• I turned around. Something was wrong. I could feel it. I just listened with my keen ears. Huh, no heartbeat. Obviously not human. Shallow breathing as if it were tired or hungry. That rang a bell. I turned around prepared for anything. Suddenly, the air felt colder than it already was. I felt my silver eyes narrow as I saw what I was up against. I was going to fight against another demon. Oh, joy, I thought. The demon stared at me with her vibrant green eyes. I began to move forward in order to pounce, but behind me, a sharp claw dug into my screeching away leaving me pinned to the ground coated in blood and full of fear, pain, and a little nausea. I managed to choke out a few words, “ What are you – why?” The demons just laughed. The pain was far too great. I needed to be relieved of it. And as I slipped away into sweet black nothingness, a young man swept me up into his arms and carried me to a nearby tree while he killed the demons.




    “Eliza! Eliza! Wake up, Eliza,” The man paused, “Oh, God. I think she’s dead. Eliza?” I lifted my eyelids open. He seemed relieved. I opened my mouth to speak, but he shushed me before I could say anything. “ You were attacked by black-blooded demons. I got you away from them and killed them.” I nodded, and then realized the pain in my back and side. It began to spread all through my arms. It felt as if a white-hot fire was burning me all over. As he held me, I was allowed to say one thing. I said, “Who are you?” Calmly, the man replied, “ I’m Daniel. Don’t worry, you’re safe here.” He hummed something, as I rendered unconscious again.

    I awoke in a hospital bed. Where was I? What happened? But the question that was worrying me the most was, where was Daniel? Strangely, as I thought that, Daniel came around the corner. “I was wondering when you would wake up. You’ve been asleep for awhile now,” he had some genuine worry and concern for me in his voice. I asked the one question he never really answered, “Who in the heck are you?”
    He seemed to be disappointed, but answered anyway, “I’m Daniel Taylor. I saved you from the demons. Are you okay? Please tell me. I’m dying of worry here!” he pleaded. It seemed enough. Then. I simply nodded, but Daniel still didn’t relax. I looked at myself. I could see why. I was bruised and had a large gash on my side and back. Daniel’s expression changed. He sat on my bed. “Eliza, I need to tell you something.”
    “What? What is it? Is it about the demons?”
    “No. The demons were going to be there no matter what, but I mean Dark Queen Ariyanna’s on the loose again. She is more powerful than ever now,” he took in a breath, “ You are her prey this time” That caught me by surprise. I wanted to ask why, but my eyes said it all. Daniel hugged me, “ It’ll be okay. You won’t be hurt.” Wait. He was so protective of me already, and I barely knew him. But there was something about him I liked, and something I hated. The hate struck. LEAVE ME ALONE, DANNY! He flinched. I didn’t even say it aloud. I had thought it. Angry tears filled my eyes. I picked up my stuff and got dressed. I thought one more thing. I truly despise you, Daniel Taylor. Get out of my life and stay out. Forever. That did it. Daniel was on his knees. I didn’t care. I stormed out in a huff.
    At my apartment, I shifted into a cat, stalked onto my bed, and sulked. I heard my phone ring several times, but never answered. It was Daniel every time. The last message was heartbreaking. He said, “Eliza, I know you don’t know, but you know me. I need to speak to you. Call me, please. Please?” His voice broke. The message cut off. I picked up the phone. I dialed the number. He answered, of course. “Eliza? Eliza I’m so sorry.” I cut off his long apology. “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know you’re sorry. Just shut up. I can handle Queen Ariyanna myself. I’m a shape shifter. I can morph into anything. I can handle a dark queen. Now what I told you was true. Get out of my life. Oh, and I can control the elements. So back off.” I heard shallow, wet breaths. Tears. Daniel was crying. He said one more thing, “I will do as you say, but I will always be there for you.” Without saying a word, I hung up on him.



    ·
    ·



    I got my shoes on and stomped out the door. I morphed into a wolf and ran where my instincts told me to go. I didn’t need to go far. Ariyanna was there white hair flowing in the wind. She spoke in a velvety voice, “ I hope you’re ready to die.” I shifted into my human form, “ I don’t intend on dying, thank you,” I snarled. She smiled. It wasn’t a happy smile; it was evil. There was a glint of power in her eyes as she cast a near fatal spell on me.

    I lay there thinking. I am dead. I am gone. And no one will ever know. Bzzzztt. Wrong! Huh? What? Oh, Danny. I knew I was in the clearing still, but I was dead, wasn’t I? I was curious; my eyes snapped open. His face wasn’t overprotective anymore; it was proud, grim, and worried all at the same time. “Danny?” He nodded and thought this: you almost died… again. You lost a little power, though. You defeated Queen Ariyanna by magic in you. They say she is defeated by the power of true love. True love. Danny. Me. Duh! “ I love you, Danny! “Yes. I know. Let’s go home now.” He said with a smile, and I knew we would be together forever. Or until we get into more trouble and die. Same difference.