Phoenix of Dawn

Only One

The scent was thick in the air.

Wolves.

From the stench it seemed like there might be at least fifteen or twenty of them. Ky's army had a certain quality to their scent that informed other's that they were far darker. A sort of taint to their odor that marked them. It was hard to describe if you weren't smelling it but something between death and darkness. Like a cell a basement that once held the lifeless bodies of the innocent. 

It wasn't fowl but...

Sweet. Sickly sweet as if it were poisoned honey. 

These wolves were clean and more than likely wolves from Kristal. The trees had changed over to the telltale white bark with golden leaves that signaled we'd entered Aurum Forest. Which meant we were in Golden Pack territory. 

Axel's birthright. 

His expression had told me we were close before the change in the trees had. How long had it been since he was home? 

Aurum was gorgeous. The sunlight refracting off the treetop and bouncing in the spaces around us. Everything seemed to glow with sunlight and the animals moved about without a fear of shadows that might be lingering. 

A squirrel scampered across the high branches, sprinkling down leaves by the handful as he attempted to outrun it's other half. My lips pursed at the sight of dozens of leaves cascading from the heavens. The curled and shimmered in the late afternoon light and I imagined floating along with them.

My footing faltered, slowing to a halt as I watched more and more leaves shake loose from their branches to join in the elegant dance with their sisters. 

With my face upturned the warm glow, I let the leaves fluttery by, some kissing my cheeks and shoulders. They were a reminder that there was still a chance, that there was still a purpose for me in this war. 

To bring back balance.

To bring back peace so that others may enjoy a moment such as the moment I had under those drifting leaves.

Just a second of clarity, of relief. 

"Kyra."

My eyes fluttered open, landing on Axel who stood several feet away watching me with wonder and awe. Shaking off the enchantment I'd been under I moved forward, ignoring the burn in my wrists as I walked. 

"We're stopping for a moment to consider what to do about the patrol nearby."

I nodded my head, watching the other's pull out their water or dehydrated meat. My mouth began to water at the smell of jerky which incited a full body reaction starting in my stomach with a grumble. 

"Here."

Axel held out a piece of jerky to me with a small knowing smile. Without hesitation I opened y mouth and let him feed it to me. It was smoky and salty and oh so chewy. I wanted more but didn't want to admit how famished I truly was. Lucky for me, Axel kept willingly giving me bite after bite until it was apparent he was giving me more than usual.

I decided not to ask.

"What were you doing over there," He inquired, nodding at the patch of sunlight I'd been standing in moments before.

I shrugged.

"You like the sunlight?"

"Depends who's asking," I whispered at him, eyeing the group nearest us.

He leaned back against a tree and inspected me, "My essence is tethered to the sun. the Golden Pack's life force as gifted by the sun to balance out the moon."