Isle of Beasts and Shadows (The Forgotten Isle Saga #1)

Chapter 35

Sirius had finally felt a sense of humanity, a feeling that wasn’t tied to pain, magic, or anything of that sort, but a connection he discovered through Airella. Without her, he would have remained lost in a cycle of soul-consuming obedience to Father’s commands. His determination was singular—defeat Father. Airella stood out as one of his closest and most empathetic companions. In contrast to Jonathan, Sirius found more shared traits and understanding with Airella.

“Airella?” Sirius’s eyes snapped open in a sudden jolt, his body throbbing with pain. Despite the agony, he summoned the strength to rise to his feet, surrounded by an all-encompassing darkness reminiscent of a forsaken forest.

A chill ran down his spine as he glanced at his side and caught sight of her presence. The golden armor she wore gleamed under the dim light, a stark contrast to her appearance when they last parted ways at the ball. Her once golden blonde locks had transformed into a platinum cascade, while her eyes shone with an ethereal, icy blue hue. Two elegant and curved black horns now adorned her head, marking a stark departure from her human origins. Yet, Sirius’s concern was not her altered form but the fact that she was alive, Miscreant or human, sparking a glimmer of emotion in his otherwise emotionless existence.

Sirius lunged for her, his heart pounding with a mix of emotions, and embraced her tightly as she sat there in surprise, feeling the warmth of his hug enveloping her. She slowly lifted her hands, hesitating for a moment before returning the gesture, her touch gentle yet comforting. Tears welled up in Sirius’s eyes and rolled down his cheeks, a rare display of vulnerability that spoke volumes.

As she felt the sincerity of his embrace, Airella’s heart stirred with a muted mix of emotions, memories of the past resurfacing like gentle waves crashing against the shore. The feelings she had buried deep within her resurfaced, tugging at her heart with a bittersweet ache.

Concern etched in his voice, Sirius growled softly, “Did he hurt you?” But Airella remained silent, her gaze downcast as if wrestling with inner turmoil. “Airella? Are you okay?” he pressed, his worry palpable in the air.

Airella raised her eyes to meet his, a veil of emotions clouding her expression as she struggled to find her voice. With a solemn shake of her head, she conveyed her inner turmoil, a silent admission to her pain and struggle. Unable to speak, she gestured towards her throat, a silent plea for understanding.

Realization dawned on Sirius as he pieced together the puzzle of her condition, a surge of anger rising within him towards the one responsible. Casting a quick glance around, he spotted a sturdy stick nearby, a makeshift weapon to aid him in his weakened state, since his scythe went down with the burning ship.

“We need help, Airella,” Sirius implored urgently, his gaze fixed with determination. “We can’t go back there. It’s going to be risky, but we need to find Zol. He’s the only Miscreant I know that might match Father in power. We need him on our side.” The weight of their mission pressed heavily upon him, yet he felt an unwavering resolve to locate Zol, understanding it as their pivotal next move. With an unyielding sense of urgency propelling him forward, Sirius braced himself against the daunting odds.

Airella regarded Sirius with a mixture of disbelief and concern, her expression mirroring the tumult of emotions within her as she shook her head vehemently.

“I know, I know. You don’t like it, but we need his help.” His voice trailed off, a flicker of apprehension crossing his features as he contemplated the impending encounter with Zol.

As they ventured deeper into the dense woodlands, Sirius’s unease grew palpable, his voice betraying a hint of trepidation as he navigated the unfamiliar terrain. The rustling of leaves and the whisper of the wind added an eerie backdrop to their clandestine mission, heightening the tension that hung in the air.

Minutes ticked by in tense anticipation until a sudden commotion in a nearby bush disrupted the silence. Sirius instinctively raised his makeshift weapon in defense, bracing himself for an unknown threat lurking in the undergrowth. As the tension mounted, a figure emerged from the shadows, revealing Duran with outstretched arms lunging towards Sirius.

“I finally found you!” Duran exclaimed with a mixture of relief and joy, enveloping Sirius in a tight embrace. His words carried a sense of genuine concern, underscoring the gravity of their predicament. “I thought you were dead.” The reunion sparked a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty that shrouded their mission.

The sudden realization took aback Sirius. Hadn’t he successfully defeated Duran when Father had taken control of his body?

Glancing at Duran and Airella, Sirius noticed the absence of the pendant around her neck. It all came flooding back to Sirius—when he inadvertently shattered the necklace, freeing Jonathan’s soul. With Jonathan’s soul released, it had presumably ventured into the realm of Limbo, seeking the closest available body to inhabit, which evidently turned out to be Duran’s.

“Sorry,” Jonathan began hesitantly, his gaze shifting towards Airella, “your brother... he is very fortunate.” Stepping from behind Jonathan, Arii revealed himself to the group. The young boy appeared visibly shaken as he stood there, his eyes fixed on his older sister.

“Air…?” his voice trailed off, a hint of uncertainty in his tone before he suddenly recoiled. “Is that really you?”

Arii cowered back in fear as he examined her, his eyes widening with trepidation. A look of disappointment overcame Airella, her brows furrowing slightly as she lowered her eyes towards the ground, the weight of sorrow and frustration evident in her gaze. She could feel the heaviness in her chest, a lump forming in her throat. Perhaps Jonathan had caught her brother up to speed, and she hoped with all her heart that he wouldn’t be fearful of her or the fact that Jonathan was now inhabiting Duran’s body. Memories of that fateful night flooded her mind, the screams, the chaos—the last time Arii saw Duran was when he had slaughtered their mother. The pain and horror of that moment had left a lasting scar on both of their souls.

“So, is there a plan?” Duran, or Jonathan, questioned Sirius, a hint of skepticism in his voice as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “I mean, we can’t exactly get back to Eldaraya without a ship. All the ships have been burned. It was Father’s doing, no doubt. He’s going to do everything he can to keep us here.”

“There’s a plan, but you’re not going to like it,” Sirius replied, his tone calm yet tinged with a sense of unease. “Remember that ice hellion we ran into the last time we were here?”

“How could I forget?” Jonathan crossed his arms in question, his expression a mixture of concern and curiosity as Sirius wiped a drop of sweat from his forehead, a bead of anxiety glistening in the dim light.

“We need to get him to help us,” Sirius continued, his words measured and deliberate, trying to convey a sense of urgency without causing panic.

Even though Jonathan was inhabiting Duran’s body, his response was just as expected—overly exaggerated and dramatic. His eyes grew wide, mirroring the shock that contorted his features as his jaw dropped to the ground. It was the reaction Sirius had expected from Jonathan upon hearing such a risky plan.

“Are you insane? Are you forgetting how that demon almost killed us, not just once, but twice?” Jonathan yelled, his voice echoing through the tense silence that enveloped the group.

“Thanks to you and Airella,” Sirius expressed gratefully, his eyes reflecting a sense of relief, “I’ve felt more human than I ever did working with that Miscreant, Father.”

As he moved forward, Arii remained steadfastly by his side, Jonathan trailing close behind, while Airella, her voice lost in some unknown silence, followed suit. Concern etched on Sirius’s face, he cast a fleeting glance over his shoulder at Airella, silently ensuring her well-being. The passage of time seemed inconsequential as they trudged through the icy terrain, the cold seeping into their bones.

“What do we do once we find him?” Jonathan’s voice trembled with apprehension. “We can’t risk the kid’s safety by keeping him with us. He could be in grave danger.”

Sirius’s expression darkened slightly. “We won’t find him. He will find us, no matter where we tread in his domain. This frozen wasteland belongs to him, but with luck—” His words were abruptly cut off.

“Does this mean that the ice hellion from my sister’s tale is real?” Sirius’s gaze lingered on Arii as he spoke.

“Yes, but don’t worry. We will shield you from harm,” Sirius murmured softly, ruffling Arii’s hair in a reassuring gesture.

Suddenly, a chilling voice pierced the air, sending shivers down their spines. “??n??vē?í! Get out!”

“Get Arii and Airella away from here, and stay out of sight until this is over!” Sirius demanded, then watched as Jonathan took Airella’s hand and carefully carried Arii by his waist into an iced-over brush, the frosty leaves crunching beneath their hurried steps.

Sirius turned with determination to face the towering ice hellion, a creature of frozen fury. He unsheathed his twin daggers, and his eyes blazed with a fierce resolve as he locked gazes with the monstrous being.

“Who are you?” The ice hellion’s voice, though strained, struggled to form the words in English, its tone laced with confusion and primal anger.

Sirius raised his makeshift staff, its wooden surface catching the pale moonlight. With a heavy exhale, he lowered his head slightly before addressing the formidable foe. As he spoke, he sensed the chilling gaze of Zol, the ice hellion, scrutinizing his every movement.

“I am Sirius, the Miscreant that brought death to your beloved Emmaline.” his voice carried a weight of history and regret.

Sirius leaned on his wooden staff, and he avoided meeting Zol’s piercing gaze. Yet, when Sirius dared to glance up at the towering figure before him, Zol instinctively lowered his daggers, the fierce gleam in his eyes softening as a wave of memories and emotions flooded his being. The pulsating glow in his eyes subsided, and the once menacing figure of the ice hellion simply stood, a palpable tension hanging in the frozen air between them. After a pregnant pause, allowing the weight of his words to settle, Zol clenched his massive fists at his sides, the ice crackling with an icy fury that mirrored the turmoil within his frozen heart.

“Emma? You? You... YOU!” he cried out in a mix of shock and anger, his voice trembling with emotion.

Just before he lunged at Sirius, his eyes filled with a fierce determination. With a swift movement, he tossed his daggers aside, the metallic clatter echoing in the tense silence of the forest. Grasping Sirius by the collar, he hurled him forcefully against the nearest tree, the impact reverberating through the air.

Zol held Sirius in a vice-like grip, his strength and fury palpable as ice encased Sirius’s legs. Despite the cold seeping into his bones, Sirius felt a surge of fear and desperation. Zol’s hand tightened around his throat, cutting off his air supply, while tears welled up in Sirius’s eyes, a mixture of pain and regret clouding his vision.

“I’m sorry... I took her from you...” Sirius gasped out the words, his voice strained and hoarse.

Zol’s growl rumbled low in his chest as he exerted more pressure, pushing Sirius harder against the rough bark of the tree. The wood creaked under the strain, threatening to splinter.

“You took Emma from me!” Zol’s voice was a dangerous hiss, filled with a raw intensity that sent shivers down Sirius’s spine. With each word, the grip around Sirius’s neck tightened, the world around him fading into darkness at the edges of his vision.

“And that is something… I will regret for the rest of my days… but, there is one… Miscreant that you can… let your anger out on. The Miscreant that was behind it all,” Sirius’s plea was desperate, his fingers clawing at Zol’s obsidian skin, seeking any leverage to loosen the hold around his throat.

Zol hesitated, his gaze flickering with a mix of conflict and curiosity. As Sirius’s words sank in, a glimmer of interest sparked in Zol’s eyes.

“Explain,” he demanded, his voice commanding yet tinged with a hint of uncertainty, a crack in his previously unwavering facade.

“His name is Conivx, a shadow Miscreant. We seek your help in reaching him, as he remains beyond our grasp in this reality,” Sirius said between coughs, his voice strained from the recent choking episode.

Zol, with his intimidating brute-like appearance that cast a dark shadow over Sirius, seemed to consider the request. After a moment of silent contemplation, Zol gruffly released Sirius, showing his reluctant willingness to assist.

“Zol no like you, but I’ll help. There are more here?” he inquired with a deep, rumbling voice.

“It’s okay to come out now,” Sirius called out, his voice echoing in the tense air.

At his words, a rustling from a nearby bush caught his attention. First to emerge was Jonathan, followed closely by Arii, and last, Airella stepped into view. Airella’s expression shifted as her gaze met Zol’s intense stare. Despite the helmet concealing his true feelings, Zol’s unwavering gaze remained fixed on her.

“???mo?l?? ??vá?... Zol,” he uttered in a gravelly tone, his voice resonating with an unspoken history.

Sirius glanced back at Airella, who returned his surprised gaze with a look of recognition.

“V?k??á?? k?v?q? ??m?z, Airella,” she responded smoothly, no longer mute. Her words flowed effortlessly, as if the language was second nature to her, hinting at a deeper connection to this mysterious encounter.

To Airella, the prospect of encountering Zol once more seemed surreal. This enigmatic being had once posed a threat to their existence, yet here he stood, calmly engaging with her in a manner she could never have expected. The words effortlessly spilled from her lips, a newfound sense of confidence enveloping her.

With a tremor in her voice, she introduced herself, “My name is Airella.” Speaking in his native tongue, she left Sirius, Arii, and Jonathan bewildered by the exchange.

“Zol,” the ice hellion identified himself, a mysterious aura surrounding him. His presence captivated Airella, her mind racing with questions yet unable to form any coherent thoughts.

“You have changed since we last faced each other. You are no longer like Emmaline.” Zol observed, drawing closer to inspect her altered appearance. “You have evolved. We are the same.”

Airella’s mind buzzed with intrigue as she contemplated the implications of this revelation. Was it possible that she was unraveling the threads of her own ancestry?

“I don’t have all the answers yet, but I believe you may be my ancestor.” The notion rooted itself in her consciousness, causing doubt in everything she had been led to believe.

Zol locked eyes with her, a silent understanding passing between them in the timeless span of a few heartbeats. Airella turned to the others, breaking the connection with Zol as she grappled with the weight of these newfound revelations.

“Airella, tell him we need to create an army of our own,” Sirius ordered urgently, a hint of desperation in his voice. “Not to harm the humans, but to stop Conivx. To stop all of this.” She nodded in understanding and turned back to Zol, her eyes reflecting the weight of their mission.

“ü?d?rè tt?èc h?bdér, j?? ???cè?,” Airella spoke fluently in the odd language, her words resonating through the tense air. Zol hesitated, uncertainty clouding his features as he processed her request.

“I can’t do that,” he answered abruptly, a flicker of emotion crossing his face. Only she could understand the depth of his reluctance, the unspoken burdens he carried.

“Why?” Airella’s voice held a mix of curiosity and concern, her eyes searching his for answers.

“The Miscreants on this island have been waiting for human arrival for the longest time. If anything, they’d obey Conivx at all costs. I know of him. He rules the shadows. He’s power hungry,” Zol finished explaining, his tone heavy with the weight of his knowledge.

Disappointment flushed through Airella, a pang of sorrow tugging at her heart. “The least you can do is try. Lives are at stake.” She clenched her fists, her determination shining through despite the obstacles ahead.

“Human lives have been at stake since the moment they arrived centuries ago. Believe me, I’ve already learned that lesson,” he expressed with a mix of sorrow and determination clear in his tone. As sadness rushed through him, he gazed downwards briefly, contemplating the weight of his words. “However,” his voice regained strength as he lifted his gaze, eyes ablaze with a fierce resolve, “I will still seek my revenge on Conivx. He will pay for all he’s done. He doesn’t deserve his place.” The intensity of his emotions manifested as rage coursing through him like a torrent, visible as icy shards erupted through his helmet in a dramatic display.

Observing Sirius, Airella acknowledged his unspoken agreement with a subtle nod, signifying a united front with Zol now firmly on their side.

As the snowflakes descended upon the group, blanketing them in a soft white layer, an aura of chill enveloped them. Despite the cold, Zol and Airella appeared unfazed, displaying a peculiar resilience to the wintry weather.

Airella stole a glance at Arii, noting his apprehension as he sought comfort near Jonathan. She found solace because he was now under her protection, a responsibility she embraced wholeheartedly.

Suddenly, a shadow seemed to creep over their surroundings, casting an eerie darkness that sent a shiver down Airella’s spine. Puzzled by the sudden change, she scanned the area, her keen eyes searching for any signs of danger amidst the encroaching gloom.

“What’s going on?” Jonathan’s protective stance around Arii mirrored the unease that gripped the group.

In a hushed tone, Airella muttered an ancient phrase, “Hüth ét?n,” a whisper that carried a weight of foreboding.

Sirius’s grim expression confirmed her suspicions as he revealed, “He’s found us,” his voice laced with a hint of menace, foretelling a confrontation on the horizon.