We laid together on the blanket, slowly drying in the warm summer air. My head rested on Isaac's chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. One hand gently combed through my hair, the other entangled with mine. The sun had set, and the bioluminescent plants awoke, making the forest glow with pinks, blues, and yellows. Animals scurried about, rustling the leaves in the trees and the forest floor, settling into their homes to sleep, and others waking up for their day. I didn't want this moment to end.

Isaac heaved a heavy sigh. "We should probably get back. Mother will start to worry," he said softly.

I looked up at him, the glow from the water illuminating his face in a soft turquoise light. Shadows danced across the sharp edges of his face and nose. I never realized how different Isaac looked from humans. There was even the slightest point to his ears. His eyes were soft, and the green inside them seemed to swirl with golden flecks, hidden if you were too far away. I felt lucky to be this close to see them. He smiled and brushed the hair out of my face making my heart ache. I felt like I was in a dream. Why did this place feel so familiar? Isaac sat up and handed me my dress. I didn't want to leave such a peaceful place.

I took it reluctantly. "I wish we could stay here forever."

Isaac laughed. "Really? I'm flattered, but what about your training? Jess and Michael, and your dad? Don't you want to get back to them?"

"Not if it means leaving you," I said softly. Isaac's smile faltered, and he looked at me, his eyes searching mine.

He reached up. His fingers grazed my cheek softly before cupping my face in his hand. "I'm not going anywhere. I promise." He kissed me gently, lingering for a moment before pulling away. He helped me up as I pulled the dress over my damp swimsuit.

"Think we can come back here again sometime?" I asked.

"Sure! We can come back in a couple of days. I have some business I need to take care of." He replied, gathering the blanket and the basket. He held out his hand.

I smiled and took it. "So... does this mean we're official? Like, I know we went on dates before, but..." I felt a blush creeping into my skin.

Isaac laughed heartily. "I would hope so... I thought we were... " he stopped, took both my hands in his and held them up against his chest.

"You are the best thing that has happened to me, Lizbeth. Would you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?" My chest warmed as my name rolled off his tongue effortlessly. I nodded slowly and he laughed, giving me a quick peck on the lips.  "Fantastic! Come on, we should start walking. The carriage should still be in town." He led me away from the slice of heaven we had created, stepping back into the reality of the day.

We had walked for a while, much longer than it had been when we arrived during daylight. Isaac didn't seem worried, but I felt like we were lost. I wasn't complaining too much, the forest was beautiful. But the glowing eyes in the darkness made me uneasy.

"It's safe out here, right?" I asked nervously, walking closer to Isaac.

"Yeah, the animals near the mountain are safe. No predator would dare come near the Denali." He said calmly.

"What are the Denali?" I hadn't read about them in any text.

"They are a race of dragons that live in the mountains. They are very territorial but reasonable in some cases. I've only ever met a couple when my mom was making sure Arvora was safe. We promised to stay out of the mountain range unless invited, and they promised to leave Arvora alone."

"Think I could meet one? I've always wondered about dragons."

Amused, he patted my head. "Maybe, but I warn you, they can be scary. They are powerful even in their humanoid forms."

It took a moment for me to register what he just said. My mouth fell open in shock. "Wait... They shift between human and dragon!"

"Is that weird?" he asked, his eyebrows raising slightly.

"No, I mean one read plenty of fantasy where there are shifters. You wouldn't believe how many werewolf stories are out there." I said, my eyes widened. "Are there werewolves in Arvora?!"

"No! At least, I've not met any. Then again, who knows what's over there in the Crystal continent?" he chuckled.

I recalled the map I once saw in the library. Arvora was big, but only a tiny corner of the crystal continent was mapped. My mind raced with all the possibilities of the unexplored area. Maybe one day we could explore all there was in this land. But, first I have to settle everything back home and have a very long talk with my dad.  I can come back after graduation and really dive into the world and its creatures. Maybe help stabilize the travel between?

"So what business do you have to do when we get back? I asked.

He smiled. "Well, I was hoping to walk you to training tomorrow and speak with Mother. I'll have to tell her about us..."

I giggled behind my hand. "Oh, she already knows."

Isaac's eyes widened. "What! Really?"

"She's not blind, Isaac. She knew there was something the first night we had dinner together." His face was absolutely dumbfounded. How could he be so oblivious?

He rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Well, I'll still need to tell her." his smile faded. "Also, she's also been acting strangely. I fear the occultists are becoming too much for her to handle. She seems withdrawn and stressed all the time. You aren't the only one they tried to kidnap; there have been others all over Arvora, some not so lucky."

    I remembered the cloaked figure from the other day. I hope I never have to run into them again. Who knows what I'd do. I still have a lot to learn in terms of magic and fighting. I needed to learn everything I could.

We continued to walk further into the brush when I noticed it had become eerily quiet. I stopped and looked around, listening for anything.

"What's wrong?" he asked. His eyes followed my gaze into the forest.

Something was moving, making the trees and bushes sway, and it was big. Fear gripped me. Isaac pulled me closer as they seemed to multiply. We couldn't make out what they were. A low deep growl emanated from behind us, and more followed. We were surrounded. I felt Isaac's body tense, and his hand squeezed mine in silent reassurance. On the other hand, a blue fireball erupted. I focused and called on my aura. I felt it awaken deep within me and surge towards my hands.

"Collumino!" I whispered. The light formed in my hands, and it only took me a moment to create the whips I learned in training. Adrenaline pumped through me as Isaac and I stood back to back, ready for whatever emerged from the forest.

"I thought you said it was safe!" I said.

"It is... I'm not sure whatー" he was interrupted by a giant cat-like creature. Their fur black as night made them hard to see; their yellow eyes glowed menacingly as they growled, jaws snapping in anticipation. It launched forward, swiping at Isaac with its massive sharp claws. The others followed suit. There were six of them. We both managed to dodge the attacks, Isaac threw balls of hot fire at them, but they were too fast. Thankfully the forest was too wet to burn, or we would have more things to worry about.

"Shit! Stay close, Liz, and DON'T let them bite you!" He yelled, flinging volleys of fire at the felines, narrowly dodging their fangs. I threw my whip at one, searing its fur. It roared in pain. Isaac managed to hit one, and it yowled as the flames consumed it. Only five left... still too many. One jumped towards me, and I dodged, flinging my weapon against it. The light passed through it, cutting it in half as I fell harshly on the ground. Isaac had taken another one out. My ankle burned as I tried to stand. 

"Isaac, I don't know how much longer I can go on..." I said, panting. My body ached from the intense movement. The beasts were incredibly agile for their size and were really fast. I felt my magic straining to keep the whips in my hands. My lungs burned as I stumbled closer to Isaac. He looked at me worriedly. I could see the fear in his eyes. He was losing his strength as well. The beast stalked closer, sensing our weakness. 

We needed to get out of here.   Fast.

****

Before I could grab Isaac and run, one of them leaped at us from behind, catching Isaac off guard. He cried out in pain as the beast sunk its fangs into his shoulder. His eyes rolled back into his head, and I watched in horror as his body fell limp to the forest floor.

"ISAAC!" I flung the whip at the cat and it caught, killing it instantly. Time seemed to slow, and I felt my heart pounding in my head. The two cats circled me, their growls becoming more vicious. I stood protectively over Isaac, watching the cats closely. I could feel the energy pulsing through my hands as heat radiated off my whips. My breath ran ragged as I swung my light at the demons, careful not to hit Isaac. Everything was hurting, but I couldn't let it end like this! 

One managed to slice my leg with its claws. I winced in pain as the blood poured from the wound down my calf. The other jumped towards me, its maw opened wide. I swung at it with both hands, the hot white light hit its face. It fell to the ground in a burning heap.

Finally, I faced the last one. It eyed me cautiously and, after a moment, decided I was not worth its life. It ran into the forest, disappearing behind the dense brush.

It was over.

My knees gave out, and I dropped onto the dirt floor. I felt my magic and strength leave me. My body erupted with pain, my leg and head throbbed. My stomach hurt, suddenly feeling nauseous. I threw up.

I slowly crawled over to Isaac. My head felt dizzy, and I was probably losing a lot of blood. But all I could think about was Isaac. He laid still on the forest floor, his eyes closed. His face was deathly white.

"I-Isaac..." I shook violently. I brushed his dark hair out of his face.

"Isaac... wake up. They're gone." I stroked his cheek gently, and his head lolled to the side. Tears swelled in my eyes. His breathing was really shallow, and his heartbeat was weak. An alarming amount of blood poured from the gash on his shoulder. It had swollen and was gradually turning black.

Don't let them bite you! His voice sounded in my head. My blood ran cold. NO! I frantically looked around. I didn't know where we were or how far away we were from the town. He needs help! I felt hot tears trail down my cheeks. What should I DO?

Ignoring the Hell I was feeling, I wrapped my arms around him and hoisted him up. With clenched teeth, I tried to stand. I had to get Isaac back to town. Rain started to fall from the sky, causing the ground to become slick with mud. I managed to drag him a couple feet before I slipped, sending a spike of pain up my leg. I yelled in agony and frustration.

I can't give up! If I had trained better..This wouldn't have happened! I had been training for weeks! Why is my magic so weak? Lilith said I was powerful!

Isaac groaned, and a glimmer of hope blossomed in me.  

"Isaac! Please! Please, wake up..." I shook him gently, but nothing worked. His eyes remained closed. He looked so dead. My body shook as the cold rain seeped into my dress.

After several moments I tried again. I lifted him up and struggled to stand, but my body didn't give me a chance this time. My leg gave out once more, and we both fell into the mud.

"Damn it! You said it was safe! You said we were safe!" I cried as I weakly smacked his chest. "You said you would never leave me..."        

I gritted my teeth. "HELP!" I screamed in desperation. "SOMEONE, PLEASE!" My voice cracked as I yelled at the top of my lungs. I didn't care if there could be more creatures lurking in the dark forest. I looked back down at Isaac, and I touched his cheek. His skin was now ice cold, and his lips were turning purple. I pulled him closer in an attempt to warm him.

"Isaac..." My arms tightened around him as sobs wracked my body.

I can't lose you right now...or ever!

Something snapped inside me. My aura suddenly swelled, filling up my body with warm magic. I blanked out, my eyes rolling to the back of my head. Light shot out of me and into the sky, sending a great pulse through the land and trees. My wrist burned painfully, and my body shook. The forest lit up like a beacon as power emanated from my body. I had no control. Then there was nothing, just darkness. My body gave way into exhaustion.

My last thought was Isaac handing me flowers from the field.

©2021 Jessica Powell. All Rights Reserved

*****Thank you to my wonderful editor Arco*****

Got inspired again! simple drawing. still new to digital but I'm enjoying it lol