******* What did you think of Lady Valda? What do you think of Lord Daemon? Did you guess that Sephora was going to become Queen of Igritann?
Sephora smiled at the sea of faces, their eyes all filled with steel and hope. A bastion of flame before the darkness, that is what they would be. Together they had a chance to save her family back in the Mortal world. Overwhelming joy filled Sephora's heart, the same time Ambrose's hand slid into hers once again and he gave her a gorgeous smile. Sephora reciprocated it with a grin of her own, before together they descended the steps into the waiting crowd of people.The Lords and Ladies gathered before Ambrose and Sephora. Brigand with them, along with Joe and Ravyn and even Governor Hans stood, unsmiling, next to Lance and Megan. The latter still giving the Governor looks that could kill, and Lance smirking at the sight.Sephora bowed her head in greeting and thanks to all the Ardanams gathered before her. Without their support, they had no hope against Vince.Lady Valda gave Sephora a wicked smile in return and despite her original suspicions about the mysterious winged female, Sep
Lady Valda smiled but it didn't reach her eyes, "As wonderful as that sounds, someone needs to lead our armies to keep Vince's forces away from the Veil-Stones." Her dark gaze bore into Sephora, "Some of us simply aren't strong enough to take Vince on. Even if we were the greatest team fate could have provided - which we are not," She pointed a glance toward Daemon, who smirked, "It wouldn't stop him from overpowering us one-by-one. I'm not here to commit suicide, Majesty, I'm here to win a war."Sephora nodded, "I appreciate that, Lady Valda." She paused, considering, taking in all the female had said. Then looked up again to speak, "Lady Valda, Lord Rhonan, Lord Silas - I suggest you lead the armies against Vince's forces."Lord Daemon straightened, looking slightly alarmed, until Sephora quickly added, "Lord Daemon, you will be needed for communication between us - we need to know what is happening and of any updates that occur during the battle."The Lord instantly relaxed his sho
Ambrose shuffled uncomfortably under the Lady's gaze. And Sephora would have been happy to simply watch him squirm, but the male host of the Assembly had now taken to the stage, announcing that the Assembly was over and everyone should head home.Sephora's heart fell, they still had so much to plan and organise... But tomorrow was another day, and she had to remember that it was still a lot to take in for some people - so much had happened in just a few hours.Sephora said her goodbyes to Lance and Megan, wishing them well and hoping to see them again soon. Lord Rhonan and Victoria left without another word to either Sephora or Ambrose - they didn't take it personally, though Sephora was seriously questioning what Ambrose's definition of 'old friend' was from Lord Rhonan's behavior toward them. Lord Silas mumbled his farewell to Ambrose, and Sephora was finally formally introduced to Ravyn's mate, Brigand."I'm so happy that you two sorted everything out between you." Sephora said to
Sephora drifted in and out of sleep that night. Eventually waking blurry-eyed next to Ambrose, still sound asleep beside her - his large arms wrapped around her like a protective barrier against them and the world. Here was home, here it was safe and warm. She had never felt so content in all her life than in that moment with her mate's arms around her, sleeping softly, so peaceful.It was still dark outside and the birds seemed to be squawking up a racket outside, though Sephora was so disorientated from the lack of sleep that she couldn't decipher their songs at all. She slowly turned over in the bed to face the panel of windows, her eyes and ears finally adjusting - when the sights and sounds around her became terrifyingly clear.A mighty crack exploded from outside, from what might have been the sound of the earth being cleaved in two, followed by a deafening blow of thunder that shook the entire room.Sephora jerked upright in bed, Ambrose's arm still wrapped around her waist. Sh
Ambrose gave her a smile that threatened to break her heart, as he pulled away and reached down to pass her sword to her."Thank you for staying with me, Sephora." He replied, his voice soft and comforting, his eyes burning with such intensity they almost seemed to glow despite the darkness around them. "For loving me, believing in me, and for all the joy you have given me - my life is yours."Sephora took her sword from her mate's hands, though his words had cut through to her heart harder than any forged sword."And my life is yours." She replied with all her heart and soul, giving him another kiss, before throwing on her armour and strapping her sword across her back.Ambrose nodded at her, strapping his own sword by his side. They were ready for war.They both sprinted out the door and into the courtyard where their men were already assembled. Swiftly mounting their horses and taking off straight for the Veil-Stones, Sephora at the lead and Ambrose by her side.They both lead thei
Because if that sheild was broken, there was nothing stopping Vince from getting to the stones, and all it took was for one stone to be destroyed and the Veil would come down."Tell me what you're thinking."Ravyn turned her head to find Joe's powerful dark eyes focused on her, his face open in question, but his brow evidently laced with worry and nerves.The Shadow had to fight to form words, since her tongue had become leaden with anxiety. "I'm worried for Sephora and Ambrose." She confessed, surprised that she'd chosen to be honest with the General for once.Even Joe seemed to be surprised, his eyebrows raising a little, before forcing a light smile, "And what about me - you're not worried about me?"Ravyn couldn't help but roll her eyes, "No, I'm definitely not worried about you."Joe chuckled, "So cold, even to the end." His mouth twitched with laughter, but his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "And what if I was to die tragically, heroically killed in battle? Would you still n
[Sephora]The sky was still darkened with what seemed like a cloud of infinite smoke and death. The tidal wave of Vince's men continued to slam into Sephora and Ambrose's defenses. Though they were holding strong, a line of silver holding back the inky black darkness - the line was beginning to crumble and the men were starting to tire. They couldn't hold this up forever, something had to give.But they had no reinforcements. No reinforcements were coming to their aid.Over the sounds of battle cries and the screams of dying males and females, Sephora tried to wrap her mind around what that meant about the fate Veil-Stones. And more importantly, what it would mean for her family's fate, the fate of the Mortal world.Neither could she think of a solution. Those extra armies were all they had as a plan of defense, and now...Sephora's bloodied hands began shaking again, that familiar fear and hopelessness was beginning to paralyze her once again. New doubts began swimming around in her
[Ravyn]The Shadow of Queen Sephora Beltane and Lord Ambrose Stone, laughed as she thrust both her blades into the stomachs of Vince's soldiers, not even waiting for their corpses to fall, before she moved onto the next. She was a whirling mist of death and fury. Fighting for her freedom, her people, an entire race who had no idea just how much the Queen loved them. And now, they stood a chance at winning - now the odds didn't look so impossible.Reinforcements had come. They had finally come, and boy - did Lady Valda train her legion well.Winged warriors, male and female alike, dropped from the skies like fallen angels. Scooping up grown men into the air, taking off and dropping them like a stone, or barreling them into a group of dark soldiers. Their incredible feathered wings tucked in tight, as some of them wielded swords or spears, their movements swift and graceful, despite the weight on their backs. They were a force to be reckoned with.It fired up Ravyn's own spirits enough,