Looking over at the creature again then using the fire to turn it fully into ash.

         “Now it makes sense why you seemed to have been taken out by a combinational hit.” He says watching the remains burn.

Once the creature has completely vanished Ari looks up at the sky.

         “Thank you Myra. You opened my eyes to see that our child was in front of me. We have a daughter.” He grips the necklace and heads back to where the others are.

***

         “Do you think she’ll be ok?” Maxen asks aloud.

         “I hope she’s ok I have to tell her thank you. She did after all save my life.” Syi says looking at Maxen.

         “It’s hard to say for sure. To be really honest she is even lucky to still be alive.” Captain says chin in his hand as he thinks.

         “What does that mean?” Rexen asks looking to Captain.

         “Normally if someone is bitten by one of Asriel’s servants; either they die on spot or becomes one of them themselves.” Captain says without looking up.

         “There have even been a few that have fallen into a death sleep from these creatures.” Ari adds as he returns to the group.

         “So, in all actuality they die no matter what if their bitten.” Maxen says as he glances over at the tent that was set up for Spanx.

         “Are you saying all we can do is sit around and wait to see if she starts to turn or she dies?” Syi asks her tone full of sadness.

         “In a way yes, but in another it depends on her.” Captain says.

         “You should all be getting some rest. We still have a long way ahead of us.” Ari says putting a stop to the conversation.

         “Shouldn’t someone keep watch?” Zora asks taking a worried glace at the tent.

         “I agree there was already one of those ugly creatures. Who’s to say more won’t show up” Luna crosser her arms as she speaks.

         “I will stand watch all of you need to go get some rest.” Ari goes to a spot that he finds is good to keep watch. Soon everything is quiet.

         “Wait…” Spanx mumbles.

Hearing the voice, he walks over to check on Spanx.

         “She seems to be communicating with someone.” Captain says as he notices Ari has entered the tent.

         “I didn’t realize you were already here. What do you mean she’s communicating with someone, is she dreaming?” Ari looks at her.

         “We say she’s dreaming, but to her what’s happening is real. It seems to me that this is her unique reaction to the venom of the bite.” Captain says looking to Ari.

         “How is the bite doing?” Ari steps forward as he asks.

         “I was just about to change the bandage, hand me the clean cloth from over there.” Captain says holding out his hand.

Captain undresses the wound.

         “That’s really strange.”

         “What’s wrong?” Ari turns to look.

         “The wound has already healed, only this strange, twisted scare remains.” Captain

         “Is it me or does the scar look like a serpent?” Ari looks at the scar.

         “It’s only been a few hours; it makes no sense that it’s healed already. A simple scratch from one of those creatures usually takes weeks.” Captain looks to Ari.

         “What do you suppose we do?” Ari looks back at Captain.

         “At first light we will head out, we will push through without stopping.” Captain says.

**********

A young woman runs through a long hallway. The only light is that of the moon shining through the opened windows.

         “Wait… Where are, you going?” Spanx calls out.

Spanx instinctively follows the lady. Going to a beautiful garden filled with all types of flowers. Soon a young man shows up.

         “You made it.” The woman smiles happily.

         “I will always show up for you.” The man takes her hand.

The two of them share a sweet kiss.

         “I have great news for you my love.” The woman says as she lovingly looks up at him.

         “What is it?” he smiles.

         “I am with child.”

         “You mean it; we have been blessed?”

         “Yes my love we will soon be able to hold our child in our arms.” She smiles at him sweetly.

The two of them kiss once more, and then the scenery starts to change. The same woman as before is now running through a wooded area. She has a misstep and falls to the ground.

         “Are you alright?” Spanx calls out but she’s unheard.

Struggling the woman moves to a sitting position with the support of a tree.

         “It’s been to long since our last time with each other.” A cloaked man seems to appear out of the air.

         “I need your help.” She says.

         “You left me to become a guard, and then you marry another man. Now you are coming to me because you need help. The Cloaked man says angrily.

         “Please you are the only one that can help me. I’m sorry for the past… I will never be sorry for falling in love again.”

         “I will be on my way then.” He says as he begins to turn away.

         “Please… the help I ask for is not for me; I ask for my unborn child. I’ll lose it if you do not help me.” She looks up at him.

The man stops.

         “You are with child?” the man turns towards her.

         “Yes; I am with child. Are you going to help?” she looks up pleadingly.

         “Do you know what you are asking of me?” he says looking down at her.

         “Yes, and I have accepted what my punishment will be upon death for doing this as well. I just… I…can’t bear to lose my child. Will you save my child please?” She says bowing her head.

         “You also know that part of the consequence will be that the child shares traits of mine.”

         “I understand.” She slowly raises her head.

The man helps her to her feet; he places his hand on her stomach. His eyes widened for a moment. As a slow glow builds from the palm of his hand he looks at the woman their eyes don’t separate.

         “Mulierem in hac vita est, exustus ager; credibile, quod effectus huius vesiculae. Et dabo te in animam virtute” he says lightly touching her stomach. (Within this Woman is a wilting life; reverse the effects on this vesicle. I give the power of life to thee.)

**********

Spanx sits up quickly.

         “There were two.” She rubs her eyes.

         “Ah you’re finally awake.”

She turns to see a young man; he couldn’t be much older than she.

         “Who are you?” she asks with a guarded tone.

         “Well, aren’t you a lively one; things shall be fun.” The young man gives her a mischievous smile.

         “Um… Please tell me where I am… also who you are.”

Before he can reply the door opens and a housekeeper walks in with a try of tea.

         “Prince Zain I have brought the tea you have asked for.” As she walks in she looks over at Spanx, upon seeing her she drops the tray. The tea set shatters the tea staining the floor.

         “I’m so sorry, I will clean this right away and I will have a new set of tea brought up to you straight away.” She kneels giving a bow then starts to clean the broken pieces.