Free Fantasy: The SHADOWS fallen (Dark Fantasy epic Occult Metaphysical Short stories) (Women's Adventure Fairy Tales Sword & Sorcery Supernatural, Visionary, Paranormal, Mythology) by Paula A. Obrien

Chapter 3
    She looked slightly surprised at her. She opened her mouth to speak, then stopped herself, whirling around as quick as lightning. There was a fire in her eyes, the devotion to protect her wounded friend. Even Avalon was surprised. She hadn’t heard a thing. It was when Iris stepped forward that she heard the sound of coming footsteps, splashing through the puddles, and saw the person.
    The boy had spiky black hair like night and hazel eyes. His hair was draped over his eyes from the rain, which he had to clear out of the way with his hand. Unlike Iris, he had more wounds-There was a cut above his eye. One on his jaw. Maybe he got punched like she had. As he ran, nearing them, Avalon saw a slight limp in his left leg. Still, not as bad as her.
    The boy came to a halt in front of Iris, dropping the sword he was carrying as soon as he looked over her shoulder, down at Avalon, who’s eyes were slowly closing again.
    For Adara's sake, just let me sleep for a minute…she begged desperately in her head.
    He fell onto his knees, holding her in his arms, brushing the blood off her closed eyes. He was struggling for breath, after what happened, the pain, the loss, the run…And now this. Finding her lying in an abandoned field, dying in a pool of her own blood.
    “A-Avalon?” he whispered, still breathless. He caressed her face. “Avalon, wake up. Just one more miracle, please-” He looked back at Iris, desperation in his voice when she did not respond with words. Instead, her eyes opened, looking not at him, but back up at the clouds. ”Is-Is she dying?”
    “I-I don’t know,” she breathed, covering her face for a quick moment, then recovering. “I don’t think so. I think she’ll make it.” She looked back the way he came, her eyes flickering here and there. “Wait, where-?”
    “Avalon,” he murmured, leaning into her face, searching for that familiar warmth. “Avalon, listen to me. Just tell me you’re going to be okay-No, just say anything. Please.” He waited. “For Eeneas’ sake, say something!”
    It was worth the wound-it was worth many wounds-to have him be that close to her. To have him look at her like that and his breath that close to her face. To know that there was something else lying behind that mask of his. That he cared, and that he made it quite clear, at that moment. Those cold, hard eyes had dimmed for just a second, and those firm lips were trembling. Not from the cold. In that moment, Avalon caught a glimpse of the boy she first met on the balcony, when she felt more desperate and alone than she had ever felt before. When he was there, listening to her every word, her every expression, every move she made. When he wiped her tears and made her smile. All of that in that moment of revelation.
    But she did not have much time to savor it.
    “Booker,” Avalon whispered, so faintly, that the rain faded out her words, that they both had to lean in to hear what she said.
    When they did, they both breathed a sigh of relief.
    “Oh thank Eeneas.”He let one hand go, that tenderness slowly fading back, but still held her hand with the other. He looked at Iris, who had come to his side. “Where are the others?”
    “I have no idea,” she said honestly, looking defeated. She looked around again, as if expecting to see them run to their side. “I just woke up around here-Got up to look for you guys and found her here. “Her voice turned serious.” Booker, you know she’s coming back. This is just some kind of trap.”
    “I know.” he gave a curt nod, hiding his eyes.
    “Um…”She fidgeted with her hands, pacing as she tried to think of what to do next. “Booker, pick Avalon up. She’s hurt. You know that. But we have to get moving before she catches up.”
    “Right.” Booker moved only an inch before Avalon sat herself up, shaking her head.
    “I can move,” She croaked.

Chapter 4
    He stood up, his hands ready to catch her if she fell. Her knees were wobbly. Her hands