Rain of Shadows and Endings

by Melissa K. Roehrich

“I need to see your power, Tessalyn,” Dagian said, returning his attention to her. “It hasn’t emerged yet. I can’t access it,” she pleaded, the world spinning around her as she fell forward onto her hands once more. “You can under the right conditions,” Dagian replied, a cruel grin filling his features. He raised his hand once more, golden light crackling at his fingertips, and Tessa braced herself for the burst of power. But it never came. Instead, another crack of thunder sounded, followed by a female voice that somehow sounded both horrific and cunning all at once. “Do not touch her again.” Tessa opened her eyes and gasped at what stood before her. She had midnight hair that flowed around her, and what appeared to be ashes flitting among the black strands. The black pants and tunic were fitted with some type of leather armor strapped atop it, but her feet were bare. Vambraces adorned her arms, and she held a bow at her side. Her eyes were a dark grey, smoke swirling in them. A quiver full of arrows was at her back, but she didn’t reach for one. Instead, she drew one from a flurry of ashes, nocking it loosely to her bow. Dagian had gone still, his mouth falling open at the being that had placed herself between him and Tessa. “Not real,” Tessa murmured, wrapping her arms tightly around herself. “This can’t be real.” The female began circling Tessa, ashy footprints left in her wake, as she smirked at Dagian. “Your move,” she purred, another burst of ashes leaving a black d...