She opened her eyes and instead of their usual warm gold, they were brown. They were full of tears and she struggled to back away from him. “Leave me alone!”
“Get away!” she screamed. Her gestures were weak, but she was evidently terrified of him, trying to get as far away from him as possible.
He would hear the door open and a panicked voice floated up from the stairs. “Eden? Eden, are you here?” Eden’s gaze didn’t leave Sam and she shuddered. “Alyndar, I’m up here,” she said, her voice cracking. The light shimmer of wings was followed by a woman floating up to the second floor. She was beautiful, with an ageless, stern face. Her eyes were glittering sapphires and her hair was a dark brown. She wore robes of gray, with layers that resembled a blooming flower. Her wings were large and butterfly-like and they shimmered with a silver glow. Her gaze rested on Eden first before shifting to Sam, and her expression grew dark and terrifying.
She moved her hand and threw him back against the wall. Eden closed her eyes and rested her forehead against the floor, tears slipping down her cheeks. The Alyndar flew over to her and picked her up in her arms.
He cried out quietly as he hit the wall, but slowly stood. "I.. I didn't have anything to do with this!"
“Filthy human,” the Alyndar said, holding Eden gently in her arms and flicking her hand. Sam would feel himself pressed against the wall forcefully. “Always greedy for more. Look at the destruction you have brought with you.”
She glared at him and Eden spoke up through a very damaged throat. “He had to have told them, Alyndar,” she said, sounding completely broken. “He’s the only one who knew.” The Alyndar looked down at her with a look of surprise. “I warned you, Eden,” she said sharply. “I told you to never trust them.” Eden didn’t reply.
She said nothing, but it was clear she didn’t believe him. The Alyndar looked up before fluttering her wings. “Eden, we have to leave. There may be more coming.” Eden nodded slowly and the Alyndar’s gaze turned to Sam. “The only reason I’m not killing you right now is because I don’t want her to see it.” With a wave of her hand, she threw him aside. “Monster.” Her wings fluttered and she flew into the air, leaving the house.
Eden turned her face into Aspen’s arm as they flew over the remains of the Glen. Alyndars below them were flying among the dead, trying to find those who could be still be saved. The door would open, and heavy footsteps would enter Eden’s ruined home,
A strangely familiar face would be staring up at him. He would recognize the person as his professor, watching him with a curious expression. “Mr. Collier? What are you doing here?”
