Guardians of Evergreen (Forever Ever #1)

Run, Run, Run - Calvin Jiroux *

Calvin studied the wanted flyer plastered on the side of the cottage, his eyes tracing the lines of the fugitive's face. Hiding in the shadows of a narrow passageway, he listened intently to the clicking sounds emanating from the nearby cottages in Murdoc.

The cold wind whistled, carrying with it the rustling of trash in the alley behind him. Retrieving his wand from a concealed pocket in his cape, Calvin took a deep breath and stepped forward.

The dampness of his wet cape weighed heavily on his mind, as if it were clouding his thoughts. With a flick of his wand, Calvin unleashed a burst of colorful light that illuminated his surroundings. Leaning against the cottage, he could hear the creaking of its weathered wood. To his surprise, the cape was now dry, the magic having worked its wonders.

In the distance, Calvin spotted a figure dressed in a dark green ragged hood and a long brown robe. The creature hunched down along the rocky trail, flies buzzing around its body. Calvin's ears twitched as he caught the creature sniffing the stagnant air, suddenly turning toward his hiding spot.

Startled, Calvin stumbled backward and accidentally bumped into a barrel of water. Retreating further into the darkness, he glanced back to see the creature sprinting after him. He felt a gust of wind tugging at his hair, his cape billowing behind him as he picked up speed.

The raspy snickers of the pursuing creature echoed in his ears, its claws scraping against the ground with every stride. Two diverging paths loomed ahead, forcing Calvin to make a split-second decision. Without hesitation, he veered right, shooting a glare at the towering cottages that blocked his path.

A slim crack between the structures caught his attention, offering a potential escape route. Perhaps, if he could channel his inner fairy, he might squeeze through. Closing his eyes, he delved into his memories, seeking the magic within.

Before he could act, a searing pain tore through his back, launching him across a heap of trash and decaying food. Gripping his wand tightly, Calvin witnessed the creature crawling on all fours, its yellow eyes fixed on him. The hissing sound beneath the green hood sent shivers down his spine. Refusing to surrender, Calvin quickly scrambled to his feet and pointed his wand at the menacing creature.

Calvin felt a sudden jolt as the creature latched onto his boots, its grip tightening. The sight of the monster's grotesque features made his stomach churn. Its yellow eyes stared back at him with a malicious gleam, and the putrid stench emanating from its decaying body filled the air.

Fear surged through Calvin's veins, but he knew he had to act quickly. He reached for his wand, his fingers trembling slightly. With a swift motion, he pointed it at the creature clinging to his leg and muttered an incantation under his breath. A burst of magical energy shot out from the wand, enveloping the creature in a web of shimmering light.

The monster let out a piercing shriek as the magical bonds tightened around it, struggling to break free. Calvin felt a surge of determination course through him, fueling his actions. He yanked his leg forcefully, trying to dislodge the creature, but its grip remained tenacious.

Drawing upon his newfound strength, Calvin summoned the power within him. His wings, still tingling with residual energy, fluttered with newfound vigor. With a mighty flap, he propelled himself into the air, momentarily escaping the creature's grasp. Hovering above the ground, he angled his wand and unleashed another spell.

A torrent of multicolored energy erupted from the wand's tip, spiraling towards the creature. The magical onslaught engulfed it, causing it to convulse in agony. Calvin's heart raced as he channeled every ounce of his power into the attack, determined to free himself from this relentless pursuer.