Sapphire

  A bird swooped down to snatch a worm from a freshly clawed trench in front of the marble pillars. A giant paw appeared from the doorway, thumped to the earth, and crushed the little bird. The paw dug into the ground with massive force as another huge paw smashed long claws into a last solid hope of salvation. The claws slipped a little but then reached forward again, refusing to lose their determined grip. Slowly, like being born from the air itself, the strong paws pulled forth the enormous body of a one ton Agonian bear. Its muzzle was contorted and snarling with a ferocious will to live, every fiber fighting against the whirlpool of light behind it that was trying to pull the bear’s strength away.

  Just as the realm’s last remaining foot hold of earth fractured into pure light, the bear threw itself forward and collapsed onto its side. Deep huffs of air blasted from its large lungs. The breaths grew weaker and quicker, till the sound of gasping tinier lungs could be heard. The man’s green eyes flicked open, full of bitter hate and revenge. He raised himself and stared at the faint trail of trampled grasses fading into the distance. Instantly he transformed into a hawk and flew after the traitor. Orin had betrayed him, had betrayed both of them.