Your Shadow Is My Light

Chapter 31 - Ahri Renard, I want to be your wife.

Normal text
Thinking
Onomatopoeia

Ahri's POV
An hour later, we were coasting in the sky with the wind at our backs. Warm rays peeked through the clouds as our group sunbathed on top of Kamish's broad shoulders. Blustery winds sprayed against my pores as I took a deep breath of the clean fresh air. What a nice sunny day to finally return back home.

Next to me, Rae was peering over the edge with wonder, occasionally reaching out to touch the nearby clouds. Just like a newborn child intrigued by everything. Her bangs were blown back to reveal a white forehead. Made her seem so much younger and spirited. Certainly more dazzling than when she's trapped in a perpetual state of paranoia. My gaze softened as I grazed her cheeks.

Things have changed, hasn't it?

The days back then were constantly enshrouded in doom and gloom. With no end in sight. But now... I like where we are at.

The girl looked at me, eyes shining, "Next time, let's just do air travel instead. My back's gonna kill me if we keep riding those horses."

To which I giggled and tapped her nose playfully, "That's more dangerous, dear. You never know which psycho might gun you down at any moment. We're only flying now because this is familiar territory."

A bucket of cold water was dumped all over her. I swear I could see her puppy tail drooping after the cruel reality check. While comforting the depressed fawn, I contacted my parents through our mindlink.

Papa, mama, I'm visiting with some friends.

Must give them a heads-up, lest they mistook us for intruders and shoot our crew down from the sky. That would be troublesome. And not a very good first impression! I don't want Rae to think that my family's hospitality was subpar!

It didn't take long before the magnificent canopy of liquid gold came into view.

We're here.

Kamish let out an ear-splitting bellow, informing the folks downstairs of our arrival. Then came the weightlessness as we nosedived. The ground rapidly approached by the second. I could see the other foxes scurrying away from the landing zone. As well as my parents' startled expressions. At the very last moment, Kamish's massive wings expanded to their full lengths, enshrouding the parade square in shadows. The updraft caught the sails of his wings and we screeched to a halt. With a hefty crunch, plumes of gravel were kicked up. By the time dust settled, countless eyes immediately zoomed in on us.

Patting the dirt off my body, I jumped down from Kamish's back and scanned through the crowd. I could feel their heated gaze. More precisely, on the wagging fluff behind me. Anyone with working eyes could easily tell there were nine lush tails. A very uncommon sight. It's the symbol of royalty. Outside of the Alpha and Luna, there was only one other person that could achieve such a feat-their Crimson Princess. The one whose birth was prophesied to usher in great changes to our ancient clan.

A small commotion sparked. Hushed whispers sounded. Mixed with amazement and envy. None of which entered my eyes because all my attention was on the middle-aged couple before me. After months of not seeing my parents, it left a sour feeling in my chest-homesickness. The corners of my eyes reddened. Unable to control myself, I barrelled into their open arms.

"I'm back..." I mumbled in a nasally voice.

There was silence. Before warmth circled me. I could hear their heartbeats pulsing strong. So unlike the past where only their bloodied corpses greeted me. Things are different now. Yggdrasil had turned back the clock. Granting me the chance to change our fates. So I must not blunder. I won't let those maggots hurt my people anymore.