Page 62

Ignatia

It's been three days.

I pace around in my cell. It’s supposed to be the day I’m sent to have Vasilisa rip me apart.

The day I’m supposed to die.

I wonder when they’ll come to take me away. I have myself in dreamscreecher form to make the escape easier.

I lift up my head at the clanking of shoes down the hall. I see the guards dressed in white marching forth, their brows furrowed with Erasmus leading them.

Erasmus towers over me in front of the cell, crossing his arms. "Good morning, creature…"

"Filthy bastard…" I hiss.

He grunts. "You will get what you deserve for all you did to my brother."

"I'm sure your brother doesn’t agree."

"Because you manipulated him." He rolls his eyes before unlocking the door, letting it open as a blond guard comes in.

“Muzzle or cuffs?” the guard asks halfway through the door.

I snarl, letting my fur stand on end. Any moment would be time to sprint.

He shrugs and pulls out a muzzle. He steps forward almost through the doorway.

As if on cue, a green stem wraps around the guard leg, tripping him on the floor and dragging him on his belly away. I quickly take the opportunity to run over his back and into the hallway, fast enough so they can't catch up.

"Amias!" Erasmus yells out. I keep going through the hall and up the stairs, passing guards, and past people in the nearby streets.

Thank Cosmo for Amias.

I run until I find a small space behind some shady bushes and trees. It helps that they like to use nature for decor.

I crouch behind them when there's rustling the bushes around me. My body tightens and I unsheathe my claws.

"It's okay!" a familiar calming voice chirps.

My body relaxes as Amias walks through the dense bushes, carrying an oversized backpack and wearing a gray tee and matching cargo shorts.

“I figured I'd check here.” He pants a little before glancing around.

"I have everything for you in this bag: coins worth ten thousand, a sleeping bag, three changes of clothes, two full water bottles, and some food.

I hope it's enough to last a week until you make it there.

I'll keep it on until we're far enough. I don't want it to slow you down. "

I nod. "Okay. That should be plenty."

“We have to get to the forest past the city, which isn't too far from this area. Then you’ll be safe. It will be too dense for them to follow, even in Amarian territory. Ready?"

"Yeah. Let's do it."

◆◆◆

It seems to take forever to get to the forest while running under the police's radar. We get far enough avoiding people, with me in my human form. We hide occasionally to catch our breaths when people seem to notice, only to run off again.

“We're so close!” Amias yells.

I only run faster as the buildings get shorter and there's an increase of greenery as we follow the edge of the road. Forest is right ahead. We’ll make it!

“Hey!”

My body stiffens as I look over my shoulder to see one of those bright red uniformed men, chasing us as many of their clone-like peers follow.

They draw their guns.

Shit!

“Just run!” Amias yells.

I bolt, zig-zagging with each run .

My heart drums as fast as my feet. My ears ring with every bang I hear from behind.

“Back away from the dreamscreecher!” one shouts.

“Never!” Amias growls as we race beside a road. A car nearby swerves in front of me, but I leap over the hood and onto the cement again.

“It's a monster!” Someone gasps.

I brush away the comments as I dash up the forest hill beside me.

“You just need to pass that hill,” Amias calls. “Just keep going!”

Energy is draining from me, but I keep pushing. It's now or death.

I hear his pitter patters behind me, the stuff in the backpack jittering. I nearly trip over some bushes and vines but I keep my balance to make it to the top of the hill.

Once we're at the top, Amias takes the backpack off and hands it over. I swing it around me as I look down at the land before me.

It's a dense, shady forest. No one will find me.

"Just keep going forward," Amias says. "And use the map in the backpack once you’re far enough. You should be out to Caelestia in two days."

"Of course." I turn back to him and the reason for the adrenaline in my chest changes from the rush of escaping to the fact I’m losing him.

This is our last moment together. At least for decades more.

Amias’ eyes shine, his lips twist forming a pout. "Goodbye Ignatia…"

"Goodbye Amias," I whisper.

He glances over his shoulder. "Go. Now! They're coming.”

I look behind him and see no signs of the police coming, but I faintly hear their footsteps. My gaze returns to Amias, my hands shaking, and my lips begging to feel his again. "Not before I do this."

I step forward, and hold him by the cheeks. He grabs me by the waist, his eyes twinkling with desire and pulls me closer.

I have to make this kiss count.

I caress his tongue with mine, closing my eyes to savor the taste. Amias lets out a surprised grunt, but he kisses back soon after. I make this one passionate, making sure he would be able to feel my true burning love for him. One last time.

I pull away, sliding my thumb across his cheek. My lips start to throb as tears rush uncontrollably down from my eyes.

"I love you Amias," I whimper.

"I love you too…"

Before we could say anything else, the clanking of boots becomes loud and clear. Amias’ eyes widen as he turns to me and pushes my chest. "Run! Now!"

I run off into the forest, taking glances over my shoulder. My heart aches to go back to him but I must keep running. off towards Caelestia. Where I’ll be safe. Away from Amara. Away from Somnia.

Away from the man I love…