Standing up, I go to the door opening it as quietly as possible. Peeking my head out, I look around and see no one. Good no one is out there I can go. I walk to the window, opening it up I jump out. The air pushes up around my body cooling my skin and relaxing my nerves. I land in a crouched position with a thump. Taking another look around to make sure no one is following; I head to the garden.     As I reach the garden, I take in a sharp breath at the sight before me. The moon is casting a brilliant silver glow over the dahlias and cornflowers. The light makes them burn like glowing flames of blue and yellow.     A frigid chill runs up my body when a hand clasps my shoulder. My eyes stretching wide, I whip myself around, and without a moment to lose, I throw a skull-smashing punch at the person. I make contact with the person's gut they gasp for breath doubling over on the ground. Looking down, I see Soren. Staring at me with a pain

Nora      Taking one last look in Flavius's direction, I strip out of my clothes, stuffing them into my bag. Stretching my body, I take off into the sky at full force my wings cutting through the air. I have been so busy recently that I had completely forgotten about the butcher whom I have left poisoned in the dungeon for nearly two days. I cannot believe I allowed myself to leave him down there for so long. What if Gwen has gone looking for him? My mistake could cost us greatly.        I land swiftly in front of the castle, letting out a huff of air, and fazing back into human form. The guards eye me up as I change back into my clothing once again. I shift my eyes in their direction, making eye contact with one of the guards. He coughs uncomfortably and looks away.      I walk quickly through the halls of the castle. A weight presses down on my body as stress fills my entire being. How could I allow myself to

Flavius       I'm stirred awake by a beating roar of thunder, and the pounding of rain against my window. Slowly, I sit up, rubbing the sleepiness from my eyes. Tossing my woolen blankets to the side, I set my feet on the cold wooden floor. Grabbing my boots from where they sit next to my bed, I slip them on.         While I'm getting ready to leave, I can't help the worry that pulses through my veins like fiery venom. Having never learned how to fight, I have to wonder if I'll even be any good. I know that physically I am strong, working as a blacksmith most of my life has gained me immense physical power. But what good will I be fighting against dragons? A human could never face the full wrath of a dragon head-on. The only humans I’ve heard of taking on supernatural's are humans with magical bloodlines but since the Fires of Alira, the magical bloodlines have dwindled in number.     After pulling my disheveled c

Nora      "Are you all right, your highness?" Gwen's meek voice calls out from behind me.         With my jaw clenched, I glance back at her callously. Is she seriously asking if I am all right? Do I look all right? Rather than getting to spend my morning with Flavius, I have been subjected to wedding planning. Why must I be the one that comes up with the menu for the banquet? I do not care what we will be eating. I cannot believe I am only a few days into it. I have no idea how I am going to survive the next two months.     "I am perfectly fine. Thank you for asking." I bite out, glancing back at her through narrowed eyes.     Without responding, she looks down at the ground, clenching her navy-blue dress in her fist. With a huff, I continue down the hall to my chambers.      When I reach my chambers, I dismiss Gwen with a wave of my hand. Shoving my door open, I throw

A cold sweat beads rapidly down my body as I stand frozen in the dimly lit room, facing my father. He stares at me, his thorny gaze tearing me up from the inside out.        "I knew I should not have let you go to Mimmgar with your brother. If you had not been there, this never would have happened,” he bites out coldly his every word piercing my heart like being stabbed by a knife.     My father's officials stare at me scornfully after receiving the news of my brother's death. Their gazes burn my skin like acid as the weight of the room closes in around me. Darkness fills my entire being. I take in deep, shaky breaths to try and console myself.     I knew father would upset over Fafnir's death, but I never expected to be blamed for it. He is right though if I hadn't been there Fafnir would still be alive. I cannot seem to do anything right.     Unable to respond to my father's words, I stand