by N. J. Cooper
“Miss Kyla, I’m so happy to see you again.” Cindy sang genuinely. Being friends with a pixie had never been on her bucket list but now she couldn’t imagine being without it. Cindy was such a light creature, a fae cousin who thrived on people’s happiness and strived to be the cause of it.
“Me too,” Kyla smiled then looked around. The others seemed to be far enough away not to hear but Kyla stepped closer anyway. “How’s the King, Cindy?” She asked nervously. The King had told her a secret that still held her heart so tightly. She was letting him choose the right time to tell Zarek that he was dying but Kyla was finding it harder and harder, to keep from him. Cindy’s expression faltered.
“He weakens with every day, I’m afraid Miss Kyla. He is quite happy that you decided to visit tonight, though. He is waiting in the gardens for you.” Cindy revealed. Kyla nodded sombrely.
His hair was turning white, when it was completely turned from its usual black, then he would die. But Zarek would be stronger. ‘The powers of the realm’ that passed down through the Kings bloodline were slowly being siphoned from King Carrick into his son, Zarek. The King said it was destiny, it was meant to happen now so that Zarek could be strong enough to help in the inevitable battle with Onyx, but Kyla still hated it. Hated having to watch it. Having to keep it a secret. Kyla liked being at the mansion though, Queen Lena and Elanor, attended a lot of city functions and council events and the staff stayed out of the way so there were more chances for her and Zarek to spend time together. Kyla caught up with Wyatt.
“Hey, would you mind taking my bag to our room? I have to go see the King.” Kyla asked since she always shared with Wyatt, something she was sure the Queen stipulated to drive a wedge between her and Zarek. Wyatt nodded and slung the duffel onto his shoulder with a smirk.
“Maybe I should accidentally lose it along the way. Whatever will you do with no clothes?” Wyatt teased as usual. Kyla smiled with a shake of her head.
“I’m sure you’d be first in line to tell me.” She laughed.
“I wouldn’t bet on that.” Zarek whispered as he walked past to his wing of the grand building. Kyla bit her lip to hold back the grin from his comment, but Wyatt still heard it.
“I would.” He called over his shoulder to taunt Zarek. He seemed to love teasing them both, winding them up but it was all good natured, Wyatt just made no secret of his attraction for her and the fact that he could have her, if she’d let him. Which she wouldn’t.
Kyla smiled back then left him to go in search of the King. It didn’t take long. He always met her in the same place. In the garden, out the back that was perfectly manicured, with a fountain, flower beds, a hedge archway and a blossom tree. Kalani, the King’s life-long love, had been another casualty in the war against Onyx and was buried in the garden bed. She had been a witch that was banished to the Outlands for crimes against the realm that she hadn’t committed. Her power source had been turquoise and the garden bed the King knelt in front of, reflected that. It was covered in rows and rows of forget-me-not flowers. Kyla sat down beside him quietly in the dark as he stared up at the stars like he did every time. She held back her tears at how grey his hair had become, some parts turning white.
“How long do you have?” Kyla whispered. The King had his eyes closed, as his mouth gave a small smirk. It was a question she asked frequently, and he always answered with the same cryptic answer.
“However long I am meant to have.” he replied softly with a warmth in his voice that he reserved for their talks. Kyla sighed.
“You need to tell Zarek. I don’t want to keep this from him.” Kyla voiced her worries. He looked at the forget-me-not flowers, then turned to her with a sympathetic gaze.
“Neither do I, Kyla. However, do you think he would leave with you tomorrow, if he were to know before then?” The King asked patiently. Kyla shook her head.
“No, I guess not. But staying here would keep him safe,” Kyla said then chuckled. “I should have guessed you would already know what my plan is. You know I’m leaving tomorrow then? And where I’m going?” Kyla continued. He nodded with a smile.
“My son will be safe with you. I trust that enough to wait until he has left, before telling him. As for you leaving tomorrow. Yes, I know where you are going and yes, I think it is dangerous. However, you were sent here for a purpose and to fulfil that purpose, I realise involves going to dangerous places.” King Carrick admitted, standing slowly from his position in front of the garden. Kyla stood with him, knowing he was going to the blossom tree. Its pale leaves blew in the wind, the cold night air crisp against her cheeks. She sat down on the concrete bench-seat next to him. The King let his naked toes bury in the grass with a sigh. Kyla smiled. It was the same thing every weekend. The little things that brung a light, happy smile to his face. A peaceful look that she envied.
“Any insight on how I’m going to go about getting into another territory, without being suspicious?” Kyla wondered.
“I’ve already informed the Elders of the giant and goblin community, that my son will be visiting as part of his royal duties for their monthly inspections. Zarek, has done them before and they were due anyway. As I have said multiple times Kyla, everything is happening as it should. Coincidences are usually not so coincidental,” he finished like some Chinese fortune cookie. Kyla let out a frustrated breath.
“I get that, but I can’t manage as much faith as you in destiny. I received another prophecy,” Kyla remembered with a tremble in her voice.
“The future is always changing. The prophecies you receive personally, are not set in stone. They are a chance to change what has been put in motion.” He replied with that new-age, wispy voice that he loved to use so much.
“Like a warning of what will happen? Sounds like I’m screwed.” Kyla huffed. King Carrick chuckled lightly.
“No dear, simply in need of a little optimism, I’d say. Maybe your prophecy was sent to incentivise you? Give you clues as to your path? It seems it has a rather positive effect on your ability to move ahead with the task, considering you made the trip so late, despite the dangers.” The King pointed out. Kyla hated his logic, it meant he was right-as usual. Kyla bit her lip.
“I guess so,” Kyla took a deep breath. “So, I’m going to the goblin and giant’s territory tomorrow. Any words of advice or warning?” Kyla asked, picking up her sombre attitude and replacing it with determination. He smiled proudly as he read her change.
“It is a dangerous place in those caves. They run deeper than it seems. And avoid the goblins-they play like tricksters but kill like evil” He spoke as if in a trance. A rehearsed warning. Kyla frowned.
“You are as cryptic as the prophecies. The caves-that’s where the giants live?” Kyla asked. The King nodded. “Okay and they are all over the mountain range while the goblins community is in the forest that leads up to it, right?” Kyla tried to sort through the knowledge she already had. The King shrugged this time.
“Maybe the territories are not as separated as you assume.” He hinted. Kyla frowned.
“But that’s what all the books say. The forest is the goblins, then it’s the separating boundary line of shops for both communities, at the bottom of the mountains before heading up into the giant’s caves. How is that not separated?” Kyla questioned. He shrugged.
“Perhaps it is to the eye. Sometimes things are more than what you can see, Kyla. Trust your instincts when you are there. They will be of more use to you, than your eyes.” The King replied tiredly before coughing slightly. Kyla took his hand in hers.
“C’mon King Carrick. We should get you inside before you freeze. You need some rest,” Kyla said helping his frail body up. Her own body used to be as small as the Kings but after so much training her soft, supple body had become harder. It helped her get the King back through the gardens.
“Before we go inside though. One more thing…” Kyla went to ask but he interrupted.
“You will be given permission to go to the human realm Kyla,
but I must inform you, your mother will not be allowed back here. She is not supernatural and not only is it dangerous for her here, but she will not survive the portal. I must also ask that you don’t get into any altercations with Onyx over there. There are too many humans at risk already because of him and I cannot allow him to expose us, by driving you out. Get in, get your mother safe then you will have to come back here. Onyx will follow.” The King spoke in a more direct way than she was used to, which had her pausing on the concrete steps that led up to the outside patio. She had to find her mom, just to let her go again? Being the Oracle, sucked.
~ 7 ~
“How will I keep my mother away from Onyx if she has to stay in the human realm?” Kyla asked sadly. The King raised her face with a shaking hand.
“Your options for resolution on this are going to hurt, Kyla but it is a necessity. While Onyx is still out and free, your mother will be safe with one of the werewolf packs. I suggest the pack guarding the Atlanta portal, Arkin the Alpha has proven himself beyond my expectations and is extremely loyal. He will protect her until it is safe.” The King explained.
‘That doesn’t sound like options-plural. King Carrick.” Kyla asked, the single option preferable to letting her mother hide out unprotected.
“No, I suppose it isn’t. However, the repercussions of this singular option, could go in two ways.” The King revealed. Kyla grimaced.
“This is the part I’m not going to like, isn’t it?” Kyla realised. He gave her sympathetic smile as he moved inside with her.
“Once this is over and your mother is safe to leave, she will either need her memories erased or to be turned. The choice will be hers, but they are the two options for a human, who knows so much of our world. It is a rule I unfortunately, must enforce rather strictly.” The King apologized. Kyla gasped at the inevitable conclusion, as her heart constricted at his words. She was going to lose her mother all over again. But at least she would be alive. Kyla sighed.
“I’ll warn her then.” Kyla agreed as they reached the bottom of the stairs in the luxurious lobby. The King nodded as his maid came through to help him. King Carrick clutched to the maid weakly.
“Leave tomorrow at noon. You’ll be going in the camper that will be stocked for your travels.” The King smiled, his pale eyes crinkling at the edges. Kyla hugged him. He accepted her affection before she pulled back.
“Thank you, King Carrick. I’ll see you at breakfast.” Kyla kissed him on both cheeks then left to her own guest room that she shared with Wyatt. He was waiting up for her, when she came in.
“And what did ‘Old wise one’ say?” Wyatt teased as she went over to her duffel to pull her white cotton shorts and pyjama top out.
“More fortune cookie stuff as usual. I’m not sure what it means yet. He said to leave at noon though.” Kyla revealed. Wyatt gave her a thumbs up, his built torso exposed from the blankets that sat on his waist. He pulled his blonde hair back with his fingers as she went and got changed in the bathroom.
Ten minutes later and Kyla was asleep in bed next to Wyatt. He always held her while they slept but that was as far as she would let it go. She had expected her body to let her rest as deeply as she had in the camper but that didn’t happen.
***
Kyla woke to absolute silence. A deadly silence that kept its sinister feel within the snow, that fell ominously around her. Damn. Onyx’s signature. Snow.
Kyla turned in the thick white mush that consumed her shoes, trying to see through the mist. Moving forward, she realised she was in front of the mansion. The gates were locked. There were no guards. In fact, the city was empty. No carnage as she had expected, only silence. She tried to move into the mansion, but the gates wouldn’t budge. Frowning, Kyla turned to face the streets that usually bustled. She walked with shivering bones through street after street, panic bubbling in her throat as she still found nothing but more white layering on the ground. Kyla bit her lip. Why was she here? Was it past or present? She couldn’t catch her bearings. Until she heard it. The crunching of footsteps moving towards her.
Kyla squinted through the flakes that fell heavily, holding her arms, trying to stop her teeth from chattering. Through the snow, the blood-red cloak distinguished itself, the immortal blade was black and dripping with blood from Onyx’s pale hands. He came into view and grinned at her.
“I’m going to kill you, Oracle. We both know it. Why bother with your pointless quests? Following useless leads to no avail? What is the point, when you will die at my hands either way?” Onyx taunted as he stopped metres ahead of her. Byron’s grinning face was a few metres behind Onyx, with a black cloak on. What confused her though, was the third cloaked figure that stood on the other side. The cloak was closed, the cowl lowered so she couldn’t depict who it was. The figure was blurred, its tall height being the only distinction. Kyla focused back on Onyx.
“I will go down fighting then. And I promise, I’ll take you with me.” Kyla threatened.
“Take a look around, Kyla. The city is lost, and we stand before you in the middle of the realm. What do you have left? Your friends are gone. You are alone and we have survived,” he held his arms out to emphasize his point, as the shadow demons began crawling out of the snow, hissing and snarling at her. Kyla gasped and stepped back. Her confidence wavering, she tried to summon her immortal blade, but it wasn’t hers anymore. Pulling in a deep breath, she faced him off with a fireball instead.
“Then I have nothing to lose.” Kyla shrugged and charged him. She wasn’t sure what powered her. The adrenalin, the hope that her friends weren’t gone. But she was empowered, and she used it. Kyla threw fire towards him. Closely followed by electricity, light and saltwater. The snow began dissolving, making it harder for the demons to get to her. They crawled across the ground with jagged, broken movements as Byron and Onyx sauntered closer. The blurred figure remained where it was. Kyla gritted her teeth as she manifested a sword. She attached light to the blade, so it was able to ward off the demons, but they were not dissipating this time. Kyla grimaced as Onyx homed in on her, blood still dripping from the immortal blade.
“Oh, how naïve you are. It makes for such an interesting game. You don’t even realise when it’s too late. You have failed, Oracle. I have taken everything, including your life.” Onyx cackled as he held the side of her face. Kyla tried to move but her body was frozen in place. Her body stiff as warmth spread over her stomach. Looking down at her white flowing dress, the blood leaked from a wound she hadn’t remembered receiving. Her gasp echoed around them as the shadow demons tore at the bottom layers of her dress, reaching the smooth skin of her legs easily. Byron held her falcon sword in his hand with a grin on his own face. Kyla tried to move again and found she was able to press her palm against her wound, but it was no use, she was panting to keep her oxygen circulating. There was an ache in her bones, that accompanied the searing pain through her heart as tears rolled down her numb cheeks.
“This is not my destiny. I will not be punished for my sins, without confronting you with yours.” Kyla bit with determination, her hand reaching with fast movements for his sword. She wasn’t fast enough. Onyx grabbed her wrist tightly before launching her across the snow to roll at the feet of the blurred figure, who still hadn’t moved. Kyla cried out in pain as more blood tainted the snows perfection. She looked up as the cloaked figure bent down to her.
“This is your fault. Everything would have worked out how it was meant to, if you hadn’t turned up.” The voice rasped so much that Kyla couldn’t make out whether it was male or female, before a gloved hand with extended talons broken through the tips, sunk like melted butter through the flesh of her stomach. Kyla screamed out as her mind pulled her back through the darkness, but something was wrong. She woke with a pain that should have disappeared with her vision. It hadn’t.
Through the haze of her mind, Kyla lifted her blankets from the bed she was back in. Sweat beaded over her, pain tore through her and as she pressed her hand aga
inst her stomach, blood seeped heavily over her shaking fingers.
Falling from the bed, Kyla stumbled through the room to the bathroom, blood tainting her lips with its warmth. Her pyjamas fell victim to the red that took over its fibres with a hostility, the pain in her stomach mirrored. Clutching her stomach, trying to understand why her vision had literally tried to kill her and why it wasn’t healing, Kyla reached for the vanity, the blood on her hands too slippery for a grip. She fell to the white floors, crying out as pain stormed through her bones with heavy steps.
“Kyla?” Wyatt asked groggily from the bedroom. Kyla coughed in response, trying to fight the black spots in her vision back. Wincing, she tried to call out, but her throat was clogged with more warm, red liquid oozing out of her. She barely saw Wyatt’s figure through her haze of panic, but she felt when his warm hands pressed against her stomach, urging a gurgled cry at the pressure. “Shit, what the hell did this? Why aren’t you healing?” Wyatt’s worried voice asked. Kyla forced her eyes to look at him, pushing back against the urge to let them roll to the back of her head.
“I had a vision. I didn’t see who it was, but it had talons. They won’t heal.” Kyla breathed urgently. Wyatt cursed under his breath and looked around, pulling a white towel from the vanity and pressing it over her stomach.
“I’m going to go get some help. Please don’t die.” He pleaded before standing.
“I’ll do my best” Kyla snickered with a faltering voice. He left her seconds before the black spots became an abyss of darkness that she fell into without resistance.
***
Kyla felt wrong. Sick. Broken. And yet there was no pain. There were hushed whispers around her, and she tried to open her eyelids, but they refused. She strained to hear the voices.
“Dad, what would have the power to do something like that? Her visions shouldn’t hold any power over the living realm.” She heard Zarek’s voice demand in an urgent quietness. So, she was alive. Maybe. She still felt strange. Something had changed, and she couldn’t figure out what it was.
