Shadows and Strength
The morning sun filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled light onto the forest floor. Jayden stood in the clearing, her breath steady, eyes closed as she focused on the energy around her.
"Feel the spirits, don't just summon them," Azrael instructed, his voice calm yet firm.
She nodded, extending her senses. Wisps of ethereal light began to materialize, swirling around her.
"Good," he murmured, stepping closer. "Now, command them."
Jayden opened her eyes, the irises now glowing faintly. She raised her hand, and the spirits responded, forming a protective circle around her.
Azrael observed, a mixture of pride and concern in his gaze. "You're progressing faster than expected."
She turned to him, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Is that a compliment?"
He chuckled softly. "Perhaps."
They continued training, moving through various exercises that blended physical combat with spiritual manipulation. As the sun reached its zenith, they paused to rest.
"I'm going to hunt," Azrael said, retrieving his cloak. "Stay here and meditate. Focus on what you've learned."
Jayden nodded, settling onto a moss-covered rock as he vanished into the trees.
The Nanny's Warning.
The forest grew silent, the usual chirping of birds and rustling of leaves absent. A gentle breeze carried a familiar scent, one that tugged at Jayden's memories.
"Jayden," a soft voice called.
She looked up to see a translucent figure approaching—a woman with kind eyes and a warm smile.
"A-Aurora?" Jayden whispered, standing abruptly.
The spirit nodded. "My little star, it's time you knew the full truth."
Jayden's heart pounded. "Full truth?"
Aurora's expression turned somber. "You are the last heir to the Lumerian throne, born with the gift of necromancy. Your parents' the past queen and kings' actions led to a curse upon you, Sage, the demon of destruction. This curse was as a result of greed your parents had, they stole an artifact from the temple of the gods they made a covenant with, this betrayal angered the gods and they cursed you their unborn child to have a demon and destroy the kingdom, your mother died due to your outburst of Sage. So, in order not to make you so powerful, they sealed your powers, but it was too much so your father said you should be killed to stop the madness that's when I stepped in to save you and took you with me but Sage took over you and killed me but I never told you not to stop running, my little star. And Azrael, grim reaper was present when all this happened."
Jayden staggered back. "He knew?"
"He did," Aurora confirmed. "He chose not to tell you."
The spirit began to fade, her form dissolving into the air.
"Wait!" Jayden called, but Aurora was gone.
Tears welled in her eyes as she grappled with the revelation.
Azrael returned to the clearing, a small catch of game in hand. He paused upon seeing Jayden's tear-streaked face.
"Jayden, what's wrong?"
She stood, anger and hurt in her eyes. "You lied to me."
He set the game down slowly. "About what?"
"About everything!" she shouted. "My past, my powers, who I am. Aurora told me."
Azrael's face paled. "I wanted to protect you."
"No," she snapped. "You wanted to keep me for yourself. If you truly loved me, you would have told me the truth."
He stepped closer. "I do love you. That's why you're alive."
Jayden's voice trembled. "Alive so you can control me?"
"I could have killed you when we met," he said, pain evident in his voice. "But I didn't. Because you made me feel something... human."
She turned away. "I wish I never knew you."
Azrael's shoulders slumped. "So be it."
He donned his cloak, and with a final glance, vanished into the shadows.
Jayden collapsed to her knees, sobbing. The forest grew colder, and a familiar presence emerged.
"Well done, little mouse," Mammoth purred, stepping into view.
She looked up, fear and confusion in her eyes.
"You've uncovered the truth," he continued, kneeling beside her. "Now, let me guide you."
He lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "You're mine now. Mind, body, and soul."
He pressed a rough kiss to her lips. Jayden didn't respond, tears streaming down her face.
Mammoth grinned. "In exchange, I grant you your memories."
Shadows enveloped them, and they vanished.
Azrael stood atop a cliff, watching the scene unfold below. His expression was stoic, but his eyes betrayed deep sorrow.
"She chose," he whispered.
He turned away, disappearing into the night, leaving behind the woman who had made him feel alive.