed through the sky.

  Home. The word was as sweet as honey. By the time dusk cloaked the sky, my wings were worn and sore. They moved only by the grace of the gusts, and my stomach growled in hunger. Despair tugged at me as I lifted my head toward the darkening horizon. Can I make it? Shaking the thought away, I gathered my wits about me. Surrender was not an option.

  A sea of puffy, white clouds stretched across the azure canvas. I commanded my wings to continue moving despite the agony. I remembered him saying, "If you value your life, stay above the clouds and don't stop for anything." I grumbled in response.

  Nourishing myself with the last scraps of deer jerky and a handful of berries, I sought to quell the ferocious hunger within. The clouds offered respite, bestowing much-needed moisture.

  By sunrise, I was ready to succumb to exhaustion, yet I persisted. Days morphed into a blur of motion as I rode the drafts, navigating through the vast expanse of the sky without rest. My eyelids grew heavy with the need for sleep, but I fought the fatigue. Time blunted the edge of sleepiness, and I pushed forward. As I glided through the endless expanse of the sky, my body ached with fatigue. Every muscle screamed in protest, my lungs gasping for breath in the icy air. The journey was long and the path ahead uncertain, and I felt the crushing weight of solitude bearing down on me.

  I paused, my gaze lifting to the vast, ink-black canvas stretched out above me. The stars twinkled down, their cold, distant light offering a strange comfort. They were my constant companions, their silent vigil a testament to my perseverance.

  Suddenly, the stars began to shift and morph, their celestial bodies transforming before my very eyes. I blinked, my weary mind struggling to comprehend the spectacle unfolding in the night sky. The stars were no longer mere points of light in the darkness, but they were forming shapes I recognized.

  Wolves.

  My ancestors.

  They ran across the sky, their astral bodies ablaze with starlight. Their eyes, filled with galaxies, met mine, their gazes filled with understanding and encouragement. It was as if they were saying, "You are not alone, Silvia. We are with you."

  I felt a surge of strength, dissipating the exhaustion that had been gnawing at my core. The celestial wolves ran across the sky, their astral bodies shimmering with an ethereal glow. Their strides were powerful, unhindered by the earthly constraints of gravity. They ran with a freedom that was both beautiful and terrifying, their forms flickering and flowing like liquid starlight.

  I felt a connection with them, a tether that spanned across time and space. These were my ancestors, their spirits immortalized in the heavens, their legacy imprinted in the stars. They were the embodiment of resilience and determination, qualities that were now being called upon in me.

  I resumed my journey, my wings now lighter, my spirit reinvigorated. I was no longer a solitary figure drifting through the sky but part of a lineage that stretched back to the dawn of time. I carried their strength, their courage, their indomitable will within me.

  The celestial wolves continued their run, their forms fluid and graceful against the backdrop of the night. They were with me, running alongside me, their presence a beacon of hope in the darkness. Their eyes, gleaming with the light of a thousand stars, watched over me, their gazes filled with warmth and encouragement.

  Maybe it was all in my head, but I was not alone.

  I am not sure how I managed, but I did. My provisions had dwindled to nothing, but my resolve was still strong. Visions of my bed, of seeing my brother again, kept me aloft. Anxiety must have gnawed at him by now. He wouldn't believe the story I had to tell! Not all TaintedBloods were terrible, I realized with a burgeoning excitement. As I neared my village, a new surge of energy carried me onward. Anticipation bubbled within me, a promise of tales to tell and reunions to celebrate.

  Nestled within a vast shroud of enigmatic wilderness, my village began to appear in my view as I commenced my descent. The swaying expanse of emerald treetops bordering my village was familiar, a verdant spectacle juxtaposed against the somber morning skies. An array of shadows, dappled light, and dancing leaves painted a broad picture of my home. My journey, stretching into two exhaustive weeks, had finally ended, which indicated that my absence from the village had lasted an entire month.

  As I passed through a barrier of wispy clouds, uncanny darkness swallowed my village, a far cry from the usually vibrant nights lit by the torches lining the narrow alleyways between wooden cabins. I shrugged off this anomaly, considering it might be a strategic concealment against potential assailants—an unfortunate but occasional necessity.

  A wave of profound relief surged through me, on the brink of spilling out as a cascade of unshed tears.

  I am finally home.

  As I touched down at the entrance, an immediate sense of unease crawled up my spine, extinguishing my joy. The air hung heavy with an unfamiliar, loathsome scent that twisted my gut. Uncertainty knotted my hand into a tight fist at my side. The midnight sky offered no illumination, and the elongated shadows from the trees swallowed the visibility of the ground.

  Fear toyed with my mind. My thoughts spiraled back to my previous encounter in the forest, a sudden ambush... Could my village have suffered the same fate? No. I gritted my teeth, suppressing the horrifying thought, took a steadying breath, and pushed past the threshold into my village.

  The ominous silence seemed to swallow me as I passed the first cabin, hewn from sturdy redwood. As my eyes gradually adapted to the pervasive darkness, I stumbled upon a ghastly sight that tore the breath out of my lungs. Bodies. Lifeless bodies scattered haphazardly across the ground. My skin turned pallid. My breath hitched in my throat.

  The victims were disfigured, peppered with a multitude of blade wounds, their bodies rigid in the grim dance of death, tainted with the stench of decay. The eerie absence of blood was a chilling sight, and feathers stained crimson littered the scene, interspersed with torn wings, a brutal testament to failed escape attempts.

  It hit me like a bolt of lightning. My village had been raided and razed to the ground. Defenseless, lacking any form of substantial protection, it was a lamb led to slaughter. My eyes widened in abject terror. This was not a raid—it was a massacre.

  The location of my ambush in the forest not far from my village now painted a horrific picture. It was a prelude to the dreadful sight before me.

  My brother. The mere thought of him infused a desperate strength within me, propelling me toward our shared cabin. Yet the disfigured bodies strewn around my path held my gaze captive. Among them, I recognized familiar faces—Ebony and Gracie, lifelong companions now lost forever. But I had no time for grief.

  Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision, as my fists clenched in impotent rage. This was the work of TaintedBloods, but not all of them were evil. No creature with an iota of goodness could perpetrate such an atrocity.

  As if jolted by an unseen force, I sprinted toward our cabin.

  The dawn stretched its golden fingers across the carnage, illuminating the horrendous tableau that had transpired on the very day I was attacked.

  A wave of momentary relief washed over me as my eyes fell upon our cabin, mercifully unscathed in contrast to the others, now mere charred skeletons of their former selves.

  Rafael could still be alive…

  Bounding up the timeworn wooden stairs of our veranda, I pushed open the door and froze. Lying face down on the bear rug, the image of my brother, Rafael, seared into my memory. Beneath him, a dark halo of dried blood marred the rug, mirroring the fate of the others—death. My world shattered into a million shards.

  This cannot be real. He was alive… I had just seen him smiling, his laughter echoing as I left for the forest. Why him? Who killed him?

  The sight was too brutal, too raw. I retreated, slamming the door shut behind me. Leaning against the veranda, bile rose in my throat, and I retched. I stared at the ground, numb, my mind spiraling into an abyss of despair. The vivid images of carnage, Rafael's body sprawled on the bear rug, and his last smile tore at my heart. Breathless from the emotional turmoil, I stumbled into the forest until my village disappeared.

  When my lungs screamed for air, I collapsed against a tree, my heartache manifesting as guttural sobs that shook my entire being. I cried until my tears ran dry.

  When the sobs finally subsided, a wave of numbness washed over me. Lifting my head, my blurry vision focused on a bush teeming with berries. Poisonous berries. I stared at it, the realization of their lethal potential sinking in. Without a second thought, I grabbed a handful and swallowed them, the sour taste coating my tongue.

  A wave of regret washed over me as my stomach churned. I fell to the ground, crying. The fear of death loomed over me, the fear of facing Enya, a place of eternal torment.

  Would I die and be condemned to Enya?

  As my world began to blur and fade, my fingers clawed at the forest floor.

  I don't want to die…

  With that haunting thought, darkness embraced me…