by Jaime Marks
Syneous sighed heavily and nodded. “And my son?”
“Severely wounded, status unknown. He took a bullet to protect your daughter,” he reported. “That is all Wytheryn could get out before they reentered the realm.”
“Unfortunate,” he mused seemingly unaffected. “You will let me know if your brother is able to report more. Continue to monitor the group homes. Byryn will not sit out after you nearly killed Cymeryn. You may be able to reclaim him then if he does not come of his own accord prior. You are dismissed.”
He nodded but hesitated. He’d been contemplating this action for hours. None dared to even attempt it. The consequences of even speaking the words alone might be more than he could handle. He knew what he wanted but...who was he to even ask? Yes, he now commanded the Brood but he doubted that granted him enough strength.
The truth was there was nothing else. He could give two shits about the Brood. He wanted his revenge. He wanted Byryn sniveling at his feet as he had forced on him and he wanted Cymeryn’s head on a stake for taking his Master from him. This was his only option if he wanted the strength to see it through.
Syneous studied him. “Is there more, Michael? You would do well not to try my patience this eve.”
He breathed deeply and let his head go to the floor submitting himself completely to this course. “Supryn, I would request an audience with the Dark Lord if he deems me to be so worthy.”
Syneous stayed quiet a moment. “What is it you wish to achieve in this audience?”
“I wish to offer myself to his Lordship Lazurys, the God of Darkness. I, Michael a Trevyn, Commander of the Brood, submit myself completely to the will and pleasure of the Dark Lord Lazurys,” he responded immediately knowing he’d already pushed his luck. If his request was denied he could well be tortured for a month just for trying in his weakness…if he was even allowed to live.
Syneous laughed, “Do you know what he will do to you? Are you prepared to truly offer everything you are to him? Because I assure you, there is no suffering greater and he will rip you apart before he pieces you together.”
Michael breathed deeply. “I offer him all I am; body, mind, essence and soul. He owns all I am and I return it to him freely if he will grant to me the strength to destroy Cymeryn.”
The air shifted and a thick Darkness Michael had never felt coursed around them, through them. Syneous approached and knelt beside him. “I hope you know what you have gotten yourself into boy,” he chuckled Darkly. “You may well not survive this.”
“Syneous, see to the Kyndra. You are dismissed,” a disembodied voice echoed around them.
“As you wish, my lord.”
Syneous misted leaving Michael to his fate. He held himself still keeping his head to the ground in supplication. He didn’t dare to think he had a right to look upon his lord.
“Yet you dare to request my summons, boy?” An evil echoed around him, coursing through him as it pinned him to the ground. Just its presence strengthened him. “I could kill you for even thinking you are worthy. You are lucky your courage and determination intrigue me. None have ever been so bold and you have already grown far beyond the strength of your birth in ways I would not have expected. Still, I have to wonder if you can endure this.”
“My life is and always has been yours, my lord. If I do not survive this it doesn’t matter.”
“You wish vengeance so completely. The Darkness coursing through you is delicious,” the disembodied voice mused and it almost felt like hands were not only caressing over him but through him, raking nails over all of his flesh. There was a pause as the sensations intensified as if the Dark Lord were inspecting him. “And if I decide Cymeryn need live? If I grant you only his torture for your sacrifice?”
“Then I’ll ensure he pays his penance and submits to your will. I’m only your tool. I know that.”
“So malleable, so willing. I see what Crytos saw and molded in you, boy. Such submission for your Master. It is exquisite and I would own it.”
Suddenly Michael’s world submerged in complete Darkness and a wrist was shoved against his lips. He drank without hesitation. He had already gone way past the point of no return. His mind stilled as power coursed through him and he felt himself misting. When he stopped he was slammed hard down onto a cold slab as essence ripped through him, caressed him. The pain was brutal but the pleasure…god he missed Crytos.
“I am going to enjoy this, boy, and when I finish with you…you will be so much more.”
Michael couldn’t see what was being done to him, couldn’t move, all he could do was feel as a thick length slammed into him, claiming him as his body was torn to shreds. He came so hard he saw stars but it wasn’t enough. It was as if every sensation fed some hunger, some craving left empty by the loss of his Master’s touch.
“I am your Master now,” the Dark God lilted through his mind, his very being, commanding him and demanding his complete submission to his will.
“Yeeesss, my lord. I am yours, always, Master,” Michael groaned out on a moan as pain lashed through him. “Oh god.”
A rumble of deep laughter echoed around him as he thrashed in waves that varied between brutal pain and sheer ecstasy. He gave into it completely, whatever the result it was done. He had belonged to Lazurys since birth. This sacrifice only served to strengthen him and cement that bond. He would have his revenge.
Chapter 13
Star walked ahead of them into the grove and spun around. “Oh my god, Mom! No wonder you sneak away all the time. This place is amazing.”
Reyana looked up at Marcus with a secretive smile. “It has its perks.”
He smirked down at her catching her thoughts and she wished they had the time and the privacy. “It certainly does.”
They walked behind her watching as she took everything in. Seeing her like this gave them a glimpse of the young girl that she’d been before they’d come here. Reyana waited knowing Star hadn’t even seen what she wanted her to yet. She was taking in the flowers and the orbs of Light that were flitting around her when one of the unicorns pranced up quietly behind her and nuzzled her. She turned startled and gasped in shock. They watched as her hand went to her mouth and then shakily to the gallant stead’s muzzle, her eyes wide with awe.
Reyana sighed as she looked around the grove. It was the one place in the realm she could be at ease. Cymeryn came walking up quietly still watching Star.
“She is so much like you in some ways, Rey,” he murmured. “We need to foster that. I worry about her.”
Marcus nodded. “Her essence was somewhat disturbing earlier but I suppose any of us could have been pushed that far given the circumstances.”
Reyana sighed, “They threatened her son. Neither of you would have easily tolerated it either.”
“True, but I was Shade for a hundred years and Marcus would not have shifted,” Cymeryn mused. “I believe that she will be fine. I only worry that either her Father or Alayne may still be reaching her. If so she has not sought my guidance regarding it. Regardless, their Bonding should alleviate much of the issue.”
Reyana tensed a moment and sensing it they entwined her between them kissing her head and neck.
“Reya, whatever is occurring we will handle it, together.” Marcus met her eyes studying her a moment. “There is something I want to discuss with Star, but before I do I need to know how you feel about it. I’ve mentioned it in passing but we’ve never had an in depth conversation about it.”
“What is it?”
“I wish to Claim Star as my own blood. I will always love her as my daughter regardless, Reya, you know that. Cymeryn and I both will, and I have always thought of her as such. Whether I claim her or not that’ll never change, but her Father and Grandfather haunt her. I want to be free her of that pain. I want to ensure she knows that she is still very much loved and worthy of being loved.”
A single tear ran down Reyana’s cheek. “She does know that but I would be more than happy to have you Claim her. I
n many ways one of you should have always been her Father.”
He smiled and kissed her softly. “We are her Fathers, Reya. This will only serve to cement that in some ways as well as to protect her.”
“As much as I wish we had time. We must return if we are to save her brother. The stasis will only hold a short while longer. The boys should be gathered by now and the Healer should have him prepped and ready to begin.” Cymeryn waited for Marcus to pull away before gently turning her chin up to kiss her over her shoulder. “Stay in the grove until we return. I mean it, Rey.”
She smiled. “I will. I could use some quiet time here and it’ll be nice to have a chance to just spend time with Star.”
He turned her to face him as Marcus moved away and held her close running his hands over her back. They hadn’t had a lot of time to spend together today. Technically this was the last day before their Bonding. He needed her and she allowed their essence to merge. Hopefully the awakening wouldn’t take too long and they would have some time this eve. If not, they would have to take some time after the Bonding, just the three of them.
They turned to see Marcus embracing Star. “Let them talk. I must go and speak with Wycelion and Trycen before we begin anyway.” Cymeryn kissed her again allowing his hand to drift to her stomach before misting from the grove.
Reyana watched him go. She knew this decision hadn’t been easy for him. They’d discussed it at length both prior to the boy’s injuries and now. He saw something in Kyle. Something that she was sure reminded him of himself. He wanted to give that boy a chance and it was something that Cymeryn had been sure he’d never have as Syneous’ son. Aside from that he felt some instinctual connection to him as if they were blood. He meant to Claim him when he was ready regardless of the issues it would create and she fully supported his decision.
She’d seen the boy’s memories in Cymeryn’s mind. He’d never had a chance since his Father had entered his life. Some of the others might take issue with him but he’d never had a choice. Really his mistakes were no worse than Byryn’s and if Grifyn hadn’t taken a chance on him Divine only knew what would have become of him. Kyle deserved that same opportunity. He’d made mistakes but he was trying to make up for them now. Cymeryn would care for him and cultivate the strength and loyalty he saw in him. Her hand went instinctually to her belly. He would be a good Father. Both to his young and Kyle. He already was to Star.
“Pretty amazing, huh, Starshine?” Marcus smiled walking over to her.
She smiled so warmly back at him that he wished he could preserve it for her; keep her safe and happy always. Her voice was hushed with awe, “I can’t believe they’re real.”
He nodded. “We saw one the day your Mother was born. We were in the meadow playing and he just appeared. It was a wondrous experience, but no Fae ever believed us. It wasn’t really a surprise to us when they showed up here.”
He watched her as she continued to explore. Would she accept him as her Father now? They had grown so much closer over the last two months and she had long given up on her Father being Redeemed. That didn’t mean she necessarily wanted to replace him though and in truth that was not his intention. He only wanted to love her and guide her.
“There is something I’d like to discuss with you, Star. I’d like to make time to spend with you later if that’s alright.”
She looked to him shrewdly, like there was almost nothing she missed. It was a look her Mother had perfected. “I’d rather just talk now. I don’t really want to wait all night wondering what’s going on.”
He should’ve known better than to start this now. With a sigh he offered her a rueful smile, “I really wanted to have more time to discuss this, but I guess I’ll just start by asking you and then you can think about it and let me know how you feel later. Will that work? I don’t want you to feel pressured by this.”
She studied him a moment before turning to face him fully. “Sure.”
“Star, you know I’ve always loved you like my own daughter. I guess what I want I’m trying to say is...” Marcus hesitated not really sure how she’d react. He wanted this more than anything not just because he loved her, but to ensure her safety and grant her peace. “I wish to be your Father, to Claim you as my own.”
Tears ran down her face as she held back sobs.
“Aww Starshine, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” He pulled her into a tight embrace cursing himself for rushing her. “If this is too soon I apolo…”
“No, no.” She shook her head drying her tears. “I just…I’ve been trying to figure out a way to tell you that I was ready. You are my Dad, Marcus and…I need to break the ties to my D-…Syneous.” She breathed deeply a minute. “I just didn’t know if you would still want to.”
He half laughed. “Star, nothing would honor me more than to take you as blood of my blood. I’ve watched you grow and I know I couldn’t physically be with you for most of it but I am so proud of you. You have overcome so much and haven’t lost yourself despite everything you’re still facing.”
“Can we…can we do it tomorrow? Before the Bondings and coronations?” She asked tentatively.
“Anything you want.” He smiled and kissed her head. “I’ll talk to Mythos after I finish assisting Cymeryn this eve but I have to go see to your brother’s awakening now. Just do me a favor? Stay here and occupy your Mom so she stays put.”
She laughed, “Ok Dad, I’ll babysit Mom.”
He gave her wink and walked back to Reyana scooping her into his arms a moment. “She said yes,” he murmured and kissed her more briefly than he desired but set her down knowing time was short. “See you soon.”
He quickly misted from the grove to catch up with his twin. This eve was far from over. He had to keep Kyle stable while Cymeryn balanced his essence. If they didn’t work together, there was a good chance the boy would die and it would be a heavy burden for not only Staryana, but Cymeryn as well. He sensed something in the boy, felt some hidden connection to him. He was not prepared to lose him so soon and in truth, neither was Marcus.
Byryn leaned against the wall patiently as Cymeryn explained why he had summoned them and what he expected of them. Which in fact was nothing, they were all there by their own choice and he wouldn’t force them to have any connection with him, Kyle, or this rite.
Wycelion looked to the bed, his arms crossed. “I’ll be honest. I do not trust that boy. I could never tell if he was merely following John’s command or had an agenda of his own. They targeted Perylia and I about killed him. John fed him up like a sacrificial lamb. If Crytos didn’t step in he’d already be dead.”
Cymeryn nodded. “I have sensed him thoroughly, I am aware of your issues. I will not force you to stay, Wycelion, nor will it have any impact in our interactions in the future. Are you still prepared to accept Redemption at my hands tomorrow?”
He stared at the bed as if considering his words. “I knew of the trap Alayne laid. I intentionally refrained from partaking in that battle ensuring my neutrality so that I could be absolved if Alayne were to win.” He faced Cymeryn directly. “I know my lack of information is a betrayal to you and I will accept the consequences.”
Byryn had to smirk. It was a test. Wycelion wanted to know the truth. Were things really different? Was there a better way? His brother was showing the calculation Trevyn had instilled in their training; calculation that Cymeryn himself employed. He knew the former Supryn would never have tolerated such a betrayal without dire repercussion. Actually, even now Cymeryn didn’t particularly appreciate breaches in trust, especially when it would endanger his family.
Their Grandsire studied him carefully with narrowed eyes. “I can appreciate your strategy and even the challenge in your demeanor, Wycelion. I am beyond irate that your calculation placed those I love in danger, however, and that leaves me to carefully consider my options.” His jaw clenched in frustration.
Marcus appeared besides him and clasped his shoulder. “What is it, brother?”
/> Byryn watched as they communicated silently glancing at Wycelion who stood resolved to see the outcome of his fate. Suddenly he felt an odd sensation in his mind and his physical awareness drifted.
“Can you hear us, Byryn?” Cymeryn requested.
“Yeah. Didn’t know for sure if this was possible.” He was more than a little surprised. He assumed that the twins were only able to communicate in this way because of their unique connection and that otherwise it was only between mates. He’d considered trying it earlier but he really didn’t think it would work.
“Neither did we but it was a theory worth testing,” Marcus offered. “You really need to work on these skills Byryn, you look the fool staring out into nothingness.”
“Indeed…I cannot allow Wycelion to get away with no consequence, nor can I punish him harshly. I must admit I saw this coming. It was doubtful they had stationed him there without informing him of it. His love for Perylia is the only reason I have allowed him any leeway as I can clearly see the Light in him that grows with it. In truth, how he has handled this makes me slightly proud of the boy but the issue however is his loyalty,” Cymeryn considered.
Byryn listened as he debated the situation. “Insist that he opens to you, sense him thoroughly prior to the Redemption. If he doesn’t comply or censors your ability to sense him, then the punishment needs to be harsh and he can’t remain here.” He was already clear on where Wyce’s loyalty rested but there was no reason not to err on the side of caution. Besides, it would alleviate Cymeryn’s concerns.
“Agreed,” Marcus seemed to almost sigh, “We cannot be too harsh on the boy for being on guard though. He is Shade and came to us of his own free will. He hasn’t taken part in any of the altercations that have occurred since his arrival and he did stand guard and assist in securing the realm after. He has followed all the rules and abided by the constrictions placed upon him. Aside from this he told you of his knowledge of his own accord, Cymeryn. Yes it is calculating, but it is also a means of self-preservation in a situation that he has to feel he has no true control over.”
