“What do you mean by powers?” Ruby asked.
“In our world everyone has them. Some are greater than others. It’s almost like you. Everyone in this room has a particular power but take them all and then some and put them into one soul; that’s what we have.”
“Oh, I see.” Ruby said kind of smugly. “So, you’re a hundred times better than what you were before.”
He smiled confidently of course. “Something like that. The Dark Ones have planned to use Ellie’s powers against everyone else but they won’t ever get to her with us protecting her.”
“Who’s us?” Adele asked.
“When Ellie—well, when she arrived in our world, there were some there who automatically knew who she was. Those who still care about the living world, for reasons of their own, swore to protect her against the Dark Ones for eternity and the league of her protectors was created.”
“Does this league have a leader?”
“It’s more of a council really. The Elders, they’re called.”
“Who are they?” Troy wondered.
There was a pause and Kole looked around the table. “I’m not sure if I should. It seems you’re forgetting you’re talking to someone that’s dead.”
Darius chuckled. “It’s really not that shocking anymore. We’re getting used to the unusual happening.”
“All right. If you all promise me no tears, I’ll tell you.”
Everyone looked around at each other and Adele answered. “Deal. We want to know.”
“Well, to tell a long list in the least amount of words, everyone here has lost someone close to them. They’re all a part of the Elders. Highly unbelievable due to the war this world caused but ours has its own and it has caused them to come together.”
“And they really have no problem doing this for eternity?” Zayden wondered.
“What else is there, really? It gives us a purpose again. Protecting Ellie is our top priority. A fight is coming but the league is ready. They’re stronger.”
Ruby laughed. “A fight? Can lost souls really hurt other souls?”
Kole laughed too. “Well, that might be a little harder to explain. A fight in our world is strictly a power fight. With the right amount of effort and the right technique a soul can be—well, I don’t want to use killed, that’s the wrong word. Um, they can be destroyed, meaning we don’t see them in our world again.”
“So, is the fight going to be dangerous?” I asked.
“The Elders don’t seem worried. Bryce says we’ve got the advantage with Ellie.”
My eyes got wide. “You’ve seen my father?”
“Yeah. He’s at the head of the Elders. Ellie is his granddaughter after all. He won’t let the Black Witch a hundred miles near her. Although, I highly doubt she’ll be in the fight. You know how she is. He’s just hoping it doesn’t spill over on your turf.”
“What do you mean?” Zayden asked.
“Bringing the fight to your world. Our powers are limited here.”
Suddenly, Ellie lifted her head off Kole’s chest and there was a pause. “Daddy, they’re coming.”
“Are you sure?”
“I can feel them.”
“Then we have to go.”
“Wait!” I stood up when Kole was about to turn away. “If they’re after her, you should leave her here.”
“I can’t. We need her there to get them to fight. We can feel each other’s presence, if they sense she’s not with us, they’ll back down and look for her. What are you going to do if they come here? You won’t be able to fight them so I have to take her.”
I wasn’t liking the idea but accepted it. “Fine but you better come back and tell us and be careful.”
“That probably would suck to die twice!”
“Kole!”
He laughed. “All right. I’ll come back as soon as I can. In the meantime, try to forget about it. We don’t keep track of time in my world so it could take longer than you think it would. I mean, I’ve only been dead for a few of your days but it feels like weeks in mine.”
I sat back down and sighed. “How am I supposed to think of something else? I’m worried about you dying again.”
“You don’t have to worry about us, mama. The Elders will keep me safe. We’ll come back.”
I knew there was nothing I could do and sighed again. “Then go but be quick about it.”
“Bye, mama! I love you!”
“Bye, sweetie and remember to be careful.”
Kole laughed and looked back at me one last time. “Of course. Until later, everyone.”
Kole turned with Ellie and they were gone.
Chapter 43
Darius
We’ve had a long last few days but clearly it wasn’t over yet. We would be seeing Kole again at some point and be distracted from our world for just a little longer.
Everyone was sitting out on the couches having their own discussions when the sun was going down behind the tall fir trees that evening. Ruby was up against my bare chest, rubbing my abdomen with the tips of her fingers.
“Having fun.”
“Mmm hmm.”
“You sound tired to me.”
“Maybe a little.”
“Can I help while we’re waiting for Kole to get back with the news?”
Ruby looked up and got a wanting smirk on her face. I loved that look and she turned to face me, straddling my lap. “You might.”
“Mmm. I like that.” We started kissing and she brought up her hands and tangled her fingers in my hair. I knew she liked doing it and it was a great feeling even for me. I could have stayed like this forever but of course that wouldn’t happen.
“Hey. Go somewhere else.”
It was Adele’s clear voice but Ruby didn’t stop and I wasn’t going to stop her either. She only did when a pillow hit the back of her head.
She took a deep breath and yanked on my hair, pulling my head back as she looked towards Adele with red eyes. “What?”
“Go. Somewhere. Else.” Adele said again like she would understand if she said it slower.
“This is his house, you leave.”
“No. It’s all right. That’s a good idea.” I simply stood up and threw Ruby up over my right shoulder and started going towards the stairs.
“Darius! A little more warning next time!”
Everyone laughed as I started sprinting up the stairs with her and a smile on my face. “Don’t worry, you’ll forgive me.”
I had full intentions to make sure of that. Sitting around waiting for what might not even come tonight was pointless. I’d rather spend my time alone with Ruby and that’s exactly what I did.
The door to our room opened and I threw her down on the bed. She laughed hysterically while trying to catch her breath and I leaned over her between her legs. “Now, what exactly do I have to do to wake you up?”
Ruby smiled the way I can never get enough and reached for my waist. “Me of course.”
I moved in to kiss her and she was just eager to get my clothes off. “All right, patience. I can’t be prepared that quick.”
She clearly wasn’t one for patience at this moment because she got up and pushed me down on the bed so she could climb over me. “Then let me help.”
She went right for her goal and I was wrong. She prepared me quite quickly and now I was in the mood just as strongly as she was. She knew it too because she was smiling while she straddled my hips and began to lower herself. I had to look as she got me to slide perfectly inside her and it only heightened the feeling.
She pulled her shirt off after and held onto her own breasts with her moans while she rolled her hips up and down. Watching her was another pleasure, even when her eyes turned red but I wasn’t worried. I didn’t mind letting myself feel a little weak at this point but I didn’t want any of it to stop. It made me forget about everything but nothing ever lasted forever.
We soon found ourselves finding our feet again and remembering what it is we were waiting for
. After getting dressed enough that we weren’t naked, we headed downstairs to see Kole and Ellie already here and I began to wonder how long we were really gone.
Chapter 44
Adele
“You didn’t start without us, did you?” Ruby was skipping down the stairs with Darius and I really didn’t want to get into why we were kept waiting.
“No.” I said.
“Good. So, tell us what happened.”
“Oh, yeah!” Ellie clapped her hands together. “It was so exciting!”
Kole laughed. “It was but it was only a test.”
“A test?” My father wondered.
“The Dark Ones were testing our reaction time to an attack. They only sent ten thousand to our doors.”
“Only?” Ruby laughed.
“Well, our world is a lot bigger than yours. Ten thousand is nothing. It was only too easy for us. The Elders didn’t even have to involve themselves. They all stayed to protect Ellie in the tower as they watched the Dark Ones be completely destroyed. I love winning.”
“Well, if that was just a test, what happens now?” I asked.
“They’re gathering their forces and planning the invasion. A war is coming. One that will end all wars if it goes our way. The General volunteer to cross over into their territory and gather their numbers. We’re just waiting for him to get back before we know how we should prepare.”
“The General?” Troy asked in almost a stuttered voice.
Kole smiled. “Yes. You know who. Your father.”
I seemed to be the most surprised. “Your father was a General?”
Troy’s eyes quickly found his way to Trever’s and acted as casual about it as he could. “Yes.”
“And he went over there alone?” Jaylyn asked, sounding a little worried.
“Don’t worry.” Kole said. “He knows what he’s doing. He’s the only one that knows how to control his thoughts so he won’t get caught.”
“And if he does get caught?” Troy asked.
“You won’t see him on the day you join us but you shouldn’t have to worry about that. It’s not the first time he’s ventured alone into the Dark One’s fortress. He knows their ways better than anyone. That’s why they never win.”
Ellie gasped and froze as her eyes locked in a dead stare. “Daddy, they’re looking for you.”
“You sure?”
“The General is back and he brought news.”
“What’s the news?”
“I can’t tell. He still has control over his thoughts in that subject.”
“How does she do that?” Zayden asked.
“Ellie’s powers aren’t limited in your world like the rest of us. It’s part of her uniqueness. She can still decipher what’s going on in our world, even communicate with them.”
“He’s asking for you, daddy and he’s not very happy that you came here again.”
There was a pause and Kole looked around. “Then we should go. Come on, baby.”
“When will you be back?” Jaylyn asked.
“I don’t know.”
“Well, we’re not going to be here that much longer.”
“Don’t worry, mama, we can always find you easy enough.”
Jaylyn smiled as Ellie left the arm of the couch and appeared in front of her. “Be safe?”
“We always are. Bye, mama.”
“Bye, Ellie and Kole, watch her.”
He laughed. “I will and if I’m not she’s always with one of the Elders. She’s completely safe. We’ll come back when we can. You just go and finish what you set out to do.” He turned with Ellie and they disappeared.
It was good seeing them and knowing that everything turned out okay but there was a reality setting in. We had to get ourselves refocused on our own lives. This would be our last night here. I knew it before everyone even went off to bed. It wasn’t right of us to keep holding it off.
Chapter 45
Zayden
The night never seemed to be as long as anyone would have liked and morning felt like mere moments later.
Adele came down the stairs, stepping into the rays of the sun to see everyone else already up and sitting down on the couches. “Okay, get up. We’re leaving.”
“Now?” Jaylyn asked with a bit of a whine.
“Yes, now or when the horses are ready. This way we’ll make it there during daylight hours and isn’t daylight safer?”
“Yes.”
“Well, we came to get it done so we’re taking Kole’s advice for once and that’s what we’re going to do. No more delays.”
Ruby and Jaylyn looked over at Aleksander for a response and he nodded to them.
“Okay, well, let me just get my stuff.” Jaylyn said as she started walking towards the stairs.
“Hurry. Your horse will be waiting.”
Jaylyn nodded as she started up the stairs and we headed towards the side door.
Troy stopped me from going out the door and had his eyes up the stairs. “I’ll be out in a minute. Ready my horse?”
I knew what he wanted and let him have it this one time since we weren’t completely ready just yet. “Be quick about it. I can’t stall forever.”
Troy smiled and headed upstairs while I continued on my way outside with Rift waiting for me by Ryon’s horse that I would now be riding.
“Where’s Troy?” Adele asked.
“He’s helping Jaylyn.”
“What could she possibly need help with?” Trever asked.
Ruby laughed. “Funny question coming from you. You used to help me a lot.”
There was a short pause while Darius completely ignored what she said since there was no reaction from him and Trever finally started to get it, ready to ignore it himself. “Oh, that’s nice. Not exactly what I wanted to hear.”
“Well, you asked. She says he’s addicting.”
“Can we not continue this conversation, please?” He started walking his horse out of the stables. “She’s my little sister just to remind you.”
Ruby laughed as she took her horse by the reins and followed. Darius was right behind her and we hurried out after to put our armor on before we left.
Jaylyn and Troy walked outside from the front door dressed in their armor already.
“Well, that was quick, wasn’t it?” Ruby smiled.
“So, we were rushed.” Jaylyn replied. “It was still good.”
I smiled but Aleksander and Trever had a slightly different reaction and both sighed at the same time.
“Jaylyn, if you’d kindly keep that information to yourself for the remaining of our journey then the majority of us would greatly appreciate it.” Aleksander said.
She got wide eyes like she realized who she just said that in front of. “Sorry, sir. I’ll do my best.”
“And your best is nothing less than expected. Let’s go. We still have a long way ahead of us and remember, Zayden, keep your eyes open when we get there.”
“Of course. I know what to do.”
“It’s time we keep our focus on our own world. Jaylyn, I know you have ties elsewhere but I need you to be in tune until we get this settled.”
“Yes, sir. I understand.”
Aleksander smiled and nodded as I got on Ryon’s horse and started leading them south towards the road.
Though a few nights of rest is not nearly enough to mend what has been done, everyone understood that moving forward was the right thing, even Adele and Jaylyn, those who’ve been affected the most.
They seemed more like themselves after seeing the lost ones again and I knew they still wanted to be a part of this mission. They wouldn’t leave us to do it alone and I respected how they put what has happened aside so peace could be found. A hard decision it may have been but it was our world that was now in peril. Our unions couldn’t be sure until our countries let go of the past and moved on to a new beginning.
I was ready for it; we were ready but success relied on more than just us as we set out to face my father today an
d amend all that we’ve wronged.
We reached the top of the hill mid-day, looking upon the great white wall that surrounded the city of Randal; home.
“Something you forgot to mention?” Aleksander asked.
“No. We’ll be fine.”
“Oh, like last time?” Ruby muttered.
I laughed. “Nothing happened last time. Adele got you out, remember?”
Adele sighed and covered her face. “Please let’s not recap about that.”
“What happened?” Trever asked.
“You didn’t watch?”
“I didn’t care to see everything. Just the important stuff.”
Jaylyn laughed. “When we were left in there with all the soldiers for a few minutes, it was uncomfortable. We wanted to leave so Adele told them to let us through under authorization that she was the one going to be Zayden’s Princess.”
Trever returned the laugh, looking at Adele. “Well, you didn’t lie.”
“We’ll see.” She muttered. She started bringing her horse forward first and everyone looked over at me and started to follow.
It was clear that she was still doubtful but I wasn’t. She has always been my bride and I was ready to finally prove it.
A loud crack echoed in the silence and the doors of the western gate slowly started to open. I led the way in and it was very quiet. All the soldiers around had looks of regret and bowed their heads as we passed.
“What do you suppose that means?” Darius asked in a low quiet voice.
“They knew they were wrong.” I said. “Father must have gotten them ready for our return.”
“Well, it’s better than the alternative.” Troy replied.
I agreed with a smile and we made it silently and safely through the base and out the other gates.
Now there was just a mile of open plains between us and full access to Randal.
“This is it, everyone.” Aleksander said. “Are you sure you’re ready to do this, Zayden? This solely rests upon you.”
I looked toward the palace upon the top of the high hill where my father would surely be and gave him my answer. “I’m more than ready.”
Raining Light (Fate's Intent Book 5) Page 24
