Sorry for the late post! We will resume a chapter per day again this week. Shall we get this story going? Who is waiting patiently for them to get to Asiarian/Erriatt and face Aodh? I'm wondering id Ashe will make an appearance or not. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please leave me a comment with any questions or words of encouragement.
LAMIAKellen sat holding Seneca, cradling her against his chest. I thought there might be some jealousy from Mathias: Another Alpha holding his daughter like she was his.To my surprise, relief, and joy there wasn’t a hint of jealousy between the two Alpha’s. However, I could see Mathias was itching to have his daughter back in his arms.Letting go of Mathias’s hand I stand, walk around the table, and reach for Seneca. Kellen pulls her back frowning as he does. “Just a little longer.” He says with a pleading voice. His ocean-blue eyes gave me a puppy dog look.“You’ll see her again.” Tala laughs and balances Connor on her lap and plucks Seni from her mate's arms much to his dismay, his scowl becoming deeper. Making the scare down his face look more menacing.“I haven't been away from her in three thousand years,” Kellen grumbles feeling the loss as Tala hands me my child.Before I can even hand Seneca to Mathias, Zane holds out his arms as I round the table again. “Can I hold her pleas
LAMIAKellen, Mike, Tala, Lyric, and the pups left at sunrise, heading back to New Moon. Where more weapons would be manufactured and shipped with Kellen and Mike when they left from the New Moon coast to Asiarian, Tyron, the royal delta, and Mike's father would be in charge of New Moon warriors.Finn left to go back to the Kodiak Kingdom, hoping to tie up some stuff and aid Alpha Xander before he too traveled to the second content with a team of warriors. Leaving the Kodiak kingdom in Alpha Xanders's capable hands and Abner Brooks as backup.Rhett and Leneve would follow us to the Werecat Kingdom a few days later, after securing MacTire and leaving Josiah and Oliver with instructions. A handful of changelings would stay behind due to the threat of Aodh’s army reaching our shores. Petra had been sent on a mission to scout the shores to see if the rumors were true that a fraction of the dark army would land on our borders any day.Hunji and Morgan decided to head back to Riocht for thre
TOBIASThe days were hot, but the nights weren’t much better. I had sworn I would never return to the desert on the second continent again, but here I am knee knee-deep in war, leading shifters from all backgrounds.I walk across the rocky terrain heading for my tent. We had set up makeshift tents on the border of Asiarian and moved citizens from Bhakhil further into the country and closer to the capital.Each day shifters and humans from surrounding small countries were coming to the border. Only a few Andorian’s had managed to escape the chaos and destruction Aodh’s army had brought and made their way here.Those who could fight stayed at the border with us, preparing for the dark army to reach our position. We had suffered great losses on all fronts. Bhakhil was lucky the city had managed to evacuate before they were taken over.Sources tell us the dark army lingers on the outskirts of Bhakhil and will reach the Asiarian border within two weeks. Just thinking about it makes my heart
KELLENMy days back at New Moon had been filled with meetings, organizing, paperwork, and lots of reading. In between that, addressing the kingdom and coordinating with the new council that included Mike’s father had taken up the majority of my time.I was unsettled on the inside, hiding my emotions once more as I navigated being so far from Seneca. I loved my son with all my heart and held him at every opportunity. I made time to tuck him, to tell him things a father should, but still, there was a longing in my heart for Seneca.I felt as if I had neglected her; neglected my promise to protect her. I constantly worried about her well-being even though she was with Lamia and Mathias who were not just her parents but more than capable of keeping her safe. Still, it didn’t give me any comfort to know she was without me. Our car pulled up to the docks, the trucks had already arrived, and I could see the crates of weapons being loaded onto the cargo ship.I climb out of the vehicle, exte
MORGANThe city of Cambiador came into view. The pristine white of the buildings stood out against the heavy green foliage that surrounded the werecat capital.It was a beautiful city, a magnificent kingdom. I had been here several times with Hunji in the past few years and every time I was amazed by the enchanting scenery.I turn to look at my wolfman, his serious and concentrated face focused on the road ahead. He had withdrawn into himself even more since Lamia and Kellen had returned. Though, I had an inclining that his quietness had more to do with the vision I had been having lately than the upcoming battle we faced.Ascena had told me once that my visions were a possibility, the most likely outcome, and were never set in stone. She was right, I had learned that over the years and had come to understand my premonitions more and more.Having the gift of sight wasn’t always a great gift, and it was one you couldn’t trust. It was possibly my least favorite gift that had been bestowe
LAMIAThe wind gently whips my dark hair across my face as I stand at the bow of the boat looking out into the dark abyss of the ocean. The stars above are vast and cast light onto the calm black waters.I inhale deeply, smelling the salty air and tasting it on the tip of my tongue. It was so peaceful, so quiet that the thoughts that had been plaguing me seemed to wash away with the ocean breeze. A calm settled over me and the images of battles from long ago when I was Inanna faded into the background.We had been on the boat for two days now and would arrive at the shores of Asiarian sometime tomorrow.I knew there would be no peace of mind once we reached Hunji’s homeland. From there on out it would be organized chaos as we prepared to take on a god and his dark army.Despite feeling peaceful, I felt empty and alone gazing at the stars.I had left Mathias, Hunji, Rhett, and Crimson to talk strategy. I knew everything I needed to know. The males on the other hand felt it imperative to
HUNJI The sounds and smells came rushing back to me, memories resurfacing. Except this time, they weren’t of a life I had left behind and was ashamed of, but of meeting Morgan and our time together on the second continent. Though the atmosphere was different. It held more of a foreboding than it ever had before. As we made our way to Eririat, the place where I grew up, I watched out the carriage window in silence as we passed through small villages that dotted the outskirts of the main city. Patrons stood outside their houses, not a smile to be seen, or a cheer for their king. Despite the hot sun shining down, it was gloomy and depressing. Something I never thought I would think of Asiarian. The further inland we traveled the more I realized how the presence and threat of the dark army had affected my once home. “What is wrong with everyone?” I finally asked my brother, still watching out the window trying to make sense of the surrounding melancholy of the citizens. Rostam clear
TRAVIS/JANUSI don’t even know why I packed a bag. It wasn’t as if I would need any of it. Still, I keep throwing the essentials and clothing into the large duffle bag. Shoving them in with annoyance.Annoyance, why should I be annoyed? Maybe because I knew this was the last time I would see MacTire. Perhaps.“Are you ready Alpha?” I look up to see Josiah my Beta standing at the opening of my suite. With regret and sadness, I bob my head. I would never be ready, but I had to be. This was my fate, and I couldn’t stay here. I had a job to do.I guess the bag was just for show. Only a handful of people suspected I wouldn’t be making it back after we had faced Aodh. Lamia of course knew and Oliver had his suspicions.What no one knew was the conversation I had with Lamia before she left for Cambiador. I’m not even sure she told Mathias. I was the ace up her sleeve - her and Kellen’s insurance policy.Rhett still had the dagger, but the plan was for me to use it, the way it was always meant
TALA3 months after defeating AodhThe vehicle jolted, jostling me back to reality from where I stared out the window. Slowly I turn my head to glance at Fergus. Rogue, as everyone else calls him, sat quietly. He too staring out the window. Unlike me who was lost in thought, even from this angle I could see his eyes darting from one tree to the next concentrating on eyeing potential threats.For some of us, the battle left us at ease knowing the realm's greatest enemy had been defeated. For others it only strengthened their insecurities, leaving them in a state of constant alert. Like Fergus. I don’t think his mind will ever leave the state of battle. Not just because of facing Aodh and his dark Army but also the past of when he was a slave under the rule of Vargr.Some experiences never leave a person. Though my own are with me constantly, I never let them rule my emotions. Tucking them away as memories and not dwelling on the past.He was mentally scared. Always in a state of high al
LAMIAFive years laterCasting my eyes upwards into the blazing sun I smiled to myself upon hearing the sound of children’s laughter as they splashed by the lake. We have come a long way in these short five years. Leneve and Damon had brought the age of technology back to the realm, building more communication towers across both continents. Damon’s family helped the second continent to rebuild by way of bringing materials and educating others on the infrastructure of building homes.Rhett, now king of MacTire until Angelica came of age, along with Leneve, joined forces with our new council headed by My father, Mike's father, Abner Brooks, and Crimson.The Changelings had found their place amongst the council as hunters and advocates for shifters and humans. Every kingdom offered an incentive to humans and shifters, offering a loan to those who started businesses in a bid to boost our economies.Oil refineries were open and thriving, and underworld beasts were still present as were oth
LAMIAThe older shifter sits perched in a tree above my head. Her green eyes, which match mine, now hold a cosmic glow, and she has an ethereal look about her.Like a child full of energy, she hops out of the tree, landing in front of me.I suddenly feel sorrow when I realize I will never see my pups jump and play. Never watch them climb a tree or find their mates.Palming my face, Ascena looks at me with pity. “I would say it is good to see you again, but I was hoping I wouldn’t have to. You defeated Aodh but at the cost of your life Lamia. I had hoped things would be different this time. For you and Inanna.”“I would do it again if it helped save our realm.” I bow my head unable to bear the thought that I wouldn’t see my Atman, my friends, my family, ever again. But I meant it. I would do it all over again if it meant a future not just for the realm but for my pups.“Come,” Ascena beckons. I follow her to the edge of the lake where she bends to the dark water's edge, sticking her fin
TRAVIS/JANUSEven with my newfound godly powers, I wasn’t fast enough. Everything happened in mere seconds, yet those mere seconds were an eternity. Watching what unfolded before my eyes and not being able to reach Lamia was crushing to my soul.Immediately after Ashe and I reached Regis Rock, she saw Mathias and went to his aid. My sights were drawn to Yggdrasil and Leneve battling it out with their magic.When Mathias flew up from the ground and took off at high speed, I was right behind him. I could almost see the fear and panic in his eyes as he rushed towards Aodh to rescue Lamia. By this time, Kellen, Mike, Hunji, and Rhett had already joined the effort to take down Aodh.As I flew towards the fight, I could see the dagger stuck in the underworld god’s chest. Right then I knew what Lamia was going to do, or at least try. It wouldn’t be her if she didn’t do something that could endanger her life.“Lamia no!” I shouted, leaping through the air to reach her, Mathias and I neck and
LAMIAI felt him before I saw him. My Atman rushed to our aide, more powerful than even when we had re-bonded.I felt the god inside him pulsing, his aura emanating from him like waves of authority. When my eyes caught Mathias, the aura of Arcas surrounded him as a brilliant blue hue of light. Like a barrier or shield.Behind him, also running at inhuman speed was Travis. My hope soared at the thought of defeating Aodh. I felt like we suddenly had a chance again.As I swung at the giant god with more gumption than only moments ago, my own aura rising and pushed out as I felt the inner goddess connect and strengthen me. I noticed Mike, Rhett, and Hunji jump in on the action. Each of them wielding their weapons and attacking Aodh with abandon.Hunji pulls Kellen out of the way, giving him the chance to recover and get back on his feet.With the four of us fighting against him, Mathias and Travis coming to aid our efforts, Aodh began to become confused with so many skilled and strong fig
MIKEMy fingers curled tightly as the force of electrocution sparked through my body. I was immobile, rendered useless by my own power Aodh had turned against me.The feeling of being electrocuted over and over was excruciating and I couldn’t break out of it.“Think Mike, think,” I say through the gripping pain with each thrust of electrifying light that sparks across me.This was my gift; how could it be my demise? I shook the thought from my head, I wouldn’t go out like this. Not this way.The sound of snorting and growling from Demon dogs and hellhounds could be heard coming closer. I tried to lift my head, to see just how close they were as all my senses had dulled from the torturous current that flowed through me. High above I could see the outline of large flying birds, circling the battleground. They had their eye on someone, but I couldn’t see who they were going to attack.If I didn’t get out of this hold, I was in, I was going to be dog food. Literally.My eyes shift to my le
TRAVISThe three sisters looked at me inquisitively. Three pairs of beady eyes were trained on me as they stood there rubbing their fat bellies. All are pregnant with Rhett's child.He was going to shit a brick when he found out.Ashe had taken me back to the sanctuary after helping out Tawny and MacTire. But I just couldn’t get Seneca out of my mind. Her tiny face and hands. Her warm touch and the connection I felt with her.“It’s time Janus,” Ashe says breaking my thoughts.My jaw clenches tightly as I turn to look at the old demigod. She had said she had one more left in her. I thought that it was getting me to the battlefield not back to the sanctuary. “Time for what?” I spit out with anger and annoyance. “You brought me back here instead of to Regis Rock! Why?”I should be there by Lamia’s side helping her to defeat Aodh. She needed me and my strength. She alone could not defeat him. We knew this. This is why she had me coming, why I was to aid her in the final stages of the battl
LAMIAWhere the fuck was Travis with his newfound power of the god Janus? It was right about now that I needed him to show up as we had planned.Mathias was across the ravine knocked out holding half the staff in his hand. Finn was nowhere to be seen, while Kellen and I fought against the monstrous god.Large arms move in tandem as they swing the spiked swords at me and Kellen. I duck and roll beneath the heavy hitters, swiping at his legs though they heal almost immediately at every strike and blow we deliver to unprotected flesh.Deep and grating a bellowing chuckle comes from Aodh, “Give it up now and I will take you Inanna, as it should have always been. I shall leave your daughter to live in the new realm I build.”I shudder to think what his new realm would look like. Dark and full of decay crawling with creatures that would feed on the shifters and humans of this realm.I think not.“You couldn’t defeat me before. You can't defeat me now!” He laughs again. “You are mortal, strip
Dear readers,I wanted to update you on what has been going on behind the scenes as I have not posted a chapter in a while.For the past seven weeks, I had been taking care of my mother while she received in-home hospice care. She finally gave up fighting on October 15th. Before this, she was in and out of hospital with one surgery or another. It has been a long road for me and I still have a few miles to go before I reach a junction or turning point. I will return to writing as soon as the family can officially say goodbye to her. She was an avid reader of this app. My only regret is that I couldn’t finish the final chapters of All the Queens Kings before she passed.Please allow me a little more time and as always, I am thankful for your understanding and support during this difficult time.Much love xx