“Empress Zelda!” I woke up to see Wyatt bent over me in concern. “Empress Zelda, are you okay?”
“I don’t feel good,” I whispered. “I’m burning up.”
“I know I can feel. Let me get you some water.”
I glanced down at my leg. The crystallization had spread and now my entire leg was blue and shiny.
I looked over at Cedric to see his entire arm was blue. “Are you okay?” He asked.
“Perfect,” I breathed. “Never been better.”
“You look beautiful.”
“That loss of eye sight must be hitting you now.”
“Do you think we’re gonna make it?” Cedric questioned.
“Maybe not.” I shivered, suddenly getting hit with the chills. “Be crazy if we did all of that just to die in a cabin basically from frostbite.”
“Pretty embarrassing.&rd
There was only darkness.No Darkened Shore, no Twilight Nexus, no Ravaged Hollow.All darkness.There was also no Cedric. I was completely alone.I looked around, waiting for something to come to me, but nothing did. Finally my eyes landed on a little square of light.The light at the end of the tunnel. There really was nowhere else to go.I took my time, slowly walking towards the light. I didn’t want to rush this. I had all the time in the world.When I got close to the light I took a deep breath. I closed my eyes and walked through the light.There’s an angel with wings above me. She looked concerned. “Zelda, are you okay?”“No, I’m hungry.” I groaned. “I want to eat. Is there food in the afterlife?”“Afterlife? No sweetie, you’re alive.” Posy said gently.“How?” I sat up and look
Posy’s POVI could fly after Zelda, but somehow I knew there was no point.She was going to be taken to exactly where we needed to go anyways. I just hoped she wasn’t in any immediate danger.No one was really freaking out this time. We were used to it. This was now just a normal occurrence.Penn sighed heavily. “Well, she went that way.”Sometimes I felt bad for Penn. Zelda was not an easy girl to be in love with. Even without the two other men fighting for her heart. I'm sure Penn was exhausted from everything that had happened in regards to her. It's a miracle he hasn't cracked yet.The thing about Zelda is she already knew how great she was. She was aware of what she deserved and once she decided that she wouldn't settle for nothing less, that was it. There was no changing her mind.Well there was no changing her mind about anything really. Zelda was a stubborn woman. I both lo
Zelda’s POVI was never going to live this down! I was always going to be the damsel in distress from here on out. After that whole proclamation I just made about being a powerful woman and this is what happens? How completely and utterly embarrassing! Penn was going to always bring this up. He’d probably tell our children about this.Who the fuck gets kidnapped by a goddamn key anyways?! How was it even strong enough to carry me? Not that I’m heavy or anything but I’m definitely heavier than a damn key!Still I didn’t think I was in any real danger. The key seemed nice enough and I was having a good time. For the most part I liked flying. It was like being in another world. It was thrilling.The one good thing about these kidnappings is I had time to reflect on myself and how I was feeling about the journey.Right now I was glad it was almost over. The suspense regarding my fate was absolutely killing me!
Cedric looked like he would scream, throw up or faint. He might do all three honestly. This was not something I ever saw coming, so how could he?I looked at Wyatt who looked like he wasn't breathing.“Um, Nova, I'm sure an explanation would be great.” I stated.“Right. Um, well...god I never wanted to be a mother.” Nova started. “But Cedric I fell in love with your father and then we had you. I loved you so much, but it's still not what I wanted. When you were one, I...had an affair with Wyatt’s father. He was married. It was so wrong, but I just wanted to feel alive again. And then I got pregnant with Wyatt and I didn't know what to do. I told his father to keep him. His wife couldn't have children and I thought it would be best if they raised him.”“Only it wasn't.” Wyatt whispered. “Dad left. I stayed with his wife who I thought was my mother and she hated me! She treated me like dirt!
“What?” I asked.“I did what you asked and I listened to her and Zelda...I think Wyatt and I need to stay here. To catch up and to heal. I’m giving up on the Trials.”Time froze suddenly and a force field surrounded only Cedric and me before we were transported to Moxdea’s plane.Red smoke surrounded us as she floated in front of us.“You wish to give up King Cedric?” She asked.“Yes, Moxdea, I do.”“Are you willing to pay the price for that?”“What’s the price?” Cedric questioned.“You will be stripped of all of your powers; both Aleni and Wanix. You can never get them back. You will be completely mortal.”Cedric’s eyes widened.“Um, I’d have to give up becoming an Aleni...forever.”“Not a nice deal having to give up something you want forever, hu
Nova is a morning person.I was not.“Good morning!” She sang loudly outside of mine and Penn's door. “Who wants breakfast?!”“Later!” I groaned.“I don't know, I'm feeling pretty ravenous right now.” Penn whispered, wrapping his arms around me and kissing my neck. “I could devour something.”“You are a hornwolf.” I giggle.“You let me bite you, this is your fault.”“Is it always going to be like this? You're always going to be this crazy about me? Forever?”“Of course I am, Zelda. I love you. You're going to be my wife. Why would I not be crazy about you?”“But what if it's just all the danger we've been in? Sure our love is passionate and exciting with me almost dying every other day, but what about when we're back at the castle and just living in Gynem?” I questioned.“
“No,” Cedric whispered. “Is that a bite, Indrick?”“Yes, Chief, I think it is.” Indrick whispered.“So...what do we do?” Wyatt asked. “Is it reversible?”Nova shook her head. “No sweetie, it isn't. There's no reversing a Zombie bite. It's just not possible.”“So what do we do?” Posy asked.“I think...you have to kill me.” Indrick admitted, breathing heavily.“No,” I stated. “Th-there must be another way. We can save him right?”My friends looked confused. “Zelda, he's an Aleni.” Zeke pointed out.“But he was always so nice to me.” I breathed. “I think he's misunderstood.”“Babe, as much as that can be true...he can't stay with us if he's a Zombie.” Penn squeezed my thigh. “It's not safe.”“There must be some
“Oh, wife.” Cedric breathed. “That’s um…”“Great!” I finished for him. “Absolutely wonderful!”“Really cool.” Wyatt stated.“They wish to see the Phoenixs,” Nova informed Liberty. “They’re doing the Four Trials of the Forsaken Apex.”“Oh my!” Liberty smiled. “How fun! Well let’s go see the others.”We followed them. “A wife?” Cedric whispered to me.“At least you know why she wasn’t happy with your dad.” I offered.“I never wondered why she didn’t want to be with my father, he’s an awful man.”“So you take after him?” Penn questined, wrapping his arm around my waist.“Penn!” I scolded.“What? I’m just being honest. He’s awful and just because he’s working thro
My body felt a shock at once. Electricity flowed quickly and then expelled itself out of my body. Was I going to die again? I wondered as I fell to my knees. I breathed heavily as the last of the lightning left. I paused to make sure I wasn’t going to die again. “Zelda!” I looked up and saw Penn running over to me. “Penn!” He scooped me up in his arms and held me tightly. “I thought I lost you!” “How relieved were you?” I joked. He set me down and kissed me. “Very relieved. But now you’re back and I’m miserable again.” I kissed him again. “Are you lying to an Empress? That’s a crime.” “And what would be my punishment?” Penn smiled down at me. “You have to marry me…for real this time.” “You sure I can’t just take death?” I laughed as Zeke ran over to us and embraced me. “Tell me that’s the last time you almost die!” “No promises. I think it’s over now, though.” I smiled.&nb
Posy’s POV I hated her. Why did she do this? Why would she kill herself just to save the rest of us? Why wasn’t she selfish and logical? Why wouldn’t she just let us die for her with honor? Because Empress Zelda Xanatheal was a great leader. No one even cared about Cedric the moment Zelda hit the ground. The Aleni had been struck down and we had no one left to fight. We only wanted to see Zelda. I got to her first. I cried out upon feeling how limp she was in my arms. “Zelda?” I screamed. “Wake up Zelda, now!” She wouldn’t budge. The boys had transformed and put on their pants. Penn dropped to his knees. “Zelda?” He choked out. “Zelda, please wake up. I need you Zelda, please.” He was sobbing as he hugged her lifeless body. Hunter tried to comfort him, but he just pulled away and wailed. “I can’t live without her!” Penn cried out. “I can’t! How do we bring her back? Someone
I stepped towards Cedric in horror. “You killed your father?” I asked shakily. “We both know he deserved it.” “What are you doing here?” “Oh, was I not invited? I’m sorry, I figured maybe my invitation got lost in the crystal mirror.” He feigned innocence. “Cedric, why are you here?” I cried. “You look so pretty in your wedding dress…and I’d make the perfect groom. Everyone’s already here Zel, let’s just do it.” “No, no! We had a deal, Cedric, you swore. Don’t do this!” “Ah the deal…yeah I thought about that, constantly over the last month. I don’t like it. I didn’t go through all of that shit to end up without you. So…the deal is off.” Cedric was many things, but he wasn’t usually a liar. The only thing he had ever really lied to me about was killing Astris and it only took him a few moments to reveal that lie. He didn’t believe in lying, he thought it was a waste of time. He was fine with being rut
“Holy fuck!” I exclaimed. “You’re serious?!” “Very serious,” Penn said nervously digging into his pocket. He pulled out a stunning ring with a gorgeous blue gem on it. “Is that the -” “Gem of Xaxtar from Prince Mako, yeah. I know it was supposed to be a necklace, but I think it would look better on your finger. Posy helped me make it.” He smiled. “So? Can I be your Emperor for life?” “Yes! Of course! Absolutely!” I screamed. Penn got up and kissed me. I wrapped my arms around him tightly, absolutely elated. This was everything I ever wanted. I saved Uquix and I was going to marry the love of my life! He slipped the ring on my finger and I admired it. “It’s huge!” I exclaimed. “Isn’t it?” Posy asked. “I knew you’d love it!” “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me! I mean look at me I have soot all over my face and clothes!” I laughed. “You look beautiful,” Penn assured me before kissing me aga
The lava immediately stopped flowing as golden light shot out the Shadow Precipice. A stunning woman walked out of the light even though there was no ground to stand on. She was stunning! Her long golden hair flowed behind her as the gold light danced off of her dazzling brown skin. Her white eyes were terrifying and yet so warm. She stood between Cedric and I as though trying to decide who the winner was. She turned to Cedric and my heart dropped. I really had lost. But I gave my best effort and everything that I had. I did my best, even if it wasn’t good enough. “You gave a great effort,” She said to Cedric. Suddenly it was just the woman and me. Cedric had disappeared. “Empress Zelda…you are the winner of The Four Trials of the Forsaken Apex.” Wait, I recognized that voice. “Moxdea?” I asked. “Yes, Empress, it is I. In my true form. You have released me from my duty by completing t
We started climbing up the volcano slowly. We figured we should take it slow before things got out of control. The constant rumbling made me incredibly anxious. The volcano could erupt at any point. “Nervous?” Cedric questioned after a few moments of silence. “What makes you think that?” “You’re not usually quiet unless you feel unsure.” “Well...yes I am a little nervous but only because everything we’ve done these last few weeks has led up to this moment. Are you nervous?” I asked. “Yeah a little bit,” He admitted. “About what?” “Losing. Imagine I betrayed my kingdom and killed hundreds of creatures just to lose.” “Wow that would be really embarrassing for you,” I snorted. “Oh shut up.” “What else happened in your weird dream when we went in the quicksand?” I questioned. “It was so strange, but I was really happy. You were my wife. We wanted babies. I thought you we
Cedric was having a hard time leaving the Hartmeda Woodlands.He had been searching for something his whole life and he had found it and now he had to leave it again so soon. Hopefully he could come back and spend more time with Nova and really get to know her.“It was an honor and a privilege to meet you, Empress Zelda. Please come back any time and visit us.” Nova stated.“She will,” Cedric assured her. “She’ll be back as my wife. Who knows, maybe we’ll make a baby here.”“Everytime I stop being disgusted with you, you give me a reason to be again. Congratulations, it’s really a talent.” I declared.“You’re so in love with me,” He grinned.“Anyways, Nova, you are welcome to Gynem any time, really.” I hugged her.“I know my son is a nuisance sometimes, but I would love to have you as a daughter-in-law.&r
There were shouts of panic ringing in the air.As Penn and I were surrounded, I tried to see where the third dagger went. I quickly found out when Hunter started wailing. It was sticking out of his arm, so at least he wasn’t in immediate danger.“Save Zelda,” Penn said hoarsely. “Please, her not me.”“No save Penn first,” I breathed.“Zelda, you’re the priority!” Posy cried.“Royal Vizier Posy, as Empress of Gynem I order you to save Penn first!”Talking with a dagger in my stomach was not easy or pleasant, but I had to get my point across. Penn needed to come first.“What happened?” Zeke ran over to us. “Zelda, no!” He dropped on his knees next to me. “You’re going to be okay. Oh Veone, that’s a lot of blood!”“It’s okay, I’ll be fine.”I didn’t completel
I ran into Nerius’ big open wings.They enveloped me in a tight hug.“What are you doing here?” I asked.“Yurhy srei meings.”“Vacation huh? Are you sure you’re not here because you knew we’d be here?”He paused. “Nresh.”“Liar.” I shook my head.“What is he doing here?” Cedric questioned.“None of your business. Don’t be a jerk.” I stated.“Yeah, you wouldn’t want him to toss you again.” Penn snorted.“Shut it pretty boy!” Cedric stomped over to his mother.“Nerius, you remember Penn.” I smiled.“Shrup boit nurevsh marship?”“Nerius!”“What did he say?”“He asked me if you still cry after intercourse.” I chuckled.“Gue