Pursuer (Alwahi Series) by Monique Morgan Read Free Book Online

seems to mimic the shape of one,” Arrelia added. Zanas had quickly begun to like the small, merciless girl.
     
    Arrelia, Zanas believed, was probably around the age of fifteen, although it was somewhat hard to tell, as the entire Pursuer clan had a youthful appearance. However, this did not distract from the fact that Arrelia was a hard and seasoned warrior. Her body was small, but there was a definite lethal presence that she exuded. There was no doubt that the deadly blades that she carried would soar like eagles as she slashed them through the air. Her small frame seemed to flow through the forest, her beautiful dark eyes always scanning for prey, she was a true Pursuer. The small girl was deadly, short tempered, and ruthless at times, but she was also surprisingly loyal and tolerant to those of her clan. The two were soon inseparable.
     
    … … …
     
    They were on a hunt in the eve of the night, Zanas and Arrelia, running through the forest at a deadly pace, their strong athletic legs flying through the underbrush. Their steady breathing was the only thing that could be heard as they gracefully streamed through the green. On and on they ran, each feeling a strong, wild need to fly through the night, to run next to the tall trees of the forest, and among the noises of the creatures of the dark.
     
    They stopped at a creek, cupped the cool water into their hands and drank deeply. All around them Zanas could hear the chirping of crickets, and the sound of the stream splashing against its tight banks. It was peaceful as the two of them stood beneath the stars, drinking in the night. She felt a few splashes on her face and looked up at the sky as it began to open and spill its liquid. They stood there for a moment and then, with big grins, began to race through the forest once again.
     
    The cool earth on their feet was like a soothing bath. Zanas felt her muscles relax as they splashed through the pools of water. They ran on and on, and Zanas found herself running in a part of the forest she had never been in before. The exotic jungle seemed to continue forever, never ceasing in an outreaching stretch of green. The rain began to ebb, and the true beauty of the night began.
     
    They slowed to a stop as the Pangerra flowers began to open. Zanas remembered the first time she had seen them opening after the rain, glowing in radiating bright colors. Reaching around their necks, they pulled up on the cloth they had tied, covering their mouths and noses. Arrelia had been the one to explain to Zanas that these plants gave off a low-level toxic pollen. A large amount of pollen would need to be inhaled in order for it to be fatal, but it still irritated the lungs. Zanas walked past the first flower and was rewarded with a puff of air, as bright iridescent powder jettisoned towards her face. They ran through puff after puff of the brilliant toxic dust of colors, through the glowing valley of pigment.
     
    Ahead Zanas saw movement. She glanced over to Arrelia, who nodded that she had seen it as well. Zanas motioned that they would circle the beast, and they split off into two. She found herself running down a ravine and realized that she would be cut off from Arrelia. She hesitated for a brief moment, and then saw movement again and quickened her pace. She raced down to the bottom of the streambed, a slow trickle of water making its way over the rocks. There was movement near the water. Zanas made one final jump and she was face to face with it. With him .
     
    He was tall with razor sharp black hair. He stood there shirtless, his muscled abs tense. She stared at him, her breaths coming in heaves. He was covered in pollen, his body aflame with luminous color. He wore no mask, and as she watched, he grinned at her, his teeth pointy. Zanas heard the low growl at the back of her throat begin as he stepped forward. He was inches away, his breath on her neck. She noticed the long trail of softly glowing tattoos that started at his