The Shadow Shifter

by Dahlia Leigh

  “You seemed like you were on your way somewhere. Would you like company or assistance with anything?” He drew out the last word with seductive charm.

  She turned the tables on him and flirtatiously placed her hand on his chest. Wanting him to think she was interested in his offer, she moved in toward him. Then, playfully, she shoved him away.

  “Not tonight, but thank you for the offer.” She winked at him then sauntered away, feeling his eyes on her as she left him standing in the hall and feeling her power as a woman for the first time.

  “That was harsh, Ashlynn,” Taegen said and chuckled.

  Ashlynn smiled. She had to admit she was beginning to enjoy the power simply being a woman gave her.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Ashlynn

  Arriving in her new wing of the castle, Ashlynn entered her Sentinel Library. A fire sprang to life in the fireplace at the end of the room and soft lighting emerged from the wall sconces throughout, providing an inviting and cozy atmosphere. Hijinx burst into the room, running across the tops of bookshelves until he flew off one end and then glided down to a chair. He cocked his head at her, waiting for her response.

  Ashlynn laughed and went to stroke his head. “That was quite a landing, Hijinx.”

  The room was so comfortable, she instantly felt at ease. Between recovering from the quakes, Asteroth’s fading magic, and the two warriors she encountered on the way to the library, she needed a moment to herself. Ashlynn brought her book to one of the chairs and then made herself comfortable. Before she opened it, she glanced up at the paintings on the wall across from her and truly took time to notice the people within them. They were her people, her past, and her heritage—her family. Even in a portrait they appeared strong and united, perhaps happy.

  Ashlynn struggled with her own emotions and thoughts. Opening her book to the section where she had first seen her family, she wanted to discover more. She hadn’t been given the chance to know them and yet, they meant everything to her; they had protected the castle, as she was to do, and everything had been taken from them, and from her, in one moment.

  The image of her family within the book sprung off the page just as it had in her room before. The picture was transparent, but she reached out her hand, delicately tracing their faces. She studied them: her mother, the same men in the portrait hanging on the wall from where she sat, and the others who must have been siblings. Her family. Ashlynn rubbed a spot on her chest right in the middle that flared to life with the painful acknowledgment.

  Asteroth interrupted her thoughts, speaking from the owl statue on the mantle of the fireplace. “That was the day you were chosen to become the next Sentinel Queen, to rule over all the Sentinels to come, and the ones presiding over the other castles.”

  Five castles in total were positioned around the human world, top-side of the veil, in order to keep out those of the Void. Each castle was special… unique as Asteroth was, but in their own ways. Asteroth was the first, the central, and the most powerful, and thus the only castle still alive.

  Ashlynn trailed her finger through the images of the people in front of her once more, asking about each of her brothers: Jacob, Lance, Peter, and then the only other girl—her sister—Isobel. Strapping young men were the boys, each unique and bearing a resemblance to one of the warrior men in the image.

  “Since boys were not born as Sentinels, they held true to the race of the father who sired them and, in some more rare cases, were a blend,” Asteroth added.

  Ashlynn nodded, knowing the history but also Asteroth’s penchant for retelling information over again, either for her benefit or simply to talk. She didn’t mind. Her gaze moved from her brothers to the only other girl, the blonde standing next to her mother. “And what of my sister, Isobel? She looks to be about fifteen in this.”

  “Your family was not only special being within the line of queens, but your mother was very powerful. A Sentinel is only female-born, and usually only one girl per family. That your mother bore two daughters was unusual and showed her great power. Your sister…” Asteroth trailed off, “your sister… I seem to be hitting one of those blurry areas again. I’m sorry, I do not remember more about her at the moment.”

  “That’s ok, Asteroth. I wonder why she is frowning,” Ashlynn wondered aloud. She changed the subject for Asteroth’s sake. “What else can you tell me about the Sentinels?”

  The pages in the book flipped to another spot filled with more images of the other Sentinels and their teams. Ashlynn had a sinking feeling she knew where his line of thought was headed and regretted giving him free reign to talk about them.

  “Before you in the images, and the ones on the walls, are the Sentinels and their teams. The teams have worked together since the beginning. They not only fight together and battle for the protection of the castles and humanity top-side the veil, but they are a complete unit to be at their ultimate strength. Some Sentinels bond with their team, whether in part or in whole, as you learned.” The book once more returned to the pages she had already read regarding the markings the members of the team wore, should they be bonded to their Sentinel.

  “The bond between a Sentinel and her warrior was unbreakable, even unto death. The bonding enhanced the Sentinel in her power and strength in her position. It was of utmost importance for the Sentinel and her team to be as powerful as a team could be. For every new Sentinel, I—or their castle—would seek out the best of the best to compliment the Sentinel’s attributes, natural qualities, and innate power for them to choose from.”

  Ashlynn’s thoughts strayed toward Darien, Taegen, and Edmund. The castle had chosen them for her based on her own qualities. “I don’t know. I’m doubtful, at this point, of a couple of them and how their abilities would compliment mine.”

  “I assure you the power is there once it can be found and unlocked. You need a team Ashlynn, for your own sake.”

  “Not that you have any opinion about this at all…” Ashlynn laughed it off.

  Asteroth huffed and the statue of the owl he resided in gave the equivalent of an eyeroll—or his best shot at one in statue form.

  “Don’t hurt yourself.” Ashlynn caught him and chuckled as she stood then walked passed, gazing up at the portrait of her family she couldn’t get enough of.

  Asteroth pushed his luck and snuck in another reminder of her position. “Sentinels are special warriors. Not just because of their abilities, but because so few women were born into and were blessed with the skills for the Sentinel lifestyle. That is why, throughout history, they had multiple partners to make up their teams.”

  Ashlynn allowed herself a thoughtful pause, absorbing all he had said. Then chose to change the subject.

  “I know we talked a little about the tremors and why they affected me, but can you tell me anything more? I know I’m connected to you, but how did that happen?”

  “Throughout history of the Sentinels, each is bonded to their castle. They are connected to ensure the protection of the castle and the veil. Through the connection, communication can be made, and the castle can help orchestrate strategies and warnings during a time of battle. That is also why all the Sentinels are strategically placed. The connection is a magical bond that happens when a Sentinel passes their trial. The stronger the emotional connection between a Sentinel and their castle, the stronger the physical one is as well. Usually, the strongest connections only being with the queen.”

  “Why is our connection different? I’m not queen yet. And we had a connection long before I took my trial.”

  “Correct. Our connection is unique because I bonded to you when you were still quite young in order to save you at your mother’s request. Because I raised you, our emotional connection is quite strong. The strongest, in fact, I have ever had with a Sentinel.”

  “How did it happen?” Ashlynn sucked in a deep breath. “I mean, I know roughly what happened fifteen years ago, but can you show me? I want to see my family in action.”

  Asteroth paus
ed. Whether making his decision in dramatic fashion or to see if he could recall it all in his fractured memory, Ashlynn wasn’t sure.

  Asteroth sighed. “I can. But prepare yourself for what you are about to see.”

  Ashlynn took her seat again and waited. The book flipped open to the very end of the pages. The words leapt off the page and began to magically swirl around the room in a flurry until they formed a moving picture of the past.

  Ashlynn saw herself as a young girl of five or six being held in her mother’s arms. She was then given over to bronzed statue of a proud looking wizard with a staff. Her mother instructed the castle to hide her away and protect the last Sentinel. Ashlynn could hear and almost feel the tremors happening around those in the picture—just as they had in her present time—but more forceful and more often.

  The castle was abuzz with warrior and staff running to stations and points of entry. Voices shouted instructions and people responded without question. They were under attack, but they were battle ready—or so they thought. Little Ashlynn hid with the statue, but watched her mother—glorious in her battle garb, an angel of vengeance and power—flanked by her men. They fought in sync as they moved, united together but also aware of the individuals as well. Ashlynn recognized their unity even through the vision. They were a beautiful sight.

  But then the creatures and demons and all manner of darkness from the Void broke through into the castle. Ashlynn watched as the men and women—the warriors of the castle now ghosts of her past—fought valiantly against the dark assassins of the Void. Though, it was not enough. Her mother ran to where young Ashlynn hid and gripped her in a tight hug.

  “Goodbye my little queen. Trust the castle and stay true to your heart.” She ran back into the battle fray. An opening in the stones behind little Ash emerged, and the statue pushed her through the wall just as she saw her mother fall.

  The image blinked out.

  Ashlynn sat in the quiet stillness of the room with tears in her eyes, staring at the image of her family with greater depth than she had before. Still struggling to understand if the pain of losing them all would be worth having a team. So far, she wasn’t convinced she couldn’t do her duty better and with less losses on her own. For now, she would proceed as she said she would and choose one.

  “Asteroth?”

  “Yes, Ashlynn?”

  “Could you play segments of what you showed me on a loop in the hallway of this new wing when I come into the library? I don’t want to forget what I’ve seen. I feel there are keys for us within the past as well.”

  “I can do that for you. I’ve searched and searched for clues but, every time I get close to finding something, my mind gets hazy.”

  “You had mentioned in my bedroom the tremors have happened before. When did they start?”

  “Yes.” Asteroth sighed. “They began happening just before the massacre occurred fifteen years ago. They happened just like they are happening now—started out slow then gained momentum and strength.”

  “Okay then.” Ashlynn gripped the armrests of her chair and brought the book back to her lap. “Then I need to learn more of my power and understand all that is in my power and fast.”

  Flipping through more pages she found the one with her mother’s battle pendant and read everything once more to ensure she understood all she could.

  “So my pendant has been passed down from queen to queen, each queen adding a bit of their own soul and magic to strengthening the pendant’s magic for each subsequent wearer.” Ashlynn held the pendant in her hand, feeling its weight. Her necklace had a living magic within it that would change and adapt to each new queen, providing the qualities and elements they needed at that time.

  “The book says each of the five great queens before me mentioned which quality she chose to impart into the stone. One imparted truth, another courage, one sight—which must be part of what I’m receiving now?” Ashlynn absently asked.

  “Even though the queens impart their own gifts, the pendant has power of its own and will blend and unite gifts as the magic sees fit for the wearer. So your power won’t be precisely a specific trait from one queen.”

  “Still, another wisdom and the quality instilled from my mother was love.” Ashlynn cradled the pendant with a newly cherished respect in her hand and wondered what quality she might be able to one day impart if she were able to grow into one of the great Sentinel Queens.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Alpha Berone

  Alpha Berone sat uncomfortable on his rigid throne of black glass, deep in the heart of the shadow shifter home within the mountain. He had taken to spending more time alone since his son had been gone, waiting for information. The dim lighting in the throne room was necessary for their way of life but could also be depressing at times. Their eyesight adjusted to the shadows quite well.

  “Come in old friend.” Berone sensed the shadow creature—one of the Unbound, the top-side beasts who never fused with a human host body—outside the entry. The large creature moved with such grace for a beast. He was silent in his approach across the shiny obsidian floor. The shadow smoke swirled about him and his glowing eyes dimmed with each season he remained top-side. Berone had a moment of hesitation before he spoke, not wanting to upset his friend but also needing to know.

  “Have you any news regarding my family or our brethren in Nightstead?” The Unbound monitored news from below via the fissure in the crystal at regular intervals. It wasn’t often they actually received news or messages from Nightstead as word has to pass through the Void first to get to them, but if any did, they would have someone ready to receive it.

  The creature sadly shook his head. “I wish I had something to offer you.” The Unbound’s words, hoarse and whispered like a dry, fall wind, wafted to the alpha’s ears.

  A brief sadness flashed across the alpha’s eyes before he regained his posture. He didn’t know why he got his hopes up, expecting to receive word from his wife. Centuries had passed, and he didn’t even know if she was still alive.

  “Have you any news of the castle or my son?”

  “Nothing much yet, Alpha. The ground shook the castle and smaller tremors underground are building to bigger ones. There are three warriors who check the perimeter around the grounds.” The Unbound waited as his words swirled toward the alpha to be heard. “We haven’t gotten close enough to get more than that. The castle has a magical shield no shadow can enter unless invited or damaged. Some have tried.”

  “Thank you, friend. Let us be patient and wait on Darien. He should report back soon on any weaknesses within the castle. Have faith in my son.” The alpha hoped he was right; he too would have to have faith in his son.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Ashlynn

  The next morning after breakfast, Ashlynn took the guys to a room she had asked the castle to set as a temporary lab for Edmund to work in.

  “Well aren’t you teacher’s pet,” Taegen said as they walked into the room, resembling an experienced alchemist’s lab.

  Ed beamed with pride at seeing, what might be considered a “temporary” lab to some, a truly well-laid out factory for an alchemical genius. He would be thrilled and honored to be able to permanently work in such a space. In the center of the room were several long tables placed in a three-sided square with space between each of them. Each table appeared to be stations with various things happening, filled with beakers, tubes, vials of chemicals, bowls of powdered ingredients, and things Ashlynn could only guess at. Two walls were lined with bookshelves, another had open shelving for storing of equipment, and the one behind them, separated by the doorway, had benches lining it.

  Ashlynn smiled and gestured for him to take the lead. “Show us what you can do Edmund. This is your demonstration.”

  His eyes lit up like a boy in a candy store as he moved in behind one of the tables. Ashlynn noted the table appeared set for some kind of experiment. Ed moved with assurance around the tables—the first time she had seen him relaxed
and moved with ease and confidence. He grabbed items until they were in the exact position he wanted them. Finally, he slowly inhaled then looked to Ashlynn. “Do you have any requests?”

  Taegen remained back by the benches, observing with skepticism. Darien moved in closer to Ashlynn for a better look at the tables. Ashlynn glanced at them both before turning back to Ed. “Why don’t you start with something small?”

  Edmund quickly eyed the others nervously, but then when his eyes locked onto Ashlynn’s gaze, he nodded, confidence returning to him once more. Excited, he went to work, pulling things together no one had any ideas about. Darien leaned in closer, looking on with interest. A nervous anticipation filled the room, and Ed fumbled and dropped a beaker, shattering glass all over the floor. He mumbled something but kept on going as if dropping glass happened often—perhaps, in his lab, it did.

  Ashlynn watched Ed work with great interest. His sure moves and the way he knew just what chemicals to mix and which ones to add heat was mesmerizing. She glanced at Darien and noted his interest as well. She didn’t look back at Taegen but could feel his eyes intent on her back when she wasn’t paying him attention.

  During his setup, Edmund remained quiet and focused, possibly nervous the other men watched, but as soon as he was ready with his experiment, a new light of confidence gleamed in his eyes.

  “I’m ready!” Edmund announced. “In my lab back home, I already have several of these components pre-made, as well as other potions, remedies, etc., but here I needed to start over, so I appreciate your patience. I will get more prepared during my next spare time.” He nodded his head as if he had simply just decided that. Edmund looked to each of them and pushed his glasses higher onto his face and then cracked his knuckles.