The Powerful Light

By Phoenix Dawn

Take seven sisters of uniqie abilities, mix in a little magic with a pinch of adventure, a splash of danger then add a handful of demons and stir well! Welcome to the Heartlands and the battle between the light and the dark...

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Aug 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481798754

Book preview

PROLOGUE

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S ince the very beginning of time itself, a place known as the Heartlands had forever been at one with both its people and nature. Harmony and peace were abundant, the people tended the land and worked with nature. In return she would reward them with bountiful harvests and all that they needed in order to survive and live happily. This then would be a most unlikely setting in which a dark demon lord would wish to take up residence. Yet His Lordship, forever unhappy with the size of his current domain and always looking for the opportunity to continue to spread despair, disruption and chaos into every corner he could find, seemed very determined that the Heartlands would be next. The ever reaching inky darkness began to pour into the Heartlands in a series of murky and dangerous deeds, catching the innocent dwellers off their guard and so bringing doom, gloom, death and destruction wherever it went.

The once abundant harvests suddenly began to fail, the water became less pure and the food tasted bad in the people’s mouths. Animals became sick and some even died, the plants and trees became diseased and the people of the villages quickly fell ill with strange and sudden ailments. The very air they breathed became almost thick with the foul stench of fear itself and the darkness closed in. The Heartlands had always been watched over by the Gods and Goddesses and the angels themselves. Seeing now that this once beautiful place was dying and could soon be lost forever to the darkness they held a crisis meeting and decided to send down 7 angel sisters, they would each harness a special ability and their mission was a simple one, to push back the darkness and save the Heartlands, raise it back up from the ashes like a phoenix. So it was that they would be known as the seven sisters of the Phoenix and their quest began in earnest and ended with an almighty battle for survival.

Each sister had played her part well. Morri, whose ability to take the form of any animal or plant at will, was put to great use as spy that could get into places and situations that a person could not. It was in such a fashion that she discovered it was his Lordship behind the sudden arrival of the darkness and she wasted little time in sharing this information with her sisters (although her spying put her in grave danger on more than one occasion and she had her fair share of close calls with the demons too). Armed with this information the sisters set about a three-pronged attack strategy. While Rhea an earth elemental and Cybele the animal protector would set about restoring health to the land and all its living occupants, Luana the Ocean Queen and Rhiannon the Dragon Goddess would take on his Lordship fighting fire with fire and drive him back to the furthest darkest corner from whence he came. In addition, Xante The Powerful Light would make the Heartlands her home, ensuring that the darkness would never gain such a hold upon them ever again, while her sister Evaine a powerful (if a little crazy) seer, would keep a watchful eye on the future. Refusing however to admit defeat and simmering in his pure hatred of the sisters, his Lordship did not completely disappear into the shadows as they would have liked, instead he would persist in stirring things up from time to time, taking delight in letting them know that they could never let down their guard for even one second as he would be there just waiting for his chance to try again. Over the course of many years he tried evermore imaginative ways in which he could gain the advantage, from outright cheating, lying and threats to trickery and even the offer of ‘buying the land’ from them! Nothing he did though would get the sisters to drop their guard or to leave the lands and so the resentments continued to build along with the hatred in his soul. There seemed to be no way of winning this endless battle until fate intervened and the two worlds of the sisters and the demons collided becoming entangled, upping the game for both parties and upsetting the already delicate balance between the light and the dark . . . .

CHAPTER ONE

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S itting in the dark room with the large open fire casting long shadows around the walls, his lordship was deep in thought with his right leg crossed the knee of his left as he sat slightly slouched in the upright chair. His long fingers formed a steeple as he pushed them together with his elbows resting on his lap and his pointy chin rested upon the ‘steeple’ of his hands. Standing to his left just behind him, trying not to even breathe too loudly, so as not to disturb his lordship, was one of his closest aides Saadi. He had his hands behind his back and his head bowed so low that his chin rested on his chest like a toy wooden soldier with his head drooped! As though waking from a long slumber, his lordship finally broke the silence, his voice harsh with the language of demon. I have given this matter much thought Saadi my most loyal and trusted aide, I think that perhaps you are right he began. "A shot at living amongst them may just prove to young Izora that the grass is not as green on the other side! Let her find out for herself that her demon instincts are strong and that she does not belong with THEM she will miss her true home, long to be back here where she really belongs and then she will come home a stronger demon for the experience!

Yes we shall arrange it but I don’t think it would be wise to allow her complete free reign. After all she is still but a child and therefore easily influenced and so will be in need of a familiar he continued. I have just the right demon for such a job, my eldest Nastes. He is most loyal and will not allow her to get too carried away during this adolescent phase and it will do him some good too. A little lesson in how to deal with females for believe me if he can tame this one then he can master ANY female!" his lordship’s cruel laughter filled the room.

Go fetch me my eldest it is time to set things in motion! he finished. Nastes, tall, dark and incredibly handsome, was known for insisting on doing things his way and was as a result much like Izora, in so far as giving his lordship much to be concerned about from time to time and was not best pleased with this plan. He did not want to have to live ‘up there’ nor did he want the job of baby-sitting, especially not a young and difficult female like Izora! Why must it be me? Surely as your eldest I would better staying close to you my lord, learning from the master himself not . . . . hanging out with her!? he said petulantly. "As my eldest you are best placed to look after her and to see to it that she remains true to her demon side Nastes. You should know by now just what she is capable of if she is allowed to continue in her current frame of mind! The girl has such ‘odd’ tendencies and extreme feelings of . . . . of . . . . affection!!

So unlike that of a true demon and yet, still possesses the ability to be cruel too as well she should be, so it is time to rid her of these weaknesses. You should be proud that you are playing such an important role in her development. Besides, you are approaching the age now where a little female experience would not harm you!" laughed his lordship, holding up his hand in order to halt the immediate protest that his eldest was about to make.

A knock at the heavy oak doors announced the arrival of his lordship’s closest aide Saadi, along with the young Izora looking stubborn as usual. Saadi says you want to talk to me about my recent behaviour this rather blunt statement had a tone dripping with contempt heavy for a child so young. Ah Izora child please, join us won’t you? his lordship responded, his voice a fake ‘fatherly tone’. He indicated a chair to the right of the open fire opposite where Nastes was sitting sulking! Izora let out a loud exaggerated tut and flung herself down into the chair, so large it seemed almost to swallow her. I have been thinking about your last little . . . . outburst Izora and I have decided that perhaps you would benefit from . . . . but his lordship was interrupted by yet another little outburst from Izora. You know I never meant that last incident to happen, I just got a bit angry that’s all!! she spluttered but she was now silenced by his lordship simply raising his hand (much as he had done with his eldest only moments before) as if to signal her to stop talking, which of course she did! His lordship then continued as if the interruption had never happened, some time ‘up top’? trying to keep his voice calm and steady.

Izora’s face showed a look of confusion quickly replaced with one of surprise and she burst out What I can go and mix with those . . . . up there? . . . . really? . . . . When?, for how long? . . . . oh I can’t believe this, thank you my lord thank you! her voice an excited squeal and then suddenly launched herself from the depths of the chair straight at his lordship, flinging her arms around his neck and pecking him upon the cheek! Such an act for anyone else would have been an instant one way ticket to their doom but it had been a habit of Izora’s since as long as she could remember. Another of her annoying little habits that his lordship had hoped she would outgrow. Nastes and Saadi showed their obvious discomfort by means of looking away and pretending not to notice.

Yes, yes, very good Izora, now if you would just calm yourself for I need to explain how this is going to work his lordship replied, trying to hastily peel her off him. Guiding her firmly back to her chair he went on, "You claim that you do not feel like a true demon Izora and that you do not belong here with us. Yet the display of such defiance that you put up constantly is a very demon response and a natural demon trait.

However, some of your other natural instincts are I must admit a little worrying, your sometimes mislaid loyalty for instance is a weakness in you, not a normal demon one and so I am willing to put this down to your being an adolescent and therefore liable to behave ‘oddly’ from time to time he went on. Most of the time, more like!" Nastes sneered but his comment was met with a dangerous glare from his powerful father.

His lordship then acting as if he hadn’t heard that last remark continued Perhaps if we were to work on those ‘weaknesses’ Izora, we could turn them into demon strengths? So I am allowing you to spend a little time on the other side in order to understand their ways, so that you can see more clearly just where you really belong. It is my intention that you should be placed within a small village so as not to draw too much attention to your arrival. Saadi has arranged for someone experienced to meet you and help you fit in. There is just one other thing and that is you will need a familiar in order to survive there, after all Izora you are still a child. Izora scowled at this remark but his Lordship pretended not to notice. Your familiar will protect you, ensure that you are safe at all times and will report back to me daily so that I might keep a check on your progress he continued now looking steadily at Nastes.

A Familiar? What like a spy you mean? retorted Izora. His Lordship wasted no time in responding to her outburst however, This is not something I am prepared to argue with you about Izora, do not be difficult you will go along with the rules or you will stay here his voice carrying a hint of anger now. Feeling it most unwise to push the matter and her luck any further Izora asked So just who exactly is this familiar then? her voice petulant. You will be accompanied by my eldest of course, ‘Nastes’ he replied, now looking from his eldest to Izora and back again, noticing the look of annoyance upon both their faces he smiled to himself.

HIM! spat Izora Why him? We don’t exactly get along now do we?! she continued. My thoughts exactly added Nastes, yet his lordship just continued to smile and simply replied Another reason for you to go together then, it will be good for both of you. Learn to get along, to trust one another, for from here on in you will be reliant upon each other in order to survive! he finished with a flourish. Then, before either could protest further, there was a sudden flash of orange light, a few shrill cries of alarm and the next they knew both Nastes and Izora had matching marks, a small flame upon their skin. Hers was on the inside of her ankle, his behind his ear. A mark that would connect them to each other always or at least until such time as his lordship decided to separate them of course.

The procedure of attaching a familiar was not a long or complicated one, leaving them feeling a little nauseous for only a short while. Although not happy to be stuck with Nastes, Izora was however quite pleased with her new ‘tattoo’! She began admiring it, turning her leg this way and that, fascinated with the way in which it seemed to flicker like that of a real flame. The same though could not be said of Nastes who seemed to be holding his neck as if he had just been bitten by something dreadful! It was arranged that Izora and Nastes would be collected at midnight ‘up top’ and taken straight to the village so as not to draw too much attention to their arrival. If asked, Izora was to say that she had been sent to stay with an old family friend in order to give her the skills of independence. At five to midnight the two of them made their way to the gates of the kingdom, where they waited to be met by their guide. They did not have long to wait and Izora, feeling both nervous and excited turned to Nastes and said I suppose we should try to make the effort to get along then, seeing as we will be spending a lot of time together from now on. Then noticing the blank expression on Nastes face she continued It would be easier if we could at least be civil to each other Nastes showing yet another glimpse of the maturity beyond that of her young years.

With a deep sigh he glanced sideways at her and replied dryly I suppose we can manage that. Sensing that Izora did not seem very convinced of his efforts he turned to look at her directly and attempted to give Izora his most ‘charming’ smile before looking back out towards the direction of the forest. Izora scowled at him.

On the stroke of midnight a shimmering space became visible right in front of them and with a sideways glance, swiftly grabbing hold of Izora’s hand, Nastes led her through it to appear somewhere on the outer edge of a forest. Standing there just a few feet away to greet them was a wise looking man whose long braided hair rested upon his strong shoulders and his weather worn face seemed to carry a wolf-like resemblance. He carried a long delicately crafted staff of dark wood and wore a travelling cloak of darkest blue and upon his feet he wore a simple pair of soft sandals. He smiled broadly and stepped towards them, holding out his hand to Nastes in greeting and speaking softly he said Good evening, Nastes I presume? I am Oslet your guide and with whom you will be staying in the village. Nastes looked straight at Oslet, making a fast appraisal of him and then looking down at his out-stretched hand he just nodded in a barely visible fashion. Oslet however did not seem to be fazed by this and dropping his hand, he gave the briefest of nods in return. Turning his attention to Izora, he then said and you must be young Izora? Once more he smiled and held out his hand just as he had done with Nastes but unlike Nastes, Izora eagerly took Oslet’s outstretched hand and shook it vigorously. Seemingly he found himself transfixed by her eyes, such eyes as he had not looked into for many years! Well that’s the introductions out of the way so I think then it would be wise to be getting a move on. The sooner we are back in the village the safer we will be he explained and turning around quickly he began to walk on into the trees. With just a quick look over his shoulder at his two new charges, which Nastes rightly interpreted as a signal to follow him, still holding Izora’s hand Nastes followed on pulling Izora along! Her gaze still fixed upon the man called Oslet.

The shimmering haze vanished leaving no trace of their arrival. Oslet led the way back to his village and his cottage. Once settled in Oslet showed them where they would be sleeping then offered them something to drink before turning in for the night. The offer of refreshment was accepted and the three of them were seated around a small open fire with mugs of cocoa. They sat in silence for a few moments then Oslet spoke So Izora, how old are you now? he asked, his voice calm, friendly and warm, not a tone she was used to hearing but she liked it. I am thirteen Sir she replied. Oh please call me Oslet, everyone here does and it will help you to fit in if you did likewise he replied with a smile. Not impressed with the small talk, Nastes decided to get a few facts from his host So what exactly is it that you do Oslet? he asked somewhat bluntly. In an effort to sound reassuring and taking into account that Nastes must obviously be feeling out of his comfort zone here, Oslet simply replied I am the village medicine man. A shaman and guide he replied.

Izora’s eyes lit up upon hearing this and she burst out You’re a shaman? Wow, I have heard of those but only from books, can you change shape? You know, like into an animal or something? her voice full of excitement. Oslet laughed and replied Yes, I take the form of a grey wolf sometimes Izora looked thrilled to be in such company, Nastes however did not look quite so impressed and just rolled his eyes looking bored but then when your father is his lordship, it’s going to take a LOT to impress you!

Can you do it now? So I can see? Please, oh please Oslet?! Izora pestered but Oslet just laughed softly and shook his head I’m sorry child but that will have to be some other time for it is very late and the village wakes early, so I think perhaps we should all be getting to our beds he said kindly. Extinguishing the fire and seeing that his guests were settled in their beds, Oslet retired to his own with a satisfied look upon his face, for he had found her again at last, the daughter of his dear friend and this time he would not fail to protect her, she must NOT share her mother’s fate!

Izora fell into a deep sleep almost instantly but Nastes could not settle, he just laid in his bed staring into space with many a thought running around his head. This was NOT going to be easy, while Izora might feel she could fit in here he (Nastes) on the other hand did not think he could stand to spend very much time in such company.

For one thing, they were guided by their conscience in order to do the right thing and as Nastes was proud of his ruthless approach to life, it may prove to be a bit of a sticking point for him here. Oh yes, helping Izora to fit in was going to take an awful lot of effort! After some more tossing and turning he finally dropped off to sleep snoring loudly.

The morning was announced with the cry of a cockerel and Oslet was already up and busy preparing breakfast over a freshly lit fire. Izora sleepily wondered into the room with a yawn and Nastes could be heard snoring still! He never was one for rising early but then demons did not really do daylight hours. Izora however would constantly feel the need to wonder around during such hours. This became a cause of much concern to his lordship, particularly when she was small. Right now she offered to help Oslet with the cooking (yet another non demon trait the need to help others, for in the world of the demon only the strong survive, they do NOT help the weak!)

Hearing young Izora approach, Oslet said I shall be out for a while this morning as it is when I do my visits to the other villagers. Perhaps you would care to join me? It would be a great way for you to meet them he offered.

That would great Izora replied before continuing, her voice took on a far away tone as she went on I have so wanted to do this. Live in a little village and be part of the life they lead. It feels so . . . . natural, like I belong there somehow she sounded almost as if she was talking more to herself than to Oslet. Deciding that Nastes was unlikely to be joining them any time soon as his loud snores could still be heard resonating from his room, Oslet and Izora sat down to eat their breakfast without him, leaving his share in the pot for when he finally woke from his heavy slumber.

In response to Izora’s last statement Oslet remarked That is interesting what you have just said about feeling like you belong, because it must be difficult for you with your past being what it was he said gently. Frowning slightly Izora replied "What do you mean? Are you suggesting that because I am a demon I should not be feeling this way? Because I have always felt that there was something missing and that I perhaps did not seem to fit it at home like I should.

I was always doing something that would cause his lordship to fly into a rage! she went on. It seemed to Oslet that Izora had something she wanted to talk to someone about and that she seemed to have decided that this someone would be him. He let her continue to talk for a few minutes more before asking her a question. Has his lordship ever fully explained your past to you Izora? his voice was quiet and upon his face he wore a look of genuine concern. What do you mean by fully? replied Izora, sounding as curious as she was confused. I mean Izora, has he ever told you about your parents for instance? Oslet went on. My parents?!’ whatever do you mean? Don’t you know Oslet that we demons are born of flames? We do not have parents only his lordship she replied, her voice sounding both confused and amused in equal measure. That is true Izora, a demon is born of the flames but you are different. Izora you are very special, very . . . . rare" he continued.

Are you trying to tell me that I am NOT a demon? she replied, her voice rising slightly now. Please calm yourself child, it is not my intention to offend you. You are not a full demon Izora but half demon on your father’s side. Your mother, well now she was something very rare too he went on, his voice soft with the memory of Izora’s mother.

I don’t understand Oslet, just what exactly are you are trying to say? she replied, sounding now a little upset. I don’t mean to cause you distress child but I think it is time that you knew the truth. I have waited thirteen long years for this day and I made a vow in your mother’s memory to find you someday and tell you the truth Oslet went on, his voice trembling a little with emotion. Looking into his soft eyes Izora tried to read his thoughts and she knew instantly that this was no cruel trick, he was indeed a truthful man and so she steeled herself before replying Oslet I think that you are a truthful man and I am ready to hear what you have to say showing once more a maturity way beyond that of her young years.

So Oslet began the tale of his friendship with her mother, a woman called Xante. An amazing woman, known as the Powerful Light. He told her of the night Xante met Izora’s father at the festival of Samhain and of how she had fallen in love with him and he with her. He explained how Xante’s sister Luana had tried to warn her off him, saying that he was not what he seemed and that he would be the death of her but Xante had refused to listen. She had accused her sister of being jealous and the two of them had fought and fell out. They did not speak to each other again and Luana, unable to watch her sister be with this man took off and stayed away. Returning only upon hearing of the birth of her niece and still missing her sister dearly, she thought that perhaps they could mend their rift, setting out to see her but arrived too late. He told Izora that her mother had found out just before the birth that what her sister had said was true and that both she and the baby would be in grave danger should his lordship ever find out about the child.

For a demon you see is forbidden to mate with a non-demon, especially a powerful woman like Xante and fearing that the child would be destroyed, she fought with Izora’s father over what to do for the best.

He had wanted to take the both of them to his lordship and beg for his mercy but Xante refused. On the night of your birth Izora, things came to a head and after a fatal fight your father left taking you with him to his lordship, begging that he be merciful towards you. His lordship feared what powers you might have inherited, for it was a powerful mixture of magic and demon but rather than destroy you, he decided to take the risk and bring you up as one of his own. He hoped no doubt that he could somehow harness your gifts for his own purposes. Oslet then went on.

I can only assume that he has found you to be something of a challenge and that this has worried him enough for him to take drastic action such as to test you in the other world from whence your mother came! he finished.

I feel that you are telling the truth Oslet and that would explain many things. My behaviour for one but it now has me wanting to know the answers to many new questions. I want to know who I am Oslet, who I REALLY am. Will you help me? she asked this of him her voice thick with tears. Oslet leant across and wiped away her tears with his thumbs, cupping her face in his large hands and looking into her eyes he replied I would be honoured child, welcome back, welcome home. For a brief moment neither of them moved as if entranced, before Oslet continued If you wish, we could start with the name that your mother gave you. She named you Selene Kendra and you are the daughter of the powerful light. he said softly. Selene Kendra Izora repeated, sounding out the name as if testing it out, trying it on rather like an item of clothing. After repeating the name for some moments she fell silent before taking Oslet quite by surprise and suddenly announcing Then while I am here I shall be known as Selene NOT Izora she said sounding defiant. I think it rather suits you!" Oslet replied with a smile.

Glancing briefly over her shoulder in the direction of the still sleeping Nastes, Izora or Selene as she now wished to be known then asked Oslet Do you think we should wake him? to which Oslet shook his head and replied Let him rest. He like you will take some time to get used to the new way of life. Why don’t we make a start on my rounds and catch up with him a little later?

Oh, are you sure he will be ok? I mean, what if he wakes to find we are gone? He won’t like that Oslet after all, he is supposed to be looking after me continued ‘Selene’. He will be fine but if it would make you feel better we shall leave him a note just in case he should wake while we are gone replied Oslet and taking a quill from a jar on the shelf he scribbled a quick note on parchment and tacked it to the beam in the ceiling. Now, I think it is time for you to meet the rest of this village he said. Oslet then got to his feet and grabbing a large basket from the right of the fire and his staff which was propped up by the door, he held out his arm for her to take and the two of them set off.

Just seconds later Nastes awoke with a sudden start sitting bolt upright and looking all around him at the unfamiliar room, taking just a few beats to remember where he was. He yawned, stretched and swung his legs off the side of the bed. He made his way sleepily into the kitchen in search of Izora and food!

He couldn’t miss the note pinned to the beam and he snatched it down and sat at the table to read it. The note said: Have gone out on my rounds, Izora has chosen to accompany me. We shouldn’t be gone too long but should you feel hungry there is some breakfast for you in the pan. It was signed quite simply, Oslet. Food, What would HE know off demon food? I think I will get my own breakfast he said to himself sulkily. Nastes lifted the lid of the pan gingerly and smelt it. The smell did not offend his nostrils as much as he had expected it to! He thought, Well I suppose I could just test it and if it is edible then I suppose I shall settle for that but just for this morning and only until I can find my own food supply Though he didn’t look too pleased at having to do so, Nastes gingerly began to eat! His lordship is not going to like this sneered Nastes out loud to no one in particular, sneaking off with the crazy shaman on the first day and not waking me, I can just picture his face right now and on that thought Nastes smiled to himself and then another equally amusing thought entered his head, She is more like a demon than she will ever admit, it’s going to take some mighty self-control to keep that hidden! With a small snort of laughter he settled down to finish eating his breakfast.

Oslet and Selene, were now doing the rounds, helping with a variety of little problems and ailments, Selene being introduced along the way and having met a few of the village elders, she had never felt so at home. Selene found the village to be accepting and friendly, everyone seemed happy to go along with Oslet’s explanation of where she had come from, except of course for a few like the village elders, who had known Oslet for many years and also it would seem, Selene’s mother Xante. They, like Oslet, were thrilled to have her ‘back’ and were only too happy to share their memories of her mother with her. One or two, even gave her things that they claimed to be looking after until she (Selene) came to claim them, things that had once been her mother’s.

Before too long it was as though Selene had been there all her life and she certainly wasn’t missing his lordship, as he had predicted she would. Selene was totally captivated by the whole way of life here, the way they cared for each other, shared their things and worked together. She was equally amused by the way that they dressed, the food they ate and their customs and habits.

Despite the odd moment where her demon side would threaten to flare (Yet Oslet would always seem to know and would be there to help keep it in check!) Selene found it easy to be one of them, even learning and practicing their magic and taking on her chores without complaint. The same could not however be said about Nastes, who found it more difficult to settle in and took to reporting home on any opportunity he got. Seemingly happy to tell tales on Selene and making very little effort to help her while she tried to find out about her past.

This however, all changed on a sunny afternoon when the peace and quiet that the village enjoyed was abruptly and rudely interrupted. Selene had accompanied Oslet on his rounds (and Nastes was still lazing in his bed!) as this was now the usual way of things and the two were just returning to Oslet’s cottage, when two men on horseback came bursting into the clearing. The first of the two put the small horn that hung around his neck, to his mouth and blew hard three times. The second then began reading aloud from a scroll he had just pulled from the inside of his cloak. "In the name of the king, we are here to inspect this village and its people for signs of practicing the craft or for those helping or hiding any such person or their effects. Any attempt to stop us from carrying out this task or any attempts to resist us in the rounding up of such people will carry the same fate as those found guilty of practicing the craft . . . . DEATH!!.

The horn sounded once again and a further eight men on horseback rode into the clearing. Chaos then ensued with many folk fleeing with their young into the trees and those able to stay behind to fight for resistance was the only option for many.

Oslet called for Nastes to take Selene into the trees while he stayed to lend a hand but as Nastes was still sleepy and grumpy from his rude awakening, he grabbed harshly at Selene’s hand and began dragging her towards the trees, she started to yell, NO, NASTES STOP! WE CAN SEE TO THIS, WE CAN HELP YOU KNOW WE CAN! her tones were hard and gave away her demon heritage now.

Nastes faltered, I thought you said you wanted to fit in Izora? he retorted, to which she responded, I do and it’s NOT Izora, its Selene! Now do something Nastes, help them! her voice sounding just as desperate as it was angry. Why? Why should I help them? They are nothing to do with me, I am just here to baby sit you! he continued. Selene’s eyes took on an intensity of pure power, seeming to glow the brightest blue! Oslet has given you shelter, food and friendship Nastes is this is your way of thanking him . . . . leaving him to fight alone?! Selene spat back, Unable to hide the demon in her voice now and sounding dangerous. Oslet is NOT my responsibility, YOU are! Besides which, he is a full grown man, he needs no help retorted Nastes. Then if you won’t help him, I WILL!! Selene replied and with a desperate hard tug, she freed herself from his grasp and ran back to help Oslet and the villagers in their fight.

Fuelled with both anger at her outburst