Chapter 1: A Favour for a Friend

I soared above the treetops, appreciating the scenery while enjoying the warmth from the sun and the sensation of the wind between my feathers. Flying always helps me find my inner peace.

I descended towards the forest floor. Greenery covered the ground, and large oak trees cast shadows across the vegetation. I let my instincts guide me as I navigated through them.

The leaves rustled in the wind, and the creek flowing nearby created a soothing melody. I landed on a branch by the stream and breathed in the wonders of nature. Here, in my crow form, I could forget about everything – forget what I was and just be.

A deer and its fawn made their way over some rocks for a drink. I watched them for a while. A sense of longing echoed in my chest as I thought about how my own parents had abandoned me. Not wanting to dwell on the past, I took to the sky again. I followed the stream as the landscape opened up, giving way to a lake. Sunlight glittered peacefully on the surface. I used the rising currents of warm air to boost my height, making me feel weightless as I drifted effortlessly through the sky.

While I glided over the lake, an invisible force tugged at me, pushing its tendrils into my mind. My breathing became rapid as I fought against it. I scanned the area, scared whoever had caused it would imprison my mind. My heart pounded and black dots clouded my vision as I struggled to break free. But it was no use. The force became stronger the more I fought it, causing me physical pain. The world spun and I struggled to stay upright. I swiftly looked for a place to land as the force pushed me towards another location.

What was going on? Wait … was I being summoned?

The only person who could summon me was Nick. But why was he summoning me? He had never done it before. Maybe he was in danger. Instead of fighting against the force, I tuned in to it, allowing it to fully enter my mind and transport me to Nick’s side. I wasn’t completely sure where I would end up or what I would walk into, only that my best friend needed me.

I emerged in Nick’s old house and instantly scanned the room to determine whether there were any imminent threats. When I didn’t sense any, I took a deep breath and let my body relax. Nick seemed lost in thought, pacing back and forth in the living room. He didn’t acknowledge me until I transformed into my human form.

A chill ran down my spine. I inspected my surroundings, trying to figure out why. The house hadn’t changed much. The two leather sofas were still there, facing the fireplace, as was the enormous bookcase that engulfed an entire wall. Even the Persian rug, which almost completely covered the wooden floor, was still there. But something felt off. Different. I was still searching for a clue when Nick cleared his throat.

He gave me a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. ‘Jax. It’s good to see you. I’m sorry about summoning you like this. I realise how degrading it must be to be forced somewhere against your will, but I didn’t know any other way to reach you.’

I took a step towards him and met his gaze. I wasn’t bothered; I knew he must have had his reasons. ‘It’s okay. What’s going on?’ I studied him more closely. Even though I hadn’t seen him for a long time, he still appeared to be in his mid-twenties. Dark circles hung under his ice-blue eyes, which seemed to have lost their brightness. His beard was scruffy and unkempt, and his brown hair was put up into a bun. It looked like he hadn’t showered for days.

Nick evaded my gaze and took a seat on the sofa, gesturing for me to do the same. He stared into the fire. I crossed my arms and uncrossed them, waiting for him to speak.

He took a deep breath but didn’t move. ‘I need a favour from you. You’re the only one I can trust,’ he said, his gaze still on the fire. A moment later he clasped his hands together in his lap and glanced at me with a pained expression. ‘I never told you how Lily died.’

Nick broke eye contact and moved his gaze back to the fire. Silence followed. I ran my hand through my dark tousled hair, not sure whether to say something or wait for him to continue talking. Nick looked like a shell of what he had once been. The death of his wife had hit him hard. Guilt tore at my insides. I hadn’t been a very good friend. The last time I’d seen Nick had been shortly after Lily had died. He hadn’t wanted to talk about it then, and I had respected his wishes, telling him I’d be around if he needed me. Maybe I should have pushed harder?

‘She was killed by a shadow demon.’

My eyes went wide. ‘What?’ I blurted out. ‘Why?’ It didn’t make any sense. Shadow demons could only be created by upper demons. What would they have achieved by killing her? ‘Do you know who made him?’

‘Them.’ Nick clenched his fist. An aura of raw power shot out from him, causing me to move back in my seat, worried that the demon inside him had temporarily taken over. It’s hard to hold on to our humanity at times. It’s something I’ve been fighting my entire existence. I fear what I might become if I let the demon inside take over again. That’s why I prefer being a crow; everything is less complicated.

His voice brought me back to reality. ‘If I did, he’d be dead already,’ he said in a hard, hostile voice. He closed his eyes and sighed, reeling in his anger. ‘I think I was their target.’

I opened my mouth to ask more questions, but he cut me off, shaking his head. ‘It doesn’t matter. I can take care of myself. But I have a daughter, and …’ He drew a shaky breath, despair filling his voice. ‘Lily died protecting her.’

I shifted in my seat. This was news to me. He hadn’t mentioned a daughter, but I hadn’t seen much of him since he’d married Lily. And after she’d died, he had gone completely off grid.

‘Her name is Cassie. She lives in the human world.’ He took a deep breath. ‘I had to hide her away. No one can know she is my daughter.’ A sour expression came over his face as all the emotion drained from his voice. ‘Not until I’ve killed every single one of the beings responsible.’

My muscles tensed up and I observed him for a moment. ‘What do you need me to do?’

He let out a sigh. ‘She’s turning seventeen soon. My source could only guarantee her safety until her powers manifest.’ He continued to stare into the fire. ‘She doesn’t know what she is. She doesn’t know about this world. If anyone tried to get to her, she would be an easy target.’

‘What do you want me to do?’ I asked again, watching the reflection of the flames in his blue eyes.

He turned away from the fire and acknowledged me. ‘I want you to keep her safe. Watch her, befriend her if you must, and help her understand her abilities like you did for me.’

‘I’m not sure I’m the right person for the job.’

He stared into my hazel eyes. ‘You’re the only one I trust. I may be overreacting. Maybe no one is after her, but I made a promise to Lily to make sure that she’s safe.’

I nodded in response. Nick was like a brother to me, and even though I would have preferred to go back to the forest, to the simple life, I owed him my life.

‘So where can I find Cassie?’ I asked.

He stared into the fire again. ‘She lives in a town called Stonefield.’

‘Where?’

He shrugged. ‘I’m not sure. I can’t tell, but it’s a small town. Let me show you.’ He used telepathy to send the images of the town over to my mind along with an image of Cassie. ‘Sorry I can’t be more helpful.’

‘No worries. I should be able to find her based on this. Can’t be too many Stonefields about.’

‘Thank you. This means a lot to me.’ He got up from the sofa and I followed suit.

‘I guess I should be off,’ I said, giving him a pat on the back. I tried teleporting away. Nothing happened. I tried again, this time closing my eyes and really concentrating on the task at hand. Still nothing. My mouth went dry. Beads of sweat formed on my forehead as panic rose inside me. I gave Nick a fleeting look. ‘Why can’t I teleport?’

‘We’re in Surtr’s realm.’

‘What?’ I froze. My vision closed in on itself and flashbacks of my imprisonment swamped my mind. Bile rose from my stomach. ‘Why would you do something this stupid?’

Nick winced and placed a hand on my shoulder. ‘It’s okay. Just breathe. My father doesn’t know we’re here. My house is concealed.’

My eyes went to his wrist. Partly hidden by his sleeve was a scar – a claw mark. A scar I had caused. Surtr’s imprisonment had caused my demon to take over, so when Nick had finally found me, I was so far gone, I hadn’t recognised him. Thinking he was out to cause me harm, my demon had lashed out. Unwilling to give up on me, Nick had bound me to him to get me out of there. The next few years were a struggle as I learned to take back control and suppress my demon, and I’d made a promise to myself never to let it take over again.

I took a deep breath and pushed the memories aside before glaring at him. ‘How? Why?’

Nick let out a sigh. ‘It’s a long story. Short version, I grew tired of being attacked.’

‘Who attacked you?’

‘Demons. Lily’s death broke something inside me. My powers aren’t contained. They’re like a beacon telling everyone where I am. Can’t you feel it?’

I sent out my energies again, but I couldn’t feel anything different about him. I shook my head. ‘You feel the same as always.’

Nick furrowed his brow. ‘What about when you came by the cemetery all those years ago?’

‘I could sense you, just like now. I thought it had to do with me being bound to you.’

‘Was it like that after we escaped Surtr?’

I shrugged. ‘I don’t know. I’ve done my best to forget about it all.’

Nick became thoughtful.

I scanned the room. The weird feeling I’d had made much more sense now. ‘How do I get out of here?’

‘Let me show you out.’ Nick gestured towards the hallway.

I followed him to the front door and braced myself as he pulled the door open, expecting smoke and fire mixed with the sounds of war cries, but the world beyond the doorway looked exactly like the view from Nick’s house in the human world – an English suburb consisting of brick terraced houses with bay windows. I rubbed my chin and blinked a few times. ‘I don’t understand. Why can I see the human realm?’

Nick chuckled. ‘I would have thought you’d know a portal when you see one. Just step through and you’ll be in the human world.’

I shook my head in shock. How had Nick managed to build a portal? He really had come a long way since we’d first met. I gave him a pat on the shoulder. ‘Look after yourself.’

‘As long as you make sure nothing happens to Cassie. I made a promise to her mother to keep her safe.’

‘I will protect her with my life.’

Nick gave me a nod.

I stared at the door for a moment and ran my hand through my hair. I hoped Nick was right and that I wouldn’t remain in Surtr’s realm. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and stepped through. My body vibrated from the energy of the portal. When I reached the other side, I let out a relieved sigh and turned around. Nick gave me a cheeky grin as if to say ‘I told you so’ before closing the door. I transformed into my crow form and took to the twilight sky. The wind caressed my feathers, soothing my body and mind. Nick had given me a lot to think about.