Rashid: Aries the Warrior (Trials of the Zodiac Book 3)

VALKYRIES AND ANGELS

RASHID

The ethereal plane's dizzying whirlpool of colors and sensations started to settle, forming more coherent images. As clarity seeped into my vision, a chilling realization dawned. The elongated shadows pursuing me weren't just figments of my imagination or benign entities; they were Valkyries geared up and ready for combat. The realization was a jolt, more ominous than my wildest fears.

Renowned across realms as formidable adversaries, these warrior women epitomized the fusion of celestial beauty with raw power. Their chiseled forms, a testament to countless battles, were enveloped in meticulously crafted armor that melded silver and bronze. The armor not only protected them but also highlighted their formidable physique. Helmets of gleaming silver crowned their heads, masterfully shaped into wings, signifying their dominance in the skies. Grasped firmly in their hands were spears, honed to perfection, ready to strike down any who dared oppose them.

Embedded with gold flecks that shimmered and danced under the sun, their skin truly entranced me. These specks, reminiscent of a night sky scattered with stars, captured the ambient, ethereal light, refracting it In captivating patterns, making them appear otherworldly and fearsome. The presence of the Valkyries was a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers lurking within the ethereal plane.

Each of them was propelled through the air on a Pegasi. The flying horses made of clouds had an impressive twenty-three-foot wingspan, which they used with controlled force; storm clouds billowed near their hooves, sparks of lightning crackling as they galloped in my direction. Light filtered through their manes and tails, woven from whisps of clouds, rainbows formed and disappeared.

The sea of Valkyries parted slightly as a distinct figure emerged from their midst. This Valkyrie exuded an aura of authority that immediately commanded attention. Her skin, as dark and profound as polished mahogany, stood out starkly amidst the ethereal glow of the plane, lending her an otherworldly allure. Dual braids, as dark as obsidian, trailed behind her like tendrils, dancing and undulating with each movement of her mount. The armor she donned was an exquisite piece of artistry forged from bronze that seemed to have been melted and molded by the very stars, resonating with her natural hue in an embrace of power and majesty.

Her eyes, sharp and calculating, bore into mine, making me feel as though she could see right through to the very core of my being. With a fluid motion, she brandished her spear in a commanding gesture. "By the authority vested in me as a leader of the Valkyrie, I, Major Deja, demand you halt!" Her voice boomed, resonating with a timbre that seemed to ripple through the very fabric of The Ethereal Plane. "Declare your intent, mortal? Why do you trespass into our realm?"

The absurdity of her command to stop while I was in a helpless freefall almost made me chuckle. Still, the gravity of the situation — pun intended — was not lost on me. Also, she must have known my soul would have burned away the moment I entered the plane if I were a mortal.

Despite those thoughts, I shouted, "I'm Aries, a Zodiac! I came in search of answers! And in case you hadn't noticed, flying isn't on my list of skills!"

She regarded me with an appraising look, her expression betraying no emotion. "Aries would've used the proper channels. Bursting into our realm using that pitiful creature only invites trouble." The disdain in her voice was palpable, making the tension in the already charged atmosphere thicken even further. Suddenly, Frantic's shouts erupted from a distance. Turning my gaze, I noticed the figures of Kai, Balam, and Jalen plummeting through the ethereal void. Their expressions were a mix of terror and disbelief as they spun helplessly.

Major Deja's expression transformed instantly, her authoritative demeanor giving way to immediate action. "Valkyries, to formation! Grab the mortals!" she commanded with urgency. I looked down and noticed golden spikes lining the ground below us.