Island Whispers

By Megan Wong

Something ancient is stirring on the island…and it’s out for blood. 

Good and bad live side by side on this mystical island. But the peace is threatened when the powerful Elder wages a battle to return the island to his kind. Faced with the loss of their home, an angel, vampire, demon, and merperson

• Language: English
• Publisher: IngramElliott
• Release date: Jan 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9780999057322

Book preview

MEGAN WONG

Island Whispers

Copyright © 2018 by Megan Wong

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by other means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Published by IngramElliott, Inc.

www.ingramelliott.com

9815 J Sam Furr Road, Suite 271, Huntersville NC 28078

This is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, or events used in this book are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people (alive or deceased), events, or locales is completely coincidental.

Book design by Tugboat Design

Cover design by H.O. Charles

ISBN Paperback: 978-0-9990573-1-5

ISBN ebook: 978-0-9990573-2-2

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017956675

Subjects: Fiction, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Published in the United States of America

First Edition: 2018, First International Edition: 2018

CONTENTS

One Night in May

June 1

June 2

June 3

June 4

June 6

June 7

June 8

June 9

June 10

June 11

June 12

June 13

June 15

June 16

June 17

June 18

June 27

About the Author

For my mother, who said: Stop counting the pages and just write the story.

ONE NIGHT IN MAY

The Elder surveyed the clearing.

A house stood next to a stone well. A light shone from one of the windows, peeking out into the night. It was warm still, just beginning to cool off. Crickets started to chirp and an owl’s loud cry broke through in bursts.

Darkness coalesced into a figure with arms and a face. The rest shifted, not quite anything, but a broiling mass that radiated cold. She reached toward the Elder. Wait. These vermin may still be useful. Do not strike now. There are endless gifts in their possession. Do not be hasty.

He glared at her. You, who have rushed me thus far, want to say I’m being hasty? I will not stand for any of these monsters to be left.

You are letting your emotions rule your judgment, she spat. We can use them. Their energy—

Should be dispersed, he snarled. There is no reason for them to taint this land.

The darkness clucked her tongue, it was harsh, reverberating in the skull. Stop acting like a child. Destroying them might be satisfying, but think of their abilities. Each one is unique. If we had that under our command—

No. I don’t want to hear another objection. Why would I want to poison myself by taking their abilities?

Power, she said. Her eyes hard, mouth twisted. More power than what you have now. You could be stronger.

I am fine with my abilities. They have gotten me this far.

"Don’t be weak. The strong take what is their due. They collect what is their right. Don’t let your pride cloud your thoughts. Let me take their abilities at least. Her form wavered as she turned her head. Let your servants bring about destruction and collect what is due."

No. His word was final. It cut through the air. A wave of energy traveled with it. Her darkness shifted, her face and arms dissolving before she regained control.

As you wish, she said, before disappearing.

He walked lightly over the ground, making his way to the well. The grass rustled softly under his feet.

The well was a curious contraption. There was nothing else like it. Short and squat, a metal pail hung from a peg on its wooden beams that rose up to hold a small slanted roof. Rich blood rested at the bottom. The contents of the well were distasteful to him to say the least. He bent the moonbeams and looked inside. No light was reflected from its surface. Even the moon’s shine did not make the surface of the liquid glow. The well’s energy was a low vibration, cool as the night’s air and familiar. Its energy structure was a modified version of his own, though this came to him as no surprise. He had taught the traitor, before they’d become enemies. This was the product of such folly; generations of leeches that stayed alive by this endless supply of blood.

The Elder’s mouth curved into a sneer. This filth would start to realize what they were dealing with once he began to pick them off, one by one. His cold eyes regarded the appearance of another one of his servants, her vaporous body blending in with the darkness. Here was his stone heart; the voice in his ear for all of these years. She and the others found him when he had been raw with loss. Their cold presences combining to form a cocoon around him, from which they helped him plot his revenge. He could still remember that night, when the darkness came alive.

He had been broken, his heart wrenched out and crushed; the hard gasps had made his lungs ache, and the burning trails of water had rolled down his face in a steady flow. His family, his entire life was gone. All trust had deserted him. How could he trust when his friends, his love, had betrayed him? He wanted to make them pay, but he had been so weak. The sobs had cut into him like a sword. That was when they had come; in his moment of weakness and misery, they had risen from the shadows to surround him.

We understand your pain, the leader said. The Syrans were a noble race. To be imprisoned as they were is a crime against the very morals of this world. We can help you. She held out her hand to him, inviting him to join them. There is no need for you to be weak. Let our energies flow through you. Reclaim what was wrongfully taken. Let us help you. Their presences were overwhelming and his heart shuddered as little ants of darkness marched inside him and began to rebuild that heart with evil intent. This is just the beginning.

Now, her voice hissed from her mouth. We have searched. We have found no others like that angel. Her form solidified as the Elder’s fist clenched. She almost resembled him in shape except for her dark eyes and unnaturally long arms and legs.

It had taken them years to find the man, and when they tried to use him for the ritual, the powers had killed him. The energy was too much for his mind and body.

Keep looking, he spat back. His voice was low, but the menace was raw. She noticed and attempted to placate him. Her voice taking on a sweeter tone.

Elder, we shall find the one you seek.

See that you do, he growled. I am tired of waiting.

She disappeared, her essence fading into the night.

He tapped on the stones at the base of the well, his fingers hard and glowing with pinpricks of angry red light. The stones shuddered in response and shifted, trying to get away from him. The Elder smirked. Nothing could withstand his power. A heavy wave of darkness emanated from his hand. It cascaded against the stones, making them quiver violently. His energy ripped the sticky threads of power that clung to the walls of the well. The threads shrieked as they were torn away. The well dulled, the subtle hum of its power diminished to nothing. The blood began to dry. The Elder was filled with satisfaction.

Finally, his plans were unfolding. After the vampires were killed, he would deal with the demon queen. If his servants were correct, and the queen was still alive, it would be her that his vengeance would destroy. Next, the merpeople would pay for Atlantis’s part in the destruction of his family.

Anguish swept over him and he remembered the touch of his mother and the strong voice of his father. They were all gone. His people had been innocent; they were not destructive. It was not their nature to destroy. The anger boiled in him, creating heat waves that curled the plants near him. Their edges browned and folded as they died. Time, it would take, but he would reach the merpeople and destroy every civilization beneath the surface of the waves.

Finally, Divia, the Divine Light, and first of the angels. Her heavenly city would be brought to its knees. Their destruction was personal. He cringed as he remembered her soft face and pure white wings. She was the cause of his broken heart and so much misery. The betrayal still scraped him raw. He blinked furiously at the tears that swelled in his eyes. She who knew his heart and mind, who gave him love and received his love in return, had destroyed his life. They could have been happy together, but she was just as frightened as the rest. Even after he had sworn to protect her.

Take control, he thought to himself furiously. In his mind, he compartmentalized the pain, bottled it so that he could remain focused. He had to do this, for his parents, for his friends. Now was not the time to be weak. Now was not the time to be the boy he’d been before the awful day. The day when the tablet sealed away his joy and happiness.

This is almost too easy, he mused, his thoughts spiraling darkly in his head as the well crumbled. The first vampire had been clever and powerful, nearly the same type of creature that he was—born of the same energy, but fused in another form. He had taught that filth, shown him power, but the first’s enchantment could not hold up against the Elder’s might. The betrayer.

No longer would the vampire’s weak offspring be able to satisfy their hunger from this well. On this side of the mountain Genera, the vampires were a softer lot. They had never killed another creature for food, and the Elder was sure they would not hunt well enough to support themselves.

He strode off into the trees; his work here was done. A prolonged destruction by starvation that would help repay what their sire had done to his kind.

The clan on the other side of the mountain would be a bit more difficult to take care of; they had guards stationed at their well. A more feral breed of vampire, they liked being predators. Even though they were supplied with blood, they chose to hunt. They killed for sport.

There was a large fire in the center of the clearing. Animals hung over it, drained of blood, lifeless. The clan was toasting a successful hunt. He could have dealt with the whole clan himself, but…it was easier to command others. Taking a life was difficult for him because it made his heart hurt.

He raised a hand and a centaur chief galloped up to him, hooves crushing the grass underfoot. His muddied withers shook as he came within reach of the Elder, but he had not been chosen for his cowardice. He met those chilling eyes with his chin lifted. Elder, we stand at your command. Shall we destroy them?

The Elder surveyed the clearing with a glance. The lounging vampires and cries of merriment fueled his anger; they had killed and would kill again, but the joy in killing…that was maddening to him. Tonight, the predators would become the prey, he thought, smiling at the irony. His reply was clipped and authoritative. Kill them all.

The centaurs charged, spears at the ready, their pounding hooves shook the ground as they advanced upon the vampires, while the archers hidden in the woods let their arrows fly.

The battle was bloody. The first vampire wailed as it was struck down, eyes rolling back, clutching the arrow in its chest as it crumbled to dust. A second cry joined the first, struck in the heart by a spear. Some of the arrows brought the vampires to their knees. Wisps of darkness emerged from their wounds as if they were burning. Then the rest of the vampires rallied. Their strength and speed were unequaled. The centaurs started to fall, and the archers couldn’t hit their fast-moving targets. The vampires broke bones and hurled centaurs into trees. The air was alive with the battle cries of both sides. The battlefield was littered in carnage. Bodies of the dead and wounded lay together in a mud of dirt and blood. There were no bodies of the deceased vampires though; they became nothing in death. Empty beings, like them, always left no imprint. It made their destruction final, with no spirit left to hunt the world and its creatures.

The Elder scowled. Centaurs were some of the least effective servants he had at his disposal. A flick of his finger and a vampire that had the temerity to run toward him was incinerated. He smiled as the torched figure went up in smoke. Although he had less control over his energies with the dark servants connected to him, they made him more than powerful enough to defend himself. It just took focus. The physical bodies were no longer enough for him to concentrate on; now, he had to see the energy of the thing and focus on it. Even vampires, as un-energetic as they were, had slight hazes of energy around them, orange sparks or flickers of blue; energy could come in any color and was unique to the individual that possessed it.

It hurt to see this meager energy, the life that surrounded him, because his people had made the world so colorful and vibrant. Their energy had affected everything they touched. Fur coats had been sleek and shiny. The mornings had been always full of greetings for the day. Rich sounds of chattering squirrels, rustling leaves, and birdsongs that carried through the forest like a warm wind.

He was torn from these thoughts by the pounding hooves and pained cries, as the centaurs galloped away from the remaining vampires. Their terror was obvious from the rolling eyes and shaking limbs. The predators had returned to power and savagely killed without mercy. The centaurs were gathered in a group, spear points bristling to keep the vampires at bay. The Elder sighed in irritation.

Do I have to do everything myself?

One of the vampires turned and bared her fangs at him. She circled him cautiously. There were blood stains around her mouth and on her hands. Her hair was slick with blood. She was smart to hang back, but he had no time for a game of cat and mouse. He focused his attention on her energy then sent a blinding bolt at her heart. It was like a stone thrown into a pond; her energy rippled as the bolt hit and the destruction moved outward. When her energy dispersed, her body crumbled. He turned on his heel to observe the scene.

The centaurs were trapped and making no moves to attack. Ten alive from a force of thirty; it was ridiculous. He noted that the chief was still alive and appeared to have suffered little injury. The others were not as lucky. One’s arm hung by its side, clearly dislocated, another’s legs kept buckling with the effort to remain standing.

He strode over to the group of huddling centaurs and used his energy to paralyze a vampire, seized it in an iron grip, and threw it at them. The centaurs barely managed to spear the screaming creature out of the air. Pitiful. The other vampires eyed the Elder warily, then sped off as one. The Elder muttered a curse, spinning to address the unmoving centaurs in frustration.

What are you doing, you ingrates? Chase them. Kill them all! I do not want to see another living vampire! The centaurs quivered at their master’s rage and galloped into the woods.

The air was saturated with the smell of death; the bodies of mortally wounded centaurs clogged the ground. He focused on the dying and drew out their life energy. Without their energy, they resembled little more than gray husks. He raised his hand then brought it down in a sweeping motion, at the same time his energy latched on to all of the bodies and disintegrated them. The skin and other organs became dust that he filtered into the ground. There were no signs left of his forces; no one who stumbled across this area would be able to discern the battle that had taken place. Even the smell had dissipated, the night with its darkling scents returned; bitter star-shade and damp ocean air blended in an intoxicating mix.

The night perfume could not calm him though. He spun furiously on his heel and began walking toward the well. His rage and power flooded together, merging into a colossal force of raw emotion and energy that sparked in the air. He could barely control it, minor flares warped the ground and heated the air like a wind-whipped flame. Before he could even reach the well, it shattered into pieces. He kicked at the shards as blood spilled onto the ground, painting the grass nearly black in the moonlight. Soon, he reassured himself. Soon everything will be settled.

JUNE 1

Angelica

Morning

It was morning in Beautemps, the city in the clouds. The sun bathed the city in a beautiful glow. As angels shook out their wings and awoke to the new day. All except for one, who snuggled further into the blankets, trying to shut out the light, as Angelica had done every morning in the three weeks since her father disappeared. He’d been all she had; her mother had faded into the Eternal Light when she’d been just a baby. Most days, it took her a while to cover up the pain, and find the strength to get up to face the new day. Without him.

She got up as the sun rose higher and tried to put a smile on her face. Today was her appointment with the Partner Adoption Center. There, young angels could receive a creature—choosing from a gryphon, pegasus, unicorn, or dragon. It was a tradition to choose a partner, stretching back to the Divine Light. Partners were matched for life, when an angel and their partner were paired their power would be strengthened. Only an angel that was younger than twenty creation years could apply for a partner. Research proved that partner bonds were stronger when the angel and the creature in question were bonded younger. Not every angel got a partner; some angels preferred not to deal with the extra training it required.

Moving like the wind, Angelica threw on a wrinkled shirt and stretched her stiffened wings. Briskly rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, she brushed her hair and stared at her reflection in the mirror. A pale and gaunt face, withdrawn and despairing, gazed back at her. She tried to smile to brighten her face, but it was a false image. The smile too wide and exaggerated; it did not reach her vacant blue eyes. No time. Deserting her mirror and attempt to smile, she went down the hall to the kitchen. The cold and silence followed her. No laughter had been heard inside it for weeks. Angelica ate quickly, then, spreading her pure white wings, flew down into the clouds.

The PAC was located inside a cloud close to the peak of Genera. It allowed the trainers to raise the young creatures on the ground, until they were old enough to be partnered with an angel. Landing lightly on its open porch; Angelica folded her wings and entered. An old angel sat behind a desk, his harsh breathing the only noise. Around the room seated in chairs were a few other young angels, all patiently waiting for their chance.

Stepping up to the desk Angelica said, Excuse me, sir. I’m here to get my partner. The man looked up at her with blank eyes, and shoved a clipboard in her hand.

Fill this out. Bring it back.

Nodding, Angelica took a seat in one of the farthest chairs, concentrating on the task in front of her. Angelica vaguely heard names called out and saw angels leave through a doorway next to the desk. After answering the last question on the sheet, Angelica considered again her choice of partners. Dragon, unicorn, gryphon, or pegasus; they were all flying types except for the unicorn. She was looking for a friend. Getting up, she brought her filled-out sheet to the desk and the man accepted it without a comment. They really need to get someone else up here, she thought. That man just does not help with the mood. Her father had told her about the joy and celebration that accompanied an angel choosing a partner. It was difficult to think about now, since he and his partner vanished. She loved his gryphon, which had coddled her since she was a baby. Its talons ever so gentle as she grabbed at them with her tiny fingers. Her eyes misted and she shook herself. Joy and celebration, she reminded herself sternly. No tears.

On the way back to her seat, one of the girls gestured for her to come over.

I’m Marcie, she whispered as Angelica shook her hand. You look like you’ve been having a tough morning. Angelica was shocked at Marcie’s abruptness. It was common for angels to glide over problems, not bring direct attention to them. Sorry. Marcie grinned, patting Angelica’s arm. Sometimes I don’t think before I say things. In a quiet room like this, I feel like I’m about to scream from frustration.

Angelica laughed lightly. It’s all right, I was just surprised. I’m Angelica, she told Marcie. You’re right about this room, though, I was just thinking about how quiet it was in here.

Marcie grinned wider. Good! I’m glad you’re not so into silence as the rest of them. So, what partner were you thinking about choosing?

To tell the truth, I’m not really sure—I was thinking about either a gryphon or pegasus, Angelica said, smiling at the thought. She could follow in her father’s footsteps, or start her own adventure, and from what she read, pegasi were good at weather magic. It was a skill she also possessed, but hadn’t honed.

Both are prize fliers, Marcie replied agreeably. To be honest, I think a pegasus would suit you the best. Just a gut feeling. Did you know, the Divine Light’s partner was a pegasus? she said. I know, no contest, that I want a unicorn, because they’re good at protection magic and healing.

Do you want to be a healer then? Angelica asked.

Spot on. Marcie grinned while nodding her head. Angelica laughed at the enthusiasm radiating from her.

I want to work at the Heavenly Haven Hospital, Marcie said confidently.

Angelica was impressed. Marcie knew what she wanted to do, and she was going for it all the way. Nothing would be able to stop her effervescent nature. She smiled at the thought. How different she was from Marcie. Marcie was so lighthearted and amiable, cracking Angelica’s tough exterior. She hoped that in the future, she could be more like Marcie. That carefree expression and easy smile was something she yearned for. It signaled a return to normality. Curious about the field Marcie wanted to work in, Angelica opened her mouth, but Marcie’s name was called. Catch you later? Marcie asked. We should totally hang out some time.

Definitely, Angelica answered as she watched her new friend leave.

Without Marcie, the room seemed to go back to its quiet and dreary self. Angelica sighed. Each second alone seemed to hatch a butterfly in her stomach. There were only a couple of other angels left in the room, and they were all silent as the grave. A voice called out her name, startling her out of her sullen mood. Relief washed over her like a fresh rain shower; finally she would get to meet her partner. She almost ran to get out of the waiting room. Following an angel with a tag that read, Hi my name is: Letta, Angelica walked down a long hallway filled with portraits of happy angels and their partners. Last door on the left, Letta said with a smile.

Thank you, Angelica said, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves. She desperately wanted to have a strong bond with her partner, to make her father proud. He’d always stressed the importance of the bond and the gravity under which they should be taken. This was her chance to follow his words. Angelica entered the room. And stood there, shocked. The room was a thin corridor with four different stalls. A pedestal sat in the middle and held a large book. From the stalls, she could hear the creatures as they moved about and the room smelled like the golden hay grown in the garden district. It was more like a stable than an office.

A lady with a clipboard looked up and smiled at her. Her name tag read Isolde. A little like walking into another world, I know, she said, but it is best to have the creatures in their own little pens. She motioned for Angelica to come closer. You must be Angelica.

Angelica nodded.

Well, let’s take a little tour. Over here are some dragons, Isolde said, pointing to a metal stable. These little guys just started to breathe fire, so we have to keep a bucket on hand. Angelica peered down at an assortment of scaly multicolored lizards with leathery wings. The dragons stopped wriggling and looked up at her with startlingly green eyes. One opened its mouth. Angelica jumped back as a stream of fire scorched the air before her. As I’m sure you know, dragons are renowned for their ability to help an angel channel his or her energy. They are also very physically active, making them stand out as the strongest creatures in Beautemps. Flight Protection Agency recruits usually will choose them for that reason. Isolde waved her hand, dispersing the residual smoky smell that lingered.

Feisty little guys, Isolde said adoringly, but not for you I guess. She made a mark on her clipboard.

Yes, could I see—

Now, over here we have our unicorns, Isolde said, turning to a regular wooden stable. They’ve all started to get their glows. See, she said, pointing to one that glimmered like a setting sun. They were all quite small, their horns little nubs of silvery metal. Once they spotted Angelica, they retreated to the far end of their stall and glanced at her warily.

They’re a bit shy, Isolde said soothingly. Don’t worry. They’ll grow out of it. Now angels partnered with a unicorn can expect a boost in healing abilities and protection magic. It’s very common for angels wanting to work in the hospital or gardens to choose one of them. They really are sweet and loyal partners.

Angelica tried to return her encouraging smile but failed. Could we actually look at some—

I know! Why don’t you take a look at some of the gryphons? We only have a few right now, but they’re all friendly. She led Angelica to a stall made out of ice. They prefer colder weather.

Three gryphons lay inside the stall, two of them curled up asleep. The other had just awoken; it flexed its wings as it stretched. The gryphon glanced at the two angels, then turned its head in obvious disdain. With its back to Isolde and Angelica, it went to the bathroom.

Well, don’t take that too hard, Isolde said. They’re only a week old. Be sure to teach him manners if you want that one. Other things that you can teach a gryphon include defensive energy and healing. Most gryphons are superb guardians and get along well with young angels.

Angelica glanced over at the gryphon, which was now sharpening its claws. Let’s look at the pegasi, Angelica said quickly.

All right, Isolde said. She led Angelica to a glass door full of holes. Pegasi are great partners for weather and light magic, making them ideal for most angels. The weavers, healers, and gardeners all value the pegasi that work beside them. These little ones are able to fly, so we have to keep them in a stall that’s sealed. Also at this age they have begun to project their energy, as you can see the different colored glows around them, she explained.

Angelica hardly listened, her eyes captured by a pegasus with blue eyes and a light blue glow. She watched as it walked slowly toward the door. When Angelica put her hand on the glass, the pegasus brought its nose to meet her. It snapped its wings open with a snort and fanned the air, rearing in front of the glass before pounding the ground with its hooves.

"Wow. This one hasn’t approached anybody ever, Isolde said. Angelica, I’d like you to meet Swift. She has been with us for over a month. No one’s chosen her as a partner because she’s a little…temperamental with everyone. Isolde could see that there was a connection. I’m assuming you will be taking Swift as your partner?"

Yes! Angelica said, turning to Isolde. I want Swift as my partner. Please.

All right then, we just need to settle some paperwork and the bond. Isolde marked something else on her clipboard and scribbled a note. Do you have any questions? I have a little booklet about pegasi that you can take with you, and a care pack. Taking a key from her pocket, she opened the door wide enough for Swift to slip out. The other four pegasi rushed forward, but Isolde snapped the door closed. Giving a piercing glare to the remaining pegasi, Isolde turned back to Angelica with a sunny smile. She handed Angelica a thin gray booklet, and retrieved a bag from some drawers Angelica hadn’t seen at the far end. Giving the bag a quick look, she handed it to Angelica as well. I think you have everything then. She led Angelica to the sturdy wooden pedestal where the huge book rested. Sign this book, if you would. Angelica wrote her name and Swift’s into the massive tome. Excellent, now we can proceed with the bonding. No need to look worried, it’s simple enough. Isolde motioned for Angelica to stand across from Swift. Now the important thing is for your energies to connect. Angelica, if you could start projecting your energy. Good, very good, Isolde said as a light violet glow appeared around Angelica and started to extend toward Swift. The air was filled with the scent of lavender. Okay, Swift. Project your energy to meet Angelica’s. The pegasus fanned her wings and the blue that surrounded her began to extend as well. Keep going, let your energies mingle. Isolde’s voice cracked, and the harsh sound made Angelica flinch. Her energy went out of control, sending out a wave that knocked the heavy tome off the pedestal. The stalls shook and the creatures inside growled, neighed, or cawed in response.

I’m so sorry, Angelica said, flustered. Her face felt hot from the energy release.

Isolde didn’t seem to have heard her. Her eyes were narrowed as she looked at the residual energy that was in the room. When she finally replied, her voice was jovial with excitement. Oh, not to worry, dear, she said, waving a hand airily at the fallen book. These things happen. I must say you have some volatile power within you. She stared at Angelica. Volatile power indeed.

Angelica shifted uncomfortably under Isolde’s gaze. Isolde shook herself and her expression cleared, her features relaxed with a wide smile on her face. Now, let’s finish the bonding. So, Angelica, begin extending your energy again.

When their energies mixed this time, Angelica could feel the pegasus’s trust and pride. There was a warm feeling that pressed against her chest. She smelled the hay, but also another scent, sweeter, that tickled her nose. Their blue eyes met and it was like an electric charge went through Angelica. The energies sparked and they both went into a trance. It wasn’t until Angelica heard something slam that the trance broke. She hadn’t even noticed that Isolde had moved; a fine layer of dust flew free from the book, which was resting again on the pedestal. Isolde dusted off her hands; a pleased expression lying greedily over her face.

All settled. If you just go into the hallway, the door at the end leads out. Thank you for coming. Isolde shooed Swift and Angelica over the threshold and shut the door.

Well, that was certainly interesting, Angelica said. Swift tossed her head in response and nudged Angelica. Let’s go home, Swift. Opening the door, she jumped out into the open air and spread her wings to catch the wind. It took her a moment to realize Swift wasn’t following her. The pegasus stood hesitantly on the threshold with her wings half open. Angelica flew closer and called out in a soothing tone, It’s okay, Swift. Just jump and let your wings do the work for you.

She cast her mind back to the first time she had flown in open air. She had been so frightened; the fear boiling inside her, causing her knees to shake. Her father reached out his hand and when she hesitantly took it he’d slowly brought her to the door, closer to the edge, the endless fall. She desperately wanted to go back to her room, but her father was there. His strength kept her there. Trust. It was something she had an ocean of for her father. He was always there. He was giving her hand a squeeze, telling her that it would be okay. Then, he let go and jumped out. Her fingers were numb as she watched him, heart racing with adrenaline. She knew what was coming next. His wings moved rapidly to keep himself aloft. He waited patiently, as she closed her eyes tightly and took deep breaths. Don’t look down, just come to Daddy. Your wings will do the rest. His voice was low, soft, and familiar as he coaxed her to jump. The cold began to recede, but the distance looked so far. When she looked in his eyes though, she knew she could do it. His eyes were warm; they were the eyes that she had trusted all her life. She felt the wind rush through her ears as her body fell. Exhilaration and fear pumping through her heart in equal measure. Then her wings opened and caught the wind. She felt the joy of flight, riding on the wind with the sky as her backdrop. She worked her way to her father and he smiled proudly at her. There was no doubt in my mind that you could do it, he said.

Looking over at Swift, Angelica knew the same icy fear was in her now. Just fly to me, Swift. I know you can do it. Angelica smiled encouragingly. Swift took a step back, and then another, before taking a running leap out the door. Once she started falling, Swift’s wings extended and she came back to Angelica. That’s it, Swift! You’re a natural, Angelica said, watching as the pegasus steadied herself and flew in a wide circle around her. Follow me. Let’s go home.

Grant

Early Morning

Grant sniffed the air. It was almost dawn and nothing seemed amiss. Except for the fact that the Blood Well was almost dry; it had been almost a month since they noticed the problem, but there was nothing they could do. Smacking his dry lips together, he resisted the urge to let his fangs come out. The overwhelming hunger was getting harder to control. True he was a vampire, but Grant felt that he didn’t have to act like a monster.

His family, on the other hand, was already starting to get restless; it wouldn’t be long before they were out sucking other creatures’ blood. The Well had allowed vampires to become less savage, freeing them to explore other things beyond the hunt. Grant’s brother loved to paint; his mother was an excellent singer; and his father spent his time exploring the caves in Genera. Grant himself enjoyed wood carving, making small figurines out of driftwood he found on the shores or fallen trees. Painstaking carving and slow care he put into each piece relaxed him. The whole family was more than just hunters;