Dark Everglades: The Rising Sun [BOOK ONE] {BEING RE-WRITTEN}

Arina

Arina's POV

I've been in my hawk form for hours on end. I haven't even made it to Cassiel yet. But I know I'm coming closer. Cassiel's winds are getting stronger and the air seems to be growing colder.

The satchel I carry in my claws grows heavier and heavier, and my eyesight turns blurry.

I need to stop soon. Or I won't be able to shift or even walk for days.

But I continue on, my wings expanded as I think of all the things I can do if this happens. How happy everyone will be, how much ill be noticed around the country.

I soar higher, the satchel flapping in the winds as I push myself farther.

Another day comes around and my stomach feels hollow. I fly severely close to the ground, and Cassiel's border is in my sightings.

Just a little bit father...

I'm so much like my father in these ways. Stubborn, and thinking I can make it. Even when half my brain stands against me.

Just a little bit farther...

My wings dip unexpectedly as Cassiel's border reaches me and the winds blast.

I squawk warningly, the satchel in my claws whipping uncomfortably, and I begin tipping. I flap my wings harder, going against the current as I push out farther, my vision swimming and my body retracting against my decision to stay a bird.

A little bit farther...

Owanels fly around the sky, their housing floating above me. I lay as low as possible, drifting as the winds change and rush me forward.

The cries of the creatures above me make me quake in fear. I'm not supposed to be in this territory, and if they spot me I'm dead. They'll tear me to pieces and everything I planned is over and done.

The wind changes again, and my wings retract for a second time. I bite back a loud squawk as I try and correct my span.

Almost there...

Cassiel is a large state. It will take a day or two to get passed.

Almost...

The winds change again and my satchel flies from my grip. No no no!!!

My body retracts, my wings begin to fail and I find myself falling. Falling towards the green grass, and my eyes close.

I crash to the ground, my hawk form shifting back to human and I tumble down, down, down a hill.

Dirt and grass fly into my hair and throat, choking me as I land on my stomach at the bottom of the hill.

My eyes are closed, and my whole body feels weightless and out of energy.

I hear a noise. The sound of feet running and messily walking down the hill.

I don't move. I don't dare move, as a shadow of a body appears above me. I force myself not to shake in fear as an Owanel stands before me.

A pointed toenail taps my shoulder twice. "You alive?"

I slowly open my eyes, looking up at the human face that looks back at me.

She flaps her arms that are large and overpowering wings twice, backing up. "Oh good. I wouldn't want a corpse ruining the soil."

My eyes flick to the satchel she carries on her wing.

"That was a quite a fall there."

"Are you going to kill me?" I ask, my voice raw and she tilts her head, her green eyes sparkling.