The low light of dusk filtered through the cracks in the wooden shutters, casting faint golden streaks across the walls of Cassiel's room. She sat on the edge of her cot, her fingers brushing against the fabric of her tunic, lost in the ever-turning tide of thoughts. The prophecy had refused to leave her mind; its cryptic lines were a heavy weight she couldn't shake.
Her stomach let out a low, insistent growl, pulling her out of her reverie. She frowned, realizing she hadn't eaten since the morning meal Alyna had brought her.
With a sigh, Cassiel stood, brushing her hair back and grabbing her cloak. The faint chill of evening air drifted in through the cracks in the door as she stepped outside. Rothmoor was quiet at this hour, the villagers either in their homes or winding down from the day's work. The scent of baked bread and roasted meat lingered faintly in the air, guiding her toward Alyna's quarters.
Cassiel found Alyna standing near a small fire pit, stirring something in a pot. She glanced up, her eyes lighting up with recognition. At that moment, Cassiel felt a wave of comfort wash over her, knowing that Alyna was there for her.
"Thought you were gonna hide away in there all day," Alyna teased with a grin. "Figured I'd check on you if you didn't show up soon."
"I got... caught up," Cassiel admitted, rubbing the back of her neck.
Alyna smirked and gestured to the pot. "You're in luck. I made extra to give you some when I came over. Hungry?"
"Starving," Cassiel replied, the faintest smile breaking through her otherwise serious expression.
Alyna grabbed a wooden bowl, ladling some of the stew into it before handing it to Cassiel. The warmth of the stew seeped into Cassiel's hands, a comforting sensation that eased the tension in her chest. They sat near the fire, the flames crackling softly.
"So," Alyna began, leaning back against a log, "how was your visit to Thalora? Was she as... entertaining as promised?"
Cassiel groaned, the memory of the eccentric seer making her roll her eyes. "Let's just say Eramus wasn't exaggerating."
Alyna chuckled. "She's a lot, isn't she? But she knows her stuff. Eramus says she's never been wrong."
Cassiel's appetite faltered slightly as she stirred the stew with her spoon. "She said things. Cryptic things. I haven't been able to make sense of it all."
Alyna studied her quietly for a moment, then shrugged lightly. "Thalora's words are like a puzzle. They'll make sense when they're supposed to. For now, just eat. You'll need your strength if you're gonna figure them out."
Cassiel nodded, taking a bite of the stew. The warmth spread through her, soothing in a way she hadn't expected. They sat in comfortable silence, the tension in Cassiel's chest easing just enough to let her breathe.
"Thanks," Cassiel said after a moment.
"For what?"
"For this. For being... normal," Cassiel admitted.
Alyna grinned. "Don't get used to it." She stood, brushing off her tunic. "You'll figure it out, Cass. Whatever's got you tied up in knots, you'll untangle it eventually."
Cassiel didn't respond, watching as Alyna moved to stoke the fire. The simplicity of their exchange left her feeling more grounded, even if her thoughts remained a whirlwind.
As the last rays of the sun dipped below the horizon, Cassiel stood, setting the bowl aside. "I should get back."
Alyna waved her off with a nod. "Get some rest. You look like you need it."
Cassiel made her way back to her quarters, the quiet of the evening settling over her like a blanket. The calm of the night wrapped around her, soothing her frayed nerves and bringing a sense of peace.
She lay down on her cot, her mind drifting as the faint sounds of the village lulled her into a restless sleep.
Cassiel woke with a start, the faint glow of moonlight streaming through the window and painting pale streaks across the floor. The weight of her thoughts had finally pulled her into a restless sleep, but they hadn't let her rest for long.
She sat up, running a hand through her hair, and her gaze immediately fell to the broken blade leaning against the wall. For days, she'd avoided it. It felt like a piece of herself that didn't belong in this quiet village.
But now, something compelled her to reach for it.
She rose silently, her bare feet brushing against the cool wooden floor. The weapon felt familiar despite its fractured state when her fingers curled around the hilt. It wasn't out of commission, but it was no longer the weapon of an angel. Its weight was lighter, yet the blade still held an undeniable power.
Blade in hand, Cassiel stepped outside into the still night.
The village was quiet, its homes dark save for the faint flicker of a dying lantern here and there. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and earth. Stars stretched endlessly above her, a glittering reminder of the vastness she had once called home.
She walked a few paces away from her door, her wings shifting slightly at her back as she leaned against the table just outside. Her blade rested beside her, its fractured edge catching the faint moonlight.
The night's peace was almost suffocating in its stillness. Cassiel tilted her head back to gaze at the stars, her mind wandering.
The prophecy lingered at the edges of her thoughts, its cryptic words weaving in and out of her consciousness. Was the "blade that's broken" her? Or the weapon at her side? Was the "land without rain" the Drylands? What winds would rise, and who would have to make the choice that determined the fate of all?
Her grip tightened on the edge of the table as she exhaled slowly. She thought of her dream—the figure in the wasteland, the overwhelming aura of darkness that reminded her of him.
The memory made her wings twitch. She hadn't spoken of it to anyone, not even Eramus. The thought of what could be out there, waiting, was enough to unnerve even her.
A sudden sound tore through the quiet.
It was low, deep, and resonant. A single howl, powerful and raw, cutting through the still night like a blade.
Cassiel froze. Her body tensed instinctively, and her hand moved to the hilt of her blade. The howl wasn't far, but it was close enough to send a shiver down her spine.
Her breath caught in her throat as she scanned the treeline beyond the village. The sound had come from the darkness just beyond the faint glow of the village's borders.
There was silence again for a moment, but the air felt heavier, charged with something primal.
Cassiel stepped forward cautiously, her blade gripped tightly in her hand. Her wings fluttered faintly, an instinctive response to the unknown.
The howl hadn't just been a sound; it had been a warning.
She stared into the darkness, her heart pounding as the quiet stretched. Whatever was out there, she knew one thing for sure.
It was coming.