1. Zephyr

1

ZEPHYR

T he wind whispers through the empty halls of my mountain palace, a constant reminder of the solitude I've chosen. Or rather, the solitude thrust upon me. I trace my fingers along the cool stone walls, four hands seeking connection where there is none.

"Talking to yourself again, Zephyr?" I mutter, my voice echoing in the cavernous space.

My eyes shift to a stormy gray as I catch my reflection in a polished obsidian mirror. Silver-gray skin, lithe frame, small horns curling around my ears. The image of a demon aristocrat. But that's not who I am anymore.

I turn away, unable to face the reminder of my past. The shame burns hot in my chest, a constant companion these days.

"You did the right thing," I tell my reflection, but the words ring hollow.

My gaze drifts to the window, overlooking the lush forests of Mithras below. So much life, so much vibrancy. And here I am, alone in my self-imposed exile.

The loneliness claws at me, a hunger that can't be sated. I flex my four arms, remembering the warmth of an embrace, the comfort of a friendly touch. How long has it been since I've felt that?

"This is your penance," I remind myself. "For questioning. For daring to suggest that maybe, just maybe, we were wrong."

But even as I say it, I can't help but wonder. Was it truly wrong to question the cruelty? To suggest that maybe there was another way?

The wind picks up outside, and I find myself drawn to it. With a thought, I manipulate the currents, creating intricate patterns in the air. It's beautiful, in its own way. But there's no one to share it with.

I let the wind die down, my hands falling to my sides. The silence is deafening.

"Is this all there is?" I ask the empty room. "An eternity of... nothing?"

The question hangs in the air, unanswered. I close my eyes, willing myself to find peace in the solitude. But the desire for connection, for understanding, burns stronger than ever.

A sudden chill runs down my spine, interrupting my brooding thoughts. Something is wrong. The air currents shift, carrying the stench of rot and decay. My eyes flicker to a deep crimson as I focus, extending my senses beyond the palace walls.

There. To the east. A horde of... something. Monsters? The wind whispers their approach, a cacophony of growls and shuffling feet. And in their path...

"Shit," I hiss. A human village.

My four hands clench into fists. I shouldn't care. They're just humans. Fragile, short-lived creatures. What are they to me?

But the memory of screams echoes in my mind. Not just human screams. Demon screams. My own people, crying out in pain and fear as our so-called leaders...

I shake my head, banishing the thought. This isn't the same. These aren't demons. They're humans. Mortals. They fear my kind, and rightly so.

"It's not your problem," I mutter, pacing the length of the room. "Let them handle it."

But even as I say it, I know it's a lie. The village does not stand a chance. Not against a horde that size. I could help. My powers over wind and air could turn the tide. I could save them. But at what cost?

The moment I reveal myself, my sanctuary is gone. No more peaceful exile. No more hiding from my past. They'll see me for what I am, a demon. A monster.

"And why shouldn't they?" I snarl at my reflection. "Look at you. Four arms, horns, eyes that change color with your mood. You're everything they fear."

The wind picks up outside, mirroring my internal turmoil. I could stay here, safe in my solitude. Let nature take its course. It's not my fight.

But the screams. The fear. The death. Could I live with myself, knowing I could have prevented it?

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. When I open my eyes again, they are a swirling mix of crimson and gold. The look of determination and fear.

"Fuck it," I growl, striding towards the window. "Time to crash a party." I open the window panes. My chest heaves as I take a deep breath, stretching my arms out wide as I summon the wind, howling from the speed of my command.

As I descend from my mountain sanctuary, the wind whips around me, my four arms spread wide to channel the currents. Below, chaos reigns in the human village as I see the monsters pouring through gaps in their pitiful wooden defenses.

These monsters are pathetic. And yet...

I grit my teeth, wrestling with the decision I've already made. With a growl, I thrust my hands forward, sending a violent gust to scatter the first wave of attackers.

Screams erupt from both monsters and villagers alike. I pay them no mind, focusing on weaving intricate air currents to form invisible barriers. My demonic nature misses the thrill of the fight, the kill.

A particularly large beast charges through, heading straight for a group of fleeing children. Without thinking, I dive lower, my silver-gray skin gleaming in the fading sunlight.

"Back, you mangy cur!" I roar as my voice carries on the wind.

The monster hesitates, eyeing me with surprise in his eyes. He is in shock to see a monster helping humans, I bet. I smirk as it gives me the opening I need. I clap my hands together, creating a thunderous boom that sends it reeling against several trees.

With my lower arms, I summon the wind and stretch my arms to send a whirl of wind the beast way, knocking it down. I look around to make sure the threat is gone so I can make a quick escape. But it's too late, my presence is known.

"Demon!" someone shouts. "It's controlling the monsters!"

They are such fools. Can't they see I'm helping? But of course, they can't. To them, I'm just another monster. A few of the stronger villagers move closer with weapons in their hands.

As they focus on me, one of the larger beasts makes another attempt to attack the village. With a snarl of frustration, I summon a whirlwind, directing it towards the charging beast. "Stay back!" I warn the villagers, my voice booming unnaturally. I let out a thunderous growl.

I send the whirlwind flying with force towards the beast. The strike gives way to a clearing on the outer landing of the village and a path of crimson blood as the beast retreats. It lets out a howl, signaling the other monsters in his horde to follow. The remaining monsters flee, unable to withstand the gale.

I follow after them, ensuring they will not hurt anyone else. They are quicker but I'm faster. I give chase and draw closer to them as they round a cliffside. I extend my arms to throw a blast of wind at the monster horde knocking the smaller ones off the side of the cliff. The echoes of their howls as they fall pleases me. I rid of them one by one except for the larger beast. He's the only one left and all mine.

That's when I notice her, a human woman standing in the middle of the path the beast is running on.

I started to warn her, moving closer to help until I realize she is awaiting the beast's arrival. The beast notices her and instead of turning to retreat, he snarls and charges at her head on. I draw my hand back to summon the wind at my command to protect her, but she turns sideways, hunching down in a battle stance. This human intrigues me. I drift to the highest tree hiding so she won't see me as I watch the scene unfold.

Her hooded cloak stirs wild in the wind as she throws it to the ground, raising her sword, steadying herself. I could see those big brown eyes even from a distance, a look so fierce amidst the chaos that is about to ensue.

The arrogant beast lunges at her. Stupid beast just gave her the advantage. When the beast leaps in the air, this little warrior runs with speed and slide underneath the beast. With one strong blow across the beast's chest, the blood splatters across her face and onto the ground. She stands up with ease as the beast falls dead to the ground.

Such a strong human. She wipes the blood off her sword with no regard. The red in my eyes and the devilish grin on my face shows how much I revel in the kill she just made. I will admit that I do miss the killing and gore at times. It excites me. And I'm impressed with how skillful she is at it.

I drift farther away from her, making sure I'm not seen. My mind is reeling as I retreat back to my palace of solitude. What have I done? Why did I interfere? And why can't I get those fierce, brown eyes out of my head?