3. Zephyr

3

ZEPHYR

I decide to roam the land around Mount Kazan before heading back to the palace. This time I am more careful and stay hidden. I don't need any more humans and their drama. Scanning the lands, there are no monsters in sight. I don't know why I even care anyway.

I laugh deeply at the lie, I am telling myself right now. I welcome these beasts. That last fight was such a rush that I had not felt in a long time. My tongue glides across my lips, as I could still taste the blood of those beasts I crushed with just one blow. And to think, I held back my total power for the sake of those humans. It is just as well, they are innocent and should not be harmed in such a cruel way.

I whip my head quickly to the right as I hear the crack of a tree branch. In my sight is a plump, young deer. My eyes turn a flaming red as my demonic nature takes over. The deer spots me but it's too late.

Before it could run, I cup my lower hands to create a ball of wind, shaping it into a lasso. Stretching out my upper arms, I forcefully send the lasso flying across the lake around the deer's neck. The only sound is the snap of the deer's neck echoing throughout the wooded area.

I command the wind to carry it over to me. Like a lion satisfied by the slay, I take a quick taste. A devilish grin forms on my face as I wipe the blood off my face with my tongue. This will make for a fine plate of venison tonight.

I let out a heavy breath as I try to tame the demonic nature in me. The bloodlust excited me just a bit too much. I look around and while no one is around, I close my eyes. As I open my eyes, I breathe in and let out another heavy breath. My eyes turn icy blue in a state of calm and balance. I stretch out my hands to command the winds once more.

A whirl of wind circles around me as I use my lower arms to guide the wind under me. It lifts me a few feet off the ground and I smile. Like lightning under my feet, I turn and skate across a deserted lake. My lower arms direct the wind to drift me around the lake in circles, faster and faster, creating a whirlpool of wind and water. The wind is like me, strong, and powerful but alone. How fitting.

Turning slightly, I command the wind to lower me to solid ground. I jump onto the ground and sniff the air. The human's scent drifts on the breeze, a mix of leather, sweat, and determination. Grinning widely, I recognize that scent. It's that human female warrior. My eyes instantly change to a reddish hue in excitement. She's persistent, I'll give her that. It looks like she is searching for me which piques my curiosity.

I perch atop a craggy outcropping, my four arms spread wide to catch the air currents. Mount Kazan looms behind me, its slopes thick with mist. Perfect for a little mischief.

With a flick of my wrist, I send a gust of wind racing down the mountainside. It carries with it the illusion of footsteps, heavy and deliberate, moving away from my actual position.

"Let's see how you handle this, little hunter," I murmur, my eyes shifting to a deep amber as I focus on her approach.

She emerges from the treeline with her bow and arrow, ready for an immediate strike. Even from this distance, I can see the fire in her eyes, the set of her jaw. She's beautiful in her ferocity, this human who dares to hunt a demon.

I shouldn't be toying with her. I should disappear, return to my solitude. But something about her calls to me, stirs a part of myself I thought long dead.

She pauses, head cocked to one side. Did she hear the false footsteps? Or perhaps she senses my gaze upon her. Either way, a thrill runs through me at the challenge she presents.

I summon another breeze. This one carries the scent of brimstone and ash. It's a demon's calling card, one that should send her scurrying in the opposite direction. But the huntress surprises me. She grins, fierce and wild, and charges straight toward the source.

"Brave little fool," I whisper, admiration coloring my tone.

It looks like it's time for something more dramatic. I raise all four hands, drawing on the power that thrums through my veins. The air around me crackles with energy as I weave an intricate illusion.

A shadow falls across the forest floor, massive and winged. The beats of phantom wings send leaves scattering. I watch as the huntress' eyes widen, her grip on her bow tightening. I wait for her to run.

But she doesn't run. She doesn't even flinch. Instead, she nocks an arrow and aims at the illusory beast.

I can't help the laughter that bubbles up from my chest. "Oh, you are something special, aren't you?"

She inches forward slowly like a lion preparing to pounce on its prey. My curiosity is piqued by her determination. She's calculated in her movements and an intelligent human. I decide to reveal myself and attempt communication. Perhaps she can be reasoned with.

I gather the winds, cloaking myself in a swirling vortex before striding forward. The forest bends to my will, branches and leaves swaying in my wake as I approach the clearing ahead. There she is, the fierce warrior from the village, crouched and motionless save for the slow rise and fall of her shoulders as she breathes.

My arrival stirs the air, and she whips around, twin blades flashing in her hands. Our eyes lock, hers narrowed and feral. I raise my hands, palms outward in a gesture of peace. "I mean you no harm."

She doesn't budge, body coiled tight as a sprung trap. "Demon," she spits, the word dripping with venom. I grin widely at her confidence which overpowers the fear I can sense in her. I need to learn more about this beautiful, fierce creature.

I attempt to step forward, but she changes into a battle stance. I grinned widely as I cross my arms, staring intently at her. My demonic nature is on alert, I can feel it. If she moves a step wrong…But, her eyes tell me she's just as intrigued about me as I am of her. She watches me carefully as I open my now icy-blue eyes.

She grips her blades tighter as I slowly walk up to her. Her stance never wavers. Up close, her scent carries hints of smoke and pine, laced with the musk of one who has traveled hard miles. She wants to attack me; I almost want her to. But neither one of us makes the first move. Instead, we observe each other.

"You tracked me from the village I aided. Why?" My towering stance looks at her with folded arms, exuding dominance over her.

For a moment, rage flickers across her features before she masks it with stony resolve. "Your kind brings nothing but death and destruction. I'm here to end the threat you pose."

"You misunderstand." I take a single step closer, holding her gaze. "I want no conflict with humans. My actions were to protect innocents, nothing more."

Her jaw clenches, fingers tightening around her weapons. "Lies. Demons are incapable of anything but cruelty."

The winds begin to swirl around me feeling the sorrow that weighs heavy in my chest. If only she knew the truth behind my exile... But that is a tale for another time. I shake my head. "Not all demons are the same, just as not all humans are alike. Give me a chance to prove my intent is sincere."

I can see the conflict in her eyes as her features transition from anger to a slight resolve. I inhale the heavy breath she lets out. It almost calms me. Interesting.

She is still guarded as the huntress' eyes blaze with stubborn defiance, yet I sense a sliver of doubt creeping in beneath her anger. She says nothing, but I can practically hear the warring thoughts churning behind that intense glare.

My lips curve into a slight smirk as she lowers the blades to her sides.

"I am Zephyr." Keeping my movements slow and deliberate, I allow the winds to dissipate until I stand before her unarmed.

She slides her blades back into the sheaths on the side of her boots. Standing back up to face me, she steps forward until we are face to face again. "I am Selena. The demon hunter."