10. Selena

10

SELENA

T he dawn's early light shines upon me as I wash my face and clean up to head towards the main base of the camp. As I pass by the elders' tents, I notice another bundle of herbs. Moonflower and nightshade. These are rare plants found only in the high peaks. My heart skips a beat. This is Zephyr's doing.

"Where did these come from?" I demand, storming into the council meeting.

Elder Thorne's weathered face creases with suspicion. "A fortuitous find by our scouts."

"Liar." The word escapes before I can stop it. "These grow only where demons dwell. He's trying to help us."

"The demon has bewitched you, child," Elder Mira says, her voice gentle but patronizing.

I slam my fist on the table. "Enough! How many times must Zephyr prove himself before you listen?"

"Prove himself?" Elder Thorne scoffs. "By luring you away? By leaving trinkets to tempt us?"

"By saving an entire village from monsters," I counter. "By teaching me about his culture, his people. By showing me there's more to demons than the stories we've been told."

"Stories written in the blood of our ancestors," Elder Koda growls.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the rage building inside me. "And how much demon blood has stained our blades? We're no better if we refuse to see beyond our prejudices."

"You speak of prejudice," Elder Mira says, "yet you defend a single demon based on what? A few weeks in his company?"

"I speak based on what I've seen with my own eyes. What I've experienced." I look each elder in the eye. "Zephyr risked everything to save humans he didn't know. He's been leaving these gifts, protecting our hunting parties. How long will you ignore the evidence before you?"

Silence falls over the tent. I can see the doubt creeping into their eyes, the first cracks in their stubborn resolve.

Elder Thorne clears his throat. "Even if what you say is true, one demon does not absolve an entire race."

"No," I agree. "But it's a start. A chance to build understanding between our peoples."

"I think she's still under this demon's spell." Another elder of the tribe speaks among the council.

The elders' skeptical eyes bore into me as I stand before the council fire. Their whispers sting like embers against my skin. I've had enough.

"I'll prove it to you. Let me take on the Shadowbeast lurking in the western caves."

Gasps ripple through the gathering. Good. I've got their attention now.

"Selena, that's suicide," Kira, my childhood friend, protests. "No one's ever returned from hunting him."

"Exactly." I meet each elder's gaze in turn. "When I come back, you'll know I'm of sound mind and body. That everything I've told you about Zephyr is true."

Elder Mara leans forward. "And if you don't return?"

I shrug, feigning nonchalance. "Then I suppose you were right all along."

Hushed debates erupt around the council. I stand tall, arms crossed, waiting. Finally, Mara nods. "Very well. You have three days. May the spirits guide you."

Dawn rising into the morning's light finds me at the edge of our encampment, a pack slung over my shoulder. As I adjust my weapons, Kira approaches.

"You don't have to do this," she pleads.

"Yes, I do." I squeeze her arm. "Trust me."

The forest swallows me whole as I set out. The birds' morning song fades, replaced by an eerie silence. My steps crunch softly on fallen leaves. I scan the canopy, half-hoping to catch a glimpse of silver-gray skin among the branches.

Come on, Zephyr. Where are you?

I'd never admit it aloud, but part of me hopes he'll swoop in and carry me off again. Back to his wind-swept palace, away from the judging eyes of my tribe. I shake my head, banishing the thought. No. I need to do this on my own.

The day wears on. I navigate treacherous ravines and scale moss-covered cliffs. My muscles burn, but I push forward. As twilight descends, I make camp in a small clearing. The fire sputters to life, casting dancing shadows.

I stare into the flames, mind drifting. What if he doesn't come? What if I truly am on my own? For the first time since volunteering, doubt gnaws at my gut.

A twig snaps in the darkness beyond my campfire. I freeze, hand inching toward my sword.

My eyes scan beyond the fire into the empty darkness when another twig snaps again, closer this time. I leap to my feet, sword now in hand, heart pounding. A low growl rumbles through the clearing, raising the hair on my neck.

Two glowing red eyes pierce the darkness. The Shadowbeast.

It lunges, a mass of inky blackness and razor-sharp claws. I roll, barely avoiding its strike. With quick speed, I reach into my bag and pull out the crystals that Zephyr gifted to the village. I throw the crystals across the fire pit and it creates a beam of light that encircles me and the beast. Just what I need, now I can see this beast face to face.

My sword flashes in the firelight as I slash at its flank. The blade meets resistance and then slides through as if cutting smoke.

The beast roars, more angry than hurt. I scramble back, fumbling for my bow. An arrow flies true, sinking into its shoulder. But instead of slowing it down, the Shadowbeast seems to grow larger, feeding off the darkness around us.

I dodge another swipe, feeling claws graze my arm. Warm blood trickles down, but there's no time to check the wound. I keep moving, striking when I can, but my attacks seem futile against this creature of shadow and nightmare.

Before I could throw more crystals to light up the area, my foot catches on a root, and I stumble. The beast is on me in an instant, its massive form blocking out the stars. The stench of its breath washes over me as jaws snap inches from my face. I strain against its weight, arms trembling, knowing I can't hold it back much longer.

This is it. I'm going to die here, alone in the dark. I close my eyes, bracing for the end.

A deafening whoosh fills the air. The Shadowbeast's weight vanishes, and I gasp, eyes flying open. A whirlwind tears through the clearing, scattering leaves and embers. At its center stands a familiar figure, four arms spread wide, controlling the maelstrom.

"Zephyr," I breathe.

He doesn't look at me, focused entirely on the beast. The Shadowbeast charges, but Zephyr's winds lift it off its feet, slamming it against trees. It howls in fury and pain.

I struggle to my feet, bow in hand. "The eyes!" he shouts. "Aim for its eyes!"

Feeling secure now that he is by my side, I raise my bow and take aim.