The Lost Heir's

Chapter Three

The hairs on her arm raised as a shiver racked her body, the slightest feeling of fear slithering in. Aria shook her head. No, it’s just a spirit, she reminded herself. A haunting laugh came from behind. Whipping around, she pointed the saber’s tip towards the shadow.

“Come out.” She called. The spirit stepped out from the shadow, making Aria’s breath hitch and the saber waiver. Bright red eyes stared deep into her soul; horns branching out like a tree’s arm around its fur face. Fangs dipped in crimson red, visible from its mouth. Half of its face was missing or slashed off. Its body, muscular and covered in a cloak, covering what laid beneath. As it moved, the shroud shifted and bunched up unnaturally, making her shudder at what it hid beneath. Every part of her screamed to run, but she stood like a statue, her limbs frozen in place.

“Scared, beast girl?” The creature taunted.

“No,” she denied.

It snorted, “I could show my authentic form, if you’re not.”

“No!” Aria shouted, realizing she fell for his trick. Mentally giving herself a shake, she pointed the saber’s tip at his chest. “What do you want?”

“What do I want?” it repeated, humming as he walked, circling her like prey. It’s just a spirit, Aria reminded herself; she felt it wasn’t just a spirit, but that it could do actual damage in the physical world. “It would be convenient to be alive. But you can’t grant me that, can you?” it smiled, showing rows of pointed teeth.

Aria growled. “Stop with the games. Why are you here? Why do you always patronize me?”

“Impatient beast girl. I have been dead many years, and you ruin the only fun I have.” The spirit stopped in front of her and sighed, “I am here before you today because–” Shouts came from outside the room. The sound of pounding feet above her head echoed.

“Come. You need to leave.” The spirit grabbed her hand. Ice ran through her blood, freezing her all over her.

“Wait, what?” She tugged her arms. Oh hell no, this guy wasn’t taking her anywhere.

“There is no time, not if you want to live.” Shouts became louder, banging came from the door. Aria looked at the door. She seemed to be trapped. She had little choice. The lock groaned and creaked against the pressure.

“Do you have a death wish?” the creature hissed.

Aria hesitated. She didn’t want to be caught and tortured by the church, but she also didn’t trust the spirit. It could easily be a trap. The spirit was known for tormenting her, making things harder. Aria tugged her arms free and stepped back. Eyeing the spirit, she crossed her arms against her chest.

“Why should I trust you?”

It sighed, “this is not the time.” It reached out to her, “as amusing as cat and mouse is, there is no game if there is no mouse.” Aria glared at him; she was not impressed being called a mouse.

“I solemnly swear, beast girl, no harm shall befall you.”

A loud bang came from the door, causing Aria to glance at it. The wood splintering from the battering it was receiving. What did she have to lose? Her life or dealing with a possible trap. She sighed; she rather deal with a trap then be caught. She grasped the spirits hand and stared at it. Surprised that she felt flesh and warmth come from its hand. Slowly her body began to tingle, starting from her hand and spreading up her arm before consuming her whole body. She watched in amazement as her body became translucent. She looked up, “You…” before she could finish, she was pulled through the wall, the door crashing to the ground behind her. The earths dirt flew through her, making her giggle as it tickled. Not long, the ground began to disappear as the stood on the forest floor. Birds singing off in the distance as dawn began to rise.

“You now owe me a debt,” the spirit said, bring Aria back to the present.

“wait,” alarm coursed through her, “you never said anything about a debt.”

“Beast girl, you should know to never accept help on a whim.” It chuckled before disappearing.

If Graver and Telsa found out what she did – she shuddered at the thought. She did not want to find out. Aria surveyed her surroundings. Finding herself on the northern wall. The complete opposite of where she had been. She groaned; it was going to take forever to get across the city. That spirit knew exactly what it was doing, making her life harder. She quickly made work of finding a way through the wall, before moving swiftly through the shadows, heading back to her current home.