|ASTRAEA| ----I gazed around at the unfamiliar surroundings, and a sense of disorientation washed over me. The palace appeared different, as if frozen in time, its grandeur obscured by layers of dust and neglect.I looked down at my hand, taking in the minute details, the way my fingers curved, the light scars on my skin. It felt like I was seeing them for the first time, yet there was a strange familiarity to it all as if I had done this countless times before.I was lost in my thoughts and found myself meandering through the deserted hallways, the sound of my footsteps resonating through the ages. .And then, as if drawn by an invisible force, I found myself standing before a grand doorway, its ornate carvings weathered by time. With a sense of trepidation, I pushed open the door, revealing a chamber bathed in soft moonlight.Laughter echoed as the moon goddess approached me, I panicked trying to move from her path but she just walked right through me.I gasped, my voice m
|ASTRAEA|"That's gonna take a while to heal, even for Asana." I rolled my eyes and stared at Terielle annoyed."A goddess angrily used her powers to punch you in the gut." 'Stop rubbing it in,' I wanted to tell her, but the blood i kept coughing out stopped me."You're still bleeding internally. Terielle and I will prepare some medicine and bring to you in a few hours. Rest well." Eloise kissed my cheek as she adjusted the sheets on my body.The door slammed shut and a creaking sound was heard again making me sit up. "Did yo forget someth-" My eyes widened at the figure in front of me.My stomach twitched and my heart raced in his presence. His obsidian eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine."O-Orion," I breathed, my voice barely above a whisper as I struggled to comprehend his sudden appearance.He stepped forward, his expression unreadable as he approached the side of my bed. Without a word, he reached out, his hand hovering just above my cheek.I d
|ASTRAEA|"Orion!" I squeaked as my eyes snapped open. I was wrapped in the sheets, it was barely dawn yet but there was no sight of the Obsidian eyed god.WaS it a dream? I raised my shirt up, checking my stomach for the bruise from the fight but it was gone and I wasn't coughing up blood anymore.'He was here, you idiot.' Asana snapped in my head, making me jolt at the intrusion.As Asana's voice echoed in my mind, I couldn't help but smile at her blunt reminder. It was true – Orion had been here, watching over me even as I slept.With a contented sigh, I settled back into the sheets, the weight of his presence still lingering in the air around me. Though he was no longer physically beside me, his warmth enveloped me like a comforting embrace, soothing my soul and easing my worries.As the first light of dawn filtered through the window, I closed my eyes, allowing myself to bask in the memory of his presence, grateful for the silent reassurance he had bestowed upon me.My eyes snapp
|ASTRAEA| In the quiet of the palace chambers, surrounded by the familiar faces of my family, I gathered the courage to speak the words that weighed heavily on my heart. "I'm not here to stay," I whispered softly, my voice barely above a whisper.Their smiles, though weak, spoke volumes of their understanding. "We know," my father replied, his voice filled with a quiet resignation that tugged at my heartstrings.As I gazed at them, taking in their slightly weathered faces and the subtle signs of aging that marked the passage of time, a wave of disbelief washed over me. "How long have I been gone?" I asked, my voice trembling with shock."Two years," my mother's response was barely a whisper, but it hit me like a tidal wave, leaving me reeling from the realization of just how much time had passed in my absence.And then, the question I had been dreading hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over our reunion. "W-what of Alan?" I ventured, the silence that followed deafening in its i
-ORION-Her laughter echoed through the forest, a melody that danced amidst the rustle of leaves as we sparred beneath the canopy. With each graceful movement, she countered my attacks effortlessly, her skill matched only by the mischievous glint in her eyes."Are you scared I’m going to beat your ass, Rio?" she teased, her voice a playful melody that stirred something within me.Chuckling at her banter, I couldn't resist the urge to pull her close, the wind weaving through her hair like strands of golden silk. "Rio!! We were sparring!" she protested, gently pushing me away with a playful shove.But the desire for something more lingered, a longing that tugged at my heartstrings. "Well, I don’t want to spar anymore," I confessed, my gaze locking with hers, searching for a connection beyond our friendly rivalry.A flush of color stained her cheeks, a fleeting vulnerability beneath her stoic exterior. Despite her insistence on keeping her distance, I couldn't help but feel a bond between
|____|The images danced within the swirling depths of the bowl, captivating the attention of the figure draped in a white cloak, flanked by companions."She has glimpsed the book," one companion observed, concern etched in their voice."She appears distressed. Have we pushed her too far?" another inquired, their tone tinged with empathy."She hasn’t even been pushed enough. The urgency is warranted. The fate of the world hangs in the balance," the cloaked figure responded solemnly."But we must tread carefully. We cannot rush the natural course of events," the third companion cautioned."She is entering a pivotal year, one that holds the key to breaking the chains that bind her destiny. While we may guide her, we cannot dictate the path laid out by the universe," the cloaked figure explained, a sense of reverence underlying their words.As they observed the unfolding events, a sense of solemnity settled over the group, each one acutely aware of the weight of their roles in shaping the
|ASTRAEA|Sore.A gentle tug pulled at my consciousness, and I slowly opened my eyes to the harsh brightness of the chamber. My vision blurred for a moment before adjusting, revealing the heavy weight of Orion's arm draped across my chest, his face nestled in his other arm.Memories of last night's events flooded my mind as footsteps echoed through the chamber.Someone was approaching.I shifted slightly, trying not to disturb Orion as I strained to listen for any clues to the identity of our visitor. My heart raced with anticipation and a hint of apprehension as the footsteps drew nearer, each one echoing loudly in the otherwise silent chamber.Piercing yet calm green eyes stared at me as I took in the figure that stepped into the chamber. “Raeya.” I startled as a thick gruff voice came from behind me, Orion had awoken and even with his messy hair and rough look, he was so hot.“I came to heal you as always but I’m surprised you look better than I expected.” Her voice came out smooth
|ORION|She was leaving today.‘Don’t make me regret letting her spend some time with you, send her back.’ Ailana had warned me earlier this morning making me run my hand through my hair.I was frustrated. Ailana's warning echoed in my mind, a stark reminder of the delicate balance I was trying to maintain between my responsibilities and my desires.I paced back and forth in my chamber, my thoughts consumed by the impending departure of the woman who had captured my heart. Astraea had brought light into my life, igniting a fire within me that I had long thought extinguished. And now, as she prepared to leave, I felt a sense of loss gnawing at my insides.‘She’s not leaving forever.’ I told myself.But I couldn't let my emotions cloud my judgment. Ailana's words were a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked outside the palace walls, dangers that could threaten Astraea's safety if she ventured too far from the protection of Zorzaris.Running a hand through my hair in frustration, I
|ASTRAEA| In the quiet of the palace chambers, surrounded by the familiar faces of my family, I gathered the courage to speak the words that weighed heavily on my heart. "I'm not here to stay," I whispered softly, my voice barely above a whisper.Their smiles, though weak, spoke volumes of their understanding. "We know," my father replied, his voice filled with a quiet resignation that tugged at my heartstrings.As I gazed at them, taking in their slightly weathered faces and the subtle signs of aging that marked the passage of time, a wave of disbelief washed over me. "How long have I been gone?" I asked, my voice trembling with shock."Two years," my mother's response was barely a whisper, but it hit me like a tidal wave, leaving me reeling from the realization of just how much time had passed in my absence.And then, the question I had been dreading hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over our reunion. "W-what of Alan?" I ventured, the silence that followed deafening in it
ASTRAEA|I jolted awake, gasping for breath as I found myself in my chamber, disoriented and confused. How did I get here? The last thing I remembered was being with Kallias, his lips on mine, the intensity of his gaze searing through me.My heart raced as I struggled to make sense of what had just happened. Kallias... I couldn't shake the memory of his touch, his scent lingering in the air around me like a haunting whisper.“Asana,” I whispered, seeking solace in the familiar presence in my mind.‘I’m lost for words,’ Asana murmured, her tone reflecting the turmoil within me.Before I could gather my thoughts, the door burst open, and Eloise rushed into the room, her expression a mixture of shock and concern.She wasted no time in crossing the room, her footsteps echoing in the tense silence. With a swift motion, she slapped my back, the sting jolting me into awareness.“Seriously?” Eloise's voice was a mix of disbelief and reproach. “You were with Kallias! Do you know how Orion reac
|ASTRAEA|“You're wasting time.” I gasped as I found myself in a meadow, this time around it wasn't just the veiled goddess.They were three.The first being was a god, with dark hair and onyx eyes. He had a slight resemblance to Orion but a very stark contrast. He was dressed in a nice outfit that seemed like it was meant for a special occasion.The second was a goddess, her hair was blonde and she had grey eyes. Her face looked calm and collected and I stared down at her arms, her protruding belly sticking out.She was pregnant.And the third one, of course, was the veiled goddess. She looked the same as I had always seen her.“You are wasting time.” The god repeated and my attention snapped to him. The goddess stared at him, “Arien, you'll scare her.”Arien. That was his name.He stared at the goddess, who stood on the other side of the veiled goddess away from Arien’s reach. His face contorted to a look of helplessness as if he couldn't reach her.“W-what do you mean?” I finally v
*Meanwhile in her realm*|ORION|I clenched my fists, trying to control my anger as I stared at Astraea’s unconscious body laid out on the bed while the healers treated her. Bruises marred her arms, and her pale skin was a clear sign of how long she had been immersed in water.“What is it? Why isn’t she up yet?” I demanded, my voice tight with frustration and fear.“I’m afraid she’s in a coma, Sire,” one of the healers responded softly.I growled, the sound reverberating through the room as Raeya tried to calm me down. This would have never happened if I didn’t have so much to do. I would have been able to watch her.“She’s fine, she’s safe here with us,” Raeya said soothingly, placing a hand on my arm.“Safe? What do you mean safe? Do you know how much can happen in a coma? She could fucking die, Raeya!” I snapped, my voice rising in anger. Raeya flinched at my aggression, but I wasn’t sorry. I was furious with myself for leaving her unattended and allowing her to get hurt.I stormed
*Meanwhile in her realm*|ORION|I clenched my fists, trying to control my anger as I stared at Astraea’s unconscious body laid out on the bed while the healers treated her. Bruises marred her arms, and her pale skin was a clear sign of how long she had been immersed in water.“What is it? Why isn’t she up yet?” I demanded, my voice tight with frustration and fear.“I’m afraid she’s in a coma, Sire,” one of the healers responded softly.I growled, the sound reverberating through the room as Raeya tried to calm me down. This would have never happened if I didn’t have so much to do. I would have been able to watch her.“She’s fine, she’s safe here with us,” Raeya said soothingly, placing a hand on my arm.“Safe? What do you mean safe? Do you know how much can happen in a coma? She could fucking die, Raeya!” I snapped, my voice rising in anger. Raeya flinched at my aggression, but I wasn’t sorry. I was furious with myself for leaving her unattended and allowing her to get hurt.I stormed
|ORION|I am proud to be a ruler of Zorzaris.As the sun rose on a new day, I found myself caught up in the bustle of preparations within the palace. Unbeknownst to me, the people of Zorzaris had decided to host a party in honor of Astraea, a gesture of gratitude for her kindness and compassion towards them.“Sire, please sign here.” Lotar rushed to me as I skimmed through the documents before signing them.Other workers stood behind him all holding documents they wanted me to review and sign.“Done.”As I moved through the halls, overseeing the final arrangements and ensuring everything was in place, a sense of excitement bubbled within me. I couldn't wait to see the look of joy on Astraea's face when she realized the extent of the Zorzaris' appreciation for her.She made me happy, and excited.She made me forget all the nightmares and all the taunts I suffered from my people and every being around the world.She made me hope.With each passing moment, anticipation grew, and as the g
|ORION|I am proud to be a ruler of Zorzaris.As the sun rose on a new day, I found myself caught up in the bustle of preparations within the palace. Unbeknownst to me, the people of Zorzaris had decided to host a party in honor of Astraea, a gesture of gratitude for her kindness and compassion towards them.“Sire, please sign here.” Lotar rushed to me as I skimmed through the documents before signing them.Other workers stood behind him all holding documents they wanted me to review and sign.“Done.”As I moved through the halls, overseeing the final arrangements and ensuring everything was in place, a sense of excitement bubbled within me. I couldn't wait to see the look of joy on Astraea's face when she realized the extent of the Zorzaris' appreciation for her.She made me happy, and excited.She made me forget all the nightmares and all the taunts I suffered from my people and every being around the world.She made me hope.With each passing moment, anticipation grew, and as the g
|ASTRAEA| Uncle Overus ran into the room and he heaved a sigh of relief as his eyes landed on the boy. “Princess Nadira has saved the royal family. May she forever rest in peace.” The boy kept staring at me, I couldn't believe it. I had a nephew. “What’s the boy's name?” “Princess Nadira named him after you because he reminded her of you so much; his name is Astrion.” I gasped as tears fell from my eyes and I opened my arms widely. “Come on, Astrion, come to Auntie.” He ran over to me and I pulled him into a warm embrace and we both sobbed. “I'm sorry I came too late, I'm sorry.” “Stop crying, mummy doesn't like it when I cwy.” “Oh, baby.” I hugged him tighter. ~~~ We stood in front of the graves of my family. Astrion dropped roses for each of them and stood beside me. “Will mummy ever come back?” “Mummy is with the moon goddess, resting.” “Okay.” If only I had come earlier, I would have been able to at least save my sister. I turned back to Uncle Overus. We had crow
|ASTRAEA| I gasped in shock as my eyes widened. I searched my surroundings, I was no longer in the forest with Raeya rather I was in my bed chamber. N-no I was back. I chuckled as I got off the bed, this- this is my Zorzaris. I stared at myself in the mirror, I was still wearing the fighting outfit I wore in the forest and my mind drifted to what Made me quickly leave. I have to go. With swift determination, I teleported myself to the werewolf kingdom. My hood concealed my features as I moved through the crowd cautiously. I dared not teleport directly into the palace; Alan must not suspect the extent of my powers—it would only worsen an already dire situation. “Did you hear?” voices murmured around me, snippets of conversation that sent a chill down my spine. “The cruel Alpha of the Blue Dawn pack wiped out the entire royal family without mercy.” “The castle is in chaos; he’s slaughtering anyone loyal to the royal bloodline. No one dares to leave their homes.” Time was running