Forevermore

The Shield (Aleta)

A L E T A

          It had been hard following Vale through the winter woods. He had barely made a sound as he walked, which made it harder to hide and follow him at the same time. I had watched as he had climbed a sheer cliff, mumbling to himself and wincing whenever a sticker bush cut his arm or leg. When he was at the top and out of sight, I flapped my wings and rose into the air. The sad truth about Ashwalker wings is that they aren't really meant for flying. They're more meant for show, to lure in prey. They can only fly for a short time, which is what I was doing. I huffed and I puffed until I was at the top of the cliff, and that's when I saw the river. It was very wide, and looked ice cold. Vale was crouched over, looking into it. After about ten minutes he nodded to himself and took a step. I almost shrieked out-loud when his foot sank into the water. But it only went in an inch or two. Hovering below the water, unknown to the naked eye, were a line of rocks which one could stand on to simply walk across.

          When he was out of sight again, I hesitantly opened my wings and flew. They hurt a little, but I was strong enough to get over the river. I ran to catch up with Vale, who was standing in the middle of a line of trees. He was looking at something, seeming very hesitant. I struggled to see what he was looking at, then found it and took a step back. It was a house. It was painted all white so that it was practically invisible. The roof was a very dark green to match the tree trunks. I wondered how long it had taken for the painted to paint such a masterpiece. With a slow sigh, Vale walked up to the door and walked inside. I could see inside, and I could see that it was very dark. At first, Vale just looked around, but then he stopped. I heard a very soft shuffling, and then it happened.

          Something landed on Vale, pinning him to the ground. It was wearing all white, and had long black hair. I realized it was Pulchra Diabolus. I jumped up and lashed out my dagger, ready to kill the monster if I had to. "It's me Reagan!" I heard Vale shout. The monster, Reagan, seemed to freeze, and then she leapt off him. I stopped, wondering if I should go in or not. I decided against it and hid behind a tree. As I bumped into the tree, a piece of snow fell to the ground. I held my breath and looked back at the house. Reagan's head seemed to tilt in my direction and she slowly looked up. I wanted to scream as her light blue, ice eyes fixed on mine. There was a hostility in them and I prayed that she was looking behind me, not at me. But no. Her eyes were locked on mine and she knew I was here, watching her. But why didn't she do anything. Suddenly there was a low sound rising in my head. It sounded like a growl, a growl of a hungry wolf. I held my hands to my ears and looked around, trying to see the wolves. There were none. I looked back at Reagan and her eyes were smiling devilishly. I frantically looked at Vale, but he hadn't heard the growl she had made. Only I could hear it... in my head.

          With the smallest hint of a smile, she slammed the door, and I heard the tiny click of a lock. I bolted for the door. She was goig to hurt Vale. Beautiful, charming, wonderful Vale. "What the hell are you doing here Vale?" I heard Reagan practically shout. I stopped. Was it just my imagination? Had the growl never happened? Maybe she was going to tell Vale to leave. Yeah, that was it. No. She was a monster and she had to be killed. I silently tried to the door, already knowing it was locked, but not really caring. I heard mutters and voices, but I couldn't make out the words. Suddenly there was a crack and I jumped to the window to see. The monster was crouched before a fireplace, a fire blomming with heat. She was a sorceress too?! She had to be killed! She was far too dangerous! I ducked under the window as Reagan turned around and almost saw me. But she already knew I was here. Why hadn't she told Vale yet? What was she planning to do? Maybe she was waiting for me to come inside, and then she would kill both of us!

          There was a thud and a gasp. A female gasp. Maybe Vale had hit her. No, he was too noble for that. There was a hushed whisper, and then a stabbing pain in my face. What was this? Was she hurting Vale? Let me explain something before I go on. Some Ashwalkers are gifted with certain abilites. I have the ability to feel other's emotions or pains. When I was just a little girl, I was told that I could only tune into one person's emotions at a time. I had been tuned into Vale's ever since I could remember. I had a crush on him. Well, not really a crush... I was obsessed. And right now, Reagan was hurting Vale. So why did my lips hurt? I slammed into the door, knocking it down. Vale was crouched over Reagan... kissing her.