Distortion

~ Chapter 2 ~

The forest is a bit creepy too say the least. It's densely packed so I feel like I'm suffocating. But I continue to push on because I'm worried about the mryla. I've always loved them. Ever since my dad got me one for my fifth birthday. Ange was the best gift I've ever reserved. She was a beautiful light brown, who was as tall as my shoulder.

Although I never really needed to use her because of my wings. She became a friend I could tell all my secrets too. The source of my independence. Riding with her was the one place I truly felt free. She left me two summers ago, and the hole that she left has yet to heal. These days I feel like I'm suffocated in my city. She kept me grounded and helped me breathe. I just want these feelings of dread to go away; I need them too, for my own sanity.

Stepping over shrubs, my nightgowns frayed edges catch on the branches. Grabbing the hem I give it a tug to free it. Only to make it unravel more. Muttering to myself about the blasted thing. I crouch down and unfurl my wings stretch them out, so they don't plunge into the mud. Quickly snapping the strings of cotton attached to the branch.

The terrain is rocky and slippery, causing some pain with each step. Clearly, I didn't wear the right shoes. I shake my head.

Looking to the up, I can only see slight hints of the midnight sky. The dark green trees create a secluded haven for the creatures of the night. Moving deeper into the forest, the hair's on the back of my neck stand up. I continue moving, but I have the eerie feeling that I'm being watched.

After a few minutes of walking, I pause and listen keenly for a noise which might hint as to where, or what is looking at me. Suddenly I hear the familiar chirp of a lusha overhead, but this sounds slightly different, not melodic as usual, but guttural and aggressive. More of the birds join until I realize I am completely surrounded. Panic beings to set in, and I begin running away from the offending creatures. Flying after me with their fangs and claws, I spot a branch hanging idly from a nearby tree. With all my might, I jump into the air grabbing hold of the branch hoping it will break free. It luckily does, but not before causing my hands to bleed. Hissing in pain, I swing the branch around me, aiming at scaring the lushas way. They beat their wings, driving towards me angrily. Maneuvering my body I pull back my arms and swings towards the incoming creatures. I can hear their cries of pain branded in my ears. They continue to swoop down and try to hurt me. Even as their families lie broken on the ground at my feet. I hunker down, with my back facing the tree and continue swinging the branch back and forth. Their claws still tear into my flesh. I'm covered in tiny cuts and blood when the lushas finally give up. Gasping for breath and moaning in pain, I continue further into the forest for fear they will return.

Ducking under a low hanging branch, I lying heavily against a tree, I try to forget about the current pain radiating off my body. Scanning the landscape I try to find anything that looks familiar so I can go home and get help.

It's useless, during the attack I became so disorientated I am now completely lost. Letting out a loud sigh of hopelessness I meet with a sudden crunch of movement. Forcing my body behind a bush I pause trying to keep my breath silent. After a few minutes of hearing silence, I slowly make my way towards where I heard the sound. Sidestepping a root, I nearly stumble across a man slumped against a tree. Gasping, I tentatively step closer to him. All previous thoughts of returning home vanish.

He looks so pale and he wasn't moving. Worried I kneel next to him. His body was bleeding badly. In several places. My eyes flicker over the injured man. My eyes land on his wings which are hidden behind the shadow of the trees. The large obsidian wings lie twisted and disfigured beneath him.

Black...

My mind goes back to when my mother explained why I must say away from darker winged Villinii. That they were those who had disgraced Afrin the angel of life, so she cursed them with dark wings, and banished most to Dragkong a civilization believed to live underneath the Ether.

She said she never wanted me to be corrupted by an impure heart and soil our family name.

My jaw clenches and I bite my lip, unable to bring myself to leave him. Feeling for his pulse it drums weakly against my fingers. Thank Afrin he's alive.

Reaching forward I brush his black hair out of his face with my fingers gently. My heart leaped, he's gorgeous. His shagged and unkempt hair framed his sharp porcelain face. I slowly run my fingers down his cheek to his sharp jaw. My eyes linger on his parted lips. He groans bringing me back to reality. Realizing how stupid I've been acting. He's hurt and all I'm doing is admiring him.

I shake my head.

He groans again, straining his eyes open.

Piercing icy blue eyes meet my dark ones. Caution flares in them. Using his arms, he pushes against the ground and tries to stand. Hissing through his teeth, he awkwardly stands using the tree as a brace. Trembling he tries to walk only for legs to buckle under him. My arms try to catch him, but he falls through my fingers.

Slumping heavily against the tree again, he breathes rapidly.

Closing his eyes, he scrunches up his nose in pain.

"Hey," I whisper.

No answer

"Hey, can you hear me?," I say a little louder.

He moans in reply. His head falls forward as he loses consciousness.

"Shit...".

Yikes... They have not had a good day🤭