The Wand brightens, the bottom of its hilt blazing with a deeper flush of green that circles up its spiraling form as Wynter senses a starlight tree greening in the back of her mind, new leaves unfurling. She realizes, as runic shapes pulse once more in her vision, that it’s not just a Wand but a rune stylus too.

Wynter quietly considers the green-lit Wand-stylus as the serene birds look on, Wynter’s whole self expanding and opening as her vertigo begins to lift and she adjusts to the abrupt freeing of her mind from the Zalyn’or thrall.

“I am not a Deargdul demon,” she murmurs softly to the Wand, as her shame and self-hatred slip away, an exhilarating love for her wings rushing in that makes her breathless. “I am Wynter Eirllyn,” she whispers. “Elliontora of Alfsigroth.”

More green light suffuses the cave behind her, multiple boot heels sounding.

Wynter glances over her shoulder and meets the gazes of several large Smaragdalfar men. They halt before her, curved varg swords made entirely of luminous emerald runes in their fists.

Just behind them, her brother, Cael, and his Second, Rhys Thorim, come into view, both of them dressed in green Subland Elf attire like the Smaragdalfar men, a fierce light in their eyes that Wynter has not seen for a very long time.

Love for the two of them swells in her heart.

“My sister,” Cael breathes out, a stunned, impassioned energy blazing in his silver eyes.

Slowly, Wynter turns back toward the stream, her gaze flicking over the Watchers. And then she draws herself up to her full height and fans out her wounded wings to their full breadth, a spark of sterling Wyvernfire lighting in her breast.

My wings, she thinks, as her fledgling power kindles to flame and a healing warmth suffuses every feather. My beautiful, Elliontoran wings.

Gripping the Wand-stylus tightly in her hand, Wynter smiles, Icaral power rising, and turns to face them.

The Zhilon’ile Prophecy

The Zhilon’ile Prophecy

(Read from the storm elements of Air, Fire, Water, and Light)

The Shadow Rises

Poisoning the Air

Corrupting Fire

Polluting the Water

Veiling the Light

Arise, oh Daughters and Sons of Wyvernkind

Fight the Demon Tide!

Booklist

Books by Laurie Forest
available from Inkyard Press

The Black Witch Chronicles

The Black Witch

The Iron Flower

The Shadow Wand

The Demon Tide

Wandfasted (ebook novella)*

Light Mage (ebook novella)*

*Also available in print in The Rebel Mages anthology