Page 131 of Treasured
The creature approaching us moved with far more grace than I would’ve thought possible. My breath caught. The peace morphed into something else. Ancient. Powerful. The air crackled. My shadows swirled, and my dark magic drew me towards the animal. It was magnetic, a pull from deep within, just like I’d felt with the white wolf.
What is it? I asked Sebastian.
His knuckles brushed my arm. A Nightwing. They’re extremely rare, and very few of them remain in Eleyta.
The Nightwing was as beautiful as it was dangerous. There was no doubt it was powerful.
That pull tugged in my core. I needed to get closer. Without even registering that my feet were moving, I slowly approached the Nightwing.
Luna, what are you doing? Sebastian’s voice pulsed with worry.
That was a good question. Honestly, I didn’t know. But I had to get closer; somehow, I knew it was safe. Looking into the Nightwing’s silver eyes, I moved with careful confidence. Don’t worry, I said. It won’t hurt me.
I wasn’t sure how I came to that conclusion, but I knew it was true. The animal was massive and magnificent, but it was also a friend. A lovely, vicious, capable-of-killing-me-with-one-swipe-of-its-talons, friend.
Extending my hand, I held it palm up in front of me.
The Nightwing dipped its head as though in greeting, and I took the final step. My fingers grazed its head. Soft, yet hard. Like everything else about this bird, it was a contradiction. I ran my fingers down the groove between its eyes.
Something foreign brushed against my mind. Greetings, Sunwalker, a new, deep voice rumbled.
My eyes widened. I sucked in a breath and pulled back my hand. “You can talk.”
A low grumble went through the Nightwing. I can talk to you. Silver eyes studied me carefully. You carry Isvana’s blessing.
Many of them, apparently.
A shadow slipped from my palm. Yes.
My name is Gabri, the Nightwing said. My people have been waiting a long time for you.
“What do you mean?” I asked, bewildered.
“Is the bird talking to you?” Sebastian asked, a splash of shock coming through our bond.
I nodded. “I… yes.”
What else could I say? I searched for more words, but it turned out, I didn’t need them. Sebastian knew what I required before I could even think it. He enveloped me in a hug. Already, I felt safer in his arms.
Sebastian dipped his head in the Nightwing’s direction. “What is your message for us?”
Gabri walked to the nearest tree. Lifting his claws, he scratched the trunk. Bits of bark flew off the tree, landing on the snow. Black oozed out of the tree in the place of sap. The bird made a sound of disgust and turned to us. The balance is broken, Sunwalker. When the time comes to restore it, we will be waiting for you.
Sebastian’s grip around me tightened. “What is he saying, Luna?”
I kept my eyes on the Nightwing. “He says the balance is broken.” Addressing Gabri, I asked, “Does this have anything to do with the red moon?”
When the Blood Moon rises, the Queen of Shadows must fall, Gabri said. Only then will light come to Eleyta. When the dragon and his rider arrive, you must bring them to me.
Dragons? My mind went blank. No. I couldn’t deal with dragons right now. I had a vampire queen to kill. In my studies, I’d learned about the Dragon Massacre that took place in Ithenmyr over a century ago, but I knew very little about it.
Forcing myself to take a breath, I rubbed my temples. One problem at a time. “What dragon?” I asked.
You’ll know when the time is right, was Gabri’s cryptic response. Until then, Sunwalker, know that we will stand with you. Kill the queen. Bring the light. Prepare to right the balance, once and for all.
More cryptic words. Had everyone lost the ability to speak plainly?
“What do you mean?” I asked.