~~~ Bea's POV ~~~
One. Two. Three. The Pain never came.
Connor had somehow made his way over and blocked the attack with the Ice shield. Things were getting out of hand quickly, the infected phoenix constantly pressuring our defenses with fireballs.
-"How do we stop him?" I ask, gripping Connor's back.
-"By killing it."
-"What? It? That's Jacob, your comrade!"
-"Not anymore, he isn't. The plague consumes him. There is nothing else we can do besides putting him out of his misery." Connor states. "I'm going to get us close. Use your power to freeze it in place. Once contained, I will pierce its heart." He says, smashing my frozen foot with the handle of his sword.
-"Connor, your plan is terrific, but there is one little problem." His gaze locks with mine, questioning what the problem may be. A fireball hits, and we almost lose it all. "Eyes on your opponent." I screech. "My powers are weak." I wasn
Adrian and I navigated the confusing corridor, stairs, and even elevators maze. All to reach a different palace area where I presumed his office is. That had been the original destination before I wandered off. Hopefully, Connor won't punish me for it. The dizzy spells from food deprivation and intensive training were getting to me. If the nurses hadn't given me a glass of water while we waited to be examined, I would be thirsty too.-"So... What's behind this door that I'm allowed to see?" I question a little sour from have been denied the wounders behind the other door.-"Normally, you wouldn't, but I can make an exception. Just for you." Adrian's lips curled mischievously while he opened the door we stood by. "Lady's first." He gestures for me to go first.We walk inside a bedroom. Every inch of it screamed Royal, from the fancy rose gold molded ceiling to crystal chandeliers and massive king-size bed elevated by three steps. To the left, by the large balcony
Amaya had one more task to go through before retiring for the night. I offer my help on the condition she would enlighten my questions about today, starting with what made Jacob turn into a disfigured monster. I might have been quiet about it, but I haven't forgotten.-"Fighting villains during the day, moping floor dooring the night. I got the feeling it should be the other way around, right?" I tried to build a conversation, but Amaya seemed indifferent.We are currently moping the throne room, and other than the mop slashing water from the bucket to the tile floor, we had been in complete silence.-"What made Jacob change into that monster? How does it happen?" I ask, successfully capturing her attention.-"Darkling. The being we fought is called a Darkling." She whispers, stopping for a moment to inspect the surroundings. "We are not allowed to discuss it. No one really knows how you become one, there isn't much correlation bet
***Bea's POV***Last night had been unexpected. After soaking in the bathtub for half an hour, I had a pleasant talk with Maya, a beautiful loose curls blond who resembled the female photo in Adrian's room. Our conversation felt like the sleepovers Caroline, and I had when we were in high school About boys. Connor is the king's eldest son. However, the throne succession falls to Adrian, the second oldest, because Connor isn't legitimately recognized. Maya is the youngest of the three and shared both parents with Adrian, the king being the only parent she still had alive. She didn't go into details about her mother or the cause of her passing. It didn't feel my place to protrude more than I already had. That subject will be for another day. The morning early hours came, and with it, so did Connor. Maya had thrown a pillow in protest for the rude awakening on a Sunday morning, but I couldn't ignore my captain.Borrowing the first sports clothes I c
From a happy memory into complete chaos, Liam's summer kiss had been so real as if had been right there in front of me, but then it became a winter stab, leaving me inert in a deep well of darkness where all the soul scream echoed off the wall to cause yet another wound. I couldn't breathe with the heaviness on my chest or walk with the weakness debilitating my being. All those whispers of insecurity, despair, and scrutiny were caging me in.Around me, village houses burned with purple fire. Women wailed their children's blood as darkling soldiers claimed it with their sharp claws. Their skin-crawling screams made my legs tremble while the rancid smell of burning flesh knotted my insides. Destruction consumed every stepping stone in the path before me. Never have I felt or seen anything like this before, so broken. The desire to make everyone feel the same became a raging flame, fuelled with each dying breath. The suffering, despair, and fear of these unknown people felt repu
***Adrian's POV***Thanks to Connor's ability to influence one will, we managed to control the situation before my father came out of his room, yet again. The Dark cloud is almost gone, which means he will be weak for a while. The earful reprimand he gave me yesterday had been enough for the rest of the month. Having yet another issue come to his attention would be undesirable. If he finds out about this breach, he will undoubtedly de-throne me. I must get it together.-"Alpha Xavier Kohler, I have something you might be looking for." I announce as soon as the person on the other side of the call picks up.This intruder might become a blessing. I don't know how she wandered in without being detected or why she is here seeking Beatrice, but surely, I know she became my ACE card for more information about Naomi Stevens, Bea's mother, the moment she did.-"Prince Adrian Von Wilczek," a growl follows, "if you so lay a fin
*** Bea's POV*** The past few days had probably been the worst in my entire life. I would do anything for something as simple as a toothbrush and toothpaste. Using my fingers to clean my teeth didn't even come close to the freshness you experienced after using a good toothbrush. Hey, I was already invading Adrian's Privacy by showering in his bathroom. Why not use his hygiene products also? However, I couldn't bring myself to search his cabinets after seeing the condoms-filled top drawers of the mirror vanity. Clearly, Adrian hadn't grown up from his hormonal high school popular boy years. He is the type of boy I hate the most. If he thinks I will fall for his charming-swipe-off-your-feet-sloppy-technics, he better have a spare ego because this one will get crushed. "Self-centered narcissist prick." I slur while following him to the VIP's living room. Far from home with no luggage, cellphone, or credit cards, my life went from Daddy's little princess to borrowing clothes and eating
***Bea's POV***A week had gone by so quickly. In that amount of time, I had made more friends and had familiarized myself with each daily task we attended after the morning training. The quarantine had been lifted, and we could now enjoy the chilliness of the white snow. It was cold and dry but somehow felt just right. Each day Connor taught us a different lesson, and in the evening, he and I would train an extra hour, which helped me master my abilities better. Freezing things at will turn out to be quite satisfying.However, today's training isn't something I'm looking forward to. We are currently standing on a platform—God knows how high from the ground—we listen to Connor instructing us first-time shifters. I'm mortified. We are supposed to jump and shift midair. The only problem here is I have never turned before.The new recruiters are to jump from this tower shift midair to patrol the skies while escorting
***Bea's POV*** It didn't take too long for Omar's butler to arrive with the change of clothes. Adrian dispersed everyone reminding us to attend our duties, me included. He didn't even spare me from them after suffering such traumatic experience. Amaya and I were responsible for preparing the guest room. She took the first floor on the west wing, and I took the second, which was Omar's floor. I left Omar's room for last in hopes I would have another chance to chat with him if I hung around long enough. Perhaps even have him be the messenger to deliver my word to my family. Barging with the butler, who oddly enough insisted not being one, I convinced him I would take Omar's luggage to what will be his quarters for the next two nights. I wobbled like a penguin, carrying the bags through the door. All the guest rooms had the same layout. There are king-sized beds across from the entrance, a sitting area to the left with a pair of velvet ro
Snowflakes gently land on my hand. Hell was experiencing its first snow, and I was behind it. As long as I live, Hades will remain in its sleeping beauty state unless someone decides to turn up the heat here. That is very unlikely to happen. Still, I left the AC on by turning the sky above into a gloomy snowstorm cloud pool. Even if Hades' servants freed him, he still had to gather new corrupted souls before walking the surface.Omar compliments, "Nicely done." He is battered with lacerations, puncture wounds, and burns but still stands. As he sits on the ground, elbows resting on semi-bent knees, head slanted forward, I kneel beside him. I place my left hand on his shoulder and my right hand above his chest, effortlessly healing him. In the past, minimal tasks such as healing, conjuring weapons, or purifying required concentration, but not anymore. Having re-established my training memory allows me to reach my full potential. I was grateful that Queen Ming, Blizzard's wife, taught me
***Beatrice's POV***The sound of seagulls and the gentle breeze stirred me awake. I push myself off the cold, hard surface. As I rubbed my eyes, I couldn't believe what I saw. A beautiful Greek oasis lay before me, complete with a circle of white columns ornamented with sheer fabric dancing in the soft, salty breeze. The worked stone floors created trim levels, descending onto a square pond in the center where water sparkles like crystals under the warm sunlight. The cool water beckoned me to touch it, and as I leaned over the edge, I saw my reflection. The scenery wasn’t the only thing that had changed. My ragged and volcanic ash-dusted clothes were now pristine white, with no tears. I wore a golden olive tree leaf crown with my hair down. But Something was off, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was supposed to be somewhere else. My fingers tickle the surface, and water ripples transform my Greek Goddess reflection into a motioned image. Uncle Leo grips my mother by her neck, h
***Beatrice POV***As I observed Omar in the cave, I noticed that his skin tone was returning to its healthy state, which relieved me. Despite being healed, he was struggling with the heat from the volcano. He rested his head against the rocky wall and displayed signs of distress, including labored breathing and sweat on his face. I wished I knew how to help him regain his Drakon essence, but we had not spoken since I healed his injury. However, it was clear that he was not the only one affected by the heat. Naomi and Blizzard were also struggling, fanning themselves to cool off, while I didn't seem bothered by it.Suddenly, the ground shook violently, causing rocks to fall from the ceiling. The anomaly was so strong that I had to grip the wall with both hands to steady myself. Naomi rushed towards us with the urgent news that Hades was riding Cerberus in our direction. The situation worsened once Omar pointed out that the volcano was also about to erupt, adding to our already dire si
Beatrice POV "Blizzard, we have to land," my voice is nothing but a mouse squeak, easily covered by the flapping of Blizzard's wings yet anguished enough to be noticed. "Please!" I thump Blizzard's claw, alerting him to my desperate request. Omar's condition is critical. Slanted like a ragged doll over Blizzard's right claw, I witness hopelessly as his eyes become droopier and his sun-warming Olive skin turns a pale candle wax tone, almost like vampire blood-drained victims. Not an overall flattering look. We dip through the dusky pink clouds below, bringing a striking landmark into view. An active volcano stands amidst the desolated charcoal land before us, the active bubbling crater emitted a thick grey smoke cloud up in the air, creating the fog blanket we dove through. As Blizzard glides closer to the ground, the air becomes cooler and easier to breathe. He hovers by a cave entrance at the bottom of the volcano gently dropping us before he lands. My Mother, Naomi, slides down his
***Beatrice's POV*** It's incredible how the soft whisper of someone's name can transform a light-hearted playful moment into a wild passionate desire. Our giggles quieted into breathing puffs. Confined under his sculptured masculine body, I had zero intentions of breaking free of his grip keeping my hands pinned to the ground above my head. A pleasant sting followed the path he traced with his thumb across my lower lip under the close watch of his lustful gaze. It traveled the entire length of my nervous system and set me ablaze with a carnal necessity like no other. The soul-eaters filled skies above us plunged out of sight, and the rumble of the volcano was replaced with a quickened thumping heartbeat. Another attempt of my heart to reach his, I had thought, till I realized it was his who was beating beyond normal parameters. His Adam's Apple bobbing had me silently wishing to become his, regardless of our current circumstances or location. "Omar—" I moan. His hand gently clutche
***Omar’s POV***~in the Underworld~“Let’s be the change, together.”Ms. Beatrice's words make me question my beliefs in so many ways. In a kingdom ruled with an Iron fist since the beginning of time, I’m known for my unapproachable, ruthless conduct. I even dare to compare myself to Hades in the matter of punishments. Such traits were instigated by my father, relinquishing any lingering soft, caring mannerisms from my mother’s love. Allies and enemies fear my family name. At what purpose? What had centuries of rivalry and innocent bloodshed achieved for us? Revenge didn’t soothe the pain living in my heart since Mother’s assassination. Nothing did, except her. I watch Beatrice sleep in my arms as we lay on the floor after battling our bubbling emotions. It fascinated me how she could be the trigger to my end and, simultaneously, the only one capable of saving me from it. An Ice Phoenix, at that; our family's number one nemesis. Any other cerulean feather shifter would be a trophy in
***Bea's POV***My mythical entity had stirred the interactions between Omar, Persephone, and me, leaving a sense of unreadiness. Sure, I'm happy my power was back, but I'm not prepared for Omar's cold shoulder. Just like cats and dogs, Drakons and Ice Phoenixes have a predator and prey instinct that influences their decision-making regarding their beliefs of one another. Omar had been explicit about his hatred towards my kind, but part of me hoped he would see through that judgmental fog and become the kind, caring Omar I met."Beatrice, more ice." Persephone extended her ruby-engraved chalice, waving in a gentle upward motion. I clench my jaw at my new Ice machine status. She used me as her cooling device, forcing me to use my power at every frivolous opportunity."Yes, your majesty." I pause my palm-leaf fanning momentarily to wave a hand over her glass, forming little clumps of ice.Performing as a maid is a version of me I can't
*** Bea's POV***I sit up abruptly, gasping as if I had swum from the ocean's depth on an exceedingly long last breath. The place stinks of sulfur, the rock walls have a charcoal black tone, and the cot I currently sit on is made of straws. My mind feels blank, frozen in time. One minute I'm being pushed through the white door by the Moon Goddess, then waking up here. I swing my legs over the edge, noticing the heaviness and the clink of chains around my left ankle, hidden under a gentleman's Victorian black coat over my legs. Where was I? How did I get here?"H-ello?" The effort of a single word breaks me into a coughing fit, grey particles splattering all over my palm. "A-ny-one here? Cough. Cough." Nothing but the constant distant crowd babble is heard. I stand up. How long had I been out, so my right arm no longer hurt? I drag my bare feet to the metal bars."Can anyone hear me?" I couldn't be in the castle's dungeon. The conditions there were more modern and cleaner than in this
*** Omar's POV***Two hundred years before meeting Beatrice in the present time "Find them at once!" Hades' thunderous deep voice shook the earth, each step erupting the volcanos and overflowing the five rivers across the land. Daunting to understand how, or who, botched the soul count. It would have been almost impossible to identify the missing souls if it weren't for that low-life werewolf excrement. I despise people like him, constantly leeching the highest hierarchy and eating any attention crumbs they muster. Under my kingdom, a character like him would have his heart torn and fed to the vultures. Then again, I'm not the ruler of this timeless bubble where someone's present might be someone else's past or future. "Omar!" Hades calling activates the collar around my neck. It sizzles against my skin, forcing me into my beast. Fighting the necklace will cause it to heat up to combustion, and having a burnt matchstick head doesn't seem very pleasing. I would rather keep my charmin