Page 20 of Isle of Beasts and Shadows

She wasn’t just angry; she was also taken aback by the situation unfolding before her. Contemplating the implications of Jonathan’s association with Sirius, a known threat, she struggled to reconcile his actions with his higher rank. Despite her own encounters with the stranger, she couldn’t shake off the unease of aligning with someone perceived as a danger to their world.

“He’s kind, yet misunderstood. You’ll have to see for yourself. Come on, I’m sure we can find him,” he began tugging on her arm, but Airella stood her ground with wide eyes.

In this moment, she couldn’t help but think if Duran had to deal with this type of nonsense all the time. Perhaps it’s why the old man had built up such an enormous wall meant to keep out any emotion and do what he always thought was best for his people, even if everyone else disagreed.

“You realize he killed Marcus?” Airella grimaced, her voice tinged with a mix of fear and disbelief. “He brought him back from the dead to rip you and Duran to shreds. That thing, Miscreant, Sirius, whatever he is, engaged in battle against us. He even threw you out of a window from a two-story building,” she recounted, her eyes welling up with tears. The thought of this mysterious humanoid being sent shivers down her spine. However, as Jonathan’s words echoed in her mind, a flicker ofdoubt crept in–maybe there was some truth to it all, maybe she was simply letting fear cloud her judgment.

“We found him!” A group of men rushed out of the woods, assisting Duran as he limped on his hurt ankle.

Airella’s heart raced as she sprinted in their direction, her mind filled with worry and relief intertwining in a chaotic dance. Meeting them halfway, she scanned Duran’s pale face, a mix of concern and fear reflected in her eyes.

“Where was he?” Her voice trembled, her gaze shifting between Duran and the soldiers. Despite the dirt and bruises marring his features, he seemed fine. The air was heavy with tension as she listened intently, her heart pounding like a war drum in her chest.

“We found him wandering around along the border of the camp. We think he saw something.” The soldiers’ words were a lifeline in the sea of uncertainty. With gentle urgency, they carried Duran into his tent, their movements swift and practiced as they began their healing ministrations.

“He was in our camp last night, I’m telling you! He was in my tent, I just know it.” Duran’s voice carried through the camp.

Airella’s eyes flicked back to Jonathan, his silhouette a stark contrast against the backdrop of the camp. His stillness spoke volumes, a silent sentinel in the chaos that unfolded before them. Determination etched in her features, she strode purposefully towards him, her steps echoing the rhythm of her racing heart.

“Jonathan, do you know anything about this?” Her voice was a mix of accusation and desperation, her hand gesturing in an arc before his unfocused gaze. The weight of unspoken words hung heavy in the air, a silent plea for answers amid turmoil.

He hesitated, the lines of his face etched with conflict before straightening his posture.

“He wanted to let you know that he’s sorry.” Jonathan’s words hung in the air, a fragile bridge between past regrets and uncertain futures.

Airella’s expression wavered, a kaleidoscope of emotions swirling in her eyes. Shock, disbelief, and a glimmer of hope danced across her features, a storm brewing on the horizon of her soul.

“But that’s not all,” he began, a hint of curiosity in his voice as he looked at Airella. “He wants to learn about us. He wants to know—” Jonathan tried to explain, but Airella’s focus remained fixed on proving him wrong.

“Jonathan,” she interjected, a sense of urgency in her tone. “We can’t just trust this stranger right now, okay? Much less one who has tried to kill us. Our key priority is to scout the island and ensure our survival. Dealing with Miscreants around us constantly won’t make it any easier. I’m in no place to give you orders, but if I were in your shoes, I’d keep this encounter to yourself.” Airella rested her hand on his golden armor, a gesture that hinted at the weight of their situation. She couldn’t deny that she was adopting Duran’s pragmatism, sending a shiver down her spine.

Jonathan gazed at the ground for a moment before meeting her eyes again. “You’re right, I guess I don’t know what’s come over me,” he said, though his voice betrayed a hint of uncertainty that didn’t escape Airella’s notice.

Exhaling a sigh, Airella took a step back, leaving Jonathan to shoulder the responsibility in Duran’s absence. Looking up at him, she suggested, “Perhaps we should explorefurther. There must be more to this island than meets the eye. Duran’s reluctance to return to Eldaraya is clear, but it’s a decision we need to respect. I can’t mess this up, Jonathan. Being here means my family is going to be taken care of.”

Jonathan nodded in agreement, his demeanor serious and devoid of his usual joviality. Airella couldn’t ignore the absence of his usual smile and laughter, and she wondered if her lack of faith in him was the cause.

Biting on her lower lip in uncertainty, she wrestled with her desire to trust Jonathan completely. Yet, an unspoken doubt lingered, preventing her from fully committing to that trust.

“Attention, everyone,” Jonathan’s voice rang out, commanding authority. “We can’t afford to waste any more daylight. Half of us will remain here to safeguard the camp and care for Duran, while the rest will venture further into the southern region of the island.” His directive spurred the group into action, each member preparing for their respective tasks with a sense of purpose.

Chapter 13

256 Years Ago

He had no intent to attack anymore. He only wanted her to leave so that she wouldn’t die. However, when he saw her walking across the weak ice of the lake, his heart sank. Her panicked huffs of fear grew closer as they echoed throughout the snowy mountains. He now faced the decision of either watching her freeze to death or saving her after her body went under the freezing waters.

He let out a deep, rumbling growl that reverberated through the icy landscape, sending shivers down the spines of the nearby trees. With a powerful leap that seemed to defy gravity, he soared from the shadowy entrance of his cave with a grace that belied his massive form. As he landed gracefully on the crystal-clear frozen lake, the ice beneath him shimmered with a delicate dance of light, reflecting the cold beauty of the winter moon.

Summoning his ancient powers, he focused his mind on the girl lying so still on the icy surface. With a gentle yet commanding gesture, he channeled the essence of frost and snow, willing the elements to obey his command. Quickly, a large pillar of ice rose from the frozen depths, its form takingshape beneath the girl’s limp body. The pillar grew steadily, reaching towards the starlit sky like a frozen sentinel standing guard over the icy waters.

As the pillar reached its full height, it swiftly lifted the girl’s body above the shimmering expanse of the frozen lake. With a tender touch, he scooped her up in his arms, cradling her gently against his obsidian-covered chest. She lay motionless, her skin chilled by the icy water, her breath forming delicate clouds in the frigid night air. Her features, once flushed with life, now grew paler by the second, a stark contrast against the darkness of her savior.

The dilemma weighed heavily on his mind as he pondered the unfamiliar territory of this situation. How was this challenge different from the foes he had conquered in the past? The answers seemed to dance just out of reach, cloaked in the enigma of his conflicting emotions and thoughts.

With a gentle touch, he carefully positioned her on a massive rock that stood prominently within his cavern’s depths. Remnants of the earth’s slow artistry, thick stalagmites, covered the floor beneath them, while the walls displayed intricate engravings of his ancient language—a language that echoed tales of a long-forgotten era.

Intrigued by the enigmatic presence of the girl before him, he leaned in closer, studying her features with a mix of curiosity and fascination. His trembling obsidian-covered hand reached out, brushing aside the strands of disheveled hair that veiled her face, a gesture laced with both uncertainty and tenderness.

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