A Walk Amongst Shadows (Book 2)

XXXIII

After what felt like ages, we finally stopped moving. Aris lowered me gently back onto the ground where the other shadow walkers stood shifting back into their mortal forms. My legs felt a little uneasy, and my head was still spinning from the speed at which I had been carried through the woods. I saw Aris quickly return to the form I was used to seeing him in. He immediately pulled me into his arms. Everything felt right again.

“Everything’s alright,” he said.

I pulled away and kissed him quickly on the lips. “Thank you,” I said.

He smiled, a look of relief in his eyes. The same eyes that had been glowing red mere moments ago.

“Are you all alright?” I heard a new voice ask. Looking up I saw yet another shadow walker heading our direction. He was built much like Aris, but looked nothing like him in any other aspect. With sharp facial features and short hair, he was far more imposing than Aris ever had been, even when we first met.

“We’re fine,” I heard the man that had led me out of the courtyard answer. “Has everyone else gotten out?”

“We’re waiting to hear from a few others still…” He stopped speaking as his black eyes moved over to me. “My god, it’s you.” He walked over to where I stood, “Rose, I presume?” His accent was unlike any I heard since arriving in the city.

I nodded to him.

“So, it is true.” He looked in wonder to Aris for confirmation. Aris gave him a nod, and the man returned his gaze to me. “Magnificent…The name’s Lex, by the way. It’s an honor to meet you.” He bowed his head and extended a hand towards me. Just like King Westford, he kissed the back of it in a cordial manner.

“You should’ve seen her back there, brother,” the long-haired shadow walker said. “It was unlike anything I have ever witnessed before.” The man ran his hands through his hair pushing it out of his face. “Ivan,” he introduced, also shaking my hand.

“Pleasure to meet you both,” I said, flattered by their pleasantries. “How did you all find me?” I asked.

“Aris summoned us, well not just us. He sent the signal and we came running.” Ivan grinned.

I snapped my head over to Aris who confirmed his statement with a nod.

“I knew you were in danger the moment I saw that guard walking toward the apothecary. When I felt you reaching out for me, well let’s just say I didn’t waste any time,” he explained. So that’s why he didn’t show up immediately.

“We were more than happy to oblige. Not that we’d ever turned down our sweet brother Aris” Lex said with a wink.

“Well, I owe you, all of you,” I said in earnest.

“I find that highly doubtful seeing the way you handled yourself back ther-” CRACK a third shadow walker appeared.

“Whew, made it,” she exhaled as she walked over to the group. She was beautiful, with a face like a doll. Her black hair was slicked back and tied up on the top of her head where it freely cascaded down her back. “Wonderful, she made it here in one piece,” she said, surveying me.

“Greta, meet Rose. Rose, Greta,” Aris introduced gesturing back and forth with his hands as he did so.

“Man, oh, man, have I been looking forward to meeting you,” she said grinning.

“Oh?’ I said, feeling a bit uncomfortable. It was almost as though I had been put on display.

“Of course! I’m just upset I missed you in action. Granted, I saw the path you left behind.” She winked at me. I felt myself blush. I’m not used to this sort of flattery. I felt another gust of wind and followed by the now familiar crack, and saw Stellan appear beside Ivan.

“Well, well, well,” he grinned slyly at me, “You sure do know how to cause a commotion.”

I smiled, oddly happy to be seeing him again.

“How bad is it?” I asked.

“They’re sealing off the city.”

I felt my jaw drop.

“The alarms were sounding, and they’re already issuing an alert for your capture.” He beamed at me, “Even in my mortal days I was never able to create such carnage in such a short amount of time. I tip my hat to you dear girl.”

I felt my heart sink. Of course they want me captured. I attacked the King for goodness sake! I looked up anxiously at Aris.

“Don’t worry, love,” he placed an arm around my shoulders, “we won’t let them get to you.”

I smiled weakly at him. “Thank you,” I stated awkwardly, “all of you, for getting me out.”

“Don’t mention it,” Greta said with a wide grin, the others nodding along with her.

“So, what happens now?” I asked.

“We need to keep you hidden,” Aris answered.

“The further from the city, the better,” Stellan said. “They’ll be sending out search parties in no time.”

I looked at Aris again, “What about our house?”

He smiled at me, “That house has stood virtually undetected for centuries. I wouldn’t worry yourself too much over it.”

I nodded. I felt a little silly, it was after all, just a house. But it had become my home, our home. I didn’t want to lose the little life we had built for ourselves there. I fumbled my firestone pendant nervously between my fingers. I hadn’t taken it off since the night Aris had given it to me, an action I was thankful for now. It’s the only gift he had ever given to me and the last item I would want to lose.

“We could take her to the northern way station,” Lex suggested. “It hasn’t been used by anyone in decades, and it’s plenty far from the city.”

“Do you think the kings guard knows about its existence?” Ivan asked.

“Surely not. I mean, mortals haven’t occupied it in centuries…” he trailed off.

“It’s a start. We’ll just have to stay one step ahead of them,” Aris agreed. “Besides, Rose is incredible at sensing. She’ll know the moment they start moving in our direction,” he boasted, winking at me.

“Then it’s settled,” Stellan clapped his hands together. “We’ll run ahead and make sure the path is clear, unless, of course, dear Rose, is up for another ride along?”

I shook my head. “If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather walk.”

Everyone laughed. Then, one by one, they each started changing. Instead of looking away this time, I kept my gazed fixed. It really does look like they’re burning. I watched as pale flesh withered and blackened. Eyes went black and then began to glow red. I had never noticed before just how loud they were as they shifted. It was as though each and every one of their bones were snapping as they stretched and morphed into the creatures that now stood before me. I noticed Aris was keeping a close eye on me, no doubt wondering what thoughts were running through my mind. I jumped back in surprise as the first shadow walker vanished with a loud CRACK, followed in quick succession by the others. I looked around at the empty woods that surrounded us and turned back towards Aris. We were all alone.

“Shall we?” he asked, gesturing to the endless forest that lay ahead of us. I nodded, but instead of taking his outstretched hand, I pulled myself into his arms once again.

“You alright?” I heard him ask as he patted my back softly.

“Yeah,” I nodded, “it all just happened so fast…”

“You handled yourself beautifully,” he smiled at me as we broke apart. “I’d wager you would have been able to escape the city without our help at all.”

“No way I could’ve outrun them,” I argued.

He shrugged as we began walking. There was a lingering silence hanging in the air between us. I knew he was thinking about how he had changed in front of me again. It was written all over his face, as if he had done something shameful.

“Does it hurt? Changing like that,” I asked, breaking the tension.

“No, it just feels like magic. A lot of magic.” He wasn’t looking at me, but he was talking about it at least.

“I never noticed all those cracking sounds before,” I added. “And the way your skin...it just seems like it’d be painful.”

“Yeah, I nearly forgot what it’s like to be on this side of it. You know, it’s okay, Rose… that you’re afraid of what we look like.”

“Have you ever seen yourself like that?” It hadn’t dawned on me that he wouldn’t know. “I mean I know you’ve seen others… but what about yourself?”

“I’ve heard descriptions, stories. I’ve even inspired a few artists over the past few centuries, believe it or not.” He cracked a smile. “I have a pretty good idea, but no, I’ve never actually seen myself.”

We continued on in silence a while longer.

“I do appreciate it though,” he sighed, “you trying so hard for me. But you don’t have to, I know what I am.”

“Aris, it’s not that bad,” I attempted to console.

He stopped walking and rubbed his eyes in exasperation. “Come on,” he sounded annoyed. “I saw how you looked at me that night with Stellan. I’ve never seen you so horrified in my life.”

So, we were back to this.

“Well, yeah! I had no idea that shadow walkers changed like that.”

He shook his head.

“So, yeah, it was a bit of a shock.”

“And today?” he asked.

“I watched you change while you held me in your arms. I saw you change up close. I watched your skin waste away from your face and felt your body wither and grow cold.” I felt a tightness in my throat, surprised at all the emotions bubbling up in me. “Yes, I was scared. But I saw you and you were still my Aris.”

He glanced up at me, and I felt a tear run down my face.

“I held on to you without a second thought.”

He smiled at me and wiped the tear tenderly from my cheek.

“I don’t know how many times I need to say it, but I love you. All of you. Not just when you look like this. But when you look like a shadow, too.”

I saw his mouth twitch into a smile. He put his hands on my waist and pulled me closer. “Then you’re a fool, Rose Rivyn,” he teased as his smile widened. I was relieved to see his mood lighten.

“Maybe…a little,” I winked.

He leaned down and kissed me, enveloping me in his arms once more.

I grabbed his hand as we resumed our walking, relieved that the tension between us had subsided. I hoped more than anything that I had finally put his concerns to rest.

“I’m not going to be able to return to the city am I,” I stated more than asked.

“I’m afraid not,” he looked solemn. “I’m sorry.”

I shrugged. In truth, I was heartbroken. I was just starting to feel at home. I had even made a few friends. But once again, it was all gone.

“What now?” I asked, refusing to let myself cry. “I mean, I know right now I’ve got to hide but after that, what am I supposed to do?”

“The royal city isn’t the only city out there.”

“How long until I get chased out of the next one? Or the one after that?” I sighed, “Maybe…”

“Maybe what?”

“Maybe it’s time I talk to your father, one on one.”

Aris’ eyes darkened. “Rose, I don’t think you understand-”

“Look, it’s obvious that this prophecy is going to follow me, and if it concerns the dark god, then maybe I-”

“You have no idea what you’re dealing with,” he asserted. “Father is different from other gods, but he’s still a god.”

I furrowed my brow. “So, what? Do we just wait around until he needs us for the next phase of his plan?”

“The longer you can stay clear of him and whatever he may or may not be planning the better.”

“For who? Me?” I felt my face getting hot. “Either way I’m at his mercy, why waste any more time?”

“Please don’t do this,” he begged. I was taken aback by the desperation in his voice. “Once he has you… He’s not the sort of god you just say ‘no’ to. If you go to him… I fear he won’t let you back out. You’re too important to him.”

I dropped the subject. But my curiosity was piqued more than ever. Did the dark god want me or just my magic? Why does he want me so badly? And what on earth does he want me for? I felt as though I had been asking the same questions since I left the mountain, and I was no closer to having any answers. I wondered if, perhaps, one of the other shadow walkers would be more open to discussing these things with me.

We walked through the night and into the next morning before coming to the way station. It wasn’t much. A small hut with a dirt floor and a pitched roof. Inside stood only a cot with a thin blanket folded neatly on top. The only source of light came from a small window beside the door. I sighed. I didn’t want to complain. For someone being hunted, this shelter was perfect. But all I wanted was to be home with Aris. I sat down on the cot, he sat beside me.

“Perhaps you should try and get some sleep. You’ve been up for a while now,” he suggested. He was right, but the last thing I wanted to do was rest. I wanted answers. I heard a loud crack and saw Stellan and Greta appear just outside.

“Look who finally showed up,” Stellan grinned.

“You must be exhausted,” Greta sympathized. She shrugged off a large bag and swung it up on the cot. “I brought you a few things to help you pass the time.” I looked up at her, surprised by her thoughtfulness. I opened the satchel and saw an extra blanket and a pillow. Beneath them was a large stack of books. I handed the blanket and pillow to Aris and began pulling the books out one by one. I grinned. Each book was related to the dark god. I looked up at Greta who seemed delighted.

“Not trying to be nosey, but I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation in the woods.”

“Seriously?” Aris asked, sounding annoyed.

“What? I was just trying to check up on you. But anyways, if Rose really is interested in contacting father, I figured she should at least be prepared.” She winked at me.

“You want to contact father?” Stellan’s dark eyes sparkled mischievously. “Excellent.” There was an air of foreboding in his voice. “Let me guess, our brother isn’t in favor?” he guessed, looking at me.

“No, I’m not,” Aris cut in.

“Well, whether she does or does not decide to talk to father, it won’t hurt her to do a little research first,” Greta asserted.

“Fine” Aris rolled his eyes. He was not happy.

“Well, Rose, we will be around. If you need anything, don’t hesitate,” Greta said as she excused herself from the room.

“Thanks, Greta. I really appreciate it.” She nodded at me.

“Come on, Stellan,” she chirped, “let’s give the girl some privacy.” She flashed me another smile before leading Stellan out of the room. As soon as they cleared the area, I looked back at Aris.

“Aris, if you don’t want me to read-”

“No, no,” he put up his hand, cutting me off. “Greta is right. If you’re considering seeking council with father, you need to know as much as you can. It doesn’t change how I feel about it,” he trailed off, “but I don’t want you going in blindly either.” He sighed, exasperated.

I kissed him quickly on the cheek.

“Will you at least sleep before you devour all of those?” he asked, gesturing to the bag.

I nodded. Aris stood up so I could make up the cot. There wasn’t enough room for the two of us lying down.

“I’ll be right outside if you need me,” he assured.

I tossed and turned trying to find a comfortable position on the cot. Despite my discomfort, I was able to find sleep rather quickly.