by Tigris Eden
Yewa made her way outside and walked along a path. Smooth rocks with a colorful mini stream, seemed pleasant and harmless enough. As she walked, thoughts of her life back in Africa rolled through her memory. She and her siblings had been healers. Andina had been the most powerful of the three of them. Where was their sister? Had Omari tried searching for her after his escape? Surely her immortality would have been triggered when she was thrown overboard.
Yewa looked up. Lost in thought, she realized she’d been walking for a very long time. She turned left, and then right, not sure which way to go, when a creature appeared in front of her. She stood there for a moment, just watching as it ate some kind of fruit from a yellow tree. The creature started to walk, and Yewa followed as it led her deeper and deeper down the path until it finally turned and watched her.
“You sure you want this responsibility, little one?”
“What responsibility?” Yewa found herself asking.
“He needs you,” the animal said.
“Who?”
“The Black Prince.”
Chapter 24
Extreme heat, followed by searing pain, had Jorunn trying to open her eyes. It was instinct really. Whenever something hurt, she had to see where the source of pain was coming from. Only she couldn’t open her eyes. Her body was suspended in some type of gel-like fluid. Fluid she’d taken inside of her lungs. A thick substance that put intense pressure on her chest and made her insides feel weighted down. There was a moment of panic, when she thought she would drown, but after a beat, found she was okay.
Other than the uncomfortable feeling of pressure she was fine. Jorunn tried lifting her arms, but they were heavy. The liquid she was encased in made it hard for her to move. She wanted to open her eyes, really she did, but she still couldn’t. Her body felt lethargic and heavy. Something just inside her shoulder blades itched like crazy, and she was unable to assuage it. She tried to arch her back, hoping she could move to maybe rub it against something hard enough to ease the sensation. But no such luck.
She could hear muffled voices, but couldn’t make out what they were saying. How much longer would this take, she thought, as her mind grew foggy and her heart slowed. The voices faded, the sound dimming lower and lower until Jorunn heard nothing at all.
Chapter 25
His leg wasn’t completely healed, but at least he wasn’t limping. Dietrich walked past the guards at Ryn’s door. He’d left her sleeping and unscathed, to her utter disappointment. There were too many questions he needed answered. He needed to spend time with his sister, see where her head was, and start the process of leaving the Unit. The guards greeted him as he made his way down the hall. He passed through the entryway and was making his way to his sister’s room when he spotted Jacobi.
“Any news?”
“Nothing. Draven’s in with Ulstair now. Jesminda and the pup are in the Oceanarium.”
“Oceanarium?” Was that even a fucking word?
“Arcane called it an Aquios, but hey, peering out into the ocean as creatures swim by… Shit, it’s not an aquarium, not a tank filled with fish, so… Oceanarium.”
“Right. We got business to handle. I need to talk to Gregor or the looney’s brother, Z.”
“They went topside to check on the crazy quack.”
D just shook his head. Enri was definitely a quack. For now, he was going to sit in on Draven’s interrogation of Ulstair, and then he’d find Gregor or Z. Then they would deal with the bitch who’d killed Mouth.
“Find NuNu, then come get me. We have an appointment prior to departure.”
“Real talk?”
“Yes, we won’t be deviating from the plan either.”
The palace was a fucking maze, and by the time he found Draven, Dietrich swore twelve hours had gone by.
“You had her parents killed by Phineas, and ordered her death as well to gain power?” Draven was saying to a tied up Ulstair. The old man didn’t look happy about his predicament at all.
“Aoleon’s sister couldn’t rule with a human as her mate,” Ulstair said with disdain. “Our people deserve better. We’re the superior race.”
He said it with such confidence; Dietrich wanted to slap the taste out of the man’s mouth.
“So why would Gregor reach out to Phineas?”
Ulstair shrugged.
“They’re connected in some way. Maybe it was Phin’s plan all along. Had Gregor thinking his intent was pure. What do you know about the Sahidic? If you knew about Jorunn’s blood, why try and have her killed?” Draven pressed, while trying to make connections of his own.
“Why not? The Defiant Ones won’t harm us. They’ll kick-start the destruction of Solum. It’s a process. A cycle.”
Dietrich made his presence known at that moment. He took a seat next to Draven.
“I say we see if the Gate works. Get ahold of the twins. Parental leave can wait. I’m sure Ronin has a better way of acquiring information.”
Ronin was a boss through and through, and arguably more of a dick than Dietrich was. How many males could eat brains then go about his business like it was an everyday occurrence?
Ronin. That’s who.
“Why would you bring him here?” Ulstair asked. Clearly confused.
Dietrich leaned forward in his chair, making sure the douche knew he was serious.
“He’d dine on your brains and get the information that way.”
The robust Majesti visibly paled.
“That custom is no longer practiced among the Ferals.”
“Oh, but it is. Ronin’s even perfected his technique. He’s added eating utensils to the affair. Less cleanup that way,” Draven added.
Dietrich nodded.
“Yeah, it was becoming a bit of a mess. Last guy… What was his name?” D looked to Draven for support.
“Oliver,” Draven stated plainly.
“Yeah, that guy. Man, that was some shit. He was a part of our team, too. A Reg, but part of the Royal House Deadcrest. Too bad he was a traitor. Ronin went to town on his ass, and didn’t even give Oliver the common courtesy of a cleanup.”
Draven grunted.
“No, man, I think there was some cleanup, wasn’t there? I seem to remember Ronin licking his fingers clean. Right?”
“Possibly, I still couldn’t get past how he just slashed and gashed the male before pulling out the frontal lobe. Classic Ronin. But like you said, he’s gotten better. Less to clean up.”
Ulstair was turning green now. He looked to the guards posted, and Dietrich couldn’t help his laugh.
“Don’t look at them. Aoleon has given orders for you to be brought up on charges to the High Priest who has agreed. I’d say, you’ll be dead in less than forty-eight hours. But then, you guys don’t count time, for all we know, you could die right after this conversation.” Draven crossed his arms and tilted his chair back, balancing it on the balls of his feet. “If you tell me what I want to know, maybe I’ll see about bringing you topside. Save your fat ass from decapitation.”
“What the hell do you mean?”
Draven shrugged.
“I don’t want to leave my home,” Ulstair whined. “I’ve been there, your world is filthy and full of inconsequential life forms. I’m self-actualized. I know who and what I am. My strengths and weaknesses. I wouldn’t survive up there.”
“Well, you’re not gonna survive down here, so take your pick.”
“You can’t be serious, man?” Dietrich said, seething. They were not bringing this shithead back with them. But when he looked at Draven, he knew the other man was just dangling the carrot of freedom, he had no intention of delivering on that promise.
Dietrich barked out a laugh.
“Fool, are you that full of yourself? Self-actualization isn’t what you’ve achieved. I can’t stand ignorant ass people. Claiming this and making excuses for that. Who the fuck do you think you are? You’re not better than any other person here or up there. You’re dirt. Scum.”
Ulstair
opened his mouth to answer, but Dietrich talked over him.
“Rhetorical statement, fool.”
He stood, and Draven cleared his throat.
“Me and you need to have words.”
“Don’t think so.” He already knew what the wolf wanted. He wanted to discuss his involvement with the Agency. Well, too fucking bad. “I didn’t rat you out. I collected information and only fed them what Dravaggio told me to feed them.”
“All this time, you’ve been working the Unit to get to your sister?”
He so wasn’t having this conversation. His sister was a very sore subject, and completely off limits.
“I got shit to do.”
“Yeah, whatever. You’re a prick.”
He was definitely that.
“Well, you know what…” Dietrich leaned over to where Draven sat, lowered his shades and said, “Fuck you.”
“And there you have it. True dick, through and through. Thanks for never proving me wrong.”
“What does that even mean?”
“It means I pegged you from the start. Stefan gave you an in and you used it for your own personal gain.”
Dietrich stood to his full height.
“What’s your point, wolf? Say what you mean.”
Draven stood too and got right in Dietrich’s face. What he didn’t do, was put hands on him. Good thing too, because Dietrich was looking for a fight.
“I’m man enough to admit when I fuck up. I know what I have and it’s family. Everyone needs that. Everyone needs love. To wake up to a beautiful woman who’ll test you and give you hell, but bring the greatest pleasure and the promise of forever.”
“I’m not down to talk about this with you. You don’t know the first thing about me.”
“‘Cause you never said anything.”
Dietrich took a step back.
“What? We’re sharing feelings now? Swapping war stories?”
“If you want.” Draven looked uncomfortable. Good. The fucker didn’t know the first thing about his pain or his struggles. And he wasn’t going down therapy lane, not with him or anyone else.
Fuck!
Dietrich rubbed the back of his neck, as uncomfortable silence ensued. Even Ulstair felt the unease.
“I’m outta here. I need to find my sister. As soon as this job’s over, I’m done. Consider this my resignation.”
Draven crossed his arms over his chest.
“You’re a fucking coward and a blind bastard.”
If one more person called him a fucking coward, he was going to beat the shit out of them. As he left, he heard Ulstair tell Draven that Enri was the only person that could answer the question about the Danea Trinity. Great, another piece to the ever-changing puzzle. Guess he was going to have to pay a visit to the Fallen.
~ ~ ~
Draven was tired. He wanted to spend time with his son and make love to his wife, and he wanted those things one right after the other. Ulstair had explained the Danea Trinity. It was the cup, the blood, and the drinker. They had two out of the three. It was something. Hopefully, Enri would have the answers he needed, but he knew the Fallen was going to be a giant waste of time. Draven couldn’t communicate with Gabriel or Xee, so he had no way of getting the information he sought. They only had a few more hours before Jorunn would rise from her Chrysalis. He didn’t know what kind of justice system Fion had, but he had been reassured by Aoleon that it was harsh.
“Baby?”
Draven turned at the sound of Jesminda’s voice.
“Yeah, Petal,” his voice had dropped to a deep rumble. She knew what that meant. Ulstair had been taken to a holding cell much the same as Phineas, and save for the guard at the door, the room was empty. He just needed to unwind. He didn’t ask for the responsibility. None of them had. This was more Dravaggio’s thing than it was his. But after the Demon’s abrupt departure, there was no one to take the reins except him or Gabe. So he’d taken responsibility for the team, and now they were falling apart.
‘Where’s the little one?”
“He’s with Arcane and Taea, he really likes them.”
Jes stepped in between his legs, and Draven pulled her close, gripping her waist and placing his head against her chest. Her fingers sifted through his hair, and he sighed. His cock immediately hardened at the thought of being inside of her. His arms tightened, and Jes bent lower, embracing him fully. They were so in tune with each other; she knew exactly what he needed.
“Sit on my dick, Petal, and handle your business.”
He didn’t have to ask twice. Draven made love to Jes harshly. Thanking whatever Gods had chosen to return their son to them. To give them back something that could never be replaced. A miracle. He couldn’t wait to get the pup home. Faith would be so happy.
Chapter 26
Jo woke with a start. Something was happening. Something big. Energy and strength infused her body. She felt powerful, alive. The gel surrounding her wasn’t as thick, and her chest didn’t feel as weighted down. She could hear Stegis and Bren clearly as they talked about everything that had happened while she slept. Her uncle was being charged with murder. Phineas, who’d tried to kill her had been spared momentarily and was in the Oasis room at the request of Ryn, who also happened to be his daughter. Her aunt and her adoptive father had once been an item. Which meant Phineas had kept her alive all this time so he could get back at the man who’d stolen his love. Understandable to a fault, but not forgivable. She was trying to process everything, weed through the mud and comprehend her current situation.
Jo’s body began to jerk as her lungs contracted when she tried inhaling. Her fingers clenched and her body shook frantically.
“She’s awake, call the others.”
That was Bren’s voice. The first signs of discomfort truly began when her lungs started rejecting the fluid. She still couldn’t open her eyes, but struggled to do so anyway.
Do not panic, the voice inside her head warned.
Kick out with your feet. Use your hands.
Who the hell was talking? It wasn’t her.
That’s it. Listen to my voice, dearest.
Who are you? Jorunn asked the voice.
Someone who loves you very much, now keep kicking.
She didn’t know who was talking, but they coached her through until her body was free and the ground was solid beneath her. Her limbs felt stiff and jelly-like. Bren was kneeling behind her. His hand between her shoulder blades, rubbing.
“Let it go, Jo. Don’t hold your breath.”
Is that why her chest hurt so badly? Damn. She tried to breathe, but there was too much fluid. On instinct, her body began to dispel the liquid. She heaved and let go of everything until her throat was raw and her stomach ached. Bren helped her to stand just as everyone came back in. Everyone except Dietrich and Yewa.
He’s gone. She thought. Maybe he’d taken off after all that had happened. Which was a good thing. Right? Even though her heart ached to see him one more time. Even as one pain subsided another bloomed. Her shoulders slumped, and that’s when she felt something sitting against the top of her buttocks. She tried reaching for what was on her back, but Bren stopped her.
“No, Jorunn. Your wings are fragile.”
Wings? She had wings now!
Jo tried talking, but her voice was gone.
“It will return shortly. Give your vocal cords time to adjust.”
“You got horns too, if you’re wondering,” Ryn said. “And right now, you’re bald, and your markings are legit.”
Jo reached up, and sure enough, she was bald. And there were two pointed horns protruding from the top of her head. How was she supposed to go out now? Bren spun her around, a robe in his hand to cover her. Which was good. Right now she was stark naked. Too stunned to care about modesty, she waited as he helped her into the robe.
“There you go. Now you’re all covered up.”
She grinned, and Bren and Stegis grinned back.
“She’s got a set of fang
s, as well. Just like her mother,” Stegis praised.
She was coming into herself, and she had a whole host of things to get used to now. Wings, horns, and fangs. Stegis took one of her hands, and Bren took the other.
“Your hair will return in a few days. For now, lean on us and we will get you to our room.”
There was no point in arguing. Somehow, she thought there was going to be a big to do about her transformation, but there wasn’t. She was led back into her room, fed, and finally clothed. Una came in through the window and congratulated her, but that was it. It wasn’t like she needed a big welcome home party, but a part of her had wanted Dietrich to at least be there, to see what she’d finally become. Because then, maybe that way, she could look him in the eye as she truly was and see if he was still attracted to her at all. What she saw when she looked at herself was the same person, just with a few minor changes. Well, besides the being bald part. As she stared at herself in the mirror, emotions begin to manifest themselves in a physical way. Her heart was crying, but there were no tears. He hadn’t said goodbye, hadn’t left a note, but that was Dietrich’s way. He got in, and he got out—unscathed and unattached. He did it for a reason, whether it was valid or not. She knew there was something there between them. He just refused to see it for what it was.
~ ~ ~
Jo walked around the next day. Stegis and Bren gave her the fully-integrated tour of the palace and its surrounding areas. People, once again, bowed as they passed. Even the animals took notice of her.
“How are you feeling?” Bren asked.
Hurt. Confused. Lost. But she knew that’s not what he was talking about.
“I’m good. Better than good. I feel strong.”
Bren nodded and steered her into an enclosure with a small sitting area. He gestured for her to sit, and when she did, both men sat on either side of her. They’d practically slept outside her door last night, as if she were some wisp of a girl that needed special handling. They sat for a few moments in silence. It was a comfortable silence until Stegis took a deep breath and Bren followed. Then Stegis cleared his throat. He lifted the sleeve of his shirt. The markings on his arms were identical to the ones on her stomach. Bren did the same, and his were the same as the ones on her side and waist. She hadn’t noticed them before. They hadn’t been there before, she was sure of it. Something heavy was about to be revealed, she knew it.
