Chapter 9: Wings Over Sedona

I jolted awake from a nightmare.

The barrier in the cave-dwelling rippled.

Someone had broken into my ward.

A somewhat familiar aura.

I hadn't transformed into human form; golden tail feathers stretched atop a tall ancient oak.

I clung to the top branches, feathers shimmering in the moonlight—wingspan wide as a pickup’s bed—and the whole forest seemed to hush, watching the old magic wake.

Caleb stood with hands behind his back and questioned me sternly: "Did you send Aubrey away? I waited for her three days and three nights; she never came." His phrasing shifted—accusing me of sabotaging, bribing, or scaring her off.

I nearly laughed out loud.

"Yes, yes, yes, I didn't let her save you, and even gave her a severe beating."

My voice was mocking, playful. I watched his face twitch, struggling to find words. The truth stung sharper than any blade.

Caleb was choked with anger and only after a long time found his voice: "Given another chance at life, I thought you would reflect on yourself and turn over a new leaf; turns out your heart is still snake‑hearted."

"Who made her only the daughter of a raven shifter, while I am a noble princess of the Phoenix clan."

"You phoenixes are impossible. I will go find your Dad and call off the engagement."

I shook my wings and said indifferently, "Please, go ahead."

My dad and his mentor had long ago arranged a childhood betrothal for us.

He had not even seen me, whereas I had, early on, sunk deep roots of feeling.

This was a karmic ill-fate and ought to be severed.

I watched him stomp off, feathers rustling. It was high time the old ghosts let us both go.