by Hawke Oakley
Kass wouldn’t leave me here for six months… Would he?
I opened my palm and felt the trickle of magic in my blood. It was loose and thin, like it had been diluted, but it was there - definitely more so than before Kass and I had sex during my heat. The pregnancy would probably speed up the rate of my magic’s return.
And if I can get my magic back, then…
Suddenly filled with hope, my mind raced with possibilities. I didn’t need Kass to break out of here - I could do it on my own. My magic would peak with power from my pregnancy. But for that to happen, I needed time. A few months, at least. Could I handle being stuck in a cage for that long?
I let out a groan and slipped further into the blankets. If I could only talk to Kass…
Suddenly, I sat upright. Maybe I could speak with him. I’d heard stories of fated mates having a mental mind link, a sort of telepathic connection that only two shifters truly in love could achieve, but I’d never seen it done.
Fuck that. If anyone can do it, it’s me. I’m Halo fucking Fire-Eater.
I threw myself down into the nest of blankets and pulled one over my head to block out the torch light, then closed. Everything went dark. I needed all my concentration if this was going to work.
In my mind’s eye, I imagined Kass, wherever he was. He must have escaped the mountain by now, but with a flicker of doubt, I remembered that our big - fake - fight must have upset him. I prayed he recognized that it was a lie.
Nothing happened. I couldn’t see Kass, or hear him. I groaned.
Please, gods!
I clenched my eyes shut. This time, I tried summoning a bit of magic to aid my concentration. Time seemed to slow as my consciousness dissolved into the quiet darkness. At the far end of my mind, I sensed a figure, shifting and loose, like he was made of smoke.
Kass? I called into the shadows.
He didn’t reply at first, and my hope wavered. But then his voice echoed hesitantly. Halo?
My heart leapt with joy. Kass! It’s me!
I couldn’t see him, past his smokey silhouette, but I could hear the relief and confusion in his voice. Oh my gods. Are you okay? Are you safe? Wait, how are you talking to me? Is this a mind link?
Yes! I cried. I’m fine, but Zenon has me locked up.
Kass growled. He hasn’t touched you, has he? James told me his plan.
I didn’t have time to be relieved that James didn’t just run off. No, don’t worry. He’s treating me fine. But he knows I’m pregnant - I had to tell him to avoid him… you know.
Kass sighed, overwhelmed. Good. Just wait, Halo. We’re planning to get you out.
We? I asked.
Determination filled Kass’s voice. Yes. The fox skulk is on our side, and we’re looking for help in Cinderhollow, too. I’m not going to let you rot in there, Halo. I’m coming for you.
My heart swelled with affection for my mate. I regretted doubting him for even a second.
Wait, Kass. I need time, I told him.
He sounded almost angry. What? Why? Then he paused, and I could hear in his voice that he already figured out my plan. You’re not thinking of using your magic to escape, are you? That could take months, Halo!
I’m not some damsel in distress, Kass. I can take care of myself. And my pregnancy increases the power of my magic, remember? It’ll be easy, I argued.
Kass’s irritation boiled over. No way in hell am I letting you stay there for six months. You’re insane if you think I’m going to let that happen. He paused, then added in a gentler voice, Halo, I’m your mate. I love you more than anything. You don’t have to do this on your own. Let me help you. Please.
The strain in his voice pained me. I knew I was hurting him by letting myself stay in this cage on purpose, but I needed him to understand that I wanted to have a part in freeing myself.
Compromise with me, I begged him. Give me three months. That should be enough time for my magic to kick in, and be powered up. Zenon won’t touch me, I promise. He’s basically treating me like royalty, except for the cage. When the time’s up, you can march in here with your little army. Okay?
Despite the situation, I heard the smirk in Kass’s voice. Fine. You stubborn omega. But no more than three months. He paused. His words were heavy. I love you, Halo.
I love you, too, Kass.
The mental link evaporated like a wisp of smoke, and I was back in the physical world, stifled by warm blankets. I threw them off and sat up.
Three months. Half of my pregnancy term.
I made up my mind. For three months, I would let Zenon pamper me, feed me, treat me like a precious baby-making machine he thought I was - because when time was up, I would have the strength to kill him for real this time.
19
Kassius
When I opened my eyes, a circle of fox shifters surrounded me with curious, wide eyes, and I nearly jumped out of my skin.
“Personal space, guys,” I said.
They shuffled back.
“What happened?” James demanded. “You spaced out and none of us knew what to do.”
I touched my forehead. “It was Halo. He contacted me somehow, through a mental link.”
“The connection between fated mates,” Luce said softly.
“I guess so.”
James looked impatient. “Well? What did he say?”
“He’s safe,” I said, and the foxes let out a collective sigh of relief. “But he’s still caged up. He says Zenon isn’t hurting him, but I still don’t like it. We have a new problem, though.”
They hung on to my every word.
“Halo says… he wants to wait,” I said.
“What?” James uttered, his eyes wide in disbelief. “But why?”
“It’s his magic. The pregnancy makes it stronger.” I gestured to the Cinderhollow barrier, barely visible as it shimmered above us. “He doesn’t want to be rescued. It’s too passive. He wants to save himself, with our help.”
James’s brows knit together. “What does that mean for us, then?”
“Three months. He wants us to wait three months,” I told them. “He said that would give him enough time to regain his magical energy.”
“He’s putting himself at risk,” Luce said uneasily.
“At risk? This is total bullshit!” James cried. “You can’t seriously agree with this, can you, Kassius?”
I put my hand to my forehead. “You know what, honestly? No. But Halo needs this.”
“What do you mean?” James asked.
“He needs to be in control of his own fate,” I explained. “He… He was right about a lot of things in the past, and during that time I just didn’t listen. But he needs me to listen now. And that’s all I can do for him.” I faced the foxes. “I know it might not make sense to you all, but it makes sense to Halo, and I need to hand over the power to him. He needs this.”
James still seemed unsure but he shrugged. “Okay. If you say so.”
“If anyone can keep himself safe with his magic, it’s the Golden Dragon,” the other omega named Halo piped up. He wore a look of proud determination, like he was honored to share his name with someone so brave.
The foxes hadn’t been quite as shocked as I expected when James and I explained that the omega by my side was none other than the legendary Halo Fire-Eater. I figured they must have suspected it on some level.
“You’re right,” Luce agreed.
“If he’s safe like he says he is, and Zenon really isn’t hurting him, then I guess three months isn’t that long,” James mumbled. “That would give us time to prepare, too.”
“You’re right,” I agreed, looking up towards the evening sky. A waxing moon illuminated the darkness, just a sliver away from being full. “Let’s meet here at the third full moon from tonight. If we need to speak before then, we’ll find each other. I’m sure your noses can sniff me out by now.”
The fox omega Halo giggled. James nodded more seriously and said, “Okay.”
“It’s se
ttled, then,” I declared. “All of you rest, find help if you can, and get ready. Let’s hope these months pass in the blink of an eye.”
* * *
After saying goodbye to the foxes, I realized I had a lot of things to deal with.
Every cell in my body craved returning to Halo’s side. An alpha without his omega was like half a soul. The fact that he was pregnant with our second child made everything about this even more strained and difficult.
But I had to keep my head on straight. Rushing in to attack Zenon alone would end in disaster. He was an alpha dragon mage, with an additional alpha dragon soldier in the form of Silas. The fight wouldn’t be easy. As much as I despised to admit it, maybe it was best that Halo was conserving his magical energy for the battle. If anyone could get us all out of there alive, it was him.
The words of the fox omega Halo echoed in my mind. If anyone can keep himself safe with his magic, it’s the Golden Dragon.
I smiled to myself. He was right. If there was one thing my mate was damn good at, it was keeping himself alive. There wasn’t a single doubt in my mind that he would keep our unborn child safe, too.
I suddenly paused in my tracks. With the time bestowed on me now, I could do something I’ve been wanting to do since I arrived here in the present day.
I scanned my surroundings and found what I was looking for. A large, clinical building stood towering in the center of Cinderhollow. One of the hospitals.
My heart flipped in anticipation. For the first time since the incident, I would see my daughter.
I was going to find Angel.
* * *
It was easy enough to act like a confused tourist, because I still felt like one. I asked for Dr. Lynden by name and claimed she was the only person I knew in Cinderhollow who could help me (partially true), then played dumb when I told her I needed to know where to find the Drunken Dragon bar.
She had quirked a brow. “If you’re looking for Scar, you can just ask.” She gave me the directions, but added in a stern voice, “I have to warn you. I don’t know you very well, so if you’re planning to harm that man, I can promise you it’s a bad idea. Just remember that.”
I promised her genuinely that I wouldn’t harm him. She had sighed and waved me off, telling me not to get lost.
Dr. Lynden’s advice only solidified what Halo told me earlier - that the omega raising our child owned a bar, and the easiest way to find him was to enter it. Thankfully for me, the evening crowd meant I was just a forgettable face among dozens of others. I took a seat somewhere in the middle - not too close to the door, but not close enough to the bar counter that I would be easily seen.
I kept my head down until a waiter showed up with a grin. His name tag read NATE.
“Hey, man. Can I grab you anything?” Nate asked.
“Sure,” I said as casually as possible. This was my first time entering a bar since - well, four centuries ago, and even then I wasn’t an avid alcoholic drinker. All the brands and colors were alien to me. “I’ll have whatever you recommend.”
Nate nodded. “Sure thing. Be back in a sec.”
As he left, I peered at the counter from the corner of my eye. Two figures stood behind it, roughly the same height. One had pale skin, dark hair and eyes, and muscles just big enough to be noticeable. His smile was big and kind.
He must be the alpha, I guessed.
The other man -
I held back my gasp when I saw him. He was scarred and missing limbs that were replaced by prosthetics.
Halo mentioned the men’s names were Ryu and Scar. I supposed that one was Scar.
At first I felt a cruel distaste stirring in my stomach. These were the men raising my child? Some alpha and his scarred omega?
But then I saw why they were smiling so widely.
They both faced a baby carrier. At one point, the alpha - Ryu - took the carrier in his arms and I caught my breath.
There was Angel. She was smiling and laughing, more happy than I’d seen her in a long time.
As I stared, stunned, the omega Scar scooped her up in his arms and kissed her forehead. Angel let out a shriek of delight and balled her hands up into happy fists. Both Ryu and Scar began to laugh. All three of them seemed to glow with joy.
The stewing anger in my gut vanished, and the tension I didn’t realize I’d been holding in my body went away. These two men weren’t thieves trying to steal my daughter away from me - they were a couple doing their best to raise a baby unexpectedly dropped into their lives.
Seeing how happy they were brought tears to my eyes. I felt an enormous pang of guilt. When was the last time Halo, Angel and I were that happy together? Certainly not the months leading up to the incident. Not the months we spent in shaky tension, wondering when the fragile balance was finally going to shatter.
And definitely not the night where I turned on Halo, thrusting him towards the Knights for penance, and ruining our family.
Unable to stand the beautiful sight of Angel’s new family any longer, I turned away, ashamed of myself.
“Here you go. Sorry for the wait,” Nate said, setting the drink on the table. “Whoa. Hey, you okay, man?”
“Fine,” I muttered, quickly rubbing the tears away. “Thanks, and sorry, but I think I should get going.”
Nate blinked as I stood and slapped twice the amount of cash on the table before I hurried out of the bar.
The dam of guilt and sadness managed to hold until I’d ran away from the bar, and finally broke when I was alone on the pier. I couldn’t hold it back any longer - I cried and swore and let myself hate myself. These were the consequences of my actions, and I needed to accept them, I knew that. But it was damned hard.
Collapsing into a bench, I continued to sob quietly until the tears and emotions ran dry, like a riverbed scorched by the sun. Weakly I wiped my own tears. I didn’t know if it was a good or bad thing that Halo wasn’t here right now.
Kass?
A voice in the back of my head made me look over my shoulder, but nobody was there. Then I realized it was Halo’s voice speaking to me in our mental link, like he did before. I shut my eyes to reply.
I’m here, I said.
Kass, are you okay? I just felt this huge rush of emotion coming from you, Halo said, concerned.
Yeah, I said. Just something that’s been a long time coming.
I could practically hear the worried look on his face. Did something happen?
I saw Angel. With her new parents. I sighed shakily. Halo, she… She was so, so happy. And Scar and Ryu, they were happy, too.
The link went silent. Then, Halo’s quiet voice said, Yeah.
A pregnant pause hung between us before Halo spoke again. Kass… I know you probably don’t want to hear this, but…
I knew what Halo was going to say before he said it. Something about the mental link amplified our emotional connection, and the decision seemed to pulse with a life of its own.
I know, I replied. It’s horrible, and I hate it, but at the same time… It’s what she needs. I saw it in her eyes. They sparkled, Halo. And Ryu and Scar - their eyes were so kind. They love Angel. They would die for her.
Halo’s voice tightened with emotion, but I could hear his sad smile. Then… We’re in agreement?
Yes. I exhaled. Scar and Ryu… They should keep Angel. They’re her parents now.
The decision was made. An intense, physical longing suddenly struck me.
I wish you were here right now, I told Halo. I miss you so much.
I could tell Halo was crying silent tears now. I miss you more. Soon, Kass. We’ll be together soon. I can already feel my magic growing.
Good, I said. I won’t abandon you and our child. I’m here, in our mental link, anytime you need me.
I love you, Kassius.
My heart swelled with intense affection. I love you, too, Halo.
The mental link began to fade until I opened my eyes and returned to the physical world. The dark pond stretched out before m
e, reflecting a thousand stars and white moon in the sky above.
My tears dried and I stared out into the black sky, fuelled with determination.
I had been the one to rip our family apart once. But now, I was going to be the one to put it back together.
20
Halo
The months passed.
Zenon kept his word. He didn’t touch me, except for a few creepy-but-tolerable strokes of my cheek or hands. He kept me warm and fed, with plenty of (shackled) bathroom breaks to accommodate the new strain on my bladder. Zenon even let me shower, with pre-warmed pails of water that Silas brought, which he really didn’t enjoy. The only thing I had for entertainment was talking to Silas, and jerking off with only mild privacy. It was like staying at the world’s creepiest and most boring hotel.
My perception of the passage of time was muddy and unclear. My circadian rhythms struggled to adjust to the strange torch light of the cavern, so mostly I had no idea what day or time it was - the only thing I had to go by was the fact that Silas went hunting in the late afternoons, when the sun warmed the cold mountain side enough for prey to come out of hiding.
I felt my baby growing. My belly had swollen, something that I wish Zenon didn’t have to comment on. It should have been a magical experience I got to share with Kass, but instead I was locked in a cage like a weird living display.
I can’t complain, I told myself. I was the one who chose this.
But I wasn’t complaining. The magic that depleted when I time travelled had almost fully returned. It burned fiercely beneath my skin, pulsing in my blood and energizing me. If I didn’t purposely stop the excess magic sparks from shedding, they would probably be constantly glowing around my body. But Zenon and Silas didn’t need to know the extent of my power. It was best to keep it secret.
Until I could finally let it loose.
I couldn’t take it anymore. I entrenched myself in my blankets, shutting out all light, and closed my eyes before opening the mental link between Kass and I.
