Aiden
Dawn is quiet during the majority of the ride to see the oracle. Things have suddenly gotten weird between us and neither one of us needs the distraction. She tries to avoid eye contact with me by gazing out of the window, however with Kian lurking about looking for an opening to sneak his way in, I need to address this asap.
“Dawn?” I ask, merging onto the third lane of the highway.
“Yes?” She says still not bothering to look at me.
“You’re not getting all weird on me are you?”
That strikes a cord. She whips her head around to look at me. “How so?”
“Well…you are not your usual talkative self and you refuse to look at me now. What’s up?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing?”
“Nothing…”
“I don’t believe that…”
She shrugs.
“I think I know what it is,” I say with a smirk. I watch her eyes widen as if I am about to blow her cover, which I am. She needs to know she shouldn’t feel ashamed for what she feels towards me, because I certainly am not ashamed of what I feel for her.
“I know you like me Dawn-you always did. As a matter of fact, I know what you feel about me goes a little deeper than like and you are afraid of that. Am I right?”
She doesn’t say anything. She just fidgets in her seat, still trying to avoid eye contact.
“One day you are going to own how you feel Dawn,” I say confidently. “And I look forward to it. But I need for you to understand and know that I see you-really see you, without a shadow of a doubt. I think you are absolutely stunning, and intelligent and when the time comes, when you are ready for me, I will be here.”
I pull off the ramp just in time to make it to a red light. I turn to face her, and underneath that brown skin of hers, I can see where her face is flushed as she stares at me with those blue grey eyes of hers.
“Understand?”
She nods just as the light turns green. We drive for another fifteen minutes before pulling up to a two story home with an immaculately kept lawn. I unfasten my seat belt when I feel the gentle touch of her hand rest on my arm. I glance at her, curious to know what she has to say. Her eyes are begging for something her body isn’t ready to experience, at least not yet. But I let her speak.
“Aiden?”
“Yes Dawn?”
She bites her lip, mentally debating with herself if she should say whatever it is she wants to say.
“What is it Dawn? We have to go, the oracle is waiting for us,” I don’t mean to sound impatient, but if this is the first step towards owning her feelings she picked a very inconvenient time.
“I…never kissed a boy before…”
I am not sure how to respond to this. Is she asking me to kiss her?
“I’m not a boy Dawn….far from it,” I reply evenly. She needs to know what she is getting herself into.
“I know…”
I lean in close until my face is less than an inch away from hers. She is staring at me with a combination of curiosity, fear and desire mixed in her eyes. I am not sure if she wants a real kiss or just one to satisfy her curiosity, but from the corner of my eye, I notice a black sedan drive by with a familiar face peering out the window. The fucker just won't stop. Without thinking I press my lips against hers and she gasps and I use that invitation to deepen the kiss. She wanted to know what it’s like to kiss a man, well now she knows. Being that I am the first to ever introduce her to the art of kissing, she will remember this moment forever. I gently pull away from her, sucking her bottom lip in the process. Her heart is racing, and other parts of her body is screaming for my attention. I kiss her once more to rub it in Kian’s face, unbeknownst to her, and I must say she learns quickly. I am tempted to pull her from the passenger’s seat and place her on my lap, but we don’t have time for this. I pull away once more and watch with satisfaction as the sedan speeds off, early crashing into a nearby trash bin. She wears this dazed expression which is more than enough for me.
“Now you know…anything else you want me to teach you, let me know,” I say with a wink. I get out of the car, quickly adjusting myself so I do not offend the oracle. She stumbles out of the car, and I take her hand and guide her to the front porch where Delphine, the oracle awaits.
The home is set up similar to one of those in home psychic reading businesses. The living and dining area is dimly lit, surrounded by white candles of varying sizes. In the center of the room is a large, rounded glass table with a crystal bowl filled with water. As soon as we enter, Delphine who is almost as tall as me and lithely built, gasps in excitement upon introduction to Dawn. She examines her from head to toe smiling the entire time, her pale green eyes lit with enthusiasm the entire time. I suspect that her enthusiasm may be rooted more with the idea that my mother may have what is coming to her than just meeting Dawn. I sense Dawn’s hormone level still being at its highest peak-in other words, she has yet to pull herself together. Our connection is stronger, almost as if I am one with her in her body…and it is even stronger when we are in the same room. She avoids eye contact with me again, which is fine. I already know I’ve blown her mind and she needs time to recover, which-not to toot my own horn-will be a while.
Delphine directs us to her table where three padded chairs await. It is strange observing who used to be the highest ranking oracle in the court of light, barely existing in the human world under the guise of a psychic. As I surveyed her home turned business establishment, I took note of the white pain that begun to peel, her outdated furniture that were only surviving due to being wrapped in plastic…Her wards were still as powerful as ever, but she was still fortunate Lucena never found it in her vengeful heart to put an end to Delphine instead of simply banishing her. Delphine smoothed out the silk material which made up her white robbing before taking a seat. She looked every bit like a moon goddess underneath the low light of the candles as the various shadows danced across her porcelain skin. She pushed her greying dark hair from her ageless face and smiled warmly at both of us.
“It pleases me that you have made such a noble and sound decision Orion,” she says still smiling.
I cringe at my name and I catch a quick glance from Dawn which screams I thought you told me everything?!
I clear my throat. “I no longer go by that name Delphine. I am Aiden,” I say uneasily.
She stops smiling. “Oh. I see. Very well then.”
She focuses her attention on Dawn. “You are absolutely incredible,” she says with awe. “Two Houses merged into one body…absolutely remarkable.”
“What do you mean two houses?” I demand. “Both of her parents are Greys.”
Delphine looks at me apologetically and then at Dawn who is biting her lip once again. “I’m afraid that is not correct.”
Dawn frowned. “What do you mean that is not correct? My mother is Kai Stewart and my father is Demetrius Stewart.,,”
“No my dear, I am afraid to admit that they are not. Your mother was a member of one of the high courts of the House of Light and your father being a member of the House of Darkness. Your mother was killed by her ex-husband and Lucena for reasons that no longer matter. Kai as you call her, found you in a burning building during one of the many raids that were taking place after recently losing a child of her own-“
“How do you know this?” Dawn whispered her eyes glistening in unshed tears.
Delphine sighed. “Before I was exiled, Lucena used my gifts to locate Greys and track any and everything that may prove to be a threat to her rule. I do not profess to know everything, but young lady I am very close to it. It was because of me that she was very successful in hunting your kind. However, I grew tired of her and her tyranny and when I discovered just how ruthless she was after her discovery of your mother being pregnant with you, I began to keep certain things a secret-and you were one of those many secrets. I knew of the prophecy, and I especially knew of the distress it caused our queen-“
“Why didn’t who tell you what?” Delphine asked appearing every bit of confused.
“My mother-Kai. Why didn’t she tell me?”
“Like any parent who loves a child regardless of their biology she wanted to protect I assume.”
“And what of her biological father?” I ask. “You mentioned her mother being killed by Lucena, but what of her father?”
“I cannot see very well into their realms,” Delphine confessed. “But, as far as I know he just disappeared. Perhaps he was killed by his brethren for betraying them for the heart of one of the members of the House of Light.”
“Is this why you brought me here Aiden or Orion-whatever your name is-“
“Do not be angry with him young one, he has done more than keep you alive,” Delphine scolded. “He brought you here for you to find out the truth…and…” Delphine dips both of her hands into the crystal bowl and closes her eyes. She inhales sharply, a gust of wind whips around us from out of nowhere and when she opens her mouth to speak, her voice is ominously grave.
“Two Houses form a bridge to end a war ignited by white light. Two Houses ripped apart will be blotted out by night…Eyes that wear the color of wisdom, and a bloodline as old as time will fight to put an end to the rule of Light. Her name is the early morning, her eyes the color of stone, for in her blood runs the yin and yang of light and dark, but neither offer her a throne. Darkness calls to her for freedom, and indeed freedom he will find; while the Queen of Light finds no redemption, earth’s blood turns to wine…”
I’ve heard this prophecy many a time and just by Delphine reciting it word for word is a reminder that we have to keep moving. Delphine takes a deep breath and normalizes to her regular self. Dawn is staring at her in pure wonder, barely breathing.
“Your adopted mother is being held captive by the queen in one of her dungeons,” Delphine said calmly. “Knowing Lucena like I do, your mother doesn’t have much time…If you wish to save her, Ori-Aidan, knows how to get to her but you have to act quickly. If you survive, in a few short years you will be more powerful than the queen herself, having all of the powers of both houses at your disposal.”
Dawn and I share a glance which prompts Delphine to continue. “You are the last hope for us all Dawn. There are those of us like Aiden who wish to help you. Seek them out.”
We spend a few more minutes with Delphine as she gives us additional instructions on what to do and what to expect. I asked her if Lucena ever made an attempt on her life since her banishment, and her response was a sly grin with eyes filled with mischievous amusement. I take it Lucena is a lot more wise than what I have given her credit. Delphine bids Dawn a warm farewell with a tight embrace, and just as we step foot out the door, Delphine gently touches Dawn’s shoulder meeting her eye to eye.
“Be mindful Dawn,” she warns. “Don’t attempt to rescue your mother on your own. Lucina's palace is a fortress of fortitude. There are warriors everywhere, and even the civilians are warriors.”
“Thank you Delphine,” Dawn replies evenly.
“You are welcome,” Delphine says as she closes the door behind us.
I protectively take Dawn’s hand and lead her to the car. I know exactly who to call for help. They wanted the opportunity to align themselves with daughter of the legendary Kai and Demetrius, well now, they will have their chance.
Dawn
I can’t even begin to explain what kissing Aiden or Orion was like. But now, even with my mother’s fate in my hands, I cannot stop thinking about him. Kissing him re opened a floodgate of desire that makes it hard to focus on anything else but him. I didn’t think he would give in to me. I believed he would turn me away and scold me for acting like such a child, but instead he did not. Instead, he sealed his promise with his signature, leaving a permanent imprint in my mental rolodex. He is in my skin, my nose, my hair and goddamn it I can still taste him. All of that from one, mind blowing, send me to heaven kiss.
Curse you Aiden. Now I understand why Siren was so smitten with you.
He is deep in his own thoughts, and I am curious to know what he is thinking. I know it cannot be on me since he is driving, and after that cryptic reveal by Delphine…just thinking about Delphine reminds me of the hard truth about my parentage. Somehow, instinctively I knew growing up that Kai and Demetrius were hiding something of particular importance, however they were always hiding something of importance. To some degree, I believe everyone in the compound knew what was going on except for me. That is why my adopted siblings hated me. That is what I was never allowed to be privy to important missions or why I was even allowed to go out on my own. They were watching and waiting for my powers to develop…they wanted to see for themselves which side I would choose.
I am so wrapped up in my thoughts I don’t realize Aiden has been trying to get my attention until he gives me a hard nudge. I turn to face him, offering him a deep scowl.
“Hey, stop thinking so hard,” he chuckles. “I know that was a lot to take in but I need for you to remain focused.”
I sigh as Aiden pulls to a stop.
“There is someone or someones,” Aiden continues, “that I want you to meet. As a matter of fact, I sort of promised them that I would introduce you.”
I am not in the mood for new introductions, especially if it involves another siren. But, if he thinks whoever they are can help, who am I to refuse?
“Well, who is it? Or who are they?” I ask stretching my legs out.
Aiden reaches for his phone and starts dialing, completely ignoring my question.
“Delphine said we needed help, which is true. We can’t possibly think ourselves capable of rescuing Kai undetected. I have an idea of where Kai may be so just-“
Whoever answered the phone did not sound all too impressed with his call, but she was willing to meet us at a local café. I pray that there isn’t any more drama because my sanity is depending on it.
Chapter 22
Dawn
An hour later, Aiden and I are seated outside of a local café trying our best to look inconspicuous; however, despite us being surrounded by humans, there are still eyes everywhere. I slowly sip my mocha latte while Aiden pretends to enjoy his black coffee while we wait for whoever it is he is anxious for me to meet. We don’t say much which is fine. Sometimes I prefer my own mental company. Fifteen minutes later, I notice a young, athletically built young woman with a wild mane of black hair dressed in baggy fatigues with a chip on her shoulder emerge from a 1997 Jeep Wrangler accompanied by four other youthful looking people. I zeroed in on her using my senses, and just like I guessed, she is the leader. She detects my probe and sends out her own probe, only to realize that my mental walls are stronger than hers. She glances in my direction and her eyes widen when she notices me and Aiden sitting outside facing the street on the patio furniture courtesy of the café.
I instantly know she is going to be a problem. She more than likely was anxious to meet me hoping that I would fall under her leadership, giving her plenty of bragging rights.
Never going to happen.
They approach with caution, and Aiden takes a stand smiling warmly. I don’t bother following suit. I am curious to see what they have to offer.
“Kenya,” he greets warmly.
“Light Bringer,” she retorts.
“So glad you were willing to meet with us. Please, have a seat. All of you.”
Two of her flunkies take a seat on either side of me, one of them extends his hand and introduces himself as Joseph. I accept his hand and introduce myself, to which he responds with a huge grin.
“Been wanting to meet you for a long time,” He says still smiling. “Your parents are fucking legends!”
I can feel the heat seeking glare of the leader who goes by the name of Kenya and turn around to meet her gaze. She sizes me up and down, scrutinizing me from the top of my head to my ankles and it takes everything in me not to use some
of my newly discovered abilities on her.
“So you’re Dawn,” she finally says with a hint of disdain.
“I am. Heard you were a fan,” I quip. This is not typical of me, but my nerves are shot and this chick with the wannabe badass attitude has already gotten under my skin.
“Far from it,” she retorts.
“Then why are you here?” I quiz.
“Because your boyfriend asked for us to come,” Kenya snapped, now glaring at Aiden who is no longer smiling.
“Only because I am fulfilling a promise,” Aiden replies calmly.
Kenya doesn’t respond, and as tension brews, I begin to consider that this whole meeting is pointless.
“Chill Kenya,” Joseph finally says to ease some of the tension. “We are here to help in any way we can.”
Kenya offers Joseph a look that is full of hostility and a promise of revenge but he shrugs it off.
“Good. Then we need your help,” Aiden begins, still glaring at Kenya. “Kai is being held prisoner in one of Lucena's many dungeons. I know how to transport us there and transport us out, but we cannot do it alone.”
“So you expect us to go on a suicide mission for her?” Kenya vehemently spits out.
This is just what I don’t need: more drama from another jealous female.
“It doesn’t have to be suicide if everyone follows the plan to the T,” Aiden says with confidence. “And it is technically not for Dawn, it is for Kai. Last time we spoke, you seemed to be on board with helping. Now, because you realize that you were never the real deal, things have changed… am I right?”
I honestly can’t believe Aiden went there with her, but then again, she needed to hear it. Her attitude was not only draining but time consuming and my mother could very well be being executed this very minute.
Kenya sucks her teeth. “Whatever. I just don’t believe in sacrificing my squad for one person, especially if it means we have to venture out to the Court of Light. No one I know has ever been there-“
In the Light of Darkness Page 15
