Queen of Ash

𝒩𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔𝑒𝓇'𝓈 𝓈𝒶𝓁𝓊𝓉𝑒

Rhoe trudged through the snow, trying to ignore the aching in his back. It had been a couple of days since he'd spread his wings, stretched them and flew. If he didn't shift and fly soon, he'd lose all his training.

Beside him, Ashlyn hummed an old Fae tune. Rhoe wondered if she knew who she really was, where that song was from. It was indeed from Illyria, her home, but she didn't know that. Or at least that's what she claimed.

As snow poured from the sky and a shiver made its way down his spine, Rhoe tried to ignore the fact that she looked so much like the queen from his dreams. Maybe they were sisters or long lost cousins, he didn't dare ask. He didn't dare ask, in fear of receiving a wall of flames in his face. Again.

Her hot flames had marked him, leaving small scars across his hands. He'd made sure to hide them whenever she came by.

"Where are we going?" she asked from behind. Rhoe had dreaded this question since he'd pinned her to the ground.

"Misthaven."

"Why?" she asked, now beside him.

"To cross the border." she stopped in the snow. Rhoe didn't dare look at her.

"Why?" she questioned.

The warrior stopped and looked at her dead in the eye.

"I'm bringing you home."

"Where's that?" she said, tugging on his arm. "Where is my home?"

"Illyria, the City of Ash," he responded annoyed. He hated being toyed with. But Rhoe kept walking, ready to leave her behind. The only thing keeping him from shoving her into the snow was his oath to the Dark King. Do not touch her.

"Why--" Rhoe whirled around and bared his teeth.

"If you ask one more question, I swear in the name of the gods--" he froze, listening.

"You'll what--" Rhoe shushed her, unsheathing his sword. The one with the silver hilt.

The forest was silent. No birds sang or flew in the sky, no animal stirred. It was too silent. Ice coated his hands, and a cool breeze kissed his face. Ashlyn stepped back and pulled her cloak on tighter. She pulled out her hunting well aware that the forest was too quiet for the daytime. "There's someone else here."

***

Ashlyn felt her magic recoil as something stepped out of the shadows. Someone. The snow crunched loudly as the creature approached, its figure coming into view. The fire wielder let out a whimper as Rhoe unsheathed his second sword and placed himself in front of her. The creature was tall and slender, its prickly fur as black as night. Its wolf-like head turned and opened its mouth, revealing rows of teeth, stained red. The two horns on top of its head were stained red too, fresh blood trickling down its back. Instead of two normal back legs, the creature had goat legs, perfect for running. The creature had hands--human hands, Ashlyn realized. The creature of her nightmare lips curled into a smile as it stepped towards both Fae.

Rhoe pushed her back, both swords ready to slice. Ice coated his hands as he approached the creature.

"We want nothing to do with you, Nightsinger." he snarled, not showing a hint of fear.

"But I'm hungry," the creature hissed, claws growing at the tip of its fingers. "And she looks like a delicious lunch." It smacked its lips, a horrible sound that Ashlyn would never forget.

She let out a cry as the Nightsinger lunged for her, Rhoe swords swinging. He sent the beast flying back, its howl rippling across the forest. The Nightsinger got up and spat on the snow, wiping blood from its cheek, then lunged at Rhoe, jaws snapping.