Descent Into Darkness (Book 2) Read Free Page A

step in before things got worse.
    "Azalea, once we're out of the woods, we'll run into other people, which will certainly be a problem with how you look. When they catch sight of your blue skin, red eyes, and wings, I'm afraid they're going to come after you with sticks and stones. And when they are done, I'll be next just for being with you."
    "Oh, by the Abyss." Azalea's voice was a mixture of sadness and condescending. "Don't you know anything about Yulari? Well, you are going to learn something today."
    Stopping, she turned around to face him. Once she was set, her wings lowered and folded about her body, underneath her arms. Then her entire body seemed to shimmer, blurring the image of her entire body until Ean was barely able to make her out. Then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the blur was gone and Ean's jaw dropped.
    Standing in front of him now was a woman slightly smaller than himself, short blonde hair framing a petite face, her body covered in what appeared to be a thick cloth robe. The woman's features resembled Azalea's but were slightly muted, the thin nose a bit more rounded out, the mouth smaller but with lips just as full, her eyes slightly slanted and of a dark green color with actual pupils. Her hair was cut the same, but was a dirty blond color. Her skin had taken on a lightly tanned tone, like someone that spent most of their life out in the fields but had just spent the Chill season indoors.
    But there was something else. That shimmering effect was still slightly there, although it didn't blur her appearance any longer. It was the same effect Ean saw on Zin any time he became invisible.
    "Well?" Azalea asked, lifting her arms up and slowly spinning around. "Will I pass for human?"
    "Yes, absolutely, unless normal people can see that shimmering effect as well."
    She stopped spinning abruptly and turned to face him. "What shimmering effect?"
    "I think I can see the spell or whatever it is that changes your appearance. The same thing happens when Zin tries to turn invisible."
    "Oh really? How peculiar." Shrugging, the Yulari spun one last time with a laugh before dropping her arms. "Well, I'm sure it won't be a problem."
    Raising her arms again, the shimmering effect washed over her once more and in an instant, she had returned to her pale blue skinned self. "All that spinning made me forget which way we need to go. I'll be right back."
    Taking off into the air once more, Azalea was only gone for a moment before fluttering back to the dirt and mud of the forest. With a casual wave of her hand she motioned for Zin and Ean to follow. The three of them walked on in silence again, with Zin shooting daggers with his eyes at the Yulari while Ean pretended not to notice.
    "Here you are," she said, spreading her arms wide. "Delivered from despair and starvation by your wonderful Yulari guide. Just a little bit further and we'll be out of these woods and hopefully to more populated areas." She flashed Ean a smile and patted him on the head. "Not that I've found your presence boring, of course. It's just that you stink of depression, and it leaves a sour taste in my mouth."
    Ean dodged another head pat from the Yulari and returned a furious scowl. "Quit patting my head like I'm your puppy. And I'm not depressed. If I'm not exactly cheerful, it's only because it's been a rough journey, and I'm tired. That's all."
    "You sure?" Tilting her head, Azalea gave him a quizzical look. "I'm pretty sure I've been smelling depression wafting off of someone, and it certainly isn't the imp."
    "How do you know it isn't Zin?"
    She flashed Zin a wide grin. "The only emotion that I've been smelling from him is distaste, and I'm sure it is directed at me."
    Returning her grin, the imp began making his way towards the end of the forest. "Finally, something we agree on."
    Ean jogged to catch up with Azalea, who was trailing after Zin, and in no time they were walking three abreast out of the forest into a clear stretch of land.