Last of Her Kind (Book 1, Part 1, of the LAST series)

alliances of old

I was okay.

A slight breeze blew across my face as I shut my eyes. I was at peace, but of course, that didn’t last long. A loud howl pulled me from the peace as I sat up quickly, wincing a little. “Was that…?”

Kaius sat up beside me. “Chaos.” I looked at him, watching as his eyes glowed purple. “They see figures nearby. I can’t tell how many. Stay here,” he ordered rising to his feet.

“Kaius, I can help you.”

“Save your energy. You’re still in pain. I saw the wince.”

I rolled my eyes. “I can manage.”

“Please, dearie. Stay, here. For me?”

My shoulders slumped as I criss crossed my legs. “Fine.”

He nodded, whispering a thanks before turning and disappearing deep into the woods. I sat, and waited, and listened. Everything was quiet. Even the animals seemed too scared to make a sound. Climbing to my feet, I stared into the woods.

I had a weird feeling, my heart calling out. I ignored it.

“Come on, Kaius,” I whispered.

Should it be taking this long? It shouldn’t be. Should it? Suddenly, roars and shouts filled the night air.

I immediately ran towards the noises, my heart racing. The further I ran, the louder the shouts were and the faster my heart raced. I hoped Kaius was okay. In the distance, I saw several chaos surrounding Kaius and three figures.

I had that weird feeling again. My heart pounded with each step I took. My soul was reaching out for one of the figures, like a tug. It was urging me.

I immediately knew who it was.

“Stop!” I shouted once I reached them, praying for strength. I found myself standing between them, both arms up.

“Kaius, stop,” I pleaded, looking at him.

I could feel his eyes on me. Watching me. Wanting me to face him.

Summoning all my courage, I turned to meet his gaze. And, saints, I shouldn’t have. Everything around us faded into nothingness, leaving just the two of us. We locked eyes, and in that moment, the world ceased to exist.

His face was etched with a long scar that ran from the top of his right eyebrow down to his cheek, a stark contrast against his pale skin. The once vibrant blue of his eye had dulled to a lighter, almost translucent hue, starkly different from the other eye. Despite the changes, he was still Sorin. I could feel an magnetic pull towards him, my heart aching with the intensity of it.

I could feel myself leaning towards him, but was snapped out of it by a loud bark.

I turned my head, facing Kaius. “Please,” my voice cracked. Cotton had formed in my throat, the back of my eyes burning. I had to keep it together.

Kaius’ eyes glowed brighter as the chaos began growling louder, snarling. “Get out of the way, Fae,” he demanded angrily. “They’re guardians,” he spat.

I swallowed the bile I could feel rising up. Why was this so hard? “I know,” I admitted with a shaky voice. “But, I know them. They’re old,” I paused trying to find the right word, “acquaintances.” Turning my head, I looked at the three figures that I worked hard to forget, purposefully avoiding Sorin’s gaze. I missed them. Yes, I was still upset, but seeing them gave me comfort. I smiled. “Long time, no see.”