Second Coming

Chapter 4

Ayla gagged at the smell of the world around her. The scent of death was in the air. Even after all these years, Ayla could still smell the sickly sweat scent of her mother's blood even though she could no longer see it. She had stepped out of the portal right in front of the ancient tree deep in the forest. She lay her hand on the gnarled trunk and closed her eyes. " I miss you mother." She whispered in the fae language. The wind blew the trees weeping branches around Ayla's body as though the tree were hugging her, providing her comfort and she sighed again. She didn't understand why she had to return to this place. Unable to stand the memories, Ayla left. She had been wandering aimlessly, unsure where she was supposed to be going when she heard the unmistakable sounds of battle. Curious, Ayla walked closer so she could get a better look. A large group of wolves and humans were attacking a pack of werewolves. The warriors were trying to defend the women, children and elders. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw a rogue take down a warrior and a hunter taking aim at a pup no more than 3 years old. Rage filled Ayla and without thinking she called on the forest to attack those who meant harm. The forest was ancient and once belonged to the fae. It was filled with sentient slumbering trees that her people called sentinels. She sent her power through the roots waking up her ancient friends. To the surprise of all those fighting, the trees awakened with deep groans. They attacked anyone who possessed the intent to harm an innocent. It wasn't long before the rogues and the hunters that weren't killed, were fleeing from the territory. The wolves that were left over eyed the Sentinels warily. They weren't sure if the trees would attack them also. Instead, the trees turned back around and went back to their places, becoming quiet once again.  

Ayden didn't know what to think or how to react. All his warriors looked to him for answers but he had none. Ayden had never seen a tree come to life like that before. He was in shock until the cries of his wounded caught his attention and he called to Suri." Suri we need healing out here." He said. Suri appeared shortly after. She went from one wounded to another until all were sufficiently healed. Throughout that whole time though Ayden noticed that Suri kept looking into the forest. " Suri I need to ask you something." Ayden said and she turned to look at him. " Yes my love?" she replied. Ayden scratched the back of his head looking awkward. " Um, I was wondering if you have ever heard of trees coming to life?" he asked her feeling stupid. Suri was quiet for a moment and then looked back into the forest. It was as though she was looking for something or someone. " Not for a very long time Ayden. Not all trees can come to life like that. The ones who do are called sentinels. They are a race as old as the Fae themselves. They protected the Fae lands from attack and the Fae called them kin." she explained frowning. " Why? did the trees awaken?" she asked him. Ayden nodded and looked warily back to the forest. He now worried if his pack was safe there. Suddenly his cell phone rang. He quickly answered it. It was Andre, their closest ally. Ayden was surprised that Andre was having rogue trouble as well. It meant the rogues were being strategic. As an after thought, Ayden told him about the trees and then hung up. Suri scanned the forest again. She could feel someone there but she couldn't see them. Suri walked away from Ayden, towards the forest and stopped just at the treeline. " My name is Suri. I can feel you out there. I am a Witch. Please come out of hiding. I will not harm you!" Suri called out. At first there was no response and Ayden looked at his mate as though she was nuts. Suddenly there was laughing. The voice was melodic and carried on the wind like a spirit. Suri stepped back as the tree in front of her moved out of the way and a small woman stepped out of the darkness of the woods. Her hand grazed the Sentinel in a caress as she walked by it. Ayden couldn't take his eyes off of her. " She's dangerous." Ayden's wolf Niko said to him.  

Ayla laughed. This young witch was hilarious. " Of course you won't harm me. Your power isn't strong enough." She said and one of the wolves growled at her. The witch Suri held her hand up at the warrior and he quieted down. So he was her mate then Ayla noticed as her eyes flicked back to the woman in front of her. " Who are you and what are you doing on my land?" The alpha of the pack demanded as he moved to stand beside the witch. Ayla's silver blue eyes snapped to Ayden's and he took an involuntary step back before catching himself. " Careful Ayden." Niko warned. " Your land? Wolf your people have been trespassing on our lands for thousands of years!" Ayla replied angrily. How dare this werewolf claim the lands owned by her people. The wolves around them growled again and stepped forward menacingly. Suri began to worry. This woman was no human. She could feel the power radiating through her. " You all need to calm yourselves. You will not win in a fight against this woman." She said and the wolf’s head snapped in her direction. Ayla chuckled softly. " Listen to your little Witch." Ayla said. Just then the wind blasted around them sending her hair flying, exposing her pointed ears. Suri gasped and stumbled back, pulling Ayden with her. " What is wrong Suri. Why are you afraid of her?" he asked, feeling a little insulted in her lack of confidence in him and his warriors. Suri bowed her head in respect. She'd studied the history of the supernatural world and she knew what the woman in front of them was. " I am not scared, not really. She will not hurt us as long as we aren't a threat to her or the forest. I am in awe. I never thought I would ever have the honor of meeting one in my lifetime." Suri said and Ayden frowned with a small growl. " What the hell are you talking about?" he said agitated. " She's Fae Ayden." she whispered.