Dragonborn

Chapter 19 ~ The Shakarakh

Safely holed up in her bed, she recounted the events of last night. The Shadow had shown her how to control her powers, but at what cost? He had said that it was a win-win, but she didn't understand how. She did, though, want to understand the extent of what she could do. The more she knew the more she could help the knights while in this form.

Akila again tried changing, and was met with the same results as normal, blinding pain.

She honestly couldn't tolerate this 'elixir'. So today she was going to have to start working towards finding a solution. The obvious first choice was trying to get her hands on the blood of a god, though she was pretty sure she would fail, it was better than the other options.

At this thought, Akila quickly arose and made her way towards the bathroom. As she undressed and took off her bandages, she noticed that the stab wound was completely healed. Not a scar nor a blemish marred her body. She decided not to question it and instead dank into a quick bath. The warmth caressed her muscles, it was a feeling of pure bliss.

Alas though, Akila had things to do and had had far too much time with her thoughts already. The last thing she needed was for The Shadow to show up and see her naked.

She hastily washed and dried herself, taking care not to somehow reopen her wound on the inside.

Putting on some black leather training clothes that Oralia must have added a week or two back, she rushed down to eat. She was surprised to arrive early, not even Gustav was there. Allura, fortunately, was. There were giant bags under her eyes though.

"Are you alright?" She asked.

The girl nodded, but Akila saw right through it. "You should sleep, I'll go stay in my room until you wake."

Allura didn't complain as she guided her to her rooms. Akila felt the illusion around her drop some forty seconds later. The girl must be waking up early and going to bed late so that nobody would see her demonic appearance. The constant usage of her power must be draining her too.

After arriving back at her rooms, Akila had nothing better to do but lean in a corner. She locked the door behind her to prevent a maid from accidentally entering. The sunlight streamed past her and landed on the door. It was barely past dawn, she realized. Akila didn't think she'd woken up so early, especially after the sleepless night she'd spent in the woods.

If only she knew where The Shadow had taken her last night. If it was somewhere in the property then Akila would have to find Gustav and tell him.

But if it isn't then it can't hurt to go a few more times and better learn to control my powers.

"Well good morning to you!" The Shadow said cheerfully as he appeared.

She sighed. "Do you even sleep?"

"Only when I want to." He answered. "Powerful demons have no need of such things."

"Aha! You admit you're a powerful demon." Akila was glad to catch him in something.

He raised his hands in mock defeat, "I am, we both are honestly. I'm just more... developed."

She grunted in response.

"You do know why everyone's sleeping don't you?" He asked.

"Because they're tired." She answered smarty.

"No, you're demonic presence drains them. The second you were gone they started to catch up on lost time." He explained.

"You don't honestly think I'll believe that." Akila said.