Page 4 of Isle of Beasts and Shadows

Airella, held hostage, screamed obscenities, her voice muffled by the sound of rain pelting the earth. She fought against the firm grip of her captors, her eyes filled with desperation as she witnessed her mother’s comforting embrace of Arii, their chase abandoned.

“Hold on to it, Airella!” her mother’s voice cracked, pointing towards Dawnbreaker now carried by a soldier. Airella,torn between duty and longing, yearned to be with them. Who would care for them now that this had happened? While many would view an audience with the King of Eldaraya as an honor, the circumstances she was under now painted a starkly different reality.

As lightning split the darkened sky, thunder reverberated through the air, merging seamlessly with Airella’s tears and the relentless rain. Her once-golden locks now heavy with moisture, she found herself bound and unceremoniously ushered into a waiting carriage by the soldiers.

Chapter 2

They had journeyed through the night to get to Aramore, and Airella hadn’t slept a wink. Dark circles shadowed under her eyes. Her pallid skin was a stark contrast against the cold air.

The soldiers forced Airella to the ground before King William. Her hands bound with a chain, any thought of escape seemed futile. Lowered to her knees, the rain soaked her, sending shivers down her spine. Her waist-length hair whispered icy tales against her back.

The throne room exuded elegance unlike any she had seen before. Intricate tapestries adorned the walls of the throne room, depicting scenes of ancient battles and noble victories. Soft candlelight flickered, casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors. She felt out of place yet strangely captivated by the grandeur.

As she gazed at King William of Eldaraya, his piercing eyes seemed to hold a thousand untold stories, leaving her curious and apprehensive all at once. She quickly averted her gaze.

“What do you want from me?” Airella’s sudden question avoided meeting the eyes of one of such high stature. She did what she could to reduce the shakiness of her words, but failed.She only hoped to return home and care for her mother and Arii, both dependent on her.

“That is no way to address the king, commoner!” The king’s right-hand man interrupted, his golden armor gleaming as he circled Airella, appraising her. With a straight posture and hands behind his back, his gaze bore into hers. “Your father left a mark before his passing, Airella Devereaux. It’s only logical that his offspring, especially the eldest, would possess his strengths and talents. Joining our latest expedition would benefit us greatly. Everyone in the kingdom knows about your remarkable abilities in strength and speed. Your reputation precedes you, resembling your father.” A smug smile played on his lips, his graying dark hair and piercing green eyes sending chills through her.

Airella turned to King William, noting his intense interest in the conversation. Airella felt a mix of emotions swirling within her—a blend of apprehension, curiosity, and determination.

The weight of her unknowing family’s legacy pressed upon her shoulders, intertwining with the intrigue of the royal court. The air in the throne room held a tension that crackled like lightning, each word spoken carrying layers of unspoken implications. As she stood amidst the opulence and power, the gravity of the moment settled upon her like a heavy cloak, marking a turning point in her destiny.

“What makes you think I’d help?”

The words came out far snarkier than she would have liked, but this time, there was no fear in her voice. Airella’s teeth clenched as the first-in-command, a burly man with a scar across his left cheek, struck her across the face with a leather-gloved hand. The impact was jarring, causing her head to snap back, her multi-colored eyes welling up with tears thatthreatened to spill over. At that moment, the dimly lit room seemed to close in around her, the air heavy with tension as she sank deeper into the murky waters of trouble.

The scar-faced man crouched beside her, his voice booming with authority and a hint of condescension.

“Know your place,” he commanded in a commanding tone. “Show respect to those of higher rank,” his words echoed, his eyes cold and calculating. “We offer you a vital role in our military, yet you resist. This is exactly why women belong in kitchens, not on the battlefield!” He declared, a smirk playing on his lips. “We considered your brother,” he paused, his gaze piercing through her, “but he seems to lack your... abilities,” his voice trailed off, leaving an ominous silence hanging in the air.

“Duran, that’s enough,” King William’s deep voice resonated through the vast throne room, the echoes bouncing off the ornate walls. “Child,” he announced as he rose from his majestic throne, commanding attention with his regal presence, “we have discovered an island of mystical allure, nestled far off the coast of Edros. It beckons to become a treasured extension of our realm, promising untold riches and boundless potential. Not only that, but we hope it can be a safe space for our citizens to retreat if Aurian attacks. However, caution must precede ambition. Before we dispatch our cherished citizens to establish roots, our valiant warriors must venture forth to chart this uncharted territory. The unknown lurks beyond the horizon, and we must tread wisely. Yet fear not, for your bravery shall not go unnoticed. I will grant generous rewards upon you, and your family name will gleam with honor and glory for generations to come,” he concluded with a firm nod, his eyes alight with a mix of anticipation and reverence.

The unexpected turn of events took a back from Airella. His explanation didn’t leave room for her to choose whether to join the expedition; it felt more like a directive than a mere suggestion. The weight of his words hung in the air, hinting at an unspoken expectation of her compliance. She stood there, a mix of emotions swirling within her.

As she gazed up at him, his regal demeanor captured her attention. Despite his age, his features were still strikingly handsome, exuding a sense of authority that demanded respect.

Airella pondered over his proposition. If she agreed to go on this journey, he promised compensation that might change her family’s circumstances for the better. The thought of being able to afford her mother’s much-needed medication sparked a glimmer of hope within her.

However, doubts crept into her mind. How would her family fare without her presence? Could they manage on their own if she left? The idea of providing for her loved ones in a way she never could before tugged at her heartstrings. It was a decision that weighed heavily on her, knowing that whatever choice she made would have far-reaching consequences for those she held dear.

“I... I accept,” Airella stammered, the weight of those words heavy on her tongue.

Her father’s involvement in the King’s Royal Army had always been a mystery to her, but she knew his duties provided for their family. The envy of the village children for her possessions had never bothered her much, as she had grown accustomed to their way of life. It wasn’t until her father’s passing that the reality of their situation hit hard. With the income gone, her mother’s illness only added to the burden. Their cottage, once a place of comfort, now showed signs ofneglect. The struggle to put food on the table and afford her mother’s medicine weighed heavily on Airella’s mind.

In a strange turn of events, the offer presented itself as a lifeline. No longer would she need to resort to desperate measures to support her family. If leaving for a while meant securing her brother and mother’s well-being, she was prepared to make that sacrifice.

“That’s truly wonderful news,” he remarked with a genuine smile. “I will arrange for the payments to be sent over to your household. Your father, may his legacy endure, would undoubtedly be proud of your accomplishments.” Taking a moment to tidy up the loose ends, he continued, “Duran, if you would be so kind, could you accompany Miss Airella to the armory? We must ensure she is well-equipped and prepared for the journey ahead, as it promises to be quite arduous and lengthy.”

Duran bowed his head in respect and then turned to Airella. He roughly dragged her up onto her feet by the chains around her wrists, which he then unlocked, setting the girl free. He led her down a series of winding hallways, and eventually, they made it to the armory. Before Airella could go in, he forcefully grabbed her by the arm and pulled her inches away from his face.

“You will do as I say on this journey. Don’t think I’m going to cut you slack because you’re a girl. You’re only here because you carry your father’s superior strength and agility. You’ve yet to prove yourself. You’re still just a woman.” He scoffed, grabbing her face and whispering into her ear with sheer intensity. Shivers ran down her spine as he did so.

All she wanted was to just escape into the armory, then and there.

She reached for the door handle but paused. One question, in particular, kept clawing at her mind, and she couldn’t help but ask.

“What did my father do to make him so important? Why me?” Airella knew her father worked for the king long ago, but never knew what his exact role was. It was as if he had intentionally kept it a secret to keep his family from worrying. Airella had always assumed he had played a small part in the King’s Guard, and that was why they were so wealthy when he was alive. She never asked too many questions. Until recently, everything always seemed to make sense.

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