From the Ashes

Chapter 3 ~ A Bird in Flight

Where there had been stillness and silence only moments before, now there was nothing but carnage and screams of terror. Morana ran blindly, tripping over fallen bodies with almost every step she took.

She could still hear Koen behind her. He'd managed to fight off his assailant and was following her, but Corrupted Fae continued to intercept him and she couldn't stop moving without being swarmed herself.

A sudden impact at her side sent Morana sprawling onto the dirt road, sharp gravel scraping her palms raw as she attempted to brace herself. Her entire left side throbbed as she forced herself onto her hands and knees.

A burly Corrupted male was stalking towards her, jaws parted to reveal his unnatural fanged canines. Morana dragged herself backwards, gulping down deep breaths in an effort to steady herself.

Her magic had swelled to a burn now but she continued to hold it back. If any of the Corrupted Fae saw her power, they would either drain her body to a dry husk, or she'd soon find herself a part of their ranks. Morana struggled to her feet slowly, not breaking the approaching male's blood red gaze.

"You're a pretty thing," he growled, lips tilting in a sneer. "I bet you'll taste sweet."

"I've been called tart more than sweet," Morana snapped. "Try coming closer and you'll find out why."

"It seems I've found a little actress. She puts on a brave face but her scent reeks of fear." He paused, drawing a slow breath. "And something else."

"If you're going to say arousal, it must be your own." Morana curled her palms into fists, continuing to back away but letting her senses spread to the chaos around her. No other Corrupted Fae were approaching them yet, but that wouldn't last for long. She'd have to strike before then.

The male's deep laugh interrupted her thoughts. "That's not what I meant, but maybe if you're willing to behave, I could be persuaded to fuck you thoroughly while I drain the blood from your veins."

"Such a considerate offer. Why you're called beasts, I'll never know."

"Shall I show you?"

Morana dove with a yelp as the male lunged, his outstretched hand just missing her. She whirled and slammed her foot into the back of his knee. The male let out an enraged holler as he crashed to the ground. Morana was already running, not giving him a moment's advantage.

"I'll find you, you little bitch!" He roared after her.

She didn't have the breath to answer. Morana slid around a shrouded corner and slouched against a wall, panting for air. Uncle Koen, she suddenly recalled. Where is he?

She swallowed a few more breaths before pushing herself back towards the open road. Just before the alley's cover gave way, Morana paused. A shriek rang out from further down the alley. She spun towards the sound, her eyes widening with horror. The scream rang out again and Morana dashed after it.

"Neeri!" She cried, praying her friend could hear her. That she was still alive. "Neeri!"

She burst into another open street and frantically searched the crowd for any sign of Neeri. This part of the village was in even worse shape than where she'd just been. A haze of smoke from burning buildings filled the air, making the darkness even deeper. It was almost impossible to make out the faces of the individuals sprinting past her.

Another familiar scream overlapped the others. Morana faced it just as a burning building began to crumble, letting off a temporary flash of light and embers floating in the air. Two figures were illuminated by the fire. Neeri was trapped in a corner and a Corrupted female was stalking towards her.