Shifters

Prologue

The woman ran, cradling the bundle in her arms. She knew the baby couldn't die. She also knew that, to allow this, she would have to die.

She heard the footfalls, the heavy, terrible footfalls, thudding behind her. As she rounded a bend, she swung herself into a tree and hid in its branches. The footfalls boomed so close that she could see the black hood, but then, the Sheika faded away. She almost sighed in relief, but she knew it would give her, and the baby, away.

An eagle landed beside her, an eagle with bright blue eyes.

"Thank you for coming," the woman whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. "Take care of the child... our child. I will be with you, always, my love."

The eagle lowered his mighty head and nuzzled her cheek. "I will take care of her, Kiliah."

Tears began streaming down her face. "This is our final goodbye. I will never see you again-"

"Nonsense," the eagle cut in. "I will cross the gates of death someday to find you."

"Of course you will," the woman whispered lovingly. "Well, then, I know it is not our last meeting."

"I'll never love another woman, Kiliah. Never."

"You'll have to love our daughter," she teased, smiling sadly. "So make room for one little lady in your heart."

"Her name... you decide her name."

"Lalisa. Her name will be Lalisa."

"Lalisa," the eagle echoed, savoring the sound.

"Now go, and take her to safety!" the woman commanded.

The eagle nodded, carefully clutched the baby in his talons, and flew away.

The woman slid out of the tree just in time for the next Sheika to run by. She didn't cry out as the poisoned spear slid straight through her heart.