Wind Runner

Thirty-One; Numb

Third Person POV
Aklaq clutches his carved figure, deep in sleep.

Suddenly in a foggy clearing, the same he first came across Ahote in, he stands underneath a full moon, the carved figure at his neck seeming to pulse. He looks around curiously, unsure of what is happening. Suddenly fog explodes into shape, growing to form a powerful being, then it slowly slips back to the ground, revealing a tall woman with bright blue eyes and an eagle feather in her hair.

"Ahote."

She smiles, then stretches, and two great wings stretch out behind her, startling him. He gasps softly, refusing to believe what this is telling him.

"Aklaq."

"Ahote. W-what happened?"

"Death happened. Do not be sad Aklaq. You knew it would happen when you first saw me in my other form."

She smiles sadly at her words, rubbing at her skin as if expecting it to be covered in fur.

Then she steps forwards, her great wings sweeping behind her. She gently holds the carved figure in her palm, and it seems to suddenly develop a heartbeat of its own. Ahote looks up at him, her bright blue eyes serious.

"Aklaq, you must never remove or let another wear this necklace. Tell no one of what it does unless you are absolutely sure they are safe. It will help you and bring you strength, now take the necklace and think of me."

Aklaq complies, and suddenly the necklace seems to explode around him, and a tingly feeling sets him alight.

When he opened his eyes, the world is different, more clear, sharper too. He flicks his ears, catching all sounds. Flaring his nostrils, he smells the forest, but surprisingly, the winged woman before him has no scent. He turns and looks into a rain puddle, seeing his familiar brown eyes set into the midnight black skin of a powerful stallion.

He jumps back, then looks at Ahote with amazement. She laughs, flicking her wings lightly.

"To shift back, close your eyes and picture yourself in human form, all the little details."

He complies again, and feels himself change back, still in his clothes amazingly.

"Ahote, what just happened?"

"I lost my form when I died. And because of the necklace, it went to you. You have the color of the coat I used to have, but nothing else, for you are yourself. Remember my warnings Aklaq, and always be brave."

With that, she spreads her wings, lifting effortlessly into the night sky and vanishing.

Aklaq is silent, and suddenly the clearing fades away, and he awakens in his home.

He reaches for the necklace, grasping it, then smiling as he feels it pulse as if alive.

"Thank you Ahote."

His whisper fades into silence, and he drops back into sleep, feeling empowered by the gift of his protector.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
7 months after the war.

Adam's POV

I try to be strong.

I smile and talk in public. I joke and eat with everyone. I talk politely to the girls who talk to me.

But I'm numb.

My smiles are fake, the jokes empty. I eat, but only for her. I promised her I would take care of myself and the herd she died fighting for. Every girl I meet I compare to Ryder. How much more beautiful she was. How caring and sweet she was.