Aarmau: Remember Me, Remember Us, Just Remember

Chapter 181

When they pull up in front of Hyria's cottage Aph isn't surprised to find her already waiting for them. She always seems to know when they're coming.

The older woman approaches them as Aph climbs out of the car and offers her a warm hug. "Hello dear. How are you feeling today?"

Aph moves her shoulder a little and shrugs, "It's not too bad and the morning sickness was hardly noticeable. I'm really looking forward to spending time here."

Hyria smiles and nods toward the forest, "It's been waiting for you."

Aaron and Melissa step up behind Aph and put the bags on the ground. Melissa frowns at the forest. "Waiting for her? What do you mean Hyria?"

Hyria smiles back at Melissa, "Irene created the forest dear. It knows who Aphmau is, it senses her soul, and is excited to welcome her home."

Melissa glares at the forest, "Ok I get it but as long as it knows it's only a visit and not forever."

Aph rolls her eyes and moves toward the edge of the forest. Aaron and Melissa follow behind her and wait while Aph reaches out to touch the closest tree and then lightly touches Melissa's hand.

They listen to Melissa gasp as the darkness within the forest clears and everything around her seems to come alive. Melissa grasps Aph's hand and whispers "It's so beautiful!"

Aph nods and then steps beyond the treeline. Unlike last time Aph's appearance drastically changes the moment she steps into the forest.

Her hair begins to grow and form tight little curls until it brushes the backs of her knees. It darkens until it's pitch black with streaks of purple, blue, and copper highlights weaving in and out to give her a mystical appearance.

Her simple tank dress morphs into a shimmery white almost transparent sheath that lightly trails the ground behind her, her shoes disappear and a delicate crown of flowers forms on top of her head. She feels the power effortlessly pass through the soles of her feet and ripple out to the tips of her fingers.

She can feel her skin itch where her wings form and she can't resist the need to set them free. Releasing a deep breath she feels them unfurl behind her and sighs as their tips drag the ground behind her.

She vaguely hears Aaron saying her name and knows he's worried but she has to give in to the need to fly, even if it's just for a moment. She turns to glance at him and hears them all gasp as they see that while her eyes are no longer their normal amber they're not pure white like Irene's either but a combination as if someone merged the two.

She offers him an apologetic smile as she spreads her wings and launches herself into the air. They watch her rise into the air until they can no longer see her. Hyria shakes her head and motions them on toward the cottage. "Irene could spend hours up there so we might as well let her get it out of her system while we take everything to the cottage."