Chapter45: A Trap

Kael I walk into Vaeloria through the main gates that face the road to Hexeton. I let my wings erupt but keep the rest of my dragon form at bay, for now. I need to conserve my strength. The sun is high overhead when I reach the ring of vines as thick as tree trunks. I have no way in unless I fly, but the amulet around my neck is a constant reminder that I may have a sense of protection now, but if it breaks… which shifting into my dragon form will no doubt do… it will render it useless. I squint up at the top of the gate where the vines curl around the iron, twisting it into unrecognizable metal. But the vines don’t reach for me here. In fact, I can lay my hand against a vine, and its tendrils don’t burrow through the wall it’s built. I wonder if the amulet is to thank or if the curse has reached its peak, slowing as it passes into its next phase with the coming of the full moon. I can’t climb this wall. The vines twist and coil tight, creating a flat, impenetrable surface. I make the