"Go say hi!" Helen urged Venusa and she shook her head. Atlas's friend is with him. Venusa knows better than anyone how well she can make a fool of herself in front of people. She'd dip herself in a pool of hot soup if she ever embarrasses herself in front of Atlas. "Six cups of beer, my good man!" Atlas friend yelled to the bartender. "Six cups? Are they going to finish it?" Helen gasped but Venusa was long gone. She was busy admiring the side view of her 'soulmate'. She wishes he would just turn to her direction and make eye contact with her. "Do you think he likes me too?" Venusa asked Helen, while she kept her eyes on Atlas. "Who wouldn't like you? You're the chief's daughter! The next great mother of our clan. The descendant of the most powerful priestess. The..." "Don't flatter me." Venusa said bashfully. "Realistically speaking. Do you think he likes me? Or he can like me?" Helen hummed. "To be honest, you're beautiful. The most beautiful maiden in Yok. Any man would
Atlas's eyeballs almost popped out of their sockets. Vanusa broke the kiss and smiled intoxicatingly. "P... princess..." Venusa hummed and collapsed in his arms. Atlas stared down at the weird woman he was holding. "What just happened?" Atlas wondered, unable to believe what Venusa just did. He adjusted and carried her in bridal style. "You're one hell of a princess, Venusa." Venusa murmured something and snuggled against his chest. Atlas held her tighter and proceeded to take her to her house. She met the Chief and Great mother pacing impatiently. Atlas guessed they are waiting for their daughter. "Venusa!" Great mother yelled as soon as she saw Atlas approach with her daughter. "This girl!" Umbria scolded as she took Venusa from Atlas. Venusa gasped and hugged her mother. "it's my mama!" She slurred. "Venusa, are you drunk?" Her father questioned angrily. "Hey, father." She spread her arms open and pouted. "Come on, father, hug me." "Umbria, get hold of that girl." Hank,
Alexa's Point Of View"Your story is like one out of a romance book." I said and she laughed. "Honestly, I still can't believe it to this day. The man I admired from an oak tree turned out to be my mate. Crazy, but it was the best news I've ever received." Venusa had a bright smile on her face as she told me the story of how she met her mate and how they got to get together. From her story, she seemed like a silly and bubbly girl who has no worries. I wonder what changed her. "So did you have a wedding ceremony after that?" I asked and she shook her head smilingly. "Atlas proved stubborn." "Huh?" She heaved a sigh and leaned back in her seat. "The next day after that, Atlas..." ***"I can see that you and my daughter already have a connection so we should not delay the mating ceremony any longer and..." "No." Atlas interjected and Umbria raised her brow. "no?" She sounded offended. "I mean...I have to think this through. This is on such a short notice. And honestly, you don't
Venusa and Atlas's mating ceremony was the talk of the village. As much as the villagers were in disbelief that Atlas turned out to be the chosen one, happiness still flowed around for their loving princess, who everyone took care of as grew up, was getting married to the love of her life. Venusa was definitely the happiest. She kept grinning and squealing like a little child as the village priest joined them together as husband and wife. Venusa promised Atlas not to tell her parents about his secret. Atlas wanted to know why Venusa didn't want to tell her parents. It wouldn't be good if they kept this from them but Venusa insisted. Saying it would be worse if they knew now. Atlas let her have her way. Seeing the love Atlas had for his daughter, Hank knew he was leaving the village in the hands of a competent chief. After their marriage, Venusa resumed her spiritual training. Atlas always watches her from a distance whenever she practiced the spiritual dance. Watching Umbria teach V
"Daddy, daddy, see! I caught it! I caught it!" Five years old Riaz beamed as he ran to his father with a butterfly in his hands. "Goodness, Riaz, where have you been? I've been looking for you." Atlas said in frustration as he picked up Riaz. "I followed this pretty butterfly. Isn't it pretty, daddy?" Atlas shook his head. Riaz is fond of wandering around and making him worry. He's just like his mother. He doesn't like staying in one place. The moment he woke up, he rushed out of the house to play with his friends. He comes back home hours later, dirty from his hair to his toes. He's about to drive his mother crazy with worry. "Riaz, I told you to stay where I left you." Riaz pouted, "but butterfly..." Atlas couldn't resist his son's glimmering blue eyes. He sighed and nodded. "Yes, it's beautiful. Very beautiful." Riaz grinned in satisfaction and let the butterfly go. Atlas put Riaz down and brushed his hair with his fingers. "Your mother has been worried about you." "Riaz!
"Riaz!" Venusa exclaimed when She saw Atlas approach with him. He rushed to them and gasped when she saw the state in which her son was. "My love," she cried. "Let's get him to lay somewhere," Atlas said and they both rushed inside the house. Atlas put him lying on the bed and Venusa sat beside him. She placed her palms on his chest and closed her eyes. She chanted some spiritual incantations and Riaz's wounds got healed. "Baby. My love. Riaz, can you hear me?" Riaz groaned as he opened his eyes. "Mummy?" "Ah," Venusa breathed in relief, her eyes stained with tears. "Thank goodness you're okay." She said as she hugged him. "What happened out there, baby?" She asked. "Huh?" "You came home unconscious with wounds all over your body. Did you get attacked?"Riaz tilted his head sideways, thinking. "Did something happen to me, mummy?" Atlas and Riaz exchanged confused gazes. "you can't remember?" Riaz shook his head. "No, mummy. I went to the woods to feed the birdies I saved yes
On reaching home, Atlas found Venusa waiting for him in front of the house. Atlas rushed to her worriedly. "My love, what are you doing out here? Aren't you cold?" Atlas asked worriedly as he quickly took off the coat he was wearing and wore it on her. "Where did you go?" She asked, her voice breaking. Atlas cupped his wife's face. Her face held sadness and worry. Atlas sighed and embraced Venusa warmly. Venusa held Atlas tightly. Atlas could feel her vulnerability. "I'm fine, love." "Atlas..." Venusa choked on her tears. "I feel tragedy coming." Atlas withdrew. "Tragedy?" Venusa nodded. "I can feel it. It's near. It's only an amount of time before it strikes our clan. I... I've never told you this but I've been having some dreams lately." Atlas frowned. "Dreams?" She nodded. "I see our clan on fire. Today makes it the third time I dreamt about it. At first, it seemed like a silly dream but not anymore. Not after what happened to our son." Atlas's heart picked up its pace. H
Venusa stood up. Her lower belly was in pain but she had to be strong. Her people and family are in danger. She can't just lie around. Even if her limbs are cut off, she must find a way to protect them. Venusa faced Atlas. "Atlas. Can you fight them?" She asked him and he nodded. He's done it before and he'll do it again. Venusa smiled and gave him and kiss on his lips. "Fight them, protect the pack." She said with her eyes swelled with tears. "I gotta go." "My love..." Atlas couldn't complete his statement. His tears were already falling. Venusa embraced him and wept on his shoulder. "I'll be fine. I promise." Venusa said and Atlas nodded. With one final smile, Venusa turned around and disappeared. Atlas cleaned his tears and faced the approaching enemies. One turned and his eyes blazed with rage when he saw Atlas raging toward him. On getting to the wolf, Atlas grabbed him by his tail and swung him out of the way. Atlas recognized the wolf. He was Northwolf, the beta of Redmo
"All hail great Khan!" "All hail great Khan!" Riaz looked up at Ace who in turn squeezed his hand assuringly. Riaz let out a shaky breath and closed his eyes. I'll be fine. We'll be fine, he assured himself. He looked ahead and saw Akira and Alexa. Alexa smiled at him and he nodded. It's the Lantern Celebration today. All the people are present and surprisingly, the least expected person, Darco, is present. Who would have thought? Well, evil recognizes evil so it's no surprise they know each other. Khan came forward with a red unlit lantern in his hand. He raised his hand and everyone went silent. "It's so great to see all of you here again. Alive, and well." Cheers erupted in the crowd and Riaz rolled his eyes. "A lot has happened throughout the years, right?" "YES!!" "We all wouldn't be here tonight if it wasn't for the great and selfless sacrifices made by the heroic warriors in the past. We shouldn't let thier shedded blood go to waste." Every word Khan spoke made Riaz's
Riaz's Point Of View"So you mean our king is actually the villain?" Dandelion asked. "If your king, King Khan, is the same person Riaz's mum talked about then yes, he's the one." Akira said. "I can't believe this. He took the throne and spread lies about your family. Do you know what he calls you? White witches. He says you're evil and tried to take over the land forcefully." Clover said and I shook my head. "He's just the worst." Ace said. "We have to make him pay for what he did. He has been on the throne for decades now and everyone sees him as a good person." "That's the hardest part. Changing the view of the people. It would be hard to make them see how twisted he is since he's painted such pure picture for himself." Devan said and I nodded. "Then we'll just reveal it to everyone." Alexa said."But how?" "What do you mean how? With our mouths." Xena replied. "Ah!" Clover said in realization. "It's lantern celebration in two days time." I tilted my head. "Lantern what?"
Riaz's Point Of ViewMy heart thumped wildly against my chest as I felt his hands around my waist. I dug my fingers in his hair as I got on his lap subconsciously. His hands traveled up my back as he pushed his tongue in my mouth. My legs felt jello. He kissed me passionately and dominantly. I gasped when I felt his hand on my bare back. Our chest heaved heavily as we tried to catch our breaths. His hand was still trailing my back. I looked into his eyes and I felt shy. I hid my face in his shoulder and he chuckled. "Still shy, huh?" I can tell he's smirking teasingly. I hit his shoulder, "stop," "Stop," he mimicked and I twisted his ear. "Ow ow. Okay okay, I'm sorry." I let him go and raised my head. I couldn't meet his eyes. He held my face in place so our eyes could meet. "Riaz..." He called softly. "Hm?" "I have something..." "Are you guys done in there?" Dandelion questioned from outside. I turned to the door and sighed. I turned back to Ace and he smiled at me. "We sho
Riaz's Point Of ViewI held her hand tightly in fear of her disappearing again. "Mum..." I called and she smiled at me. Oh how much I've missed the warmth of her smile. "I've missed you." I said tearily and she held my face tenderly. "I'm here, my love. I'm here." I sniffled. "What happened? How come you're here?" She heaved a heavy sigh and looked ahead. "This was the only way I could survive, Riaz. My body is no more. Only my soul remains." "Is...is dad like this too?" Her hands shook at the mention of my dad. I tightened my grip assuringly and she threw her head back to stop her tears from falling. "He couldn't make it. He was killed. Before my eyes. He...he just..." I embraced her, consoling her as I fought back my tears. Crying would not calm her down. "It's okay, mum." "They killed everyone, Riaz. They killed mum, dad, your father and even my little flower. She didn't get to see the world because of those bloody creatures. I wish I could make every one of them feel the
Alexa's Point Of View"Shall we move now?" Akira asked and I nodded. I agreed to help Venusa on one condition. I would only let her take over my body when we finally meet. She has no chance to take over my body without my consent and she agreed. We can communicate telepathically so that helps whenever I have something to say to her or vice versa. Akira, Xena and I set out of find Riaz two days after I regained consciousness. "Do you know the way?" Akira asked and I shook my head. "Then how are we going to get there?" Xena asked. "Let me ask her." "How do we get there?" I asked Venusa. "You'll have to let me take over my body so I can teleport us there. Is that okay with you?" I turned to them. "She has to take us there herself." I said and Akira's grip on my hand tightened. He smiled at me and nodded. "Go ahead." I nodded and closed my eyes. In seconds, I felt my soul leave my body. I felt energy rush through me and I took control of my body again. I met Akira and Xena beside m
Ace's Point Of View"I saw my mother." He gasped sharply and I held him tighter. His eyes were beginning to glow glow again. "Riaz, Riaz!" I yelled out but he was long gone. The wind blew the tress strongly but this mystic tree remained still. I shook Riaz but he didn't respond. He was mumbling things that sounded like chants. His voice was like three people talking. I don't know how to snap him out of this. I looked around, trying to find something but I couldn't look past the wind. I did the one thing that came into my head. I leaned down and placed my lips on his. He let out a soft gasp as I claimed his lips as mine. I broke the kiss and looked at his face. "Ace..." I sighed on relief. "What...what did you -" He touched his lips and his eyes widened at me. "I had to. You were in a trance and I feared something bad would happen if I didn't snap you out of it." I told him and he batted his lashes. "Are you okay?" I asked him and he shook his head. "I feel weak." I nodded. "Y
Ace's Point Of View"I'm not going back Ace, and that is final!" I couldn't believe it. I took a step closer but he didn't step back. He was staring at me dead in the eyes, as if challenging me to say one more word. He was different. Yes, he was the same Riaz but there was something about him that seemed different. His hair was longer. Made me remember the first time I saw him. He had such long hair that I admired it every day back then. "Riaz, I..." "Is everything okay here?" Someone asked from the doorpost. I turned and saw him. What was his name again? "Devan," Riaz said and I hummed in realization. Yes, Devan. The one who saved Riaz. I should say thank you to him for taking care of Riaz for me. "We are okay." I said. "Oh...I just heard some noise so I thought -" Riaz shook his head. "We're really fine, Devan. Let's go. Weren't we planning to prepare breakfast?" Riaz walked up to him and linked his arm with his. Why would he link his arm with Devan's? What's going on here? D
Riaz's Point Of ViewI stood up, unable to believe what my eyes was seeing. "Riaz..." My heart skipped a beat. It was real. He was real. My feet moved on their own towards Ace. "What...are you doing here? How did you get here?" He held my hand and I tightened my grip around his. I ran away from him. Because of him, I left my family to this strange land to find myself. Throughout my stay here, I prayed I wouldn't run into him but seeing him standing here, my eyes just can't help but water. He might have rejected me. Hurt my feelings but he is a great part of my life. He was the first friend I made at the pack. The first person who smiled to me and showed me kindness. He took care of me and raised me to what I am today. Whenever I was sad, he was there. Whenever I was happy, he was there. When I threw tantrums and fits, he didn't grow tired of me. Rather, he was patient and embraced me rather than pushing me away. "Riaz, I..." I jumped on him and he caught me by my waist. I held
Riaz's Point Of View "Up! Up!" "Come on, Devan." I groaned in annoyance. I heard him chuckle and I covered my head with my blanket. I grinned when I couldn't hear his voice again. Is he gone? I was about drifting back to sleep when my blanket was pulled off my body."Stand up!" "Devan..." I whined and he laughed. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me up. He widened my eyes with his fingers and I swatted his hands away. "I'm tired." "What exactly did you do?" I rubbed my eyes to clear my vision. My eyes met with his smiling face and I huffed. He's annoying but stupidly handsome. "My head hurts." I said. My heart skipped a beat as he leaned in and placed his palm on my forehead. "You have a fever." He said and I bit my lip to stop myself from blushing. "I'll make you hangover soup." He said and I smiled. He ruffled my hair and walked to the door. "Clean up." I nodded and he left. I fell to my bed and hugged my pillow to myself, smiling sheepishly like a little kid. What will do I