The snow was cold underfoot, glittering with starlight on the trees and in a dusting over the roads . The earth was cold enough for the ice powder to stick . Kyera passed through the forest, white fur blending into to landscape . Silver stripes making it easier for her to disappear than ink black ones would ever allow . Each step stretch each muscle as she sprang forward off each foot .
Having changed clothes and skins at the Winter Rain Palace she had dashed out moments later . She had every intention of running to the forest edge and calling the elders . There was so much on her mind but she needed guidance . She wanted them to agree that this would be a okay choice for the clan as well as what she needed for her own happiness .
The path to the village was long but quickly traversed by her speed and stamina . All she wanted was an answer . Honestly she wanted a specific answer and would do what she could to achieve it . What she didn't expect was to smell blood as soon as she entered town .
Advertisement
That dark metallic fragrance warning her of danger . She slowed looking about . The village was full of life and happiness as it always had been . Yet she could smell sorrow and fear . Why was it so strong here? It had to have a source and that source had to be nearby .
As she followed it she was shocked to trail it to the door of the sanctuary . The paw print over the door was secretly hidden, a sign this place was a haven for shifters . It was a place they could hide and know their identities would be safe here .
Kyera used a paw to push on the doors . It opened easily and the noises of chattering within catching her ears . Sorrow and tears laced soft voices . Some were children . Kyera froze when she got her first glimpse of inside the sanctuary .
Healers had obviously been hard at work here only hours before . Roughly a hundred people stood, sat, and leaned inside the cathedral itself . Many looking as though their bodies had been battered and bruised by a unknown attacker . Shock couldn't even describe the reaction Kyera felt as she recognized the remains of her shifter brethren .
As she transformed to her human form, Talis limped forward and wrapped his arms around her . "Thank the Shadows for sending you here . " he whispered tears in his voice . Kyera hugged him back her eyes still moving over the faces of men, women, and children who were looking to her with hopeful eyes . She felt insanely guilty as she realized she was their hope . She was their leader and her they were covered in battle wounds and Kyera herself was untouched .
"What happened? When did you arrive?" Kyera asked her voice weak and lost . Talos let her go and frowned .
"Princess, we have been here two days . We were trying to regain our strength and let any other survivors find their way before we sent for you . " Talis offered a feeble explanation, but Kyera only heard one word .
"Survivors? Survivors of what?" she asked hopelessly . There was a heart wrenching fear as she looked at the faces around her . So many clans yet so few of each . This couldn't be what she had a feeling it was .
"A purge . The Eight Clans were destroyed, Kyera . Any who tried to stand against it fell . So many are dead or lost . We didn't know where else to turn . " Daxin offered his face a mangled mess from claws or sword . She couldn't help but suppress a sob .
"The Darkness… they are back . " Kyera whispered knowing the truth before the words ever left her lips . Talis nodded slowly .
"So it seems . Kyera we need your help . Please… I don't know what to do . Tell me what to do, tell us . " Talis all but begged desperately . Tears rained down his cheeks as he stared at her . His eyes bore holes into her skin .
She looked from face to face, seeing them all watch her expectantly… what could she say? There was so much pain… so few alive . What was there to do .
"Trust me . That is your next move . Trust me and rest here . " she replied regaining her regal demeanor . She knew what to do
Chapter end
Report
|
Donate
Oh o, this user has not set a donation button.
|