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65. I Can't Do This
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
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THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 66. Regret
MalachiMy boots strike the floor in rhythmic echoes that boom through the empty corridor, the sound a physical manifestation of the turmoil inside me. The walls of the corridor seem to close in, much like the walls of dread and confusion closing in around my thoughts. Reyna is gone, and this time I’m not sure if we can get her back.As I pace back and forth outside Cassian’s hospital room, I can’t help but feel trapped in a swirl of emotions at war with each other — fury at Pyrra, guilt for not being able to protect Reyna, and a relentless, gnawing worry for Cassian. The air clings to my skin like a heavy, oppressive blanket, carrying the weight of my heartache and dread. I can’t shake the image of Reyna, her flames wild like her eyes, filled with a despair so deep that it swallowed her whole. Could I have stopped her? My mind races in futile circles, endlessly replaying that last moment when she looked at me, her eyes so full of love and so devoid of hope.What if she becomes the
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 67. Sorrow
RuneI close my eyes, leaning into our mind link, the connection that has always been an open channel between the four of us. But now it feels like I’m throwing pebbles into a void, each one falling farther and farther without the familiar bounce back of his consciousness. The link is stretched thin, fragile as spider silk, and I’m terrified that one more tug will snap it.Opening my eyes, I see Cassian’s chest rise and fall in a slow rhythm, and the evidence of Reyna’s outburst marks his skin in cruel, scorched patterns. Despite the treatments and his Alpha blood working to heal him, the wounds look agonisingly raw. Whatever Reyna, or Pyrra, did to him, it was worse than any harm that’s come to me or anyone else we know.Her powers singed Cassian’s insides to a degree I’ve never seen before—not even when I was at the receiving end of her accidental outbursts. The burns are deeper, the tissue damage extensive, the healing infuriatingly slow despite Cassian’s Alpha Blood.The door ope
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 68. Revived
MalachiThe tension in the room is thick enough to cut with a knife. Cassian lies in the intensive care unit, his condition stable but still far from reassuring. Rune and I had been bouncing strategies back and forth for hours. His eyes are bloodshot, evidence of the sleepless night we’ve both had. He sits across from me, his fingers nervously drumming on the table.“We can’t just sit here, Kai,” Rune finally breaks the silence, frustration lacing his voice. “It feels like we’re wasting time right now!”“I know,” I say, locking eyes with him. “But charging in blindly could make things worse for everyone, especially Reyna.”He leans back, scrubbing his face with both hands before running his fingers through his dishevelled hair. “I know, I know. It’s just... watching Cassian like this, it’s a grim reminder of what we’re up against. And what she’s up against.”I get up and walk over to him, drawing my hand to his throat and squeezing gently. His eyes close and he breathes out a heavy si
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 69. Despair
ReynaIn this endless void, there is no up or down, and I feel weightless and disoriented. I am surrounded by a deafening silence, as if the world has stopped turning. The flames have gone dormant, subsiding to a mere flicker. I’m alone with my thoughts, each one dripping with regret and self-loathing.I close my eyes and surrender to memories. In this isolation, they offer momentary refuge. I remember laughing with Cassian as he attempted to teach me how to use a gun, but I freaked out as soon as the first bullet shot. His laughter, melodious like a song I could listen to for an eternity, resounds in my mind.Then there’s Rune, teaching me the secrets of the celestial constellations, weaving myths and love stories among the stars. “See that cluster there? It’s called Lyra,” he’d whispered, his voice so full with awe reserved for something truly wondrous. “It’s the harp that plays the music of the gods.”And Malachi... oh, Malachi. Every stolen moment with him seemed to ripple through
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 70. The Keeper
ReynaI step into the forest clearing, a familiar dreamscape woven of fog and whispers. The fog is a tactile thing tonight, curling around me as if it knows the burdens I carry. My eyes land on the charred tree stump that stands like a sentinel in this sacred place. Four tiny green sprouts breathe life from its scorched trunk, and something about that breaks my heart and mends it at the same time.“Keeper,” I say, my voice not much more than a husky whisper, laced with a sense of impending dread. The Keeper manifests from the fog as though woven from it. His eyes are like the night sky on the clearest of nights—limitless and deep. “Ah, Reyna, child of complexity, you stand at the threshold of choice, do you not?”“Yes,” I confess, my eyes reluctantly leaving the tiny sprouts. “Much has happened since we last spoke. I’ve come to seek your counsel, but I can’t shake the feeling that the lock and key you speak of are slipping through my fingers.” He seems to sigh. “Each time you step
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 71. A Glimmer Of Hope
ReynaMy eyes flicker open, the veil of the dreamscape lifting as I return to the waking world. My heart pounds with the wisdom imparted by both the Keeper and Shae. I lie still, taking in the soft caresses of the night air against my skin, the celestial bodies above a comfort in my uncertainty. There’s a subtle shift within me, a tug of war between the elemental fury that is Pyrra and the rekindled resolve inside me. A smile tugs at my lips.It’s time to act.For the first time, I don’t feel the overpowering dread that usually accompanies any thought of defying Pyrra. Instead, I feel almost... exhilarated. A plan has formed in my mind, and I have kept it hidden from Pyrra. But in order for me to execute this plan, I’ll need the help of my Alphas. I am both the lock and the key, the question and the answer; so I need to act like it.I immediately reach out over the mind-link to Cassian, Rune and Malachi, mentally threading my way through the fabric of our connection,using only the b
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 72. Our Luna
RuneThe low hum of the jet’s engines serves as a rhythmic backdrop to my jumbled thoughts. We’re cruising at thirty thousand feet, high above any concerns of the terrestrial world, yet my mind is anything but tranquil. I glance at the file laid out on the polished mahogany table before me—the reports, the analyses, the meticulously prepared plans—everything designed to give us the best chance of defeating Pyrra and coming out of this battle whole.We’re on our way to Pyrra’s realm along with the Elemental Alphas and the Seers—key players in a high-stakes plan to subdue Pyrra. The briefings, the strategies, the contingencies, they’re all neatly laid out in my mind, each piece of the puzzle carefully considered and assigned its place. But as I lean back into the plush seat, it’s not the logistics or the tactics that occupy my thoughts—it’s Reyna.It’s the unknown, the variables we can’t account for, that have my stomach tying itself into knots. I stare out the window at the sea of cl
THEIRS: BOUND TO THE ALPHA KINGS 73. Battlefield
ReynaThe sun dips below the horizon, casting the world in twilight’s crimson embrace. I’ve learned I am on an island far away from any civilization, one where Pyrra thrives. The Old Gods birthed her here, right on this island and they haven’t been able to control her ever since.I sense immediately as Rune and Malachi arrive, our eyes lock in a silent pact. They stand in the secluded clearing while I’m seated in what’s left of a charred tree, and awaiting the Elemental Alphas and the Seers.My heart beats out a symphony of anticipation, a song punctuated by notes of dread and courage. A glance at Rune and Malachi finds them already nodding at me, their silent support steeling my resolve.“Why are they here?” I murmur, stepping back. “No…”I let down my mental barriers, feigning a weakness I don’t truly feel. Pyrra takes the bait, materialising with a roar, flames swirling around her like a living inferno. “You cannot control me,” she hisses, an air of triumph poisoning her voice.I l
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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
