by Meg Anne
“Does he really not remember?”
Joquil shook his head, “No, it is as he said, Kiri. His last thought before coming to consciousness on the floor was about leaving the Chambers.”
“I do not think we should tell him. The shame and humiliation... it would break him,” Helena murmured, aqua eyes pleading with his.
“Are you sure, Kiri? It could help us better understand what happened to prevent it in the future.”
Helena's hand gripped his, “Please, Master Joquil. Isn't there another way?”
“I will see what I can do without us having to give Darrin back that particular memory.”
She squeezed his hand in gratitude. “Thank you.”
His eyes shifted away from hers to look about the once peaceful room. Lowering his voice even further he uttered, “One thing is clear: there are enemies in the Palace.”
Helena felt the color leech from her skin, aqua eyes scanning every shadow as if they would reveal their secrets.
Hours later, Von and Helena were curled up on their bed listening to the rain fall outside. Her head rested on his chest, his heart's steady beat, combined with the pattering of rain, a peaceful lullaby.
His fingers were brushing through her hair and down her back in quiet apology.
“It was not like going into a battle,” he began, his deep voice quiet in its contemplation.
“I could see what I was doing, but only as if viewing from very far away. I had no control. Even when I knew it had gone too far, I could not stop myself.”
Helena was still against him, afraid to say or do anything to stop the words.
“When I felt your fear through our bond and you could not speak to me, I went insane, Mira. My only thought was to get to you and make whomever was hurting you pay with their life. I would have killed him, if you hadn't have stopped me.”
“I know,” she whispered softly, pressing a kiss to the skin above his heart.
She felt the shudder roll through him.
“I wanted to kill him,” he admitted.
Helena sat up and looked down at his face. He was staring at the fire across the room, afraid to meet her gaze.
“Von, look at me,” she pleaded softly.
She saw his jaw clench as he turned his eyes up to her, as though afraid of what he would see there.
“I am not afraid of you.” She promised as her fingers caressed his cheek.
His eyes closed and he swallowed.
“I think it was my fault,” she continued aloud, and his eyes snapped back open.
“Helena-” he began.
She pressed her fingers to his lips, “No, listen, please. I think my magic sent something down the bond. When he was touching me,” she paused apologetically as his eyes shuttered at her words. “I turned inward and it was my magic that responded to my fear. I think through the connection some of that went into you. It would explain why you felt like you were out of control. My magic was fueling your response when I felt like I couldn't protect myself.”
Her voice had gotten small as she confessed.
He brushed back the hair from her face. “Helena, I would do it again. I would have done the same thing to any man that touched you. You cannot place this burden on yourself.”
Wet eyes looked up at his.
“You are mine. Mine to protect. Mine to touch. Mine to love.” With each declaration, he pressed a kiss to her cheek, her forehead and then her lips.
“But your eyes – they were like mine.”
He raised a brow in question.
“Not iridescent specifically, but they were swirling and gold.”
His other brow lifted in surprise.
He shook his head dismissively, “Perhaps I was enhanced because of the bond like you suggest, but it was my instinct that drove my actions. You are not responsible for what I did today.”
Helena frowned but did not speak.
“We are figuring this out together, Mira, but perhaps we should speak to Timmins and Joquil about it to see if they can help us better understand.”
The worry faded from her eyes at the suggestion and she nodded.
Wanting to leave the fear from this afternoon behind them, she tentatively touched the swirling words on his chest.
“Will you tell me what this means now?”
His mouth tilted up in a grin at her change of subject.
“It's called a Jaka; a Daejaran blessing. Most soldiers get this tattoo once they complete their training and before they go into their first battle. It is given as part of a rite performed by their commander.”
His hand took hers and pointed out certain words along his chest and arm as he continued, “It asks for the Mother's protection on any field of battle, and for her to take away our fear so that we may only feel the honor of fighting in her name. In a more practical sense, it also helps enhance and hone our power.”
Helena's fingers traced the words of the prayer, “So it acts both as a focus and as a shield?”
Von nodded, fingers absentmindedly playing with the ends of her hair as it fell down her back.
“Maybe I should get it as well.”
Von's smile was warm as he replied, “You have one session with Ronan and already assume you're done? Or are you simply anticipating walking onto a battlefield sometime soon?”
Helena's answering smile didn't quite reach her eyes.
Von's own eyes softened as he studied her, “Do you sense something coming, Mira?”
Helena shrugged, “I don't know.”
He pulled her back down to lay on him, “Do not borrow worry until you have to, my love. Whatever comes, we will face it together.”
Helena could not fight the shiver that ran through her body at his words. Staring at the rain splattered window, she wasn't certain this storm was the one she was waiting for.
Chapter Fifteen
The next few days moved quickly. The Palace was a study in controlled chaos; everywhere she turned, people rushed down corridors, their arms filled with the supplies that would be traveling with the group going to the Daejaran border.
The lingering sense of unease she had felt ever since Darrin’s attack was slowly starting to fade, but she still struggled with the idea of being alone with him. She had, in fact, avoided doing so at all.
While he did not remember exactly what had happened, he also seemed to be keeping his distance from her.
She sighed, knowing that she would have to face him sooner, rather than later.
Taking a final glance in the mirror, she admired Alina’s handiwork. She was definitely going to miss the girl while she was away, there was no way she’d be able to replicate the intricate braids that encircled her head.
Helena had decided to forego her usual dresses in favor of more practical traveling attire. Her legs were encased in soft gray leather, her dark boots wrapping up to her knees. Her tunic was a creamy white, held in place by a black leather harness. The tunic was open across the top of her chest, revealing the sparkling pendant hanging just above her breasts.
As a final touch, she wrapped a soft blue cloak around her shoulders. The deep hood hanging down her back would do much to protect against both the sun and any other weather in the days to come.
Helena’s hands ran over the curves so prominently displayed by the snugness of the leather. Her lips rose in amusement as she imagined Von’s reaction.
As if the thought summoned him, Von chose that moment to walk back into the room.
He stopped short, eyes hungrily raking over her.
“You expect me to be able to ride, while you’re wearing that?” he groaned.
“Perhaps not comfortably,” she teased.
He shook his head, “You don’t play fair, Mate.”
Stepping towards him, she placed a swift kiss against his cheek and wove her arm through his.
“Will all the Daejarans be riding on wolves?”
Von nodded as they made their way towards the stables. “Yes, the pack trains with the
riders so that their instincts meld until they are seamless. A Daejaran never feels truly comfortable riding unless they are on their wolf.”
“Will I have a wolf?”
Von quirked a brow at her, “Would you like one?”
“They certainly seem much cuddlier than a horse. Perfect to snuggle into if I want to take a nap, for instance.”
Von stopped in place, sputtering, “Helena, you cannot call a Daejaran wolf cuddly! These are beasts renowned for striking fear in the hearts of our enemies before tearing their throats out. They aren't pets! You don’t snuggle them for naps!”
Helena’s laughter rang through the hallway, “Maybe you don’t.”
“Helena!” Von protested as she continued without him. “Helena, don’t you dare!”
By the time he caught back up with her, she was already in the yard holding out a hand for his wolf to sniff.
“Traitor,” Von growled at the smoke colored animal, the white eyes focusing on Von seemed to laugh.
“Does this beautiful boy have a name?” Helena cooed, still looking at the animal sitting before her.
“Karma,” Von muttered dryly, narrowing his eyes at the wolf who was acting more pup than pack leader.
“Hi, Karma. Hi, my sweet boy,” Helena continued in her sing-song voice as she gently ran her fingers up Karma’s snout, before giving him a few brisk scratches behind his ears.
Von’s wolf closed his eyes in pleasure.
Von crossed his arms, annoyed with his wolf and with himself that he was jealous he wasn’t the one she was petting.
“Oh hush, Mate, I promise to rub you later.”
Von’s cock twitched in response.
Helena was laughing when a couple of stable hands approached them.
“Kiri,” one with straw-colored hair said nervously: the hands holding his cap twisting it unconsciously.
Helena gave Karma one last scratch before turning her attention to the young men standing a bit away from her.
“Yes?”
“There's something you ought to come see.”
Without another word, the boys spun on their heels and ran off back in the direction of a wooden fence.
Helena and Von shared a look before following close behind them.
As they rounded the fence they noticed a group gathered, all murmuring excitedly as they pointed and stared at the small clearing in front of them.
“What is it?” Helena murmured, looking up at Von who had a better view due to his height advantage.
His gray eyes had widened in wonder as his mouth fell open.
Curiosity eating at her, she stepped towards the crowd. Noticing her, they parted to make room for her to pass by.
She stopped in stunned silence when she noticed the creature the others had all been staring at. It was a massive feline. Its fur a glittering white, but what had captured her attention were the impressive black wings that were currently unfurling as it arched its back to stretch its front legs. The wings were capped with glossy black talons that seemed sharp enough to disembowel a man in one fell swipe.
“What is it?” she whispered, in awe.
Hearing her voice, the cat focused glowing turquoise eyes on her.
Her breath caught in her throat; it was beautiful.
Tentatively she stepped closer, offering it her hand as she had done with Von's wolf only moments before. It stalked quietly towards her, twin curls of smoke flaring from its nostrils.
“It's called a Talyrian, Kiri.” Joquil said in a low voice behind her.
“They've been thought to be extinct, no one has seen one in thousands of years.” Timmins added, his voice trembling slightly.
“They are magical beasts, the sacred mounts of the ancient ones.” Joquil continued as if Timmins hadn't spoken.
Helena shot them both a wide-eyed glance over her shoulder. “Where did she come from?”
Timmins shrugged while Joquil shook his head.
“It just showed up this morning, Kiri, and has been snarling at anyone who tries to get too close,” Kragen stated in his deep rumble.
The cat nudged her hand with its head, demanding that she pay attention to it.
“Hello, beauty,” she murmured, rubbing her hand along its velvety fur.
“It is said that many hunted the Talyrian. Their fur is impenetrable, making their pelts ideal for armor or cloaks.”
Helena grimaced at the thought of such beautiful animals being slaughtered.
Those glowing eyes met hers knowingly before dipping in a low bow before her.
Gasps of shock rang out behind her, but she could not look away. Uncertain what the beast was asking, she remained still.
It stood and stamped a front paw into the ground, the earth shaking in response. All around people stumbled to maintain their balance; many eyeing the Talyrian warily and stepping further away.
“I don't understand,” Helena said apologetically, as the cat folded down in front of her again.
“I-I think it is asking you to climb onto its back, Kiri,” Timmins squeaked, the shock of the moment causing his voice to rise.
“Is that right, beauty? You want to take me for a ride?” she asked as she took a tentative step closer.
The beast snorted and nodded its massive head, smoke again flaring out.
Helena stepped to its side, trying to determine how she was supposed to climb on. The beast dipped lower so that she could easily lift and slide her leg up and over its neck.
Once she was settled it rose swiftly and flapped its leathery wings.
“Helena!” Von called, moving as if to grab her.
The cat snarled at Von, a small stream of fire shooting from its mouth in warning.
Ronan was close enough to wrap his arm around his friend's chest and hold him back.
The cat flexed its wings twice more before its muscles bunched below her and they were launched into the air.
Helena screamed as her stomach flew to her throat, hands digging deep into the silky fur to hold on.
With a few more flaps they were soaring in the air, the people below them tiny indistinguishable specks. The flight was smooth and the Talyrian covered distance very quickly. She stroked the soft neck and leaned forward to speak in its ear, “This is amazing!”
She felt as though she could observe the entire span of Elysia from this vantage point. The sprawling Palace a mere dot among the gardens and forests which glittered like jewels around it. The mountains that had seemed so far just days ago looked as though she could reach out and touch them.
They flew through a cloud, its dew gently coating her skin and bringing her back to awareness.
“We should probably get back before they worry about me,” she shouted, her delight at flying through the air at war with her sense of duty.
The Talyrian huffed, those smoking jets curling around her, but it began it’s decent, flying low over a small stream, its wings brushing along the surface of the water.
Helena glanced at her reflection, noting the flush on her cheeks and wild joy alight in her eyes. She and the Talyrian were similarly colored, the soft grays and crisp whites blending together as if they were one.
Just as quickly as they had taken off, they were back, the Talyrian landing smoothly, shaking out its wings before bringing them back into the sleek body.
Helena slid down its side, turning to stroke its fur in thanks. The cat moved its head, nudging her just hard enough to make her take a few steps to the side to regain balance.
Looking up, she noticed the men running towards her, and the dark gray and black shapes of the wolves. Surrounded by the darkness, the Talyrian shone like starlight.
“May I call you Starshine?” she asked softly, looking directly into the glowing eye.
The Talyrian huffed again, pressing its face into her hand, as it nodded.
“Are you, are you mine?” she asked.
The Talyrian shook out its wings and mane, but huffed once more, as if to say it didn't belong to her, but s
he belonged to it.
Chuckling, Helena pat it again, “Thank you for the ride, Starshine. I look forward to next time.”
The glowing turquoise eyes rolled to look past her at the men now panting behind her.
It swept its wing up and pushed her back, as though to shield her from them.
“These are my friends, Starshine,” Helena said cautiously, instinct urging her to distinguish friend from foe.
Von reached for her, needing to touch her and ensure she was really safe.
Starshine's lips curled back revealing her impressive fangs, but Helena spoke quickly, “This is my mate, Von.”
At that, the Talyrian twisted its head back to her. Standing beside it, it easily dwarfed her, the tops of its arms well above her head. After studying her for a moment, Starshine lowered her head in a small nod towards Von and then settled herself onto the ground, as if dismissing the group.
Helena could feel the tremble in Von's hand as he pulled her towards him.
“Please never do that again,” he whispered fiercely as he folded her in his arms.
“I'm sorry I scared you,” she responded, hugging him tightly.
Ronan's arms were crossed, as he grinned at them in amusement.
“Haven't seen him almost piss his pants like that since the first time I swung an ax at him.”
Von leveled a steely gaze on him, his jaw set.
“What eighteen years is still too soon?” the man taunted.
“Shut up, you good for nothing asshole,” a sultry female voice said.
Helena turned in Von's arms to better see the tall blonde with spiky hair that had just stepped up to Ronan.
“I should whip you for that,” Ronan growled without heat.
She smiled up at him wickedly, “Oh, promises, promises!”
Ronan's smile grew and he leaned down to plant a hot kiss on her lips.
Stepping away from each other, the couple looked back at them smiling smugly.
“I'm Serena,” the woman said, stepping towards Helena while offering her hand, “Von's third in command, and this one's,” she tilted her head towards Ronan, “better half.”
Helena felt her own smile warm in response, liking this woman already. “Helena,” she responded, shaking her hand.
