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42. Between Ashes And Hope
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
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THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 43. Shae
Reyna I stretch, the familiar lumpy bed beneath me making me groan. With the dust motes fluttering in the air and the cold chill seeping from underneath the door, it is clear that today will be a brutal one. As I sit up in bed, my eyes slowly adjust to the dim lighting of my wine cellar, which serves as my makeshift bedroom. Every day is the goddamn same; when will my life get better than this? As I swing my legs out of bed, I can't help but notice the softness of the garment I'm wearing; immediately, a foreign sensation prickles my skin, making me feel both curious and uneasy at the same time. I look down, realising I’m wearing the sleek, black dress Malachi bought me, not my usual comfortable sleepwear. Wait. If I’m wearing this dress, then—my heart speeds up as I turn to really look at my room. My eyes squint, as if trying to bring the picture into focus. My hands fly up to my temples, massaging them as if that would iron out the wrinkles in my thoughts. “The Alphas,” I breath
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 44. Phase IIII: Awakening
Reyna I am having a hard time believing that my Alphas would do something like this to me. We bonded, we claimed each other, and I know their hearts by now. It may be a short time, but I know them… I feel them. “Think about it, Reyna,” Shae urges, her voice trembling with a strange mixture of desperation and triumph. “Haven’t you wondered why you’ve felt so... calm, so placid since you met them? They’ve been dimming your fire, quenching your spirit. I’ve come to free you from that.” I step back, suddenly wary. Her words, laden with urgency and supposed concern, make me pause. Could it be? Could the very sources of my love and comfort be the architects of my suppression? But then, another thought enters my mind: If my Alphas have been tasked to poison my mind, what is Shae’s role in this? Is she truly here to liberate me, or is she another layer in this intricate web of manipulation? My eyes narrow as I scrutinise her. “How convenient that you show up now, revealing all these supp
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 45. Setting A Course, Planning A Rescue
CassianI’m sitting on the terrace outside of my office and staring off into the distance trying to shut away my thoughts. So far it’s not working; so far all I can think is how much of a failure I am.When Reyna ‘died’, I was the only one who refused to feel my link to her. I was the only one who didn’t want to admit that I thought she was still alive… all because I didn’t want to get my heart broken again.It’s the second time I failed Reyna, it’s all I seem to do. Now she might be gone from us forever, before I can even apologise for my carelessness.But I suppose there’s no point in being morbid about these things. We still have a chance to get Reyna back from whatever depths she’s fallen to, and to make things right. It won’t be easy, I know this… but I fought and ended a war I never started, so nothing’s impossible. My cell phone starts buzzing on the glass tabletop in front of me, and when I see the Caller ID, I immediately get a chill up my spine.“Yes?”“Alpha, there’s a pro
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 46. Your Past Will Not Be My Future
ReynaEvery nerve ending feels like it’s on fire. My vision is blurred, and it’s almost as if I’m looking through red cellophane– everything is crimson. Why does it taste like I’ve swallowed ash? “...na, listen to me, please! You don’t want to do this!”Hmm? That voice… I know that voice. Frowning, I turn my head from side to side to see where that voice is coming from and, as I take a step forward, I see him.On his knees, with his hands behind his back, is Rune. He’s peering up at me with wide, desperate eyes and as he moves to get on his feet, the sound of a whip snaps through the air and he grunts as he falls forward.I try to cry out and run toward him, but my body doesn’t seem to obey; instead I am rooted on the spot and watching as five more slashes come down on his back.“Enough! You’ve betrayed her, you know you have! Nothing you say will make her change her mind, not after catching you with him!” A voice filled with malice echoes to my left, and my body feels so heavy that
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 47. Pyrra
ReynaI don’t know what I manifested, but I am back in the forest dreamscape again. My heart thuds so loudly that I can hear it echo in my ears along with the crunching of dead leaves underfoot. I walk as if being pulled by a string, even if I wanted to walk away from this or wake myself up, I know I couldn’t. So I allow myself to be dragged to wherever I’m being pulled toward and as I come to a clearing, I see the beast with galaxies in its eyes again.It sees me and nods its massive head before looking off into the distance. I frown at this, not only because I am not stopping in front of the beast again, but because I am pulled toward where it’s looking.It’s a massive light in the distance, hidden in what seems to be a cave against a mountain.The glow intensifies as I approach it, and the brilliant blaze emits a sweet, smoky scent that fills the air. As I am led into the colossal cavern, I can’t help but notice the intricate patterns etched into the walls, resembling some sort of
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 48. The Frozen Throne
ReynaWe’ve been travelling for a full day and half a night; the warmth of the previous land giving way to something far colder. While we make our way to the Frozen Throne, I am mesmerised by the scenery that surrounds us, a unique combination of icy coldness and vibrant life that seems impossible.The land here is like nothing I have ever seen before; trees growing right out of frozen ground and sleek ice, their trunks and branches intricately wrapped in layers of ice and snow. Yet, surprisingly, they don’t seem lifeless or dormant.Then there are the flowers—blooms in shades of icy blue, blood crimson, and lavender, shimmering in the sunlight as if kissed by frost. It defies logic, the notion that such delicate beauty could thrive in this arctic realm. Yet here they are, like tiny miracles scattered across the snow, as if sewn by the hand of some God or Goddess.My eyes widen as I notice movement in the distance. White, fluffy creatures, almost ethereal in appearance, dart between
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 49. Ice Breaker, Literally
MalachiThe moment we set foot in Boreas’ frozen kingdom, I can feel the chill cutting through my bones—yet it’s invigorating. I look around, and for the first time, I’m at a loss for words. It’s an awe-inspiring landscape, like stepping into a living snow globe. The sky above us is a crystal-clear blue, and the trees have an ethereal beauty, adorned with both snow and lively green foliage. Against this snowscape, ice sculptures stand as sentinels, shimmering in the sunlight, intricate and exquisite in their frozen elegance.I think Reyna would love it here, seeing as she loves lovely landscapes.Cassian nudges me, snapping me out of my reverie, and Rune gives me a look that can only be described as wonder mixed with sadness. We all know the stakes, and we’re fully aware that this surreal beauty masks an underlying tension.As we approach the castle, the giant, ice-covered gates open seemingly on their own, though I can sense the elemental power that commands it. Standing at the thre
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 50. Embereign
RuneThe air around Embereign is thick with the smell of charred wood, molten rock, and despair. The once-glorious Kingdom of Fire had been gutted, like a hunter’s prey. It isn’t the fire of home and hearth, of passion and warmth, but the fire of destruction, of a kingdom on the brink of collapse. It clawed at my senses, but I pushed through as I walked with the men who have become closer to me than any brother. Nothing matters more than Reyna right now, and by the looks of things, Shae has already begun her manipulation.When we landed in Frozen Throne two days ago, I caught a whiff of what I thought was Reyna’s scent. But neither Cassian nor Malachi caught it. I was certain it was her, but why would she be in Frozen Throne of all places?I sigh as we walk ahead, trying to pinpoint where Reyna’s scent could be coming from, but nothing seems to be a clear lead. Fuck, I would do anything to hold her in my arms again, to tell her how much she means to me; to all three of us.But then
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THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 25 - Epilogue
As the vibrant festival rages around them, filled with music and laughter, Rhiannon stands slightly apart, her gaze fixed on the group that forms the cornerstone of her new life. There, amidst a crowd of revellers, her three mates and three fathers converse, a symbol of newfound peace and acceptance. The speeches have been made, and the collective acceptance of Rhiannon’s unique bond with her dragon mates has marked a significant milestone in their lives. While her brothers, Micah, Rhys, and Caelum, maintained a facade of politeness, their underlying discomfort was palpable. Rhiannon understood their protectiveness; they were her older brothers, after all. It was their instinct to shield her, yet here she was, needing no protection from the men they were wary of. From the corner of the gathering, she noticed Soren engaging Caelum in what appeared to be a serious yet respectful discussion. The way Caelum’s posture shifted, easing from stiff disapproval to reluctant acknowledgment, s
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 24 - A First of Many
RhiannonStanding on the soft sands of our island, the sound of the waves gently crashing against the shore sets a calming backdrop. I watch the sky anxiously; waiting for the small aircraft that’s bringing my parents to our home. Soren had extended the invitation to our island as a gesture of goodwill and trust. Despite the turmoil of our last encounter, I feel a budding hope that today will mark a new beginning.Sensing my unease, Soren squeezes my hand reassuringly. “They’ll see. Everything’s going to be alright,” he murmurs, but I can tell he’s just as anxious.The plane touches down with a soft whirr, and my heart skips as I see my parents disembark. My mother spots me and immediately rushes over, her arms wide open. As she wraps me in a tight embrace, tears well up in my eyes, and soon we’re both crying, holding each other after the painful uncertainty of the past weeks.“Oh, Rhiannon,” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. “I’ve been so worried, so scared!”My fathers s
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 23 - Meeting Between Kings
IvarSpeaking to Rhiannon about reconciling with her parents did not go as planned, so we’re taking things into our own hands.As we fly toward the secluded meeting spot, the weight of the upcoming discussion presses heavily on my mind. Gavriel, Soren, and I shift back into our human forms just as we land, slipping into sweatpants for a semblance of normalcy as we prepare to face Rhiannon’s fathers: Rune, Malachi, and Cassian.The tension is palpable as we approach them. Rune, always the silent type, gives us a nod, while Malachi’s expression is guarded, his temperament more volatile. Cassian, known for his strategic mind, watches us with calculated interest.“We appreciate you meeting us here, without Rhiannon,” I start, my voice steady despite the churn of emotions inside me. “There’s something important we need to discuss.”Malachi crosses his arms, his brow furrowing. “And what’s so important that Rhiannon couldn’t be here?”“It’s about her,” Soren interjects, stepping slightly fo
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 22 - A Night To Just… Be
RhiannonAs I feel the fabric of the blindfold tighten gently around my eyes, Ivar’s warm breath tickles my ear. “Trust me, Rhi. You’re going to love this,” he whispers, his voice a soothing blend of mystery and reassurance.“Where are you taking me?” I ask, half-excited, half-anxious as he guides me by the hand. Each step crunches softly underfoot, the unmistakable scent of the forest growing stronger with every breath. My heart races, not just from the blindfold and the unknown, but from the anticipation of whatever Ivar has planned.“Just a little further,” he teases, his usual light-hearted chuckle making it harder to fret about where we’re going. “You don’t always need to see the path to enjoy where it leads.”Despite my nervousness, I smile, squeezing his hand. “If this is another one of your cooking experiments, I swear…”He laughs, stopping us both. “No cooking this time. I promise.” He leans in, kissing the side of my head gently. “Okay, ready?”The anticipation is a knot in
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 21 - Time Will Do You Good
SorenCircling the island, I stretch out my wings, feeling the wind rush through my scales as I survey the boundaries of our territory. It’s a routine patrol, but today, my mind is restless, preoccupied with thoughts of Rhiannon. Since the disastrous meeting with her parents, there’s a heaviness in her that I feel deep in my bones—a shared ache, thanks to the mate bond, that tells me her heart isn’t just bruised, it’s shattered. She puts on a brave face, dismisses it with a wave and a joke, but I know better.Shifting back to my human form with a practised ease, I pull on a pair of shorts just as I see her approaching. The sight of her—in a simple white cotton dress, barefoot, her hair catching the light of the setting sun—tightens something in my chest.Before she can say anything, I close the distance between us, pulling her into my arms, and kiss the side of her head—a gesture of comfort I hope she can still find solace in. “How are you doing?” I ask, though the answer is written
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 20 - They’re My Mates!
RhiannonThe cold shock of being torn from Soren’s embrace cuts through me, my screams shattering the stillness as I reach out for him, for any of them, only to find my hands grasping at empty air. The ground rushes up to meet me, and as I scramble to my feet, my eyes lock onto my parents, standing a few feet away, their expressions a mix of concern and something darker.“What have you done?!” I shout at my parents, staring into their faces, searching for some hint of remorse, of understanding. “Why would you do this?”My father, Cassian, stands firm, his expression a mask of regret and resolve. “We did what we had to, Rhiannon. They took you from us and we had no idea if this was a trap or not. We’re just taking you back.”“Taking me back?” I echo, incredulity sharpening my voice to a cutting edge. “You call this a rescue? I chose to be with them!”My mother reaches out, her touch meant to soothe, but it only fans the flames of my anger. “Darling, please, try to understand. We’re ju
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 19 - The Night Before
GavrielIn our war room, the atmosphere is charged, a blend of anticipation and underlying tension. The response from Rhiannon’s parents has arrived, a beacon of hope amid the uncertainty that’s shrouded us for so long. They’re willing to meet, a first step on the treacherous path towards peace. Rhiannon is asleep, unaware of the developments, and here we are, planning every detail of our departure tomorrow, prepared for every eventuality, even an attack.“I can’t believe they actually agreed,” Ivar comments, leaning back in his chair, the nonchalance in his voice not quite reaching his eyes. He’s been off lately, the usual lightness of his wit shadowed by the weight of our situation. “This is good, right?”Soren, leaning heavily against the table, runs a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. “Yeah, willing to meet or set a damn trap. We can’t rule anything out.”He’s right. Our isolation, by choice and circumstance, has always been our strength and our vulnerability. Now,
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 18 - Making Plans / Setting Things In Motion
Rhiannon Sitting across from Ivar, Gavriel, and Soren, I’m completely nervous and out of my depth. We’re about to discuss something that could change the course of our lives forever. “We need to talk to my parents,” I start, diving straight into the heart of the matter. “And I mean really talk. Not through messages or mediators, but face-to-face, on neutral ground.” Ivar leans forward, his usual carefree demeanour taking a backseat to the seriousness of our discussion. “And what’s to stop them from launching an attack when we meet? Neutral ground or not.” Gavriel, silent up to this point, adds, “They’re not known for playing fair. We can’t afford to underestimate them. Security is a concern. We don’t know if your parents will come alone or bring an entourage. We have to be prepared for anything.” Soren, who’s been quietly listening, finally speaks up. “And there’s the matter of trust. We’re asking them to meet under a flag of truce. After everything, that’s asking a lot.” I can’
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 17 - The Morning After
IvarStanding by the window, the early morning light painting the horizon in shades of gold and crimson, I find myself lost in thought. Last night we discovered something that turned our world upside down—Rhiannon is mated to all three of us. It’s a revelation that seems to defy logic, yet here we are, bound by fate, or perhaps the gods themselves, to be the bridge to peace between our worlds.For the first time in what feels like forever, there’s another person in my life I find myself genuinely caring about, willing to lay down my life for. Glancing back at the bed, seeing her there, tangled in the sheets, nestled securely between Soren and Gavriel, a smile unwittingly finds its way onto my face. It’s a sight I never imagined I’d see, yet it feels right, as if all the pieces have finally fallen into place.Soren stirs, the shift in the room drawing him to wakefulness. He joins me by the window, his presence solid and reassuring. We both stand there for a moment, taking in the sere
