The Nysian Prophecy

by M. K. Dawn

  “What?”

  “That’s it. Everything went black. I have been having that dream for as long as I can remember.”

  “Gods. None of this makes any sense! You shouldn’t know this place.”

  “But I do.” She turns to me, her eyes pleading. “I don't think I'm the person you think I am.”

  “That’s impossible. We’ve been tracking you since you went to the human realm. Your caseworker, Dean Meel, all your foster families are Nysian. We moved you around so that you couldn’t be found, but we were always there, waiting for you to turn nineteen when we could bring you back here.”

  “I'm telling you, I know this place. I grew up here!”

  “No, you didn't!” The pain of loss strikes me hard. “Yes, there was a little girl that lived here, but she died the night Wright’s Army attacked. I know, because I came here looking for her.”

  “I don't understand.”

  “Her mother healed me once after I had won the warrior’s challenge. The little girl had a crush on me. She was just a child. Her mother had me swear that I would protect her. I failed that day.” And that loss had torn out my heart.

  “Right, the cut on your head,” she says absent-mindedly.

  I grab her arm and whirl her around to face me, my anger boiling over. “What did you say?”

  She cowers. “I…I…I… don't know, it just popped out.”

  An explosion shakes the house so hard we almost fall over.

  “What in the Gods names is going on now?” Still holding on to Alaina’s arm, I run towards the front of the house. If Wright’s men found us, we were fucked this time. There was no way Kakos would be stupid enough to let Alaina use her orb again.

  “Is it Kakos?” she whispers, her voice laced with fear.

  “You’re surrounded. Come out peacefully and no harm will be done to you.” The voice is not Kakos. Could it be that luck is on our side this time?

  “Alaina, I'm going to step outside.”

  “What! Are you crazy, you don't know who’s out there!” She’s on the verge of a panic attack. “Please don't leave me.”

  I cup her face in my hands. “It’s going to be okay. I'm pretty sure I know who’s out there, but just in case, I want you to stay here.”

  She raises her left eyebrow. “Pretty sure?”

  I can’t help but smile. She is so damn gorgeous. I give her a little wink and yell back. “I'm coming out!” I raise my hands and walk out the door.

  “Gods damn, Brady.” Xavier lifts his wrist. “Stand down. It’s just Brady.” Then he turns his attention back to me. “What the hell are you doing out here? We didn't register your orb. Is someone else with you?”

  “Really, Xavier? Is that how you greet your oldest friend? What’s up, Ace?”

  “Sup.” Always a man of few words.

  “Cut the shit. We have been looking all over for you. What the hell happened to heading straight to camp when you got back?” Xavier’s pissed; he has always been wrung a little too tight. We had joined the warriors together many years ago and had fought together side by side in countless battles, and when I was appointed the head of the warriors after my father died, Xavier was my only choice for a second.

  “Hey Brady, welcome back!” Nick slaps me on the back. “What the fuck are you doing in this neck of the woods? Think your aim might be a little off there, brother.”

  Slowly the five other warriors reveal themselves. Hawk, JD, Tom, Clint, and Bo, my brothers in arms. Men I would gladly lay down my life for, and them for me.

  “Looks like the gangs all here. Not that I'm not happy to see each of you, but really, Xavier, do you think it was a good idea to bring all the warriors out to save little old me. I mean, I know I'm special and all but-”

  “Fuck you, Brady.” Xavier snaps. “I told you, we had unidentified orb activity out here and came to check it out. We figured you flaked on your mission and decided to stay an extra month. Probably holed up in the human realm with some hot blonde.”

  “Oh, real funny.” I retort. There’s no way in hell I would ever flake on a mission and he knows it, but Gods, they loved to rag me.

  “Yeah, man,” Nick chimes in, always one to put his two cents in. “What was that last one’s name? She couldn’t have been more than eighteen. Tiffany, Tonya… come on, man, help me out. She had huge…”

  “Sorry to interrupt this charming trip down memory lane, but looks like the coast is clear, wouldn’t you say, Brady?” Alaina steps out of the house more than a little pissed. If looks could kill… Fucking Nick.

  “My mistake,” Nick says. “Hot brunette.” He starts towards her.

  “Shut up, Nick. Warriors, I would like to introduce you to Princess Alaina. Try to show some respect.”

  They all fall to one knee in her presence.

  “Fuck me,” Nick whispers. “Sorry.” It’s such a rarity to see Nick squirm.

  “Oh my Gods, get up, all of you. This is insane. The last thing I need is people bowing for me, or towards me, or whatever!”

  They all look at me for help on what to do next. “Get up, guys. She doesn’t have her memories back yet and is having a hard time dealing with all of this. She doesn’t know how things work around here.”

  “Stop talking about me like I'm not here.”

  “Fine, Princess.” Her new-found attitude is already grating on my nerves. I force a smile through my clenched jaw. “These are the royal warriors, your sworn guardians. It’s customary for them, and all others in your kingdom, to bow in your presence.” She rolls her eyes. “So, you might want to get used to it, since it's going to happen a lot.”

  “Your Highness,” Xavier says.

  “Call me Alaina,” she interrupts.

  Xavier jerks his head back. “Excuse me?”

  “Please,” she adds. Xavier is all about protocol. Calling someone from the royal family by their first name is unheard of.

  I pat him on the back. “It’s going to be okay, brother. Our little princess is all about breaking procedure, might as well get used to it.”

  “Alaina,” he spits the word out. “We really need to get you back to camp as quick as possible. This area is not safe. Brady, I suggest we walk about half a day away from here, so that we can’t be tracked when we use our orbs.”

  “Agreed.” Time to get back into leader mode. “Xavier, we will all sync with your orb. Ace, take JD, Tom and scout ahead, give it about fifteen minutes, check in with Xavier and then we will follow.” They turn and walk off. “Hawk, Clint, Bo, you will watch our backs. I think half an hour is enough.” They nod. “Xavier, Nick, you will flank us. The princess is with me.”

  I turn my attention to Alaina. “As soon as they check in, we’ll head out. We move fast and silent. You are to stay with me at all times, no matter what, do you understand? If Kakos finds a way to track your orb, things could get ugly fast.” Her eyes widen at the sound of his name. She is more than a little scared after her encounter, rightfully so.

  “Kakos?” Xavier asks.

  “Yeah, we had a little run-in with him before Alaina transported us here.”

  “Oh, Gods! “Alaina shrieks.

  I grab her shoulders. “What is it?”

  “Carl and his family. They were burning his house to the ground. Little Alaina! My Gods, we have to go back for them. They could be hurt. What if Kakos took them because of us, because of me!” She’s hysterical.

  “We can’t go back, Alaina. Kakos could still be there. It’s too dangerous. You cannot risk your life for them.”

  “No! That’s not fair. They risked their lives for us. We can’t just leave them to suffer.” Her compassion for people whom she barely knows is touching. It will make her a great leader one day. But there’s also a good possibility that it could get her killed.

  Nick steps forward. “I’ll go.”

  “If Kakos is still there…” It’s an unnecessary warning. Kakos’ methods are legendary.

  “I’ll keep my distance.” He gives Ala
ina a grin. “Anyway, it’s the least I can do after calling the future queen hot. I kind of owe her one.” Nick - always quick with a witty remark.

  Alaina breaks free of my hold to wrap her arms around his neck. That’s the second warrior she has shocked today, but Nick adjusts quickly, shrugs his shoulders, smiles, and hugs her back as if this is all perfectly normal.

  I push away the jealousy that forms in my chest at the sight of their embrace. “Fine. Apparently, she approves and she’s the boss. If you find the family, take a half of day hike north, then take them back to camp. If they are not there, don't track them down, it’s too dangerous. Meet us back at camp so we can regroup and formulate a plan.”

  Nick lets go of Alaina. “And if I find the worst…?”

  “Worst case scenario is they were taken by Kakos. If you find that they have been called up by the Gods, contact camp and have them send someone who can help you take their bodies to the Passage of the Gods.”

  “Got it.”

  “Alaina, Nick will touch his orb to yours and it will transfer your last location.”

  “Cheers!” He taps the orb on his wrist to the one around her neck. “Peace out!” He flashes us the peace sign and disappears.

  “Hawk, move to flank.”

  “Boss, front is clear, time to head out!” Xavier shouts.

  “Let’s go. Give us thirty, guys.” Hawk heads to our left, and Xavier heads to our right. They are out of sight in a matter of minutes.

  “Ready to go home, Princess?” She nods, and we start towards what will hopefully be an uneventful hike.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Alaina

  It’s hot. And the farther we walk into the forest, the hotter it seems to get. We have no food and no water. With each step, I become more irritable. It’s been hours, and neither Brady nor I have spoken a word to each other. I’m still fuming over his blatant dismissal of my feelings that have developed for him. I swore he was feeling it too. Back at Carl’s house, he had almost kissed me; I know I wasn’t making that up in my head. He called me a child. I may be younger than him, but to hear he’s been with other women my age! It was infuriating. If he doesn’t like me, then come out and say that. Don't just call me a child and walk away. “Jackass.”

  Brady’s brows furrow. “What?”

  “What?” I snip back.

  “You said something.”

  “No, I didn't.” Shit, did I call him a jackass out loud? I tend to get all worked up in my head and mumble.

  “I could have sworn you called me a jackass.”

  “Well, if the shoe fits.” I’m not this person. I don't argue and antagonize people. But in this moment, all I feel like doing is yelling at this man who tried to kiss me and then told me I had imagined it all.

  “So, Princess, this is how it’s going to be? It’s a long walk to the rendezvous point. You really want to spend it fighting with me? Can’t we go back to talking and holding hands?”

  “Uh!” I scream. “You are incorrigible, and annoying, and… and…” I can’t find the right word.

  “Hot, irresistible... I can keep going if you are still at a loss for words.”

  I stop and turn towards him, exasperated. “Are you fucking kidding me? You think those are the words I would use, after everything you said to me back there?” He flinches, ever so slightly, but it’s there. I stalk towards him, pointing my finger as I continue to rant. “You have been flirting with me since the moment I stopped running from you, maybe even before that. You tried to kiss me at Carl’s house. I know I'm not making that up in my head. There is, was, something between us. I felt it, you felt it. Hell, even Charlotte said something. There’s no way that you are that good of an actor to be on all the time. I may be young, but not any younger than those bimbos you run around within the human realm with that Nick so graciously, and unintentionally, informed me about.” I'm right in front of him, trying desperately to make myself bigger than I really am. “If you are just playing with me, using your warrior sex skills, or hormones, or whatever it is, then stop. If this is about honor and about me being betrothed, then suck it up and tell me.” The anger now turns into pain, but I push past it, and start poking him in the chest with my already extended finger. “But don't you dare tell me again that I made it all up. I may not be experienced, but I'm not stupid.”

  He grabs my hand to stop the assault. I can tell he’s processing it all; the faraway look in his eyes gives it away. He opens his mouth to say something and then closes it at once and sighs. We stand there, his hand still holding mine, eyes locked as if daring the other to walk away. The silence is maddening. Why isn’t he saying anything? The all-too-familiar tension between us builds. He starts caressing my hand, sending shockwaves through my body. My breathing labored. He follows suit. It feels like hours, but I'm sure only mere seconds have passed. I can’t take it anymore.

  “Brady…” I practically moan. His lips are on mine in an instant. Our hands drop, and I wrap my arms around his neck, as he wraps his around my waist and pulls me in close. The kiss that started out so sweet and innocent turns feverish and intense within seconds. His tongue penetrates my mouth, and I moan. He grabs my ass and picks me up, allowing me to wrap my legs around his waist. When my back hits the tree I didn't even notice he was walking towards, I moan again, tightening my legs around him, trying to get closer. He moans, and I'm so close to losing the little control I have left. His desire for me is obvious even through several layers of clothes. It would be so easy to lift my dress and finish what we have started. But this is not the way I want to lose my virginity, in the woods with a man who just hours ago, broke my heart into a million pieces.

  I pull back. Brady stops kissing me and rests his forehead on mine. “Alaina,” he whispers, so lovingly that my heart stops.

  But there’s also regret in voice. “Don’t, Brady. Please don't say it. Don’t tell me that you’re sorry.” I couldn’t take it if he broke me again.

  “I'm not,” he says, still out of breath. “I will never regret this. Not even in the slightest. But…” I don't want to hear it; I want to stay in this moment, in our little bubble, just a little longer. “…you are betrothed to Prince Henry. And I would be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous as hell, but this is the world we live in. You are the princess, and I’m just a humble warrior, sworn to protect you with my life, which I would do without hesitation. The match with Henry is what has kept our two kingdoms united. Without it, I'm not sure if they would still stand by our side.”

  I shake my head, not wanting any of it to be true. I'm expected to marry someone I don't know, someone I may never love, all while the man who is stealing my heart stands by and watches. “I won’t marry a man I don’t love. I’ll refuse. I’ll run away. It’s too much. I don't want this, not any of it. I never asked for any of this.”

  He wraps me in his strong arms, even tighter than I thought possible. I sob, for all that I’m losing in this moment, and for all that is coming ahead. When I regain some composure, he helps me unwrap myself from him and places me on the ground.

  With an arm draped around my shoulders, we start back on the path. “And if worse comes to worse, we can always have a scandalous affair.” He kisses the top of my head, enticing a giggle. And just like that, the dark cloud that hung over us disappears.

  ***

  “So, how did you find out about the betrothal?” Brady asks, a little while later.

  “Kakos, as I offered to take your place. He laughed and asked me what my betrothed would think.” I shudder at the memory. “Then he asked me if I thought I loved you and taunted me with the fact that warriors have overactive libidos, and powers to seduce women using their pheromones.”

  “I see,” Brady says.

  “So, did you?”

  He stares at the ground. “Did I what?”

  “Use your pheromones to make me… you know…?” Please don't make me say it.

  He gives me that oh-so-sexy grin. “Make you what?”

&nbs
p; “Don't do that… we have to be friends - platonic. You can’t flirt with me like that.”

  “I'm platonically asking you what you mean. I'm lost.”

  I roll my eyes. “Just answer the damn question, please!”

  “Well, since you are asking me so nicely. Yes, I tried to use my powers on you.”

  “How dare you…”

  He lays his finger on my lips. “But it didn't work.”

  “What do you mean, it didn't work? I was… am... whatever… attracted to you.”

  “That’s good old-fashioned hormones at work, Princess. The only time I tried it was when we were searching for my orb, and you broke it. Nobody has ever been able to do that before.”

  “That’s very cocky of you.”

  “Nope, that’s life. It’s how our world works. We protect the royal family. Our pheromones are there to ensure our bloodline continues.”

  “So, your father was a warrior too?”

  “He was. He died during the Wright attack.”

  “My Gods, I'm so sorry.”

  “It was an honorable death.” His detachment to his father’s death is a little disturbing.

  “But a tragic one, nonetheless,” I add. He stops, and I can see how wrong I was about him being detached from the subject. His eyes show the pain he’s carried with him since the day it happened.

  “We were very close, my father and I. Not all children born to warriors become warriors. Many bear multiple boys to ensure their line continues. So, when my father’s first born was deemed a warrior, he was elated. All my best memories are of him training me to become the man I am today.”

  “That must have been a hard way to grow up.”

  “On the contrary, my father never made the training feel like work. When I was young, he would create these elaborate games, where we, and some of the other up and coming warriors, were on secret missions. Sometimes he would be the bad guy, sometimes I would. When my sister was old enough, she would pretend to be the princess, and I would practice rescuing her.”