My throat was on fire, my skin burnt as we finally approached the foothills of the mountain range. I could sense Jade’s resolve stiffening as we walked side by side. There was still sadness within. And hurt, but it was hidden alongside past pain long-forgotten, weathered over and callused. It was time.I imaged flight to... Continue Reading →
“Thirty years,” Frank said, laying a hand on Allie’s shoulder.Allie flinched, realizing she’d been staring at the front gate of her old home. “Thirty years for what?”Frank frowned. “It’ll be roughly thirty years until we return.”Allie’s heart suddenly grew heavy. “Before we return here? How do you know?”“Because that’s how long it was last time…... Continue Reading →
Jade clawed at the ground, letting out a guttural cry as she buried her head in the dirt. I could feel her distress in my mind, pressing against me, adding to my sense of despair. Miguel has stolen my only friend and killed Jessica in the process, leaving me behind to suffer. I could have... Continue Reading →
Allie's mind swam, struggling to make sense of her surroundings. Panic rose up within her as she realized she couldn't open her eyes. Then the pain kicked in. She let out a whimper as a burning sensation threatened to overwhelm her. Images flashed through her mind as she drifted in and out of consciousness, her... Continue Reading →
I woke up with water in my lungs, doubled over on the shore as I fought for breath. After simultaneously gasping for air and coughing up water, I finally managed to breathe. “You alive?” Miguel asked. I allowed myself a moment of respite before answering, opening my eyes. “Worried about me or my dragon?” “The... Continue Reading →
Sand buffeted my face as I ran across the desert. I churned my legs as fast as I could, but could hardly move, stalemated by the wind. Panicking, I pushed harder only to be forced backward. It was only then that I realized I was carrying a baby in my arms. My baby. Little Claire.... Continue Reading →
“Water, please,” Allie whispered, standing with her hands tied behind her back. Frank stood beside her outside the city gates, watching as Serenity’s caravan approached. He lifted the water jug to her mouth, letting her take a small swig before pulling it back. Allie sighed appreciatively, licking her lips. “Thank you.” Frank nodded, frowning. “I’m... Continue Reading →
Food, Jade thought, impressing the image of an animal on my mind. Later, I thought back as we flew over a large stretch of farmland. Two days had passed since I Claimed Jade. Miguel had Claimed the other lion, but she was too injured to fly, so the three of us rode on Jade’s back.... Continue Reading →
Allie kept her head down, trying to look as small as possible as she waited in the back of the line. Her face was covered in dried mud, her hair loose and disheveled. Trembling with exhaustion, she peeked ahead at the front of the line beginning at the Palace gates. Two men stood on either... Continue Reading →
