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50. Embereign
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2024-10-29 19:42:56
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THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 51. The Last Dying Breath of Hope
ReynaIt was the sound of three sets of footsteps crunching over the burnt earth that I heard before I could even see them. My body was screaming for me to end this dark and torturous puppetry by running towards them, but I stood there, frozen in fear. The will of Pyrra’s malevolent energy, like a wisp of nightshade, silences my desperate cries. It intoxicates me, fills me with a seething fury that was not my own. Pyrra whispers in the far recesses of my mind, “Stay still, Reyna. Let them come to you.”So, I waited, every muscle quivering like a taut bowstring.I saw Rune first, rushing into the clearing, his eyes widening as they met my gaze. Cassian and Malachi followed, their jaws clenched, tension radiating off them. They hesitated, only for a moment, as if weighing their choices. But I could see it in their eyes—their insatiable need to save me.Rune stepped into the flaming circle that surrounded me. The agony in his eyes almost broke me, almost tore Pyrra’s tendrils from my
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 52. Loss And Gain; A Blessing
ReynaThe world feels lighter, as if a dark veil has been lifted. The tension in the air is so palpable you could cut it with a knife, and I wonder how we came to be entangled in this web of darkness and light, of love and supposed betrayal.A snarl echoes through the air; Shae’s, and I remember how it all started.As they come closer, I notice the subtle changes that have settled over them during our separation. New lines of worry etched onto Rune’s forehead, Malachi’s eyes dimmer than I remember, as if they’ve seen too much, and Cassian, the usually poised leader, has a ragged edge to him now.But what hasn’t changed is the way they look at me: with a love so pure, it’s almost devastating. I’m struck by how that same love nearly got us killed, how it made us pawns in a game we didn’t even know we were playing.“Reyna, darling, are you—” Rune starts but hesitates, as if not sure how to phrase what we’re all wondering.“I’m me,” I say, voice thick with emotion, my vision blurring wit
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 53. Twin Warning
ReynaWe’re standing in a cavern, much like the one from my dream, our eyes transfixed on the scene in front of us. High stone seats almost reach the ceiling, every seat filled by someone with a vendetta; someone who lost a loved one over the last fifty years because of her actions.But Shae doesn’t even look bothered about her pending execution; her face a mask of contentment and her heartbeat as calm as the sea. The four Elemental Alphas surround her as she’s on her knees with a silver contraption around her neck.“The council of Cardinaem sentences Shae Maddox to death,” my uncle declares to everyone present. “For the murder of my brother, Alpha Konrad, the destruction of an entire kingdom and its people on Aether, destruction of half of Embereign and the premeditated murders of Alpha Zephyrus, Alpha Terra and Alpha Alpha Boreas’ fathers; our previous Alphas.”Alpha Zephyrus steps forward. “However, the council of Cardinaem also permits any person sentenced to death to say their la
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 54. Four Sprouts
ReynaIt feels like the shattered pieces of my soul are slowly coming together as I lay entangled with my Alpha. As much as I wanted this to be all three of us, I felt like being alone with each of them tonight. As Cassian slowly moves inside me, I wrap my arms around his neck and our lips meet in a passionate kiss. The way he's kissing me makes it seem like I am his very breath and I am reciprocating with just as much vigour.With each forceful thrust, he drives deeper into me, and I revel in the weight of his body on top of mine. His grip on my hair is painful but adds to the pleasure at the same time. My protector in every sense of the word, the first one of the three to Sight me as his.Right now it’s just the two of us, his blue eyes sparking with the red of his beast as it comes out to play. I can't help but dig my nails deeper into his muscular back, scraping down the length of him, and as I do so, the growl rumbling in his chest intensifies.“Reyna,” he groans my name, pickin
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 55. Phase V: Revelation
Reyna The atmosphere is absolutely electric, with the smell of rich earth and warm bonfires filling the air and adding to the overall experience. We’re in the grand hall of the Four Elemental Alphas’ stronghold, saying our final goodbyes as we get ready to depart for our island.Alphas Boreas, Zephyrus, Terra, and my uncle, Konrad, stand in a semicircle, their faces a mix of relief and contentment. Rune, Malachi, Cassian, and I exchange firm handshakes and heartfelt hugs with them.“You always have a place here,” Alpha Boreas says, his voice as steady as the frozen mountains he reigns over.“And you, in our kingdom,” Malachi responds and I watch as he and Alpha Boreas exchange a look of agreement, as if they knew something we didn’t.Alpha Terra, smothered in the aroma of fresh greenery, takes Rune’s hand and shakes it fiercely. “May your roots find fertile ground, wherever you go!” he says and I see the amusement in Malachi’s eyes at this exchange.I walk toward Uncle Konrad to emb
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 56. Lavender
ReynaAs the doors open to the island, the sea wind catches my hair and whips it around my face. Coming back here is supposed to feel like coming home… It’s supposed to be our sanctuary.The island’s paradise-like charm now seems like a distant memory, as if nature is punishing me for seeking refuge there.Cassian steps off the jet first, his eyes briefly scanning the scenery before focusing back on me. Rune is next, a steady, reassuring presence. Malachi allows me to walk ahead before he follows, his face the picture of stoicism that barely conceals the boiling emotions underneath. Each represents a part of my own fractured soul, and as they turn to me, their eyes filled with love and concern, I feel the familiar pang of guilt sharpen.“Welcome home, Reyna,” Rune says, extending his hand to help me as I walk down the steps.Cassian opens his mouth as if to say something but refrains, and Malachi simply nods, his eyes meeting mine in a silent, piercing exchange.“Let’s not stand here
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 57. A Gamble Or A Game?
ReynaThe next morning, the sun bathes the castle gardens in hues of gold and amber, a stark contrast to the weight of the shadows in my heart. I find Amina near the rose bushes, her hands gently cupping the blossoms as if whispering secrets to them. She looks up as I approach, and her face brightens.“Reyna, good morning. I was just checking on the lavender and roses for a few arrangements. How are you feeling today?”“I’m hanging in there,” I reply, my voice laced with exhaustion. “The sleepless nights are starting to take a toll.”She nods sympathetically, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s understandable. The body and mind need rest, especially now. Would you like me to speak to Rune about possibly creating a mixture to make you sleep better?”“If it will be safe for the baby,” I say, then I step back when she drops the pruning scissors, her eyes wide. Oh, I forgot my pregnancy isn’t common knowledge yet.“The baby?!” she exclaims as wonder fills her eyes. “Oh, R
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 58. A Brief Respite
RuneFrom my office window, I gaze down at the garden below, my eyes catching sight of Reyna and Amina walking side by side among the blooming foliage. The sound of their laughter fills the air with such a sweet and pleasant tone that not even the fragrance of roses can match it. I haven’t heard Reyna laugh like that in weeks, maybe even months. Her laughter was a welcome relief from the tension that had been building for weeks. My chest tightens with unspoken joy; it’s as though a weight has been lifted that I hadn’t even realised I was carrying.With a sigh, I lean back in my chair and my hand instinctively reaches for the small communication device on my desk. I can’t contain this happiness; I need to share it, especially with those who would find as much comfort in it as I do.Dialling the familiar numbers, I wait for the telltale click that signals a connection. The faces of the two men I trust above all else appear on my screen and I smile.“Cassian, Malachi,” I begin, my voic
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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
