Rise

Chapter 1

1

Everyone stared at me. In the hazy smoke that drifted in from the battlefield just outside my gates, I could see them, their shadowy forms, as they looked at me. On their knees in supplication, the minions gazed up from where they crouched to take in my glory.

My wings had returned to me. They were a magnificent sight stretching out from my back. The colours in the feathers had become richer, deeper, but no less vibrant. I was a glorious parrot on steroids. I stretched the wings in and out, my feet lifting gently from the ground. I could live forever barely touching the soil.

My sword was still at my back, its smooth leather sheath against my naked flesh. I reached for the hilt, and my hair parted magically around it. I gently caressed the handle but left the sword where it was. I was on my lands, there was no need for it here. My hair swirled again to cover the blade.

My hair was longer than ever, it grazed my naked ass as its bulk swirled behind me, caught in a draft that seemed to emanate from my very self. I felt taller, but that was probably just the freshness of my spine. The new bones and sinews singing with excitement as they moved together.

I looked down at my body, my skin was perfect: no blemishes, marks or scars. I delicately touched my face; it was smooth and whole, and over each eye was a thick brow. Reaching into my mouth, I felt my teeth with my fingers. The permanent retainer thing I’d had since I was fourteen was gone, as were my crowns. I now had however many teeth you’re supposed to have, sitting pretty in my mouth.

I was perfect. I was whole. I was a rock star.

I looked at the crowd. No one made a sound. After the noise of the battle, it unnerved me.

“Isn’t anyone going to say anything?” I called out. “I’ve just done some pretty serious metamorphic s**t over here. No one has a comment?”

I could see Noiryn and Benyst by the great doors to my home. Noiryn clung to Benyst like she’d seen a ghost, her third eye racing up and down my body. Benyst’s mouth stretched into a tight thin line. I caught movement in my periphery and spun towards it. The minions gasped. Had it been that fast? I felt a little quicker on my feet than usual but nothing crazy.

My eyes locked on the creature that had moved and I realised it was Spin. He wore a bloodstained apron and held a dark cloth in his hands.

“Spin!” I started walking towards him, the minions parting before me like a wave. “What do you think?” I gestured at my perfectness, “Pretty great, eh?”

“Yes, my lady,” he bowed, up close I could see the fine lines etched around his eyes. “I wonder though, are you all right?”

“What?” I shook my head, my luxurious hair swinging around me. “Of course I’m alright. Look at me!” Spin flinched, was my voice a bit too loud?

“Yes, your beauty is clear,” he smiled. “It just happened so quickly, I wonder if you are okay? If the transition was not too difficult?”

I didn’t like the look on his face, it looked like pity. The last thing I needed was pity from some grey minion when I looked like a supermodel.

“Are you okay?” he asked quietly.

“I’m better than okay,” I said quickly. “I’m disappointed in you, Spin. I thought you of all people could see that.”

I spun on my heel and left him there with that weird look on his face.

As I crossed the lawn towards the doors to my home, Noiryn and Benyst stepped aside, Benyst gently pressing Noiryn behind him. I scowled.

“You don’t need to do that, Benyst. I’m not going to hurt her.”

“You seem edgier than usual; you know she doesn’t like that,” Benyst practically growled.

“Wow, well maybe ‘she’ can speak up for herself?” I looked at Noiryn, “are you going to say something?”

“Phoenix, why are you shouting?” she whispered.

“Are you kidding me?” I laughed, “Look at me! I fixed myself, completely fixed myself, I look f*****g glorious and obliterated a bunch of bad minions by the way, and everyone is looking at me like I’ve lost my mind!” I laughed again, it felt like hard bubbles in my chest. “What is wrong with you people?”

“Hey, honey,” a soft, gravelly voice reached my ears. Royal had stepped out onto the front steps. “How about you go put some clothes on?” he smirked, “Your gloriousness is a bit too much for us all right now.”

“Fine.”

I brushed past Benyst and Noiryn, then, without thinking, I flew to the top of the stairs. I gasped and looked back at Royal, but it was too dark in the entryway to see his face.