"First was Uzgaia, the Mighty Wolf—born of the last breath of the Goddess of the Night—while Chaos pierced her heart with his mighty sword.
"Second was Uslin, the Black Unicorn—born out of the last Storm.
"Then came Daegar, the Angel. The Goddess of Wisdom was his mother, but Chaos corrupted him; thus, Daegar became the first Fallen Angel.
"When it was time for the Goddess of Love to die, Zayde was born from her last heartbeat. He followed Chaos and became the Devourer of Souls.
"Torran was born on the broken wings of the Goddess of Wind. His strong roar let everyone know the Terrifying Dragon was near.
"The last cry of the dying Valkyrie brought forth Osyr, the Deadly Warrior.
"Last was Ylru, the Shadow Elf, born from the tears of the last fae.
"The beasts Chaos created unknowingly followed him. They were ethereal, without a body or a soul, and would devour and kill everything. Great was their power, and death was their will.
"Wanting to save the world she created, Life broke seven little pieces of her soul and created her Handmaidens. The Handmaidens were not only beautiful and excellent warriors, but each had unique talents.
"The first handmaiden was Andarra. It was told Andarra had the most beautiful voice that had ever existed, and when Uzgaia heard her sing for the first time, he wished he could have a body.
"Soon, the other beasts started noticing the other Handmaidens. But when Death and Chaos would not stop their campaign of destruction and threatened to turn the entire Universe into ashes, Life, fearing Death would also take her life, turned to the Magic Tree and asked for his help. The Magic Tree offered to create a portal that connected their world to other worlds and have Life and her last creation—the Handmaidens—escape Death and Chaos.
"Sensing Life would run away from him, Death sent Chaos to find Life. The Tree of Life was closing the portal when Chaos slipped inside it. His mighty beasts followed him. Realizing the one he loved left him, Death roared his anger and swore to destroy what was left of the world Life created, but the Magic Tree protected it. Then, Death demanded that the Magic Tree open the portal once more so he could go look for Life. The Magic Tree did so, but instead of letting Death go into the world he sent Life to, the portal took Death to the end of the worlds. Since then, he had been trapped there, looking for a way to find Life and finish what he had started.
"As for Life and her handmaidens, they ended up in a new world. They decided to hide their true nature from everyone. Chaos forgot all about his mission the moment he met Peace. His mighty beasts tried to conquer the world, but Life decided to use her powers for one last time. She chose seven males of different races and placed the beasts inside them. The beasts roared when they first felt the change, but in time, they learned how to live in harmony with the males they shared bodies with. Lastly, Life sealed a great part of their powers in gems she placed on their foreheads.
"For many years, Uzgaia fought his feelings for Andarra, but on a night during the Litha Festival, he confessed his love to her. Not only the beast loved her, but the human part also. When Andarra told Uzgaia she could never love a heartless beast that only loves death and violence, he kidnapped her and took her to an island.
"Once they were on the island, Andarra managed to escape Uzgaia, and she ran away from him. All night, Uzgaia tried to prove to her he was no longer a beast thirsty for blood and violence; all he wanted was to live a peaceful life with her. It was almost dawn when Andarra finally told Uzgaia she felt the same. He took her to a cave, claiming and marking her so that his brethren knew she belonged to him. They had many offspring—the Sons and Daughters of the Land. Uzgaia and Andarra were not only good parents but also great leaders; their children found mates and started new families, with more ocxoas being born.
"After living long, happy lives, Uzgaia and Andarra asked Life to make them mortals. Since Andarra gave up her role of protecting Life, Uzgaia took up that task. When he was no more, his first-born son became the next Uzgaia.
"Jayden is a descendant of the first Uzgaia. His beast chose Mina as his mate. And tonight, he must prove himself to his mate. If he can make Mina fall in love with him, the Lyra bird will bless their mating, just like it did with the first pair!"
Isis stopped speaking and retreated into the forest. Mina had many questions about the story she had heard, but they would have to wait. Little by little, everyone disappeared, leaving Mina and Jayden alone.
Mina bit her lip. "That's a lot to take in."
Jayden rubbed the back of his neck. "I know. One morning I was human, and the next one, I was not only an ocxoa but Uzgaia."
"That's why you said your beast is different," Mina said, and Jayden nodded. "But how do you become Uzgaia and me, Andarra?"
"I know it is related to the Crystal Cave. Only the future Uzgaia and his mate are allowed inside. While many caves are used by ocxoas for their mating night, this island is the one from the story. And my beast, he is born with the ancestral memory. He can remember the lives of former Uzgaia and learn from their mistakes."
"And what is your role in all of this?"
Jayden laughed. "I am just the vessel. And before you ask, the original Uzgaia and the other beasts swore to protect Life from Death if he ever found her. That task is now mine. And, of course, my beast will always respond to Chaos's call." He stopped talking and looked into her eyes. "Do you fear my beast or me?"
Mina shook her head. "Not even if you were Beliar would I fear you. And your beast—I know he would never hurt me. After all, he chose me as his mate."
Jayden let out a breath of relief. "Mina, we are now connected, your life tethered to mine. There is no turning back from this. I am ready to start the Trials of the Land."
Mina wanted to ask about Isis, the only Handmaiden left but remembered Jayden knew her as Life. "I am also ready."
Jayden rolled his shoulders before removing her cloak. He inhaled deeply. "Dear gods, have mercy!" Mina swallowed her giggles. His eyes glowed into the night. "Little lamb," he cooed. Mina's heart pounded in her chest. "You know what to do...."
Wolves howled all around the forest.
Mina ran as if her life depended on it.
Jayden's howls were the loudest as he prepared to hunt his mate.