Warren

We halted for the night a few hours later. We lay down on the ground and ate a small portion of the food. "It would draw too many unwanted animals, so I can't start a fire tonight," Nyla Taylor explained. "You'll be safe if you lie next to me; I'll sleep soundly and have my sword by my side."

After placing my blanket beside hers on the floor, I fell asleep. Even though I was still nervous, it was simple for me to fall asleep because I was tired from our day's travels. Nyla Taylor was gone by the time I woke up the following morning. She was nowhere to be found when I sat up and glanced about. Her weapons were with her, and she had lost her purse and blanket. I initially questioned whether she had gone in search of a path, but as time went on, I grew gloomy and questioned whether I had been foolish enough to allow someone to guide me into The Shadow Woods and abandon me to my own devices. I assumed Nyla Taylor was not coming back, so I was just about to head for what I believed to be the path to the middle of the forest when I heard footsteps.

When I turned around, I spotted a stranger. I stepped back in surprise, my hand automatically reaching for my sword's hilt. I strengthened my hold on the firearm, but I didn't smile back at the stranger. I could at least try to protect myself even if I couldn't use it efficiently.

The man spoke in a warm, deep voice as he moved forward, "Hello."

He was a woodsman, as I soon discovered, but his manner gave the impression that he had no malicious intent. I hesitated, though. "Hello," I replied nervously.

"My name is Bryce," he introduced himself, drawing closer.

"I am—" I started.

With a calm tone, Bryce interrupted, "I know who you are. My sister is Nyla Taylor. I was sent by her to track you down and bring you to her."

"Where is she?" I asked, my curiosity sparked.

"She discovered a shortcut to the middle of The Shadow Woods, but she's afraid she might get lost if she tries to get you herself," Bryce explained. "Instead, she sent me. Hurry up." He started to walk away, but I caught hold of his arm and stopped him. A Spekter had previously tricked me and taken me to a strange environment, and I wasn't going to let that to happen again.

"Give me your hand," I demanded, stopping him. With a groan, Bryce reached out to me and complied. I gripped it securely by the wrist. I pulled the stone I had used the day before out of my pocket. I quickly cut his hand, seeing a small line of blood make its appearance. I took a handkerchief out of my pocket and tied it across the tiny wound, satisfied that he was not Spekter.

"I apologize," I said softly, tying the handkerchief, "but I suspected you may be a Spekter."

A slight grin pulled at Bryce's mouth. "Comprehensible," he conceded. "Since it's the only way to be sure, I've cut a lot of hands myself in an attempt to identify Spekters. Come on now. We must hurry and keep silent. Given that I'm not human, I would suffer consequences for assisting a fellow human being like you. You and I are not the same."

I gave a nod, and we started walking together.

Bryce guided me into The Tower Glade and directed us to Nyla Taylor. As we rushed forward, I thanked him in silence for leading me. "Hey!" Nyla Taylor exclaimed abruptly once Bryce brought me to her. "I discovered a shortcut! In two more days, we will arrive at your Jase. We have to go quickly now!"

We accelerated, but I was unable to control the exhilaration that was building within of me. I could barely wait to see Jase in two days.

"So, my brother—he's good, isn't he?" Nyla inquired with an optimistic tone as we hurried along.

I gave a quiet laugh. "Yes, he is really kind," I confirmed. "To demonstrate that he wasn't a Spekter, he even allowed me to cut his hand."

Nyla gave me a questioning look. "Oh, I must verify whether he is indeed a Spekter," she explained.

"Oh, I see," I replied. As we proceeded, Nyla spoke again, her tone light-hearted but unsure.

"Did you want to ask me a question concerning him?" Nyla asked.

"Well, I just wanted to say how much I miss him!" Nyla burst out. "It's not like you miss Jase, but it's very close! I lived with him until I was twelve and he was around fourteen. After that, I was kicked out, which was the first time I've spoken to him in over seven years. I miss him, and I was wondering if we could stop and spend a few days with him on the way back."

Even if I had been tempted to say no, I couldn't have done so because of the beseeching expression on her face. So I grinned and replied, "Of course. We may do anything you want as long as I locate Jase and check on him."

"Camryn, thank you very much!" Nyla beamed. "I'm like you, only I'm nineteen. I know the women in town talk about me being insane, and I could tell you thought so when you approached me in The Silver Tankard. If it seems insane, I apologize. I'm passionate, emotional, and anything else that makes me deep and caring. However, my brother is exactly the same! I have no doubt that you would adore my brother."

"He was really pleasant," I agreed. "Furthermore, I don't believe you're insane, Nyla Taylor. You're actually smarter than everyone else, in my opinion! You are aware of your life goals and actively pursue them. You love life, you care about the people you love, and you help others. Is there anything more to being sane?"

Nyla laughed. "Nothing, I guess," she conceded.

We went to bed that night with one day left. I was too exhausted to care, so I immediately fell asleep after conquering my fear. Nyla Taylor was in a deep sleep, so she must have been exhausted as well.

I felt as if I had just gone to sleep and was awakened by something. They were loud growls and grunts, similar but different. I tried to ignore it as I turned over, but the sound of wings and it both got louder. I looked around after sitting up, but I couldn't find anything. Then I nearly yelled as I looked up. Above the forest, a ferocious-looking, bright-red Drakon was observing us.

In order to avoid drawing its attention to us, I approached slowly and shook Nyla Taylor awake. I whispered urgently, "Nyla Taylor, wake up! A Drakon is directly overhead! Get up! Oh, wake up, please!"

As soon as Nyla's eyes opened, she became conscious and awake. "Get your bag and sword, then make your way to the trees," she commanded instantly. "I'll be there."

I moved to do so after nodding. When we were prepared, we ducked under the trees for protection. The red beast was barely visible when I looked up. However, I heard it. The growls and groans gradually turned into words. "You foolish little humans, come out!" the Drakon boomed. "I could follow you here all day, but I'd be too exhausted to prolong your demise. It won't be enjoyable if I kill you right then and there! Come on out."

It followed us as we strolled through the forest in silence. We arrived at the following glade. We would have to risk it and rush across really quickly. When I emerged from the cover, Nyla Taylor trailed behind. Without delay, the Drakon descended upon us. "That wasn't difficult there!" the Drakon roared as it descended. "Come back to the den with me now."

I managed to draw my sword before the enormous beast lifted us up. It yelled in agony as I cut at its feet, and we tumbled to the ground. It was too powerful to be further wounded by Nyla Taylor's bow and arrows. Breathing flames, the house-sized beast lunged for us. Our hips to our lower bodies were scorched. Nyla Taylor and I both fell apart.

Horror swept over me as I looked down at my legs. Muscle and sinew were visible through the raw, blistered, and red skin. My vision clouded and threatened to go completely black, as a cry of pain ripped from my throat. Nevertheless, I made myself get up and grasp for my weapon, my arms shaking. With a loud smash, the Drakon touched down, its enormous body trembling the ground beneath me. My actions were motivated by desperation, and I grabbed my sword and cut at its chest. Undeterred by the wound, the beast roared in rage and attacked. Before directing its fury at me, it first raked its claws at Nyla Taylor, who just avoided being struck.

I lay prone on the ground, my heart racing, waiting for the Drakon to loom straight over me, its shadow engulfing me. I took action the instant its claws ripped across my arms and chest, causing excruciating pain to burst through my body. In a fit of rage, I swung my sword deep into the beast's wing, causing a terrible wound as the blade sank through the scales and sinew.

The Drakon stumbled back, moving slowly as it tried to back away, but I could tell it wouldn't be around for long. We wouldn't either.