|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|“We will be going into the moon city today for an event.” Yvesia told me as we dressed up.As Yvesia spoke, her voice carried a hint of excitement, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation in my chest. Going into the moon city a rare occasion for me, and I relished the opportunity to experience life beyond the moon palace walls.I nodded eagerly, my hands smoothing over the fabric of my gown as I took in my reflection in the mirror. The gown was exquisite, a shimmering cascade of silk and lace that hugged my figure in all the right places. Yvesia had outdone herself once again, ensuring that I looked every bit the part of a noblewoman attending a prestigious event.As we made our way through the palace corridors, the air was alive with anticipation, the buzz of excitement palpable as we approached the grand entrance. Eloise, Terielle, Saoirse and Lysander stood there waiting also dressed in beautiful attires.Raeya was with the moon goddess so we barely saw her
|ASTRAEA|Frantically searching through the shelves, I ran my fingers along the books, biting my lip as if I didn’t find it.Where the heck was it?Panic threatened to overwhelm me as I bit my lip in frustration, cursing under my breath. Where could it be? I had placed it here just that day, hadn't I?My mind raced as I tried to retrace my steps, grasping at any memory that might lead me to the elusive item. But try as I might, the answer eluded me, slipping through my fingers like grains of sand.Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to calm down, knowing that panicking would only hinder my search. With renewed determination, I continued to scour the shelves, refusing to give up until I found what I was looking for.What was I looking for?That book. The book that had the weird poem in it but it just disappeared.I remember throwing it away from me when it started writing on its own but I did return it to the shelf.Dejected, I turned to walk back as my head collided with a chest, thr
|ORION|Ailana knows better than to summon me. I would never answer, but she has something-someone of mine that I cannot ignore.As I materialized in the moon palace, the familiar scent of smoke and dust assaulted my senses, signaling that something was gravely amiss. Servants scurried about, their movements frantic and panicked as they attended to the aftermath of the chaos.Ignoring their chaos, I strode purposefully through the grand corridors, my mind focused solely on one thing: finding Ailana. She was the one who had me summoned, the reason I had been drawn back to this place despite my reluctance to return.As I reached the throne room, the scene before me confirmed my suspicions. Ailana stood at the center, her expression grim as she surveyed the destruction that surrounded her. Beside her stood Raeya, her features etched with concern as she conversed quietly with her friend.Terielle, Eloise, and Saoirse stood at the other end of the room with two people I didn't recognize. Th
|ASTRAEA|I never recognized anyone. Heck I never went anywhere that I had to recognize someone. They all looked the same to me in my fathers ball parties, I would always come, greet and return back to my chambers out of boredom.My heart thumped as I stated into the mesmerizing hues of the figure’s eyes."Who are you?" I demanded, my voice trembling with a mixture of fear and defiance.The figure chuckled softly, a melodic sound that echoed in the cold room. "Ah, you may not remember me, but I assure you, we are old acquaintances."My mind raced as I tried to place the voice, to recall any memories of this mysterious figure. But try as I might, my thoughts remained shrouded in darkness, the memories elusive and distant."Why have you brought me here?" I pressed on, my voice growing stronger with each word. "What do you want from me?"The figure's smile widened, revealing a glint of amusement in their eyes. "Oh, my dear Astraea, I have brought you here for a purpose—a purpose that wil
|ORION|Dead ends. Everywhere I turn, nothing but dead ends. My frustration boils beneath the surface, a seething rage that threatens to consume me with each passing moment. Despite my tireless efforts, I've been unable to find Astraea.Every lead I pursue fizzles out into nothing, leaving me with more questions than answers. The weight of my failure hangs heavy on my shoulders, a constant reminder of my inability to protect the one I love.I ran my hand through my hair, the frustration gnawing at me.“Where the fuck is she?!” As I pace the confines of my chamber, memories of Astraea flood my mind—her laughter, her smile, the warmth of her touch. Each memory only serves to fuel my frustration, driving me to push harder, to search more relentlessly for any sign of her whereabouts.But the truth remains elusive, taunting me with its elusiveness. And with each passing day, the fear that I'll never see Astraea again gnaws at my insides, threatening to consume me with despair. I may hav
|ASTRAEA|My eyes fluttered open as i lay there, battered and broken, darkness threatening to consume me.I sensed a soothing presence, lifting me gently from the depths of despair. The goddess stood before me, her form radiant amidst the shadows that surrounded us.It was her again."Come," she said, her voice echoing through the silence. "Lets walk together."Her voice sounded so familiar yet I couldn't grasp the thought. I reached out, grasping her hand as she guided me through the darkness, leading me to a tranquil stream that sparkled in the moonlight. We walked in silence, the gentle sound of the water soothing my troubled mind."Why can't I see your face?" I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper.The goddess smiled, her features shrouded in a veil of mystery. "Some things are meant to remain hidden, even from those who seek answers," she replied cryptically."But why?" I pressed, a flicker of frustration igniting within me."Because the truth is not always what it seems,"
|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