The Shadow Shifter

by Dahlia Leigh

  The three men shook their heads, apparently appeased by her additional announcement.

  “All right then. Glad you approve.” She put the goblet down in front of her then clasped her hands together. “In that case, I will inform you of the order in which your individual times will go after the demonstrations tomorrow.”

  Edmund cleared his throat and placed his napkin in his lap. “If I may, I would like to suggest since I was the first to arrive, I volunteer to be the first to spend time with you.”

  Ashlynn offered a small smile to Edmund. She was about to respond to him when Darien interjected, his voice strong and steady. “As heir to the shadow shifter’s pack and the next alpha, I believe I should be the first in the line-up.”

  Taegen scoffed in Darien’s direction, but then nonchalantly shrugged when Ashlynn raised a questioning eyebrow at him. “It doesn’t matter who goes first to me because there is no contest. I will win the right to fight by the Sentinel’s side,” he said, matter-of-fact, then winked at Ashlynn.

  Ashlynn rolled her eyes. “This, again, is not up for debate. I will decide the order and I will inform you tomorrow. Also, there will be no subterfuge between the three of you. Each will be given sufficient time and I will not tolerate interruptions to gain more time for yourself. In addition, the evenings will be my own time as I see fit—again with no interruptions. You will each get your chance to woo me with your charms and manly ways.”

  Each of the men chuckled at her sarcasm, relieving some of the pent-up tension in the room. Ashlynn grew serious. “There will be a deadline to this contest, truly to assembling my new partnership and solidifying my position as the Sentinel Queen.” She sighed. “You may as well know, since you will be staying here. No one else is aware—though if not rectified all will soon know—the castle is weakening. We are running out of time. I need to fully become the Sentinel Queen to gain my full power and strength to do everything I can to restore the castle.”

  “How long do we have?” Darien asked.

  “Roughly two months. The fifteen-year anniversary of the Sentinel massacre is approaching, and I think that a fitting time to declare my power and show my full strength to the world and that the queen has returned. I will show all who are looking for my downfall how strong the Sentinel Queen, and Asteroth Castle, can truly be. We will show those who doubt me the veil between us and the Void is secure, and our land will remain protected. I am ready to fight as the Sentinel Queen.”

  The room was silent. Then Edmund began a slow clap until everyone gave him a strange look. “What? It was a speech worthy of praise.”

  “Thank you, Edmund.” Ashlynn offered a small laugh at the awkwardness of it all. “Oh, and I should probably mention there is a good chance you may likely die before this is all over. I have a feeling things are about to get interesting.” She took a moment and watched their reactions vary from stunned to disbelief and downright dismissal at her statement.

  “Well then, please excuse me. Have a good night. I will meet you first thing in the entryway of the castle for demonstrations.” Ashlynn grabbed the rest of her dessert then walked out of the dining hall, leaving the men behind to their own thoughts.

  Chapter Twelve

  Rozalind

  In her shadow shifter form, Rozalind stood before one of the main Unbound shadow creatures who resided top-side—one of the handful who had never fused with a human host body. The appearance of the Unbound was similar to hers in shadow form, though much more beast-like. Although where she retained some of her human shape, the essence of the Unbound was consumed with the darkness of the shadows. So much so, she could only see the shadow beast with their glowing eyes looking back at her.

  “The alpha has requested you assist me in gaining intel on Asteroth Castle and the Sentinel. The challenge will be gaining access without those inside knowing. Also, we need regular reports on the alpha’s son as well.”

  The shadows undulated back and forth around the creature, reaching out to touch the shadows surrounding Rozalind. Mixing their shadow essences with those who had human hosts gave them momentary boosts of energy and offered them the brief connection to the pack they needed to survive. The Unbound’s voice hoarsely whispered over Rozalind and she felt his allegiance to the alpha. “We will do as the alpha commands.”

  “I will be in touch,” Rozalind said and watched the shadow beast blend back into the darkness of the forest at the base of their mountain.

  Once the shadow creature was gone, she took her human form, then one of the dark pixies from the Void shot out from within a bush she had been hiding in. The flighty, little creature flew close to Rozalind and handed her an envelope. Roz’s eyes lit up when she saw the parcel was sealed with a familiar black symbol indicating someone high in the family ranks within the Void. The little pixie tittered obnoxiously in front of Rozalind’s face until she produced a shiny coin from her pocket and gave it to the greedy, little creature who could barely hold it. Rozalind scanned the area around her and slunk into the shadows of a group of trees. She quickly opened the letter and went to the location it indicated—the cave of the crystal to which communications with the Void transpired, and where she had received scrolls not too long before.

  ROZALIND

  Outside the cave, Rozalind paused and re-read the letter to ensure she read it correctly. She was to meet with someone who had matters to discuss with her of her future opportunities. “It has to be him… the one who I’ve been searching for, the one who the rumors have whispered to know of a secret about the Sentinel’s power.” Roz clutched the letter with nervous anticipation. He had finally received her message and come to meet with her. Ever since she had first heard the legend of one who could defeat the Sentinel and drain her of her power, Rozalind knew she had to find out more. She entered the cave and approached the crystal cautiously. Upon her arrival, the crystal glowed.

  “Hello? My name is Rozalind. Who am I speaking with?”

  “You are just who I was hoping to speak with,” a seductive, male voice said from the other side. The crack was much too small for anything over a couple feet tall to get through so for now they would simply use it for the communication device it was.

  “I am?”

  “Indeed. Your name was brought to me from some within the high families of the Void. I have many connections, and word has been brought to me. It has been said you are seeking knowledge I possess.”

  “I have been… I mean I am,” Rozalind stuttered. “I wasn’t sure you were more than a story passed down. But why would you help me?”

  “You are right to question me. You do not know me. But what I want is simple. I want a partnership to which would allow me communication access and perhaps a top-side visit from time to time, not too much.” His voice was smooth and relaxed. Roazlind found herself leaning in to simply listen to him speak.

  “Sounds simple enough, but I’m willing to bet there is more to your offer.”

  He laughed. And the sound of his laughter melted her core; if she were a cat shifter she would curl up in his lap and purr. “You are smart too. I’ve heard of the ingenuity of your other pursuits, gathering scrolls to grant you citizenship within the Void, and I commend you. It takes a strong and fearless woman to sneak behind the alpha’s back.”

  She laughed seductively. “Oh, it was nothing. He would never question me.” Rozalind sauntered up to the crystal as if he could see her, and for all she knew he might be able to. “Is it true you know how to render the Sentinel powerless?”

  “Roz—may I call you Roz—I know more than that. I could tell you not only how to strip her of her power but how to claim it as your own. You could sit on her throne and revel in her power.” His words of treachery mixed with the provocative tone he used, stirred her need for power.

  “What do you really want in exchange for this information? Other than a top-side visit from time to time that is.” Roz narrowed her eyes, waiting for the lynch pin.

  “The only assurance I ask of you be
sides getting to see your beautiful face and sit by your side from time to time is your word the Sentinel will be taken out.”

  “And if I fail?” Roz asked.

  “Then upon your death—when your human body dies—instead of permitting your shadow self to die as well, I will accept it into my household and allow you to live out the rest of your days as your magnificent shadow beast, but you would remain with me.”

  Rozalind controlled her breathing and thought of his offer. This could be her chance to not only take out the Sentinel for her alpha but also to gain her own throne—the Sentinel’s at that!

  “And all I get is knowledge? That doesn’t seem like a fair trade to me.” Her voice crooned in a sweet melodic tone.

  “I am offering you far more than simple knowledge. I am offering you a throne and a kingdom filled with power.” He paused. “I have some connections with some of the more ruthless families down here. Perhaps I could also offer you extra assistance to accomplish your mission. Should you need it, of course. Would that entice you?”

  “You entice me,” she purred. He offered her all the power she had wanted… all the power she deserved. She didn’t want him to know how much she wanted to take out the Sentinel, so she held her tongue as if pondering all he offered.

  “If you tell me how to gain the Sentinel’s power, I will agree to your terms.”

  “Excellent. This will be the beginning of a beautiful relationship, Roz. Now place your hand on the crystal and we will seal our pact.”

  Rozalind placed her hand on the crystal without a second thought. A sharp stab sliced her finger. She offered her blood in exchange for his assistance and knowledge to get more than she had originally wanted—to rule the pack. Now she could rule both the Sentinel’s castle and wield her power. Another sensation flooder her when she felt his finger in return press against hers. His intoxicating power filled her, binding her to him in a manner that was both intimate and overwhelming. Then just as quickly, his power receded into the background of her soul. She saw her reflection in the great crystal as her eyes flashed a blue that was not her own before they, too, returned to her original gray.

  “My eyes,” she gasped, “they were blue.”

  “Just a parting gift of mine for you to remember me by.” His voice was alluring, but she heard the edge underneath. Her underlord was dangerous and she would do well to remember that.

  “What should I call you?” Roz asked.

  “You may call me Salvator.”

  “Latin for savior. Clever.”

  “Ah, very good. I knew you were the best choice,” Salvator said.

  “Choice for what?”

  “For the next Sentinel Queen.”

  Her beast hummed her agreement in her throat. Roz liked the sound of that.

  “Until we meet again.”

  Once he was gone, Roz returned to her shadow form and secretly fled the cave. Her fate was now sealed and tied to the mysterious underlord of the Void who promised her the future she had always desired.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Ashlynn

  The next morning, Ashlynn jogged down the stairs with a bounce in her step, excited to begin in the training room. The morning just didn’t feel complete unless training with weapons was included. Working with—and watching—the guys might be a bright spot to the morning. Who wouldn’t want to watch handsome warriors get hot and sweaty, practicing fighting moves, and showing off their talents? She would get to assess their weapon work, their extra talents, and their ability to follow her directions.

  In the castle foyer, she met Edmund and Taegen just as she had asked but Darien was surprisingly not present. Not willing to wait for someone who ignored her instruction, they headed for the training room in the lower levels of the castle—some might call it the dungeon, but to Ash, the lower rooms were perfect for training as they were large and bare, with no distractions from the outside world.

  Unexpectedly, when they entered the training room, she found Darien already warming up, performing a hypnotic dance with a sword in one hand and a dagger in the other. His movements were graceful and strong. Ash was mesmerized by the sexy specimen in front of her before she remembered he had not done as she asked. She was supposed to be testing their ability to follow direction, and she couldn’t let his disobedience go.

  “Darien, you were not in the entry where I asked you to be this morning,” she said, words sharp. He paused then slowly completed the rotation of his move and turned toward her.

  “I have my own morning routine I prefer to complete in privacy. I did not take up your time but rose early and asked the castle where you would train so I’d be ready when you arrived.” Darien’s smile was genuine, and his logic was sound, but he still didn’t do as she asked. Ashlynn mentally debated how far to pursue the insubordination.

  “I’m willing to overlook your actions this time, but next time be where I ask you to be. I need to know if I can trust you.” She then whispered “traitorous ass” to the statue on the shelf against the wall. The quiet chuckle from the two-foot iron warrior, holding swords crossed in front of him told her Asteroth heard her. Her mouth lifted in a sly smirk

  Darien hesitated for a moment then sharply nodded, acknowledging her words. “I see your point.”

  Ashlynn turned to the group. Taegen watched on with interest while Edmund trailed a hand over the rack of weapons. She said, “Grab a weapon of your choice and find space on the mats.”

  The training room was essentially a large square room made of gray rock and stone. To the right, upon entry, stacks of mats, racks of weapons, and a variety of protective gear awaited use. On the wall to the left were images of fighting stances, battle scenes, and sword positions. The end of the room was set up for exercise with tools and equipment for strengthening muscles, and the entire middle was a large, open space for training.

  In the middle portion, each of the guys claimed a space on the mats with the weapon of their choice. They watched her and awaited her guidance. Just as the castle had done with her, Ashlynn called out different scenarios and asked them to respond according to how they would engage the specific enemies and situations with their weapons. She could’ve asked Asteroth to give them illusions of such scenes but found their reactions more creative if she didn’t. Their parries and strikes were controlled and true, their footwork strong and sure. Each moved like masters in their crafts—well Darien and Taegen did. Edmund knew the movements but wasn’t quite as strong as the others in the physical aspects of battle, but he was still more capable than she first thought he might be. Ashlynn wondered how many fighting encounters he had before. Above her, she heard her whirrel skittering about, running along the beams until he found a perch in a corner to watch the show. Ashlynn looked up and smiled at Hijinx.

  “Good!” Ashlynn returned her gaze to the men, nodding in approval. “Now I want you to throw in any magic you might use in battle, if you have any.”

  Tension in the room grew, she knew they were uncomfortable displaying their extra abilities in front of each other. Most races prided themselves on the magic that made their race special; they didn’t want to give their enemies an advantage by knowing what they could truly do. However, they didn’t fight her on it as they had at dinner the night before. That was a start. Placing her hands on her hips, she closed her eyes and slowly inhaled through her nose, seeking patience. Perhaps she could help enhance their experience.

  “Asteroth, could you please give us an appropriate atmosphere for this exercise?”

  The dungeon training room instantly morphed into the illusion of a worn, battle-scarred field. The warriors looked around, nodding their approval of the scenery change.

  “Impressive,” Edmund said, looking around. Taegen agreed.

  Edmund was hesitant as he stepped forward. “My ability is with chemicals and potions. I have a small sample I made before I arrived I could use in a small demonstration, but I wonder if it would also be possible for a separate time to show you—and the other
s—more of what I can do in the lab?”

  “That can be arranged,” Ashlynn said with a nod. With a little more impatience, she added, “So which of you two wants to be first?” She glanced between Darien and Taegen. When no one spoke fast enough, Ash turned to Darien who stood stiff, obviously uncomfortable.

  Darien nodded, conceding to go first. “I agreed to be here. I will show you my ability as a shadow shifter.”

  The shadow shifter moved to the center of the room, a few paces away from the others and held a fighter’s stance. His eyes remained on Ashlynn as his body became surrounded with a smoky substance swirling around him. His eyes changed from pale blue to glowing green. Darien’s body made a smooth shift from man into a semi-transparent, shadow-like, humanoid beast on two legs. He grew larger and darker with two horns sprouting from the top of his head.

  Everyone watched with awe at having a shadow shifter right in front of them. Ashlynn had heard of his kind but didn’t know exactly what one would look like up close. Enthralled, she moved closer to get a better look.

  “I don’t think you should get too close,” Edmund said, voice thick with warning. Ashlynn only broke eye contact with Darien long enough to shoot Ed an annoyed look.

  “I can handle myself, thank you.” Ashlynn continued to move closer to Darien, almost in a trance. She was drawn to the shifter, compelled to touch him. She slowly stretched out her hand, pausing as her pendant warmed. Ashlynn lightly touched the necklace and felt encouraged to follow her instinct. Reaching toward Darien—who remained still, watching her with veiled eyes—she could see more than the shadow beast than the others could see. She saw the man joined with the beast, entwined within the shadows.

  Ashlynn’s fingers itched to feel the shadows upon her own skin, to touch the most sacred part of a shadow shifter—but not just any shifter, specifically Darien. Finally making contact with his skin, she sighed with a relief. Darien gripped her hand within his strong fingers then quickly came back into his human form, solidifying until he was in his original state. Ashlynn’s cheeks heated under the intense scrutiny of Darien’s gaze.